At first glance, Death Valley National Park might seem austere and overwhelming, an arid desert landscape where nothing grows. But, once you look a bit closer, you’ll find that it’s a vast playground of bizarre geology. From towering sand dunes, to high-elevation juniper forests, to psychedelic badlands, it’s a must-hike National Park for desert lovers. As the […]

If you regularly spend time in the outdoors doing activities such as camping, hiking, or outdoor sports, you already know this frustrating truth: the weather doesn’t always cooperate with your plans. And when it’s raining or snowing but you still want to get outside, it can be difficult to figure out what to wear. Softshell […]

Michigan, or as the locals call it “The Mitten,” is a Midwestern haven for outdoor adventures — perfect for your next glamping trip. The nation’s 11th largest state has a variety of landscapes, like soft sandy beaches, swiftly flowing rivers, and the ancient mountain ranges of the Upper Peninsula. Beautiful in every season, it’s no […]

Camping in national parks opens up the opportunity to enjoy a sustained retreat in nature. Instead of packing up and going home after your hike, swim, or adventure, you can opt to rest in the outdoors and enjoy a camp meal with friends and family. Find 7 parks to camp in.

Summer is a great time to plan a fishing and camping adventure, but there are many states that have great camping during other seasons of the year. Here are some of the best states for fishing and camping spots. MISSOURI – SUMMER This state has diverse landscapes and winding rivers, lakes, springs, and streams. There […]

Soaking in the fresh mountain air while staring off into the wild yonder is great, but after about ten minutes you’re going to be itching for something to do. Whether you’re camping with the family or a group of friends, it helps to plan ahead with a few activities for the adults. We’re not advocating […]

The following blog is an excerpt from Not-So-Hidden Treasures: Remarkable Hikes All Across the U.S. by the National Park Foundation. We call them our national treasures – our prized gems! These natural, cultural, and historical sites are our inheritance and they exist for you to explore and understand the power of these places. There are more than 400 […]

“Granny, who let the bugs out?” asked my 8-year-old granddaughter, as she cuddled close to me on the couch. As part of our evening bedtime ritual, I had chosen to read this newly released book, Who Let the Bugs Out?, to my grandchildren. I hoped to gauge the book’s merits on their reactions. So, this […]

Join our 29th Annual “Original” BOW Workshop held at the Treehaven Field Station! Fishing, shooting, paddling, hiking, archery, Dutch oven cooking, backpacking and practicing mindfulness and meditation among other sessions will be available for you to learn and participate in. Don’t miss your first pick session choices. Return your registration form with payment to secure your classes […]

The U.S. Senate formally declared June 2019 as Great Outdoors Month 2019! June is one of the best months of the year for families. School is out, summer is in, and road-tripping family vacations begin. Great Outdoors Month is a celebration of America’s great outdoors and all the benefits it brings into our lives. It’s […]

Casey Monteleone shares healthy camping recipes that use fresh foods found in nature, and they’re all fun, active meals that families can enjoy cooking together.

Every year when the weather warms up, we armor up with insect repellent. It’s a necessity on the trail, partly to keep insects from bugging us and partly to prevent the spread of disease (like malaria). And when it comes to repelling annoying bugs, DEET is the reigning queen bee. DEET has been the leader […]

Here’s what to expect from the unexpected and what to do when you encounter camping mishaps. Featured from FIX.com.

No one treats sleeping bags quite as terribly as I do. In my day, I have broken all the rules of proper care techniques, including every single tip listed here. Luckily for you, I spoke to real experts to learn how to extend the lifespan of your sleeping bag — Jeff Blakely from Brooks-Range Mountaineering and Kimberly Cunningham from Warmlite. […]

Family camping trips are an excellent way to spend time together in the outdoors and enjoy a vacation on a budget, provided you have some camping tips and hacks up your sleeve. Otherwise, it can take as long to prepare and pack for a camping trip as the trip itself! To ensure that you’re ready […]

If you love the outdoors, you will want to share that passion with your family. Of course, camping alone is different from camping with your family. The trip is no longer about one person and the parents must consider the things that will make their kids enjoy the camping trip as well. Remember that camping […]

No matches? Don’t fret. A roaring campfire is still in the cards. Learning how to start a fire without matches is an essential wilderness survival skill. Without it, you may easily find yourself up the proverbial creek without a paddle and no one around for miles to help. While trying to get a fire started […]

One time, I packed a giant bag of bagels for a two week backcountry trip. They were bulky and awkward, and they immediately smushed in between my camp stove and pan. Bagels aren’t the most common backpacking fare, but dammit was I craving them that trip. The first few days, it was awesome. Delicious, fluffy […]

Are you thinking about getting ready for another camping season? Katie Pavlich has some tips to get you started.

The outdoor lifestyle reality series – “Eva Shockey’s Outdoor 101” – is slated to launch on Monday, December 17, 2018 on Facebook Watch at 9 p.m. PT. The six-episode series chronicles the adventures of acclaimed outdoor enthusiast, conservationist and author Eva Shockey and her family as they traverse her adopted home state of North Carolina. […]

If you have a pepper in your life you need to read this list from our featured blogger, The Survival Mom.

We recently welcomed new advertiser Frontier Girls Club to our ranks. Read why this alternative to Girl Scouts promotes a “to do” attitude, especially when it comes to outdoor pursuits for girls.

I watched my youngest granddaughter transform from a baby to a toddler. I experienced the high tea of a lifetime. And, most importantly, I enjoyed quality family time that included many experiences, including camping on Moutcha Bay. Those are the highlights of the summer trip Carlos and I took with our 3 children, their spouses […]

From the earliest of times, people have communed around the campfire, telling tales and sharing personal stories. Gathering around the fire brings us together, and a backyard fire pit is the perfect spot to kick back and relax. Fire pits provide ambiance, warmth, light, and a place to gather and entertain. It’s no wonder that […]

Camping gear is expensive to purchase, and it’s essential to your comfort and safety when you’re the outdoors. Both of these facts are great reasons to protect your gear from damage, wear, and age while in the wilderness and while storing your equipment at home. Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment […]

Most dogs love camping! Bringing your dog on your next camping trip can be fun for everyone, provided you’ve thought through a few of the hurdles. Preparing to Bring your Dog Camping Time to get your dog used to tents, car rides, other animals and pets, and noises. Before any camping trip, set up your […]

As preppers and off-roaders, we like to make our lives easier and more convenient in any way that we can. Why go without when we can plan appropriately and have the tools necessary whenever we need them? Especially, we find ourselves needing a place to work and the Smittybilt Tailgate Table answers the call. Rogue […]

Ah, the family camping trip: fun-filled days at the lake or river, restful afternoons lying in a hammock slung between two trees, roasting marshmallows by the fire, and snuggling into cozy sleeping bags at night. At least, that’s what glossy magazine covers and campground brochures would have you believe about the experience. If this idealized […]

This week’s featured blogger, Ashley Rae, tells us about her camping trip to remember, in her blog, “She Loves to Fish.”

Carrie Zylka shares 7 reasons why she loves to go camping in the fall, and why you will, too!

Have you ever been wilderness camping? Becky Lou Lacock shares some tips and tricks in her column sponsored by Vista Outdoor.