Nighttime Activities

Sometimes it's easy to forget that life doesn't stop when the sun goes down.  Just because we go to sleep, doesn't mean the world does!  For some animals, nighttime is a signal to wake up and become active.  The next time you head out on a camping adventure, why not plan a nighttime activity, so you can see what's awake after sundown?

Many animals, from owls and insects to flying squirrels and night jars, are primarily nocturnal, meaning that they're most active at night.  In addition to the members of the animal world that are out at this time, the wind and weather takes on a special quality in the darkness.  It's an exciting time to be outside, no matter what you're doing.

A number of fun nighttime activities are available to you.  From owl walks to star gazing, here are a few fun things to try on your next camping trip.

Night Walks

Grab your flashlight and go!  A nighttime walk can be a fun adventure.  Carry a flashlight in case of trouble, but if you can (if there's any moonlight), try turning your flashlight off and standing still for a while.  Once your eyes are adjusted, see if you can walk a little in the true darkness.  You'll be far more observant without your light.

Owl Prowls

Are you ready to see some owls?  You'll need to get up early in the morning, but if you visit the right spots, you just might see one.  In the Spring and Fall, you'll need to get up and out at about four in the morning.  In the summer, head out even earlier.  The sun rises earlier in the summer, so the owls are active earlier, too.  Take your flashlight with you and head to a spot that's well forested and possibly near another attractive feature like a pond, lake, or meadow.  Keep your ears open for the hoots of owls and your eyes alert for movement in the forest branches.  if you have the chance to join in an organized owl walk with a trained guide, you'll have an even better chance of spotting owls.

Star Gazing

As soon as the sun goes down, you can start watching for stars.  Kids and adults alike love hunting for constellations in the night sky.  Get a group together and your pooled knowledge of constellations will help you find more than you would on your own.  Be sure to spot the big and little dippers, the north star (the one point in the night sky that never moves), Orion, and Cassiopeia. Read more about star gazing at Camping.com.

Moon Bows

In certain special places, you just might spot a moon bow -- a rainbow that's made by the moon rather than the sun.  Moon bows can be hard to see (they're far less colorful than rainbows), but that only makes them all the more special.  The two most famous viewing spots in the U.S. are at Cumberland Falls, near Williamsburg, Kentucky and Waimea, Hawaii.  In both places, sign up for a guided hike to see the moon bow.  You're going to be amazed! 

Courtesy of Camping.com

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Camp Style | Luxury Camping

[[posterous-content:pid___0]]Camping offers travelers a unique way to enjoy the outdoors and nature of any region. While sleeping outdoors travelers have the opportunity to here and see more of nature than a hotel or resort typically offers. However, many people do not have the desire to spend their vacation sleeping in tents and cooking over the campfire. Those travelers that want to experience the recreation and fun of camping, combined with all of the comforts of home should try luxury camping instead of traditional camping. 

RV in Style

Some people choose to take their home with them when they go camping, by packing up their RV and driving to an RV park near their desired destination. RV's have all of the amenities of a home, including a small kitchen, beds, a small bathroom and more. Traveling in an RV offers people the option of traveling in comfort with the ability to go almost anywhere. RVs offer travelers the ability to cook like they do at home, but they can also enjoy the fun of a campfire at most RV parks. RVing is a great way to enjoy the fun destinations and freedoms of camping, while taking along all of the comforts and facilities of home.

RVs are a large investment for most people, so for those people that what to enjoy luxury camping without the longterm investment of an RV, or for RVers that want to enjoy a fun luxury trip there are many more options. Throughout the United States and Canada there are fantastic resorts that offer a fun camping style experience, but combine that experience with all of the luxury and pampering of a world class resort. Some resorts offer cabins, others tents, but each of these accommodations come with the finest in sleeping accommodations and dining options. While enjoying the complete luxury of these resorts visitors can enjoy all of the actives that they would experience while taking a less luxurious camping trip.

Luxury Camps

El Capitan Canyon in California offers campers tents with beds, bathing facilities, and even massage. The Resort at Paws Up in Montana is another excellent luxury camping destination. Visitors to The Resort at Paws Up will find that they have access to all of the Montana wilderness and adventure, but they also enjoy fully equipped tents and homes, and amazing regional cuisine cooked right there. These are just two examples of many different luxury camping resorts, which offer everything from personal chefs to spa treatments and more.

The Fireside Resort in Jackson Hole offers amazing luxury camping accommodations throughout the year, both in the summer and during the winter ski resort. The resorts Glamping Tents, which offer all of the fun of camping, including sleeping in a tent, sitting by the campfire and more, while also enjoying the amenities of a first class resort, from comfortable beds and spa products. The Fireside Resort also offers excellent cabin rentals, with rustic charm and all of the modern resort comforts. This Jackson Hole resort fills up fast, so luxury campers should be sure to book their online reservations well in advance to ensure their vacation at this delightful destination.

Cabins

Some travelers may want to enjoy the comforts of home and fun of luxury camping without all of the expense of full resort style accommodations. These travelers will find that their are campsites throughout the country that offer cabin rentals. Many parks and campgrounds have small cabins, which come with beds, kitchen and bathroom facilities. These small cabins are a great option for travelers looking for a slightly more luxury trip than traditional camping. When making a reservation for one of these cabins travelers should be prepared to bring their own linens, towels, and sometimes even dishes and cooking utensils. Cabins like these offer a bit more of a rustic vacation than the luxury camping resorts, but they still allow travelers to experience the outdoors with the comforts of home.

Travelers throughout the country that don't enjoy the experience of camping have plenty of options for enjoying the outdoor experience of camping while also enjoying the luxury of home comforts. Travelers can find rustic cabins at parks and campgrounds, or can enjoy the ease and simplicity of taking their home with them in an RV, and can even enjoy a full resort experience all while taking advantage of the outdoor recreation provided in a camping experience.

Courtesy of Camping.com

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Plan a Romantic RV Escape

There is no time like the summer to enjoy a romantic camping trip with your significant other. The crackling campfire, the stars twinkling overhead, and your best friend cuddled up at your side -- there's no question that camping and romance go hand-in-hand. Whether you're newlyweds or have been married for decades, your next camping trip can be the most romantic get-away of your life. All it takes is a little thoughtful planning and the right attitude.

As you start planning your romantic camping trip, think about your partner's likes and dislikes. Does he love chocolate? Does she like gourmet meals? Are there special things you can pack that will be a fun surprise on your trip? Since camping is often about roughing it, bringing along an item of comfort can be a delight, whether it's a favorite pillow, a new pair of wool socks, or a delicious cup of hot chocolate or coffee.

Destination
Choose your destination carefully. Your friend will probably be happiest if they're comfortable and entertained. That means choosing a destination that won't be too hot or too cold, and picking a place that offers plenty of fun things to do. While you want your loved one to cuddle up when you sit around the campfire, you don't want the temperature to be so cold that he or she is miserable.

Being in the presence of natural beauty is another thing that prompts romance. Do your best to pick a beautiful destination. You may want to head to the beach or to the ocean, where you can watch the moon rise over the water. Mountains and forests provide majestic views in both winter and summer. And desert canyons are especially striking at sunrise and sunset. Choose a destination you think your friend will appreciate.

Pack for Comfort
Be sure to pack enough items to make sure that your romantic camping experience is comfortable. This includes making sure that the mattress pads are in good condition, that the sleeping bags are nice and comfy and can be zipped together. Rather than packing light, be sure to bring enough gear to have a nice comfortable camping trip.

Get Some Exercise
Studies have shown that people feel more romantic when they've gotten some exercise during the day. Start off your trip with a day hike, a bike ride, a cross-country ski adventure, or a walk along the beach. Spend some time doing something you both enjoy, whether it's canoeing and kayaking or taking a sail across the lake.

Plan the Menu
There's no reason your camping menu can't be just as ambitious as anything you'd make at home. Plan ahead, pack a cooler, and be prepared to take your time with the cooking process. It's a great time to chat and work together, after all.  There's nothing better than sitting down to a simple meal of grilled steak and veggies with a sophisticated champagne cocktail.  Plus, be sure to plan something chocolatey and sweet for dessert - like chocolate covered strawberries! 

 

Courtesy of Camping.com