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The Three Rivers area in New Mexico is home to two public campgrounds that have spectacular views of the Sacramento Mountain range and White Mountain Wilderness. Each campground has remote, quiet, spacious camp sites - all with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Three Rivers Petroglyph Site and Campground

This archeological site and campground is maintained by the Federal Bureau of Land Management. The petroglyphs were created by the Jornada Mogollon people between about 900 and 1400 AD. The number and concentration of petroglyphs here make it one of the largest and most interesting petroglyph sites in the Desert Southwest. More than 21,000 glyphs of birds, humans, animals, fish, insects and plants, as well as numerous geometric and abstract designs are scattered over 50 acres of New Mexico’s northern Chihuahuan Desert.

A short, easy interpretative trail 200 yards south of the petroglyphs leads to the remains of the Mogollon village. The site, which was partially excavated in 1976, was occupied for about 400 years.

We started our visit at the small visitor center and talked to a very friendly host. Then we spent about an hour walking a very easy interpretive trail (just behind the visitor center) and thoroughly enjoyed both the petroglyphs and the beautiful scenery. The petroglyph site and adjacent campground is in a grand, open arid plain surrounded by the Sacramento Mountain range and White Mountain Wilderness.

The campground is just in front of the visitor center. There are only two camp sites at the campground - both having electric and water hook-up and designed for any size RV. The campground also allows camping in the picnic area. The vista of the distant mountains and arid landscape is beautiful and the camp sites (including the picnic area) have totally unobstructed views of it. Amenities include flush toilets and water hook up. This is a real gem that looks like it is in the middle of nowhere.

Three Rivers Campground

Several miles east of the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is Three Rivers Campground in Lincoln National Forest maintained by the National Forest Service. This campground is very remote and quiet. The fourteen camp sites are very well laid out and well spaced with many having ramadas and picnic tables.

Most of the sites have excellent views of the surrounding mountains and White Mountains Wilderness area. Although the surrounding landscape is arid, there is a lot of greenery. A river runs along the edge of the campground and can be heard from some of the camp sites. This is a very nice, well planned campground with very beautiful views. Although this campground can accomodate large RVs, the only amenities offered are vault toilets and water spigots - but the trade off of amenities for the beautiful views is worth it.

Getting to these campgrounds is easy. Eighteen miles north of Tularosa, NM, turn east onto Forest Road 579 at the sign that says Three Rivers Petroglyph Site. The roads to each campground are well marked but unpaved a good part of the way. The trip is well worth the effort - two campgrounds with beautiful views and a very interesting archeological site.

Carl Zimmerman is owner and webmaster of Camping with a View, dedicated to finding campgrounds with beautiful views. Visit the New Mexico Campground Reviews page for more information on Three Rivers Petroglyphs Site and Three Rivers campground.

When building huts the bush hut is the simplest kind of shelter to build in the woods. It may not look like much when you start it, but it improves from year to year. Look for a bush that has long, pliable branches and thick foliage. Bend the branches down in an arch, and fasten the ends to the ground.

You might use strong rope on leather thongs attached to pegs. While you are doing this try not to crack any twigs or branches. Now weave other leafy branches in between the arch so closely that the wind will be efficiently kept out. This hut has the advantage of actually growing. The network of branches will get thicker and thicker and will soon look so natural that anyone not in on the secret will not guess the existence of the hut.

Unfortunately, the foliage does not completely keep out the rain, and the hut is a useful shelter only in the summer. Nevertheless, it’s a fine secret hiding place.

If you don’t want to wait years until your hut gets roomy, and if you want a shelter that will protect you from the rain, you can erect a pyramid hut. Find some long, solid branches, and set them up in the form of a pyramid.

Weave smaller branches horizontally around the framework of the poles. Then weave branches with heavy foliage over this. Beech leaves are the best, for the branches from coniferous (cone-bearing) trees such as pine or fir are not able to keep out the rain. Work from the bottom up, and extend every succeeding layer over the one below it.

Only this way can the rain run from the peak down to the ground without leaking in. Be sure the opening of the hut faces away from the storm side. Don’t forget to dig a ditch around the hut so that the rain water will run off. You can line the inside with dried moss, and add a couple of thick pieces of log to serve as stools. If you want additional furniture, look around you for ideas. There are many primitive but serviceable things you can build from materials you’ll find at your camp site.

Setting up a hut is often time-consuming because you have to search for the suitable poles and weaving materials for the rough framework. Therefore, experienced hut builders always carry a net of tarred or waxed cord with them. You can easily weave a net for yourself. The meshes have to be about 8 inches apart, and the whole net should be about 6 feet by 12 feet. With a net like this, you can build a gabled hut very quickly.

Weave leafy branches between the meshes, or use grass, hay, straw, ferns, or large leaves if you are camping in a field — and, again, work from the bottom up and extend each layer over the previous one. This forms what we call a gabled hut.

You can make both the pyramid hut and the gabled hut out of reeds. Reeds have the advantage of being rainproof and very warm as well. To be sure, you do need a great many reeds to make a good covering. The method you use depends on whether summer (green) or winter (dried) reeds are available.

If you have pliable summer reeds, take a handful with the cut edges toward the top and the tips pointing down, and bind them, once again starting at the bottom, over the first horizontal support, under the second, over the third, and so forth. Since the fresh reeds shrivel quickly and leave gaps, dry winter reeds are much better.

Gather bundles of reeds by the armful, tie bunches together at the end, and then fasten them on the framework of the hut like roof shingles, pushed close to each other and overlapping. Huts covered with dead leaves or reeds dry out quickly in the sun and become parched. Therefore, it is dangerous to have a fire in the hut or even to light a fire nearby.

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How long have you been sitting in front of that television, watching boring reruns? Are you overwrought, exhausted, and do you have at least one argument with your family in a day? Well then, its time to pack your bags, your tenting gear, and your family into your car and head to the great outdoors for a vacation. The great outdoors are beckoning and it’s about time you responded to nature’s call.

Planning an outdoor vacation with your family is one of the greatest favors you can do for them. But where does one go? Well, in this case, the world is definitely your oyster. Outdoor vacations come attached to activities galore and these include hiking, backpacking, bicycling, and of course camping. You can easily choose the kind of adventure vacation you want.

Whether it is going up to the mountains, down to the sea, or flying to an international travel destination, outdoor vacations are the best way for you and your family to relax. Instead of a staid, boring holiday in a man-made amusement park, why not head for an adventure holiday? Outdoor vacations are often unpredictable and make sure that your family and you get a chance to rough it out and have loads of fun. It’s not every day that your children get to lie under the stars with a campfire blazing, listening to the occasional, distant howl of an animal.

Family outdoor vacations, far from the maddening crowd, not only help you relax but help your children get out of their patterned existence of school life. There are so many things that artificial amusement parks, resorts, and swimming pools can’t teach. The idea is to bathe in a real waterfall, soak it up under the sun, build sand castles instead of assembling plastic ones, or learn how to peg tents. In fact, traveling to a different country or to a remote location is a great way of introducing them to a new culture or your country’s heritage.

This is the time when you can interact and spend more time with your children and actually bond with them. No more soccer or left over office work can come between you and your family now. This is also a good time to catch up on all the reading you have wanted to do for a long time. So just switch off the TV, apply for leave, and plan your next family outdoor vacation as soon as possible.

Head up north to the beautiful region of Greenstone for great Ontario camping. An eco vacation the whole family is sure to enjoy!
http://www.greenstone.ca/

When planning for a trip into the woods, there are many accessories that can make an adventure easier to enjoy. As you pack up the tent, gather snacks, food and drink, certain survival resources and tools will come in handy depending on the types of activities you wish to enjoy while roughing it in the wild. Sometimes overlooked during the packing of supplies, a camping knife allows individuals to perform a variety of tasks that range from survival to food preparation. Many considering the purchase of a camping knife should consider the following factors:

Type of Knife

There are two basic types of knife blades that a camper may choose to bring along: fixed or folding. Knives with a fixed blade are made from one solid piece of steel that is anchored to a handle. They come ready to use with a high level of durability and dependability. This type of knife works well to clean, skin or bone fish and also becomes of use when a campsite needs clearing of brush. A fixed knife also accompanies minor medical emergencies.

A folding blade is often referred to as a pocket knife and does not possess the same durability, but is convenient nonetheless. Some pocket knifes provide a camper with multiple blades, as well as additional contraptions, such as a variety of tools. A folding knife allows campers to complete woodworking projects, hunt, hike, perform first aid, and assist numerous camping tasks. The versatility and usefulness of a folding blade is also extended by its small, flexible, lightweight nature.

Purpose

During a camping trip, there are several different tasks that may arise. Whether it is preparing the fish you caught for dinner or opening a lukewarm beer, a camping knife can make life easier. For those seeking a multi-purpose knife for camping, they may want to side with a Swiss Army knife, which offers many different attached tools, such as scissors, locking Phillips screwdriver, universal hex wrench, tweezers, a corkscrew, and a bottle opener. For those looking for a study tool possessing a wealth of strength, a fixed camping knife should be selected.

Blade Length

To complete some of the most common camping tasks, a blade that measures 10 to 20 centimeters (or 4-8 inches) is often used. Sometimes a smaller blade will accommodate a camper in most of their situations.

Blade Thickness

Depending on the length of the knife, most camping selections offer a blade thickness of 3 to 6 millimeters (1/8 to 1/4 inch).

Blade Style (Material)

There are many different materials from which a blade is constructed from that can offer a wide-range of capabilities. Non-stainless blades are fashioned from carbon and alloy steels and offer a high level of toughness, but shows weakness towards rust. When two or more metals are used for the creation of a blade, it is called a Damascus. Although brittle, non-steels ceramic blades are non-corrosive. Titanium blades are also non-corrosive, as well as lighter than steel.

Browse our selection of knives by Gerber, Buck, Cold Steel, SOG, Kabar, Valor, and more.

Going Camping? Have you decided where to go? Let me give you a good idea of some fantastic places to go in North Carolina. That’s right, North Carolina. What better state to go camping in? With the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east, all of it steeped in American history, there just isn’t a better state to choose.

But where in North Carolina? A difficult question to answer because there are so many options open to you. I will help you narrow it down by giving you some information on the top 5 places to go camping in North Carolina. Because these are all such great places, they are not listed in any particular order.

Merchants Millpond State Park (Sunbury, NC)

Located in the northeastern part of the state, this camping spot often gets overlooked simply because it is neither in the mountains nor on the beach. This is very unfortunate because it has so much to offer. The Merchants Millpond itself has been called a mini Okefenokee Swamp because it has a wetland ecosystem.
This makes it an excellent place for fishing and canoeing. The high ground around the pond offers many hiking trails. The campground is well maintained and very appealing. With only 20 campsites available, it isn’t overcrowded, but you do want to be sure to get there early to get a site.

Lake James State Park (Morganton, NC)

Lake James hold the distinction of being one of the clearest, cleanest lakes in the Carolinas. This is one of the newer camping spots and as such, has contemporary facilities. However, there is no Rv camping here, but it is great for tent campers. The views are absolutely breathtaking. The high mountains of the Pisgah National Forest can be seen across the water. This campground has 2 campsites that are disabled accessible. There is so much to do here - swimming, fishing, canoeing and hiking. What more could you ask for!

Big Creek Campground (Cove Creek, NC)

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a great place but can be a bit overcrowded unless you know where to go. Big Creek Campground is just such a place. It is the smallest campground in the Park with only 12 campsites and is tent only, which explains why it is often not overcrowded. It is also a walk-in campground from the parking lot, so you are transported to a simpler life when you camp here. The campground is at the head of the Big Creek Trail that traces the old logging era railroad grade. If you want to cool off, you can do so in one of the swimming hole in Big Creek that pool between the white rapids. With Big Creek Campground as your base, you can enjoy all the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Hanging Rock State Park (Danbury, NC)

With the barren rock faces of the Sauratown Mountains rising from the Piedmont, overlooking the countryside, it is no wonder that dramatic setting of the Hanging Rock State Park is so popular! The campground is a perfect base from which to explore the park and see all it’s wonders. The 73 campsites are in two loops. The first loop has 42 campsites and is open all week, while the second loop has 31 campsites that are open only on weekends. It is best to get there by 1pm on Friday for a weekend camping trip. But why not get there during the week and stay longer. You will be glad you did.

Balsam Mountain Campground (Cherokee, NC)

Experience something rare - red spruce and Fraser fir forest in the highest reaches of the great Smoky Mountains. Balsam Mountain Campground offers the highest tent camping in the Smokies in the type of forest usually found in Canada. Originally established in 1934, Balsam Mountain Campground was set up for tent camping, as there really wasn’t much in the way of RV camping at the time. Today, it is still for tent camping in the best tradition. Because the campsites are too small for RVs, it is never over crowded. This makes it ideal for a wonderful mountain get-away. Get away from the rat race and spend some quiet solitude in Balsam Mountain Campground, exploring the great Smoky Mountains to your heart’s delight.

A couple of other places that merit a mention are Ocracoke Island Campground, which is only accessible by ferry, and Frisco Campground, which is in the Cape Hatteras Seashore. Both are wonderful places to camp on or near the beach.

Tough choice, I know. You may want to go camping in North Carolina every chance you get just so you can experience them all. With always pleasing scenery, North Carolina is a camper’s paradise. So, pack up your tent and sleeping bags and get ready for the best camping experience you’ve ever had.

Get your sleeping bags, fixed blade knives and other camping gear from Thompson Outdoor Supply:

Camping is fun as it is your opportunity to break away from the hectic routine of city life. Imagine being able to breathe the fresh air while at the same time releasing and submitting yourself completely to nature. Besides adults, kids also enjoy going camping outdoors. However if your camping trip takes too long, they might get bored after a few days away from their television and computer. That could spell disaster. Don’t fret though, below are 10 camping activities that would surely keep them entertained and occupied.

1. Get wet and go splashing. If you cannot find a good swimming spot, normally most of the camping parks would suggest where you could find a good and safe spot for you to swim, either a big lake or a small brook. Some of them might have their own swimming pools. Avoid the swimming pool at all costs and go swimming in a lake amidst nature. The experience that you’ll get is indescribable. Some camping parks would offer a boat rental service, where you could rent a boat or canoe for a small fee. Your kids will have a blast. A word of caution, never leave your kids swimming by themselves. Be watchful at all times.

2. Rent a bike and go biking together. Most camping sites have biking trails for you and your family to explore. Be adventurous. Riding bicycles is very enjoyable as you are able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Ride slow and make sure that everybody is not left behind. Bring a map with you and plan your biking trip adventure before making the trip so that you know exactly where you are heading and where you want to be. Plan your time properly, so that you would be able to make the whole trip and back to your camp before it gets dark.

3. Go bird and animal watching. Most forest parks and camping sites have brochures or leaflets about the different types of animals that can be found around the area that are worth watching and to look out for. A fun thing to do is to buy books on wild animals before your camping trip and play a game with your children and see who can spot the animals first. Just be sure that you keep your children at a safe distance.

4. Play outdoor games such as tug-o-war or the classic sack race or just plain tag. Children love these games, especially when they’re playing these games in the woods. Make sure that you are playing in a clear area to avoid unwanted accidents and also avoid making loud noises that might disturb other campers and especially the wildlife.

5. Go on a scavenger hunt. Who doesn’t love to go on such quests and adventures. What’s good about a scavenger hunt is that it involves the physical, which means you’ll get yourself and your kids to exercise while having fun at the same time. Prior to the game, just warn the kids on the type of things that they should avoid, such as poison ivy, sumac, oak and other prickly plants that might be lurking in the woods. Also, you have to be sure that you teach your kids how to read maps. That could also be a different game and will be discussed below.

6. Teach your kids how to read maps and compasses. Educate them on the importance of navigation and explore the forest with them using the maps and compasses. Show them the location that they are at now on the map and where you guys are going. Get them to notice anything significant on your path, such as a tree with a weird shape or something that is out of the ordinary to identify. This should go hand in hand with your scavenger hunt.

7. What’s camping without a campfire? This is a must to every camper out there. Your camping experience would not be complete without a campfire. This should be done at the end of the day before you go to sleep. Telling each other scary stories and jokes is recommended. Also, don’t forget to bring a guitar and sing songs around the campfire. Other activities you can do around the campfire is to play word games and riddles while roasting your favourite marshmallows and hotdogs.

8. Another night activity that you can do is to watch the stars in the sky. This is both fun and educational. Get everyone to lie on an open field and appreciate the free light show in the sky. You can also bring a star chart and try to discover the famous constellations and other heavenly bodies. If you’re lucky, you might catch a shooting star. Don’t forget to make your wish though.

9. This next game is frowned upon by some campers, but you should bathe in the rain when it rains. This is recommended if the weather is not cold. Otherwise you might get sick. It’s sort of depressing when it rains when you are out camping. Rather than complaining about it, take the opportunity to have fun in the rain and enjoy mother earth’s natural shower. Not recommended when there is thunder and lightning.

10. Just simply enjoy the moment and relax. It might not be a big hit with the kids but it is the most appropriate time to bond with your family and enjoy everyone’s company. Take your time to enjoy the nature, it’s not everyday your family get to enjoy this holiday.

There are many other outdoor activities that you could enjoy doing when you go out camping. By no means that the 10 activities discussed above are complete. The most important thing to remember is to enjoy your time with your family. It’s not everyday that you get this kind of opportunity. So, enjoy!

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Discover the fun things to do when you go family camping at campgrounds of your choice.

Living in central Florida there are lots of things to do outdoors. With the hundreds of lakes, endless trails, and beautiful weather, it’s clear that an entire week could be spent camping in the wilderness here as long as the proper provisions are brought along. Central Florida is home to more than a handful of giant stores specializing in nothing but camping, fishing, hunting, and sports gear alike.

When you’re planning a camping trip it’s important to take note of the weather. It’s obviously more conducive to try and plan your trip during a week when favorable weather is expected. If you’re planning a camping trip in the south during the summer, it’s normal to expect some afternoon showers or thunderstorms, so you should pack with this in mind. Depending on the season, you’ll need to make sure you pack the right clothing, and an appropriate sleeping bag and blankets.

Non-perishable foods are a must and fishing rods and tackle if you’re planning to catch some of our meals. It wouldn’t hurt to have a good sized cooler on hand with clean ice, not necessarily just for drinks but for an unexpected spill that could cause a bruise or swelling. Another must is a well equipped but compact first aid kit with band aids, anti-bacterial cream, and alcohol wipes for any unfortunate incidents.

If you live in an area without a retail chain that specializes in camping gear, that is no problem. Most cities have department stores that would have a section devoted to this. There you’ll be able to find what you need.

If you’ve never gone camping, you’ll definitely need a few staples. A sleeping bag, cooler, lantern or light source, radio, batteries, lighter fluid, and depending on the comfort level, you need you might opt for an inflatable mattress. A tent is also a necessity, it keeps you out of the elements and away from most of the nuisance bugs. If you’re bringing younger children or a spouse, you should look into getting a tent that will house more than one.

A few other things to consider are some bug spray, sunscreen, hats, and some good portable folding chairs.

No matter the occasion, being in the outdoors is always a positive and fun experience. You can learn a lot about yourself and your family by living without the things many of us takes for granted on a daily basis. Make sure that you are prepared, if it helps make a check list of things from each friend or family member who’ll be along for the adventure to make sure you’ll not be without any necessary equipment.

Read our Backpacking / Camping Gear Checklist to make sure you have all the gear you need. Find Eureka! Tents, Pocket knives and more on our site.