Articles
The U.S. National Forest Campgrounds Guide web pages are loaded with tons of information about some 2,400 developed Forest Service campgrounds but there is more to experience than just the trees. The following articles provided here cover a little of what isn’t said. Most of the articles answer questions asked and fall into broad categories. These articles are intended to make the best of your time in a national forest and grassland memorable, safe, and great.
Please check back on a periodic basis as new articles will be added periodically (to the top of the list).
Enjoy!
Categories
- camping with children
- Notable Campground
- Skills and knowledge
- Things to do
- Things to experience
- Things to see
- Tips and Tricks
Birdwatching is work!
One of the highlights of our camping at the Catalina State Park was the birdwatching walk we took with a group of experienced birdwatcher. Now I know the names of a few birds. Here is a Red-Tail Hawk and a Mourning dove. The hawk is easy to id with its Georgia red clay colored tail Read More >>
Alternative uses of everyday things
I try to never pack “single-use” items when we go camping. Here are some uses for a few everyday things that I have found. They might be good for your next camping trip. Use an inverted colander to cover food and keep bugs off. If you have young children, put those “keep-bugs-away” candles inside a Read More >>
Disperse Camping Guidelines
There are basically two types of camping opportunities available in your national forests: camping in a developed campground and dispersed (a.k.a. primitive or backcountry) camping. Dispersed camping opportunities are found outside developed campgrounds, in the forest or in an area designated Wilderness. A primary distinction between the two types of camping are there are no Read More >>
Why National Forests?
Have you ever noticed how simple questions can lead to the longest answer? We were recently asked “Why National Forests?” Here are a dozen reasons to explain why Fred and I prefer camping in a National Forest and Grasslands: Elbow room to spare There is no need to worry if your neighbor might hear a Read More >>
Dakota Prairie Grasslands – beautiful
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands combines four different grasslands. Each is unique but all share the traits of vastness and grass. Not as well–known as national parks or even national forests, national grasslands are wonderfully empty of hoards of people. Little Missouri National Grassland (NG) With it miles and miles of Badlands, Little Missouri NGis a Read More >>
WORDS TO LIVE BY
You should sit in nature for 20 minutes each day. Unless you’re busy, then you should sit for an hour. – based on Zen meditation saying
It’s a big, beautiful country waiting for you
My November 2018 National Geographic magazine has huge article titled “Battle for the American West.” It is a good read but what I found most interesting, and exciting, was the number of photograph of things Fred and I recognized from out travels. I mean we have seen Bears Ears and explored Comb Ridge, been awed Read More >>
TEN REASON TO PLANT A TREE IN YOUR YARD
A Tree will add beauty and grace to any setting. Trees connect us with nature. Trees provide nutmeats (walnuts, pecans, hickory), fruit (plum, peach, apple, pear) berries for jams and jellies, and sap for maple syrup. Native trees in the United States yield substances used for pharmaceutical and other medical purposes. Example: Taxol, a substance Read More >>
Entertaining children
Last summer my daughter and her family took a trip from western Montana to eastern Minnesota. A long trip with two 9 year-old girls and a teenager. To everyone have a good time, Grandma (that’s me!) put together an assortment of “Goody Bags”. Each bag had surprise that might help move the miles a little Read More >>
Recipes from Bye-gone Days
While visiting a Pike National Forest’s district office I came across a booklet titled “Pioneer Cooking and Recipes.” Always curious about the techniques, tips and treats of earlier homemakers, I started scan this booklet. I’ll admit it is doubtful I will every try some of the recipes . Indian Bean Bread and Venison Mincemeat being Read More >>
