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
My Essentials Drawer
It maybe deep into January, but our thoughts wander to preparations for this year’s national forest/camping adventures. Two things I like to do around this time is double check my first aid box and see if anything is missing in my “Essentials” drawer. What’s an “Essentials” drawer? Well, everyone has a “Junk Draw” in their Read More >>
Caddo National Grassland – a well-kept secret
Several years ago Fred and I made a wonderful discovery – West Crockett Lake campground in the Caddo (pronounced Cad-OH) National Grassland (NG). Located in north Texas, above Dallas and on the south side of Red River seems to be pretty much undiscovered. Developed in the 1930s, Lake Crockett was built to provide the area’s Read More >>
What you can’t see can hurt you
Recently, I read “What you can’t see, you can’t escape” in a motorcycling magazine. I took from this statement that whether a motorcyclist or driver of a recreational vehicle (RV), good mirrors and using them properly is a MUST. Although the statement was directed at motorcyclist, this is a good rule-of-thumb for all drivers, including Read More >>
In the Forest – Keeping dogs safe
We get at least one email a week asking, ” Can I have my dogs in national forests?” The resounding answer is *YES* but there are things you should do to keep your dog safe. Here are some tips we have gleamed from our years in national forests and grasslands. Keep your dog leashed. There Read More >>
Camping Family’s First Aid Kit
There are first-aid kits commercially available in drug stores and outdoor equipment shops. These kits tend to be pricey and I’m never sure if it has all I might need in an emergency. The following is condensed from all my readings over the years and provides what I think are must first-aid kit items: Sunscreen Read More >>
Light Pollution
A light pollution map If you have spent any time in a national forest or grassland west of the Mississippi River, it is likely you have noticed the night sky. The sky appears bigger, taller, wider. It also seems darker and has more stars that sparkle, not just twinkle. The Milky Way is clearly visible. Read More >>
Colorful Acorn Caps
The best crafts for entertaining children (whether camping or dealing with yucky weather) are really easy, take a little more effort than a quick run to the closest, and allow for some creativity once the basic skill is learned. This Colorful Acorn Caps craft has all these elements! FYI: Oak trees do not produce all Read More >>
August 17, 1959 – earthquake!
There are dangers in the forests. We recognize this. These dangers seem more like urban legend than reality. However, an earthquake caused scar on a mountain-side visible from US Route 287, in the Gallatin National Forest (MT) and just northwest of Yellowstone National Park, shows us, even in a place of such beauty, a terrible Read More >>
What’s a vault?
Once upon a time we were asked, “What is a “vault? Isn’t it where the Forest Service puts important papers?” A reasonable question for someone unfamiliar with the vocabulary used by the Forest Service. For Fred and I it was the question that demonstrated a need for a glossary of terms to go with our Read More >>
Shopping for a tent
Is it that time of year to consider the purchase of a tent? Here is a case study for what you might be getting for a low price a new tent I’ll use an advertisement in a recent newspaper for a tent that looked to be a good buy. This tent had a 9×9 foot Read More >>
