THE CAMPING HANDBOOK

TENT CAMPING Larry Cole Copyright 2011 The Camping Handbook By Larry Cole Published at Smashwords

WHY DO WE GO CAMPING? COPYRIGHT 2011 THE CAMPING HANDBOOK ISBN 978-1463724139

INTRODUCTION Why do we go camping?

There are probably many different reasons, if you were to ask a room full of people that question, I would imagine you would get a room full of different answers. My reason, quietness, peaceful, relaxing, adventures filled and new experience.

Camping fills all of these and many more, but one that was not mentioned, was togetherness. We dont usually go camping by you, but with family or friends. I hear, I wish I could spent more time with my family. I also hear I dont get to even talk with them. Well while camping you have that chance to get to know you children and you wife, and they get a chance to know you. Think about is would this be a great time to meet you family and at the same time enjoy the great outdoors.

Legal Disclaimers
All contents copyright 2011 by [THE CAMPING HANDBOOK.] All rights reserved. No part of this document or accompanying files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise, by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. This eBook is presented to you for informational purposes only and is not a substitution for any professional advice. The contents herein are based on the views and opinions of the author and all associated contributors. While the author has made every effort and all associated contributors to present accurate and up to date information within this document, it is apparent technologies rapidly change. Therefore, the author and all associated contributors reserve the right to update the contents and information provided herein as these changes progress. The author and/or all associated contributors take no responsibility for any errors or omissions if such discrepancies exist within this document. The author and all other contributors accept no responsibility for any consequential actions taken, whether monetary, legal, or otherwise, by any and all readers of the materials provided. It is the readers sole responsibility to seek professional advice before taking any action on their part. Readers results will vary based on their skill level and individual perception of the contents herein, and, monetarily or otherwise, can be made accurately. Therefore, no guarantees are made.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Lets take a look at what it takes to camping Chapter. .2. Camping Check List Chapter .3. . Tents Chapter 4 Sleep Bags Chapter 5 Cooking Equipment Chapter 6 Camping Stove Chapter 7 Camping Food Chapter 8 Camping Tip Chapter 9 Camping Chairs Chapter 10 GPS Chapter 11 Car Camping

Chapter 12 Motorcycle camping Chapter 13 Motorcycle Camping Equipment Chapter 14 National Parks Chapter 15 Ending CHAPTER 1 5 Lets take a look at what it takes to go camping. Something to sleep in (protection from the elements) something to keep you warm if it gets cold sleeping bag or blankets). Food and something to cook it in. Yes, there are hundreds of other items, but protection, food and away to stay warm. Are the basics? I will give you a list of some of the things you will need, a checklist, to follow. First, before we get into checklists; we need to look at a few other things first. This wills determent What we need to bring. 1. Where are we going camping? 2. What are we going to do there? 3. Are we going to be fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, etc? 4. What do we hope to see, or hear?

5.What are you going to be eating, steak, fish or maybe hot dogs? 6. How are you going to sleep, Tent, Camp trailer or Motor home? 7. What equipment are you bringing with you, boat, ATV, motorcycles? All of things need to be looked at before you put to use a checklist of items you will need. This is a lot different from a vacation trip you may have taken, where you stayed with relatives or friends, and ate with them or goes out to eat. OK, lets take a look at the camping checklist before you look at the list, this checklist is used to remind you of things you may need. If you bring everything on the list you will

need a tracker trailer to go camping.

CHAPTER 2
CAMPERS CHECK LIST SHELTER TENT TENT POLES TENT STAKES ROPE FLOOR TARP AX TENT REPAIR KIT CAMPING KITCHEN CAMP STOVE/ GRILL/CAMP FIRE STACK ABLE COOK WARE (SCOUTS)

RATTING UTENSILS (KNIFE, FORK, SPOON) KNIFE-Sharp COOKING UTENSILS (long handle meat fork, big spoon, egg turner) MIXING BOWL PAPER TOWELS BREAD MILK EGGS BUTTER MEAT (STEAKS, HOT DOGS, SAUSAGE, FISH (IF YOU CATCH SOME) COOKIES SNACKS WATER

CAMPING CLOTHES THIS DEPENDS ON THE NUMBER OF DAYS CAMPING ONE CHANGE OF CLOTHES PER PERSON (CHANGE EVERY OTHER DAY, UNLESS YOU GET WET) RAIN GEAR SWIM SUITES SHORTS HATS BEACH TOWELS FOOT WEAR WIND BREAKER T-SHIRTS SOCKS HIKING SHOES WATER SHOES SLEEPING GEAR SLEEPING BAG BLANKETS

AIR MATTRESS AIR PUMP FLASHLIGHTS PILLOWS NIGHT SLEEPING CLOTHES CLOCK (ONLY TO BE USED IF YOURE GOING FISHING EARLY) TOILET ITEMS TOILET PAPER TOOTH BRUSH TOOTH PASTED SOAP HAIR BRUSH WASH CLOTHE TOWEL FIRST Aid KIT SUN BLOCK BUG SPRAY COMPASS GPS

FIRST AID KIT INSECTICIDE

S UN TAN LOTION SUN GLASSES CELL PHONE (EMERGENCY USE ONLY) RADIO FISHING GEAR (IF YOU ARE GOING TO FISH) HUNTING GEAR (IF YOU ARE GOING TO HUNT) LANTERN EXTRA BATTERIES I know this list looks like you are bring the whole house and maybe you are. This checklist is to help you to remember things you may need. One of the things that are on the checklist that I want to bring to you attention is an air mattress. Sleeping on the ground gets very hard on the back.

TENTS
Lets take a look at tents. They come in all different sizes, shapes, colors, and uses (winter or summer.) If you are going to buy a tent, go to a store that specialize in camping gear (better section.) When you buy a tent you need to look at the following information before you buy 1. Number of people sleep in tent. Get a tent for more people

then will be sleeping in tent. In other words, if you are sleep only three people buy a tent that will sleep four people. You have more room, and extra space for equipment. 2. Warm weather tents are more open to give you more air on those warm nights. Cold weather tents dont have as many openings. 3. See if the tent is water proof, I know that sounds funny, but some ten will leak if you touch the tent on the inside in a rain. 4. Does the tent have a floor that is attached to the tent? Keeps out rain from running under it. And other crawling things. 5. Insure it comes with poles and tie downs. 6. Does it come with a rain flap? 7. Camping in a tent can be a lot of fun, the first night you may not thank so. Too many strange sounds. The good thing, fresh air, and when the light is turned out it is dark, I mean dark. When you get to the site, you are going to camp. Pick a spot for the tent; clear the ground that will be under the tent of rooks and twigs. Put down a tarp is the next thing, then place the tent on top (help keep tent clean. Put up the tent, this is best done with help. Stake out the tent and tie it down in case you get a strong wind or rain. DONT PLACEyou tent or camp on a known game trail. Set up everything you will need in the tent, sleeping bags, cloth, lights, and water. NO FOOD. If you are going to have a camp fire (if you can), set up your cooking items. Food should stay in your car until you are ready for it or in a bear proof box. Set up you camping chairs, and relax.

SLEEPING BAGS
A sleeping bag is a protective bag for a person to sleep in, a blanket that can be closed with a zipper or similar means, and functions as a bed in situations where a bed is unavailable (e.g. when camping, hiking or

climbing.) Its primary purpose is to provide warmth and thermal insulation.

It also protects, to some extent, against wind chill, Precipitation and exposure to view, but a tent performs those functions better. The bottom surface also provides some cushioning, but a sleeping pad is usually used in addition for that purpose. A bivouac sack (bivy) is a waterproof cover for a sleeping bag that may be used in place of a tent for lightweight travelers or as a backup if inclement weather occurs. There are so many ways to enjoy camping. Who says you need to travel great distances to have a camping experience? products including, Kids Slumber bags, and Two-Person sleeping bags. In addition, the best in brand name sleeping bags such as ALPS Mountaineering, Chinook, Browning Camping, ALPS OutdoorZ, Backside, Black Pine Sports, Coleman, Eureka! Grizzly, Kids sleeping bags. Some of the different sleeping bags:| Rectangular Sleeping Bags | Kids Sleeping Bags | Lightweight Sleeping Bags | Hooded Sleeping Bags | Mummy Sleeping Bags | Sports Logo Sleeping Bags, but basically two types, summer and winter. COOKING EQUIPMENT Cooking equipment is another thing. If you backpacking you cooking equipment is going to be liter and smaller and weight less than the equipment you may use on a require camping trip. Before you pack up cooking equipment, plan you meals. You dont need a big fry pan if all you are going to have is hot dogs.

Look for pans that you can use for a double purpose. As far a flat ware, use plastic, its light and you can throw it away when finished. Not part of cookware, but a good placed to mention it (water) you will be using it when you cook. Not all campsites have water.

Camping Stove Open fire is damages. Some place will not allow you to even have an open fire.
This is where the camp stove comes into play. For backpackers, there are single burner stove that is light, and come with ether propane or gas hook up. Coleman has a nice two burner stove that is propane. This will take care of most outdoor cooking. Some place will let you use a baroque grill, check before you fire it up. I know that cooking fish or a good steak over a campfire cant be beaten, but if it says not open fires or ground fires. Then no fires! By chance you can have a grown fire. Be very careful. Clear the area around the spot you plan to place your campfire. Place rocks around the campfire. And have water available in case the fire gets out of the fire pit.

Some place will let you use a baroque grill, check before you fire it up. By chance you can have a grown fire. Be very careful. Clear the area around the spot you plan to place your campfire. And have water available in case the fire gets out of the fire pit. Remember when you are finished with the camp fire, insure it is dead out!!!

Chapter 7
Camping Food
You can have just about anything that you would have at home, except things that require an oven. Yes there are camping

Ovens. There are many meals that would be a better choice than ones that require an oven. Cooking over a campfire is somewhat different than cooking at home, things get hot quick... Look at what you would like to eat, and how you are going to prepare it. The idea camping trip is to enjoy you and not spend all of your time cooking. Makes simple meals that can be prepared in a short period or time. I dont know if it is being outside or the campfire, but steak or fish seems to take on a new taste that cant be beaten anywhere. Tip A few things that I have learned on my camping trips. Bring some type of wire rack can be placed above the fire so that you can cook on. Cover this rack with aluminum foil in this way greased is not dripping into your fire. Baked potatoes and corn on the cob can be wrapped in aluminum foil and placed on the sides of your fire. Remember; watch your food because over an open fire it can cook very quickly. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia has to say about outdoor cooking. Outdoor cooking differs substantially from kitchen-based cooking, the most obvious difference being lack of an easily defined kitchen area. As a result, campers and backpackers have developed a significant body of techniques and specialized equipment for preparing food in outdoors Currently, much of the work of maintaining and developing outdoor cooking traditions in Westernized countries is done by the Scouting movement. By wilderness educators such as the National Outdoor Leadership School and Outward Bound. As well as by writers and cooks closely associated with the outdoors community. The type of food common in outdoors settings is somewhat different from what is normally available in a kitchen, and also differs depending on the type of activity the cook is engaging in. While someone at a public campground may have easy access to a grocery store to prepare plenty of recipes with fresh meat and vegetables, someone on an extended trip into the back country will not carry large

amounts of fresh food, due to its high water content, and will have to rely heavily on food

with a low water content, such dried meats, vegetables, and starches such as ramen, polenta, and dried potato flakes. Wilderness experts in both categories sometimes make use of locally available wild foods as well, particularly wild vegetables and fruit but also occasionally fresh fish and wild game; however, it is not unusual for camping food, especially back country food, to be partially or totally vegetarian. Camping food is often very high in fat and carbohydrates to provide energy for long hikes, and hikers (much like soldiers) must rely heavily on energy-packed snacks such as trail mix, chocolate, energy bars, and sports drinks. Water can also be at a premium, so important parts of a campers pantry include chlorine or iodine-based water disinfectants as well as drink mixes to mask the flavor of the chemical treatment. Recipes designed with significant planning and home preparation in mind, with certain ingredients mixed at home and then cooked on the trail; to that end, there some of providers of freeze-dried food, both ingredients and full meals, to the outdoors market, and just add water instant meals (including hot cereals, pasta or rice in sauce, and instant soup) from the supermarket are popular as well. Alternatively, some wilderness experts advocate bulk rationing, in which each hiker is given a selection of raw ingredients and prepares a meal from scratch on the trail. Most outdoor cooking is dictated by the foods themselves that are to be cooked. The first five discussions below, of direct heat, boiling, frying, grilling, and roasting, will, perhaps, describe the cooking methods employed most often in outdoors cooking. These techniques will require only rudimentary, commonsensical tools. Additional methods described farther below may be of interest only to those foodies who carry their interests into the outdoors for gourmet meals. Direct heat: The most traditional method for outdoors cooking (and indeed the oldest form of cooking known to humanity) is by means of a campfire.

Campfires can be used for cooking food by a number of techniques. The techniques for cooking on a campfire are no different from those used for everyday cooking before the invention of stoves or where stoves are still not available. Individuals who are backpacking in an area that allows the gathering of firewood may

decide to cook on a campfire to avoid the need to carry extra equipment; however, most campfire cooking is done in front-country campgrounds. Cooking food using a campfire can be tricky for those not accustomed to it; also, due to risk of fire damage, campfires are illegal in many areas, so many campers prefer to use a portable stove instead. Boiling In backpacking particularly, boiling water is the operation undertaken on the trail, used for cooking or reconstituting food, making hot beverages, cleaning up, and even sanitizing

drinking water. Portable stoves are therefore generally rated in terms of how quickly they can boil a liter (or other appropriate size) of

water; indeed, some commercial stove models are specifically optimized for fast boiling, with other operations such as frying or baking being an afterthought. Like camp frying pans, camp pots are made of very lightweight material (often aluminum or, at a considerable price premium, titanium). Though less of a worry given the thermal mass of water, the camp cook must still take care not to allow food to burn, since the pot itself has very little mass to spread the heat out. Frying Frying is not always necessary, but for fish or wild game caught while on the trip, as well as pancakes and certain kinds of bread and desserts made on the trail. As a general rule, the frying medium used in camp cooking is usually either vegetable oil or margarine. Normal (salted) butter may also be appropriate for camp use, but unsalted butter or lard may not be, due to their shorter shelf life. Camp frying pans often lack handles for easy packing, with the camp cook using a clamp-like device to pick up and move the pan. Camp frying pans are made out of very thin metal (though some campers do use cast iron pans for this purpose as well), so extra care must be taken to evenly cook the food, especially over the small-diameter flame of a portable stove. A round the clock technique, where the frying pan is moved repeatedly to expose different parts of its base to the flame is the most commonly recommended solution to the problem, though it is also possible to use a flame diffuser to achieve the same effect. For campfire use, on the other hand, some camp cooks prefer a legged castiron pan called a spider, which is elevated to allow a small fire directly beneath it. Camp cooks making pancakes in a moderate-size pan often simplify their work and speed up there service by pouring enough batter to make one large, moderate-thickness pancake that takes up the entire pan and then cutting the final product with the spatula to serve individual portions. Also, camp cooks often replicate toast using a fry pan: a bread slice (or more, or a combination of whole and cut portions) are placed in a well greased pan, pressed down with spatula, flipped, and pressed down again.

An improvised griddle can be made by putting a flat stone directly on the fire (or above it, on top of other stones). Food is then placed on the stone. Grills are also simpler to use and they tend to make the food pick up flavors from the smoke. Grills over a campfire are used in the same way as ordinary charcoal barbecues. If the food is simply placed on the grill, it may catch fire so it requires constant attention. Hand-held grills, aka broiler that clamp over the food may be used for various tasks like warming food, grilling burgers or sausages or making toast.

In cases where open fires are not allowed, lightweight charcoal grills (sometimes considered a type of hibachi) are sometimes used for direct grilling of food. Roasting: Possibly the simplest method of cooking over a campfire and one of the most common is to roast food on long skewers that can be held above the flames. This is popular for cooking hot dogs or toasting marshmallows for making smokes. Hungarians often roast slab bacon (Salonika) over a campfire. Besides skewers and fireplace popcorn popper, pie irons too may be used (small iron molds with long handles), into which can be placed slices of bread with some form of fillingwhich are placed over hot coals to cook. When using meat, roasting can have the advantage over grilling in that the grease that drips from the food can be reused. Placing a fireproof container under the food can do this. Baking: Putting a baking sheet pan over a furnace can allow for baking, which is in turn derived from the concept of the

masonry oven. This was common for centuries, used to make breads, pies, and other items, and is still popular today, particularly among campers who enjoy stuffing their meats.

Dutch ovens and other pots: Closely associated with the American Old West, the Dutch oven of tradition is a heavy cast iron Pot; traditionally made with three short legs and a concave cover for holding hot coals on top. While such pots are generally considered too heavy for backpackers, Dutch ovens are often used in group camp-outs and cookouts. A pot hanging over the fire, although picturesque, may spill, and the rigging may be difficult to construct from found wood. Generally this is done with metal rigging, much of it identical to that historically used in home fireplaces before the invention of stoves.

Two vertical iron bars with an iron crosspiece allow pots to be hung at various heights or over different temperatures of fire. Griddles, grills and skewers can also be hung over the fire. When working with wood, one may use two tripods, lashed with tripod lashings, but the rope will be liable to melt or burn. Dovetail joints are more secure, but difficult to carve. Dutch ovens were traditionally specially designed for camping, and such pots (often with legs and a handle, both for suspending the pot over a fire) are still widely available, though sometimes at a premium over flat-bottomed stovetop models. The oven is placed in a bed of hot coals, often from a keyhole fire with additional coals placed on top of the lid, which in camp ovens usually has a raised rim to keep the coals from falling off. Dutch ovens are made of cast iron or aluminum, and are generally not considered suitable for backpacking due to the heavy weight of the pot. Dutch ovens are convenient for cooking dishes that take a long time such as stews, joints of meat and baked goods. They are not the only option for baking on a cam pout as devices for baking on portable stoves exist and clay ovens can be constructed at longer encampments.

Portable stoves are widely used in areas where fuel such as wood is scarce or there is a significant fire or environmental hazard to

building a campfire. Such devices usually use a liquid fuel (usually a petroleum derivative or some kind of alcohol), but gaseous fuels like propane and solid fuels such as wood shavings and hexamine are also used depending on the stove design; while two-burner models are commonly used for front-country camp stoves and function much like residential gas stoves, backpacking stoves generally put out a much more concentrated and less powerful flame and require lightweight cooking equipment

( billycans) made of aluminum or titanium rather than more typical kitchen-type utensils. In addition, there are often special techniques for baked goods made on the trail in the absence of specialized camp oven equipment, including flipping over the (lidded) pan while on the heat and the twiggy fire, which mimics the use of charcoal on the lid of a Dutch oven using a small campfire on the lid of the pan.

Reflector ovens are placed on the ground next to the fire, and gather thermal radiation from it.

Solar cookers are sometimes used in places where absolutely minimal environmental impact is required or simply desired. Ceramic Grills come in many guises and have been around in simple format since ancient

times. Many modern cookers sport ornate designs that can be quite beautiful. These grills cook well and efficiently because they retain heat and seal in moisture. Most quality grills are weatherproof and can be used year round to grill, BBQ, smoke and bake. Other benefits include fast heating time and a lack of hot spots. They are fuel-efficient, using a minimum of charcoal, and may be safer for children due to the lack of hot spots. Dangers Special precautions are required for camping in bear country because cooking activities and food storage attracts these potentially dangerous animals. Food preparation and storage must be located a safe distance from sleeping areas, so a fire near camp cannot be used for cooking. Food needs to be stored in bear cans or bear bags hung from a tree or

post. Other animals may be attracted to food too; most notably raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and mice. Outdoor cooking elements can be of danger due to their high flammability and proximity to occupants with no fire alarm warning. Use of highly flammable alcohols to refuel portable cookers, gas cookers need to be checked for leaks and kept well away from tents in a sheltered and stable setting. Keep tents at a safe distance from cooking utilities, ground campfires and make sure they are properly extinguished before resigning to sleep. Wind can carry hot embers, it is recommended to draw a circle of safety. Avoid open ground sleeping next to a campfire; campers have been known to roll in their sleep towards the heat source including sleeping bags catching fire. During a study most of the contact burns inflicted had a relation of 81% to intoxication, oppose to the flame and flash burns comprising just 11%. A number of incidents involving camping and fire have resulted in fatalities and severe injuries Outdoor cooking differs substantially from kitchen-based cooking, the most obvious difference being lack of an easily defined kitchen area. As a result, campers and backpackers have developed a significant body of techniques and specialized equipment for preparing food in outdoors environments. Currently, much of the work of maintaining and developing outdoor cooking traditions in Westernized countries is done by the Scouting movement and by wilderness educators such as the National Outdoor Leadership School and Outward Bound, as well as by writers and cooks closely associated with the outdoors community Camping Tips Camping Tip can make the difference between a relaxing, adventurous trip and a miserable, Stressful experience. Camping- tips for beginners, a camping-checklist and many other useful articles can be found here. Browse through our many articles; take a few notes. Pack it in bear-proof containers and pack it out with you. Many camping-areas are equipped with bear-proof garbage cans for your use. Pack a pad to put under your sleeping bag. Remember the rain flap for your tent. Pack light, and bring only what you need. If the weather is warm, its recommended to take a swimsuit, warm clothes for the evenings and cooler outfits for the days. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snakebite kit, and pain relievers, and sunscreen. Pack your items in an organized manner. Items that you will need last can be

placed in your vehicle first. Pack some light foundation, lip gloss, and mascara so you dont have to walk around with a naked face though. Carry cereals and milk powder for breakfast. Avoid meat as they can spoil. Carry a

compass, a map, and the knowledge of how to use them. Even if you dont have a good map. Or maybe GPS. Tent camping is an inexpensive way to get started camping. Once youve experienced tent camping, you tend to look at Trailer-camping to continue your excursions, and make them easier. Tent camping includes car camping, canoe camping and backpacking. You can car camp at state and national parks, forest service campsites, and even national chains of commercial campgrounds. Tent camping can be fun and you need to choose the right type of tent to make it more enjoyable. Meals should be 1-pot meals to keep cleanup to a minimum. Dont get too fancy with the meals - its hard to chop onions, carrots at -10F with gloves on. Meals will be cooked outside and unless the weather is a torrential rainstorm, you will eat outside as well.

Avoid placing your tent right beside (or on) any game trails. Also, since bears will use trees as cover when approaching an area, and open site may be safer than a well-treed location. Avoid any questionable areas. Avoid cooking elaborate meals. Now admittedly, one of the joys of camping is cooking delicious campfire chow. Choose an LED lamp to enjoy the most light around the campground. A move able LED flashlight is more suitable for moving about the campground at dusk. Choose lightweight cotton clothing in light colors and with breathable room. You should also take along a hat and sunglasses. One of the biggest camping-tips that I can give is, leave your Camping-site in better shape then you found it.

Camping Chairs Camping chairs for those outdoor times when you need to just kick back and relax at the camp. Folding camping-chairs are essential for outdoor activities and camping events. Camping chairs are specialized forms of folding chair made specifically for camping. What sets camping chairs apart is the quality of their build, the materials used, and often the overall look and design. Kids feel safe in these chairs at night. They give their animal friends names and they relax just like you. Kids sleeping bags are always great to use overnight at a friends house. We have mummy bags for women, specifically patterned to fit a womans body. Folding camping-chairs also make mealtime a lot easier as well. Features reinforced nylon straps for strength. Can be moved from location to location. Features: Compact, comfortable, with the added convenience of a backrest.

GPS GPS-stands for Global Positioning System and is a system that determines your position by receiving signals from 24 Satellites. Knowing exactly where you are is the first step towards not getting lost. GPS-trackers supplied by Chinese manufacturers with the most competitive prices and superb quality. Prices and offers are subject to change. For personal, noncommercial use only. Prices are already

dramatically reduced and can really save you some cash if you are into that sort of thing but still need or want to buy something that will help you get around town. Feel free to take a look

around and check out some of our GPS-reviews to get a better feel for the unit that is going to best meet your personal needs. If you are going camping or fishing in an area that you have not been in before: 1. Let someone; know where you are going and about what time you will be back. 2. Take a GPS unit with you. 3. If you dont have GPS and you have phone service in the area, you can use your phone to help, if you get turned around. Someone said you cant get lost, even with a GPS, hasnt been in the woods.

Car Camping
Camping is not just camping in your car, but a way to transport all your camping gear to our campsite, so that you dont have to carry it in yourself. And if you are as big as I am, camping in your car is not going to be very comfortable. The back of a pickup truck is a different thing. Car-camping offers opportunities for families to get closer to nature, spend time together, and yet still have some of the luxuries? Campgrounds amenities can vary from primitive campsites to sites with water and electric hook ups. Car camping involves packing up all the items necessary for camping and driving to the campsite. In some cases, campers will also sleep inside of the car rather than a tent, which is generally safer. (In bear areas) that

said the trick is to bring enough items that stand in for traditional homebound amenities while still reinforcing the pleasures of being outdoors. Remember to take good insect repellant. Motorcycle Camping Is a great way to experience nature and maximize the ultimate and not to meet new people and share a fire, if not a meal, in a Campground? Motorcycle-camping is one

of the Greatest ways to experience this beautiful country of ours. Riding on the open road, gives you that freedom that your bike represents? Different then a regular road trip where you stay in motels and hotels along the way, motorcycle camping is much like hiking or backpacking. Is also a great way to make new acquaintances along your journey? Feeling the wind in your face, taking in the fresh smells of the trees, enjoying the beautiful scenic views, and then sleeping under the stars with your iron horse right next to you. One of first thing to take to into consideration is the weight the motorcycle will carry. Next how long are you going to motorcycling and camping. This makes a difference as what you need to take with you. What time of the year you will be traveling. Will you need winter cloths, or winter camping gear? I would bring food for no more than two meals. Buy what you need for the rest of the trip as you need it remember weight. Motorcycle Camping Equipment Before we go into motorcycle equipment. Lets take a look at a few things. The weight your cycle will carry, including passenger and you. The length of you camping trip. The time of year. (Winter, summer, rainy season.

The cost. Lets take a look at these four items first before we get in to equipment. The weight your cycle will carry, including passenger and yourself. A 650cc can carry 500 lbs., so lets use this number, yes I know the bigger bikes and you maybe able to carry more weight or not. Totals 650cc Start with 500 lbs. 500 lbs. 500 You weight 180 lbs. -180 lbs. 320 Your passenger 120 lbs -120 lbs 200 Tent 6 lbs - 6 lbs 194 sleeping bags 4 lbs EA. - 8 lbs 186 cookware for 2 1 lbs - 1 lbs 185 Sleeping pad 3.5 lbs Ea. - 7.0lbs 178 Cloths for ea. 15 lbs Ea. - 30 lbs 148

Food for 1 day 4.73 oz Ea. meal 1.77lbs 146.23 Rain Gear 1.38 lbs ea 2.75lbs 143.48 That covers the basic needs, no other items. Well, I will put it in a trailer, in that way I can carry more. Wrong this is what one biker said about trailers: How about a trailer? Well, if you are talking about putting all that excess gear on a trailer thats being pulled by a motorcycle thats being driven by the rest of the excess weight, that sounds like a great idea. However, Im not the one to ask if you want someone to tell you that its OK to pull a trailer with your motorcycle. No motorcycle manufacturer condones using its bike to tow a trailer, and my experiences doing so leave me in agreement. I know that trailer-pullers tell you that they dont even know its there. This astounds me. Maybe they have lost all feeling it their gluts. I have never been able to pull a trailer on a motorcycle unaware that it was there. It reminds me constantly and it feels like a warning. Furthermore, the idea of trying to panic-stop a bike with a trailer dragging behind gives me cold chills. I have not towed a trailer with a motorcycle, but I have towed many trailers with my truck, you know its back there. National Parks

CAMPING IN THE NATIONAL Parks What I would suggest is to contact the state forestry service in the state you plan to camp. They can send you information on what they have to offer. The general information I obtain on the Internet is as follows. Campsites are available on first-come, first-served basis. All campsites accommodate tent camping. Pets are allowed, but must be restrained or on a leash. Camping Sites are large and separated by trees and bushes. All sites have a tent pad, picnic table and fire-ring, but no standing cooking unit. Some Sites are accessible by canoe only - no vehicle access. Facilities are very primitive - nothing is provided. (This is not always the case) National parks Trails are clearly marked to ensure your safety and protect the natural resources. Fort Davidson is at the center of what remains of the battlefield, and it reminds us of the sacrifices made by Missouris citizens during the Civil War. See http://www.mostateparks.com/ftdavidson/preamble.htm for more information on Fort Davidson and the battle that was so valiantly fought there. Pets have to be on leashes in the campgrounds. Most people totally understand and love to see dogs running around and enjoying themselves, other people who arent animal lovers tend to give you the evil eye if your dog isnt on a tight leash. Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites and on trails. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas. Fishing is permitted. Along a national recreation water trail near Big Springs (five miles long), moose, trumpeter swans, ospreys and bald eagles often can be seen, and an excellent 3 to 5 hour canoe/float trip can be taken. Fishing for salmon and steelhead during the fall and early winter months are considered the finest in California. Hunting in Six Rivers country is primarily for Columbian blacktail deer, black bear, blue grouse, and valley and mountain quail.

End I hope this book will be of some help, and end any fears of going camping. I am sure you will enjoy it, if you only give it a try. I can be contacted at lets-go@camping-together.com Also check out our web site http://www.camping-together.com/ This book and other camping books will be available on Amazon. Happy Camping copyright 2011 THE CAMPING HANDBOOK Other The Camping Handbook Pop up trailers Travel trailer and 5th Wheel Trailer Motor Home Motorcycle Camping Coming Soon! All can be purchased on Kindle at Amazon.