For those whose view of the traditional camping experience is filled with little more than mosquitoes, dirty clothes, and too much wildlife, beach camping can provide a more pleasant alternative to a weekend in a tent or even a cabin.

It is a wonderful and budget friendly means of getting a front row seat to astounding sunrises and sunsets. You can swim all day and listen to the rolling waves of the ocean before you fall soundly asleep.

Combining Camping with the Beach?

There are many beaches that are now camper friendly. Most have posted signs to tell you whether they permit camping; or instead, you can check their web site for details.

Some beaches have actual campsites located right on or near the beach. Once you’ve made the emotional commitment to try this form of camping, making a reservation will ensure an available spot, as these are very popular campsites.

Come Prepared

Before you head to the beach to do some relaxing camping, you need to come with a few camping essentials. First, a beach tent will keep out the early morning sun. These are typically designed as pop up tents that work well in the sand, and can be priced as low as under $20.00.

Prior to your trip, inquire ahead of time whether the beach that you will be camping on allows bonfires. Although some do, they might require a permit, while others do not allow them at all.

If you have the opportunity to spend time on a beach that does, come prepared with lighter fluid, matches, and of course your sticks on which to cook s’mores. If the beach does not permit a bonfire, then at least bring a portable stove so you can cook your meals out on the beach.

It’s About the Atmosphere

Most people who opt for beach camping do not do so because of the hiking experience, or even to enjoy communing with nature. Rather, it is for the romantic atmosphere of the ocean and fun for the kids.

Few ever have the great experience of living directly on a beach. But for a night or a weekend, your whole family can experience the allure that draws the large beach crowds and what it is like to sleep and play on the beach 24 hours a day.

The next time you plan a camping excursion, consider foregoing the traditional campsites in the middle of the woods and instead enjoy the relaxing and untraditional experience of camping on a beach.

Whether you are simply a beach lover or want to wake up and jump right in the ocean as the sun rises, this is a wonderful way to spend a night or weekend.

The hustle and bustle of the city life, the stress of your daily routine, and the sheer pressure of just keeping things together can really take their toll and overwhelm you. What you need is to take some time off from work, even if it’s just the weekend, and have a breath of fresh air. You can choose to just stay at home. You can sleep late into the morning for a change, go around the house without hurry and visit memorable spaces which you hadn’t had the time to even give a brief look, just a peaceful weekend at your very own home. Or you can stay the beach where you can experience the sand and surf on your feet, listen to the soothing rhythm of the ocean, and laze around under the warmth of the sun. And then, sure enough, you have the opportunity of the great outdoors. Why not check out your local camping store or outdoors shop and begin buying your camping gears. Why not start with a tent? I recommend that you look up Coleman tents, Vango Tents and Khyam Tents. I’ve discovered a few of pretty good things regarding them.

Since you are not quite familiar with the outdoor experience, or perhaps it had been years since the last time you had a camping trip, but whatever the reason - Khyam tents are one of the best choices. The Rapidex Quick Erect System makes the tents easy to set up and take down. They are made of weatherweave fabric which is perfect for outdoor conditions. The poles are made of aluminum while the main pole is made of solid fiberglass which means these are strong and durable. Products are tested under extreme weather conditions. No need to worry about rain, wind, snow, and moisture since Khyam tent is styled to endure all that and then some. You will definitely enjoy a camping experience like no other.

You also have a variety of designs and styles to choose from which largely depends on your needs, the weather conditions you’ll be camping out in, and the number of people sleeping in the tent. Take your time at the outdoors shop, do your won research, buying a tent is an investment so it is important that you purchase the right one which best suits your camping needs.

A pleasurable camping experience awaits you when you made the right choice of buying a quality tent. The tent is your home away from home and your living quarters in the natural environment. These tents are created with your comfort and luxury being the priority. They are made of quality materials and are tested in natural environments.

So file a vacation leave, arrange your camping adventure, and enjoy the great outdoors. You deserve it and after selecting the appropriate tent, you’ll have little to fear about. What’s more, why not purchase some Vango tents just like most campers do?

With so many National and State parks around the country, it is hard to find the perfect park in which to go camping. Traditional campgrounds, even when in park settings offering cabins, can be easily forgotten, and even the most beautiful parks may be wonderful to visit but not very great to camp in.

When you are planning on camping in a park setting and have most of your camping equipment ready to go, it is best to choose a park that is memorable and will offer you some of the best sceneries in the country.

If you do find one of these fabulous campsites then you should plan ahead to make sure that there is room for you to stay. Many of the most popular campsites get booked up to capacity well ahead of time, so be sure to make a reservation.

The best camping parks usually come equipped with a restroom, built-in grills or a fire pit, and beautiful views, so they are typically packed especially during the summer season.

Some of the best parks in the North America are as follows:

• Marble Canyon - Arizona
• Allagash Wilderness - Maine
• Flat Tops - Colorado
• High Point - New Jersey
• Wood-Tikchik - Alaska
• Apua Point - Hawaii

These are just a few of the many beautiful parks in North America. There are even more if you are willing to travel a little further into Europe. There are many campsites located throughout France and the English countryside.

They can be booked through camping packages, and some even offer a night of camping, along with a night at a world class Bed & Breakfast. Just as in North America, Europe offers your traditional budget-friendly parks, moderate or mid-priced camping parks, and luxury parks.

Whether you are planning to camp in North America, the world famous campsites of the French Riviera, the Swiss Alps, or Italy, along with so many others, you can enjoy yourself while enjoying some of the most eye-popping scenery in the world.

To find some of these amazing campsites you should check with a local travel agent or do some searching of your own throughout the Internet which can direct you to some beautiful park campsites.

When traveling long distances to go camping, you still need to be prepared with everything from a sturdy backpack to quality footwear.

This is especially important, even if you are camping in North America, because you just don’t know when you are going to be able to get to the nearest store. Be prepared for your camping trip and you will have a wonderful time.

Most people who love comfortable shoes have heard of Keen sandals. They manufacture a variety of sandals and shoes that are very comfortable. There are a ample variety of styles of Keen sandals available, all of them comfortable and sporty looking. They manufacture sandals for walking around town, taking a hike, or hanging out by the water.

For those who are interested in a nice pair of sandals to wear while walking around town, the Market Street and Blvd lines give some nice options. The Bree Thong sandal come in five different colors Caribbean Sea, Amaranth, Inca Gold, Oak Street, and Black and is made of nubuck that has been given an extra touch of fashion by adding crisscross stitching.Another nice option for Keen sandals is the Naples sandal. This sandal has a extra strappy look with straps that crisscross the top of the foot as well as strapsjust about the ankle. It comes in Port Royale, Bison, Quill, and Black for colors, and is made with a leather upper and a base bed of natural latex and cork that is made to help soak up shock and keep your feet comfortable.

If you want the correct sandals for going hiking, the Keen brand is a great place to look. When you think about it, most of the popular “outdoor” brands of sandals can’t really be worn for heavy-duty hiking. Teva won’t cut it. Chaco won’t either. And you definitely can’t hike in flip-flops. You can try out any of the Keen sandals in the Trailhead collection. The Newport is a good option, with two choices for color combination either Amaranth and Nile or Simply Taupe and Port Royale. This sandal has toe protection, and can be used for mountaineering on wet or dry surfaces. There is a strap that adjust for a comfortable fit as well as a base bed that conforms to the shape of your foot for even more comfort.

Finally, for those who want Keen shoes that they can wear near the water, the Waterfront variety is a great place to look. The Bali sandal is a nicecjoice. It has quick drying net for the upper, and ansmell reducing microbe shield in the foot bed. There are two choices for shades, Moroccan Blue with Greenery or Heliotrope with Lupine. These are slip on sandals that will be much more comfortable than the inexpensive flip flops a lot of people choose to wear to the beach or the pool, and a lot more attractive as well.

On the field there’s only so much you can do to care for your sleeping bag. Just remember to keep it clean and try to keep it away from anything wet including wet and dirty clothes when you’re camping.

At home you can do a lot more to maintain your sleeping bag so that it can last a little bit longer. These tips cover how to wash, dry, store and repair your sleeping bag in the proper way.

Washing and Drying

- Keep your sleeping bags clean by washing it frequently but only when it is necessary. Washing too much can break down the properties of both down and synthetic fills.

- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions manual and use mild soap. You can hand wash or wash in the gentle cycle of a washing machine. If your sleeping bags are too large, bring them to a launderette and use a larger machine but never dry-clean a sleeping bag.

- When using the tumble dryer, use the lowest setting . Put a tennis ball into the machine to prevent the down from clumping. The ball will help dissipate the clumps.

- When wet, handle with extreme care. Do not dry on a clothesline. Find some place to that can support the weight of the bag so that the delicate baffles do not tear. Hanging it on the dryer is a common practice.

Storing

- Store your sleeping bag in a large cotton storage sack. Make sure the bag sit loosely in the sack. Avoid putting the bag in a stuff sack for long periods of storage because compressing it too much will reduce its loft.

- Don’t store the sleeping bag in a plastic sack as the moisture will be trapped and hence provide a suitable breeding ground for mould, mildew and bacteria. Only store your bag when it is completely dry.

Repair

- Tears need to be repaired immediately especially the ones on the shell and lining.

- For temporary repairs use a duct tape or Gaffa tape. Instead on cutting the tape in a square, cut it in a circle so that it doesn’t snag the fabric.

- Permanent repairs can be made with a nylon repair tape or patches that are sold in most outdoor stores.

- You can also ask a professional company that can do repair jobs for tears, separating seams and zip problems. There are quite a few of these companies around and they might even throw you a discount if you ask nicely.

Coleman is most likely one of the most famous name in the camping and outdoors industry, from coolers, flashlights and lanterns, water heaters, sleeping bags, backpacks, stoves, and obviously, the ever reliable Coleman tents. It has more than thirty years of experience and goes on to use its extensive experience to assure continuous development of its products as well as the lasting happiness of the buyers. When it comes to camping gears and equipments, Coleman is one of the foremost makers and definitely a name which campers rely on for many years.

There are many available designs and styles for your camping needs. Tent designs and models are in family, dome, cabin, beach, kids, and even for your favorite pet. These are made of quality materials so that you have a comfortable camping experience come rain, snow, and wind. Your tent’s fabric provides a very thin wall which separates you from the elements outside and its quality will spell the difference between an enjoyable outdoor adventure and a wet and sodden weekend. They are manufactured to last for many camping seasons and are tested in natural conditions. You will not have to visit your sporting goods store every camping season to buy a new tent. You will enjoy many an outdoor adventure with these tents.

Two other tents you should also consider are Vango tents and Khyam tents. Even though not as common as their equivalent, these give the same quality products. Khyam tents are famous for their easy pitch and take down feature, perfect for camping newbies and on the move outdoor escapade. Alternatively, Vango Tents are known for their dependable tents which can endure the most extreme weather conditions.

Camping and other outdoor activities require definite specifications because you will be exposed to nature’s elements which, more often than not, are unpredictable. Even though brand name can guarantee quality and reliability, make sure that the tent you have your eyes on suits your needs and not just because of the brand name that goes with it.

Anyways, there is one more thing you need to consider when camping and that is, responsible camping. Camping gear manufacturers such as Coleman have joined Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to advocate responsible camping. The campaign is intended to the delight and stewardship of the outdoors through volunteerism, education, and ethical manners.

To continually enjoy the experience of the outdoors, we must be responsible individuals by respecting camp site rules and

regulations, using biodegradable goods when camping or even when you are not camping, and recognizing the value of our obligations to the surroundings. Pick the appropriate tent and the best camping gear that suit your needs and do your share in protecting our natural environment so that other people will also get the chance to delight in it.

Enjoying part of your North Carolina Attractions at Paramounts Carowinds Theme Park will not only have you relaxed you did but your children will know you are the best thing ever!

If you have children under five years of age don’t worry that there is little for them to enjoy, there is the Nickelodeon attraction where the kids can enjoy a train trip with Dora-the-Explorer’s Azul or soar, dip and swirl with Danny Phantom. Paws are the part of the game for the little ones with the life-size Nickelodeon stars throughout the park.

With kids from six - 12 everyone can keep them excited with either seeing some of the live events that go on throughout the theme park all day or visit Nickelodeon Central where there are more than twenty rides for their age group. They can even visit Scooby-Doo’s Haunted Mansion! They will enjoy the free fall into twenty acres of thrills in the water park. You will discover fun rides that they will love - including one that takes you three hundred and twenty feet above the park! There is the “wild-mouse” roller coaster that will give the kids a real thrill or the Scream Weaver - Gondolas which twirl in a horizontal position and shoots into the vertical position, skyrocketing riders into upside-down orbit. With all these and many more options for the kids they will be busy from the moment you walk in until you finally get them to depart at the close of the day!

For teens between 12 - eighteen the thrill never ends. They will experience the Nighthawk, the flying coaster and tallest one in the park or the Rip-Roaring-Rapids with the white-water raging rafting you can take in a six person craft (and get really, really soaked). Naturally there are the bumper-cars that are a favorite of many kids. Now imagine them on the Thunder-Road which is a forward and backward roller-coaster. You may need to plunge down a 45 foot waterfall to the tidal pool of water below (another great opportunity to cool off on a steamy day.) There are so many rides and attractions for everyone that they may want you to come back with them the next day!

As parents you may think that you need to sit back and watch the kids have fun…BZZZZZ! Get out there with them, convince them into going on the Xtreme SkyFlyer with you and experience the thrill of skydiving as everyone is lifted 153 feet in the sky and then pull the ripcord for a fifty foot free-fall at 60 mph. (you need to be extraordinarily brave for this one and it does require an additional cost.)

If that isn’t adequate for you then go to the Drop-Zone where you will find a 56 mph 100 ft. free-fall. Probably don’t want to eat just before you do this, could get messy!

The Hurler is the wooden coaster that reaches fifty mph with thrilling dips and turns.

This is just the beginning of the fun that waits for you and your family in Charlotte on your North Carolina vacations!

There is a twenty-five acre campground at Carowinds with almost 200 campsites, and fifeteen rental cabins for those that want to camp right there. For reservations call 704-587-9116 or 1-800-888-4386 ext. 2116

LOCAL DIRECTIONS

Take I-77 to SC exit #90 at the North Carolina/South Carolina border. The Carowinds Park is only fifeteen minutes south of Uptown Charlotte and fifeteen minutes north of Rock Hill, SC.

CALL AHEAD

Hours and operating days vary, so before planning a vacation, it’s a good idea to call Carowinds Information Center at: 704-588-2600 in North Carolina; 803-548-5300 in South Carolina; or toll-free 800-888-4386. The Information Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and during park operating hours.

Tents have been around for thousands of years, being the core home of nomadic people especially of the inhabitants of Northern Africa and the Middle East. The American Indians have also another adaptation of this type of shelter in the form of the teepee. A tent is mostly just a textile or any other the same material wrapped over a set of poles or secured to a rope. This is the simple style which has now changed to become more advanced and to meet the requirements of present campers.

The simple style of the Bedouin tent at the moment comes in several designs and styles. You can select from dome tents, tunnel tents, A-frame tents among others. You can acquire a great selection of Coleman tents which have further gone beyond the normal coziness of their regular equivalent.

Being your shelter during camp, a tent should be made of high quality materials to be able to withstand the unpredictable weather conditions. The thin fabric of your tent is the only thing that separates you from the elements outside. Waterproof fabric is very important since you will either have a fun weekend in the outdoors even if it suddenly starts raining or you can be all wet and very miserable indeed.

Rain resistance of the fabric can be done by using common treatments such as coating of polyurethane or infusing with silicone. It is also important that the seams are made water resistant since stitching can result to minute holes in the fabric and this can be done by applying water sealant. The poles and stakes should also be sturdy and resilient so that they can hold out even in the harshest weather.

Modern tents such as Khyam tents are tested out in the natural weather situation to guarantee that they perform their best. So when heading for the outdoors shop, have a list of criteria of what you want your camp shelter to be. Similar to when you are choosing your dream house, you need to take everything into consideration – coziness, reasonable price, durability, and other individual concerns.

Modern tents have gone a long way from the traditional style of the nomadic people to deal with the increasing requirements of today’s campers. But it still goes back to the simple necessity of a place to rest after a grueling yet fun time outside.

Manufacturing corporations, together with those which create Vango tents, definitely knew this and so they created the many brands and styles fit for your specific requirements, even your pet can now enjoy the same comfort. Ask the land manager in your vicinity for a good camping spot, arrange your outdoor adventure, decide what you need for the outing, go to the neighboring sporting goods store, and begin your scheduling. This will be a wonderful outdoor experience!