It happens to the best of us. Homework, sports and the weather – you probably didn’t mean to give up on camping after Labor Day, but now it’s the middle of October and you can’t even remember where you stored the camp stove (but you’re pretty sure you forgot to clean it, first!).  Luckily, there are a lot of other people who have given up on camping until next spring, which makes this a great time to visit some of those favorite sites that are always too crowded during the summer. For a bit of motivation, here is a list of the top fall excuses for not camping:
Author Archives: Roy Scribner
A ‘Smart’ Pop-up Tent Trailer
Off to the mountains for another great weekend of camping
When it comes to pop-up tent trailers, Don Iannone wasn’t satisfied with 10 MPG and fighting the Los Angeles traffic in a big SUV or pickup truck. He hits the 405 Freeway in style with his 2008 Smart® Car, towing a small pop-up tent trailer from Time Out Trailers, Incâ„¢. “I started camping as a Boy Scout, got into my 20s and got more interested in cars. Now I’ve sold the cars for more practical things and got back into camping about a year ago,” said Don.
Camping: How Much Stuff is Enough?
How much stuff is too much? (photo by VancityAllie)
A big problem that a lot of new campers have, particularly those with children, is packing a week’s worth of stuff for a weekend trip. Packing too much gear and food is not a problem in itself, but it sure can ad to your level of stress on a Friday afternoon, as you scramble to get away in time to make the campsite before nightfall.
Camping in the Rain
A tarp provides much-needed dry space on an otherwise soggy campsite (Photo by Steven Burke)
One reality of fall camping is that you are likely to run into at least a few hours of rain. Camping in the rain can be a really enjoyable experience, provided you take the proper steps to ensure that you and your family are prepared. Here are some tips for planning to camp in the rain.
Tarps
Unless you have a really big tent, a secondary rain shelter is very convenient for changing clothes, cooking and playing games. Even if you do have a big tent, it’s a lot more enjoyable to get outside. A well-positioned tarp will let you enjoy the outdoors while still keeping dry.
Sport Utility Trailer and Toy Hauler
Part camping trailer, part toy hauler, the Freelance is versatile
The retro teardrop trailers have been all the rage, lately, but the Freelance, but True North Trailers, puts a new spin on the concept by focusing on interior room and cargo rack capability to haul all of your bicycles, or other toys. The Freelance is priced at $8,000 to $11,000, which is in line with many pop-up tent trailers.