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So You Want To Try Camping?

You've been wanting to try camping and, once again, summer is near. All the new camping equipment is on store shelves. It's time get serious.

One of the best things about camping is it can fit just about any budget, and you have many options. First, ask yourself how often you will camp in a year. This will help you determine the quality of equipment you should buy. Like any sporting activity, camping equipment prices reach far and wide, and "you get what you pay for." While you don't need the very best gear when starting out, don't short-change yourself either. Inexpensive, but poorly manufactured gear can be a great disappointment.

Next, determine where you will camp. State parks and wilderness area campsites vary greatly from primitive use to those with many modern conveniences. Prices can range from $5 to $20 or more per night. Continue.....

  Boulder Field

Hickory Run State Park

Hypothermia
On Land
Know the Facts

Principles of

Leave No Trace

Plan Ahead and  Prepare

Travel and Camp on     Durable Surfaces

Dispose of Waste Properly

Leave What You Find

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Respect Wildlife

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Get Away close to home

It's not always possible with today's limited leisure time to plan a weeklong camping trip. Nor do we always have time for a weekend trip if it requires a long drive in the car, or several days of planning and packing. We tend to just forget the whole idea. How can you have your leisure time and camp too? By finding those little getaway patches of land that surround every community.

There are more than 3,000 state parks in the United States, not to mention county parks and recreation areas, federal lands, wilderness areas, state and federal forest areas, and undeveloped public lands. Lands that have been preserved and protected from further developments surround some of the largest metropolitan areas. Many of these prime camping locations are within an hour's drive from your home, giving the weekend camper more reason take that needed break in the woods.

Johnson Outdoors Inc.

Outdoor recreation is popular cure for stress

Your time is at a premium in the new millenium. Because of that, so is your stress level. You're not alone. Perhaps that is why Americans are spending more of their time outdoors. 

Whether for fun, family gatherings, exercise or environmental appreciation, people are learning to reap the benefits of outdoor recreation. In one form or another, they
agree: it increases their quality of life and contributes to a higher level of satisfaction with all aspects of life.

Whether for fun, family gatherings, exercise or environmental appreciation, people are learning to reap the benefits of outdoor recreation. In one form or another, they agree: it increases their quality of life and contributes to a higher level of satisfaction with all aspects of life. Families, and especially kids, appreciate positive outdoor recreational activities. In fact, about two-thirds of active adults said they began experiencing outdoor recreation as a kid, and, as a result, have a greater appreciation for the environment.

There is another reason Americans are turning to nature for recreation. It's very affordable and very accessible almost anytime. Hiking, picnicking, or backpacking are all very popular for those reasons. In fact, picnicking and wilderness backpacking are two of the top five outdoor recreation pursuits. And 60 to 64 percent of hikers and backpackers say they participate in these activities to experience nature. State parks, wilderness areas and a growing system of trails are within easy reach of almost any community. Given the time constraints in today's busy world, one-day family outings have become the popular norm. All you need is a good pair of hiking shoes and a day or weekend pack loaded with a few essentials, and you're set to go.

Whatever your outdoor activity, there is definitely no shortage of gear. This year, take time to savor your leisure time. Nature and recreation are a great combination for stress relief and quality family gatherings.

Johnson Outdoors Inc.