Tent camping in March in Arkansas?

what

Hey guys, in a few weeks (for spring break), we will be taking a road trip to Arkansas to go camping. I've never been but I've researched a little online and it looks like the Ozarks are nicer than the Ouachita mountains. I'm looking for things to do but it looks as if everything is scattered quite a distance from the other. Can anyone give me any ideas so I wont have to travel much once I get there? I'm interested in hiking, waterfalls, fishing, caves, kayaking, rafting,etc..Any must see spots? Great tent camping areas? Also, any info on the weather in mid march, good time to fish, swim, what time of clothing to bring, etc...Thanks

Answer
Devil's Den State Park. It has hiking, fishing, caves, but the March creek water runs too fast.
All bat caves from Colorado eastward are closed but there are caves without roost populations.
March is warmish day weather and chilly nights. Three season bag is ideal. Waterproof tent
with taped interior seams. Suggest type that stands without tie-off's, big enough to stand within
and has rain fly fabric as extra moisture shield. Don't eat or excrete closer than 100 feet from
your tent to avoid wildlife problems. Cowboy boots and watching where you go avoids most snake
problems. Cotton is hard to dry. Suggest polyester attire with polypropylene under-layers. Wool
blend sweaters, waterproof bibs and jacket, wide-brim felt hats. Suggest overalls, gloves, helmet
with attached electric lamp(s). Knee pads tend to fall off but they can be a comfort in caves.
Arkansas has so many tourist traps it has gone from quaint to a slice of dumb and dumber.

Do you go camping?

delia

where at? and do you camp at a spot way out in the woods all alone, or in a row with the other campers?

Answer
I go camping usually in Colorado, near Lake City and Leadville. Usually go alone - not to fond of other people near my tent...but I do usually take a couple friends along, and we have our own mini-campsite.

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Unofficial camping near boulder co?

Matthew

Hey so I'm looking for some unofficial camping locations within about 30-45min of boulder colorado. what I mean by this is I don't want to set up my tent alongside others and near cars. I'd like to go off into the woods somewhere and set it up. so does anyone know of a good place for me to do this?

Answer
In the national forests near you and BLM lands you can camp in area's that are referred to as dispersed camping. You drive or hike into an area pick out a spot, some are posted for such with yellow posts. There is usually no fee and no water or toilet some may have a picnic table and fire ring. You may need to have an adventure pass if you bring a car that fee is $5. for a day $30. for the year. You can camp for up to 15 days in one place and then you have to move outside a 25 mile distance of where you were at. here is a link with the info near you.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/recreation/camping-picnicking/dispersed/index.shtml

What are some tips for desert camping at the Grand Canyon?

whaleskull

Ok, a friend and I are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon for early June. We are staying in a tent for a week or maybe a little more, probably at Mather Campground. What are some good camping tips for that area? What is the wildlife situation? We are on a tight budget so does anyone know fun, cheap things to do within hiking distance? (We wont have a car as we are arriving by train.) We can only take so much on the train so is food cheap at the local store? ANY info, especially from people who previously stayed at Mather would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer
First off, if you are camping at Mather campground on the rim, than you will not really be camping in the desert. The South Rim is at an elevation of 7,000 feet (a half-mile higher than Denver Colorado) and so has very cold and snowy winters and mild summers. The area is covered with pine trees and high temperatures on the South Rim rarely top 90 degrees during the summer.

Mather Camground is a nice drive-up style developed campground with designated spots that each have a place to pull in your vehicle, a picnic table and fire pit. There is a bathhouse with showers and toilets. It is a large campground and spots are fairly close together, so you won't exactly feel like you are out in the solitude of the wilderness, but it is a nice area (lots of trees) and generally does not feel too crowded given its size. The South Rim is pretty developed (there is a whole little community there called 'Grand Canyon Village') and there is a free shuttle that runs in a loop and connects all the lodges, the visitor center, the shopping plaza and the campground and RV parks, so getting around the village area without a car is pretty easy.

Wildlife-wise... even though Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is pretty developed, it is not uncommon for deer and elk and sometimes coyotes to wander about amoungst the buildings, but none of those generally cause trouble unless people deliberately try to approach them. Squirrels and chipmunks and ravens are also quite common. You don't need to worry about bears or mountain lions around the campground area, but you should not leave food out unattended as ravens, squirrels and chipmunks might take an interest in it.

There is a small shopping plaza area near Yavapai lodge that is a short walk from Mather campround (or you can ride the free shuttle) and it has a small grocery store. The prices are perhaps slightly higher than a grocery store in a big city, but it is definitely cheaper than eating at any of the South Rim restuarants (remember the South Rim is off the major supply lines and businesses have to provide employees with housing). If you do feel like a cooked meal while you are there, the cafeterias at Maswik Lodge and Yavapai Lodge are the cheapest.

As far as things to do... once you are in the park there are lots of things to do and most are free. Of course, hiking the big thing and you should try to do at least a short hike while you are there since being 'in' the canyon is a much different and deeper experience than just looking from the rim. My favorite short-n-easy day hike, is going the 1.4 miles down the South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge rest stop which has stunning views and a good chance to see condors and perhaps big horn sheep. Bright Angel and Hermit trails are also good for day hikes. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and a broad-brim hat, carry plenty of water and remember it is twice as much effort coming back up as it is going down. You should be careful how far down you go for a day hike - especially in summer - because temperatures get much warmer as you deeper into the canyon and at the bottom temps can easily break 110 degrees in summer (don't ever try to go to the bottom and back in a day).

Other fun and cheap activities include taking the free shuttle out to Hermit Rest and back (you can get on and off at various stops and overlooks along the way), listening to the ranger talks (which are usually pretty good) that are held along the rim and at the Shrine of Ages (near Yavapai Lodge), vegging out along the rim (especially at sunrise and sunset when the canyon looks most dramatic) and checking out the many historic buildings like the famous 1905 grand El Tovar lodge, the 1905 Hopi House curio shop (made to look like an indian pueblo) and the Lookout Studio (which often has free art exhibits). There is also a nice little geology museum and overlook at Yavapai Point (which can be reached via either the rim trail or by the free shuttle).

Lastly, keep in mind that Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak tourist season at the canyon and it can get crowded. You can make reservations for Mather campground (see link below) and it is highly recommended that you do so long before you leave as the odds of just showing up and finding an open spot in June are small.

Have fun!

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What are the best campsites in Colorado?

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pink.lemon

for a bunch of teen girls...& i'm kind of apprehensive about the whole dirty camping thing. but i'm willing to go if its pretty...i like the idea of a pretty lake as long as it doesnt have mosquitos...

Answer
what part of the state will you be going to?
there are several great places to camp in the cortez, mancos area of the state. ( close to the four corners yet still in the san juan range) Joe moore is great for fishing and hiking and they have bathrooms without showers. and the best part is it's totally free to camp there! just a few miles from the towns of mancos and dolores.
if you like kayaking or canoeing then a camp spot in durango would be you best bet. most spots are level enough for a good sized tent no matter which area you go to. some are very low cost to free in price so you girls will have more money for snacks and drinks!
you mentioned the dirtyness of camping, yeah it can be a little bothersome but if you let that stop you you'll never be able to enjoy the outdoors. a couple of tips for keeping dirt out of the tents and sleeping bags; do not wear your shoes/ boots inside the tent take them off before you go inside. if you do get some dirt inside be sure to sweep it out as soon as you notice it.
happy camping kids!

I am going to Colorado for a camping trip?

highrise15

What are the chances of seeing a mountain lion? I have seen bears and know to keep my distance(and my .44mag close) from them. But I would love to see a mt lion. How hard is it to spot one?

Answer
In my 50+ years of hiking the wilderness I have never seen a mountain lion in the wild. They are the most elusive of the predator family. Protection for bears ie pepper spray works just as well on Mt. lion or so I have been told.

The key to to being bear/mountain lion safe is to be aware and keep a clean camp. Wear bright colors so wildlife can see you coming, make noise and wear dinner bells, I mean bear warning bells keep you pepper spray in an easy to reach location and know how to use it. You camp should have all the food stuffs stored in a bear proof container 100 yds away from your tent and where you eat should be away from your tent as well clean everything before bed and make sure nothing is left out that would attract bears or mountain lion. When your out hiking look for tracks and bear or lion scat it will have bits of bright colored cloth and bells in it with the smell of pepper spray.

good luck!

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Camping in the middle of nowhere colorado?

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Adventure

If I were camping out in the middle of nowhere, and set up a camp to do some gold hunting... Stayed out there for several weeks.. How could I do this without getting in trouble? I would need to set up camp near the river I am prospecting.. And I dont see anyone having the discipline to follow all those rules about keeping anything with scent in a bear protective container for a couple weeks on end.

How do you pull something like this off without getting into trouble with bears or rangers.

Answer
One of Colorado's appeals is the mineral belt through the state...and the vast majority of it is in national forests and or BLM..camping is this country's coolest asset as far as I'm concerned.

'Bear country' is a relative term...they aren't exactly politically correct in there ways and means. If you pitch camp in a bears kitchen, you'll probably have company.

Keep a clean camp..'hang' your kitchen every knight.. be overly careful with your fire - enclose it if you can.. sleep 30 or 40 yards from where you cook and eat.

..keep a couple pots or pans in your tent in case you do get a visitor in the night-loud noise is pretty effective dissuading a bear form becoming assertive or aggressive in the dark..

..rangers might spot your fire smoke, and come check you out..there is a 14 day 'stay' policy here..then you will be told that you need move 15 miles befor pitching another 'camp'..it's a good policy..comply with it.

..Smoke watchers could spot your smoke as well..there are still 'Look-Outs' maned and attended around these outter countrys forests, and EVERY sign of smoke is checked out...ether by a ranger, or chopper, or plain.

..there are maintained 'claims' scattered through out these whole mountian ranges, not that they are frequently monitored, but they are lagitimet claims.

The bears are a 'varriable'..seeing one will depend on how well you camp...the rangers are an absolute..your fire will bring them..thats is just how things work out here.

What are the best campsites in Colorado?

pink.lemon

for a bunch of teen girls...& i'm kind of apprehensive about the whole dirty camping thing. but i'm willing to go if its pretty...i like the idea of a pretty lake as long as it doesnt have mosquitos...

Answer
what part of the state will you be going to?
there are several great places to camp in the cortez, mancos area of the state. ( close to the four corners yet still in the san juan range) Joe moore is great for fishing and hiking and they have bathrooms without showers. and the best part is it's totally free to camp there! just a few miles from the towns of mancos and dolores.
if you like kayaking or canoeing then a camp spot in durango would be you best bet. most spots are level enough for a good sized tent no matter which area you go to. some are very low cost to free in price so you girls will have more money for snacks and drinks!
you mentioned the dirtyness of camping, yeah it can be a little bothersome but if you let that stop you you'll never be able to enjoy the outdoors. a couple of tips for keeping dirt out of the tents and sleeping bags; do not wear your shoes/ boots inside the tent take them off before you go inside. if you do get some dirt inside be sure to sweep it out as soon as you notice it.
happy camping kids!

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Where is the best tent camping spot in Colorado?

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Nickie Y

My wife and I have about 4 days with out the kids and want to go out and finally experience Colorado. We have lived here for 4 years and we hardlyh ever go to the mountains. We want to do some fishing and some easy to moderate hiking. Caming in a KOA is out of the question (that's not really camping) but a mountain campground would be ok. If we need to hike in that would be fine too.. Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer
Maroon Bells near Aspen is my absolute favorite spot for mountain scenery in Colorado. You can camp nearby at the Silver Queen, Silver Bell or Silver Bar campgrounds (Silver Queen is the best). The hiking is exquisite in the summer - you will not believe all the wildflowers! I believe you can fish in the Roaring Fork River with the appropriate license. A great way to get there would be to drive over Independence Pass (Hwy 82 from the east). You can also check out Aspen for a nice meal or to spot a celebrity. I also recommend the Woody Creek Tavern not far away for a decent meal and a drink in honor of the late Dr. Hunter S. Thompson! If you really want to experience the outdoors in Colorado, this is the place. Have a GREAT time!

What are the best tent camping resorts in Colorado?

ash

me and my soon to be husband are going for our honeymoon but I want to pick the best, most beautiful, most fun place to go. Where we can go to the spa, swim, horseback ride, hike, ski, bike, maybe sports like tennis, and do a lot of different things since we are planning to be there for two weeks. thank you!

Answer
Ash, I'm not aware of any tent camping resorts in Colorado. There are resorts and there are tent camping sites, but I don't think I have ever heard of them combined. Is that what you are looking to find?

Anyway, what time of year to plan to come to Colorado, there are many fun things to do, but it might be difficult to both bike and ski unless you come in the spring or early summer.

It also depends on your budget, skiing at the major resorts can be very expensive ($70-100 per day plus rental fees for equipment). There are plenty of smaller ski resorts around the State that are more reasonable.

Some places to do some research on...
Winter Park (great skiing, nice small town, sledding near by... also beautiful in the summer with lots of activities like mountian biking, hiking, horse riding etc. )

Estes Park (a beautiful summer and fall destination)

Vail / Beaver Creek... an amazing (and expensive) winter vacation spot.

Pagosa Springs - less expensive, great any time of year, not far from visiting Mesa Verde or riding the Durango to Silverton train.

Ouray - Known as "Little Switzerland", great any time of year, particularly great in the winter if you've ever wanted to try ice-climbing. A beautiful place for all sorts of summer adventures. I'm looking forward to taking my wife to the Chipetta spa this summer not far from there.

Steamboat Springs - what a cool mountain town, it has some of the best atmosphere in the state. Skiing & hot springs are excellent in the winter. Hikes, horses, bikes, and hot springs are king of the summer activities.

Aspen - Whoa, now here's a town that will really leave an impression. This is likely my favorite area to backpack in the State. I haven't skied here yet, but all the resorts in the area are world class. This would really be an amazing honeymoon spot any time of year, but I'm not sure how close to town you'll be able to stay if you want to use a tent for your accommodations.

I would suggest planning on staying in hotels or resorts for several nights of your trip to make the whole experience a bit more pleasant for a romantic get-away.

Bed and Breakfasts are a fun way to travel around Colorado, you may be able to work your way around to a several parts of the State in two weeks time.

If you fly to Colorado, you will most likely fly into Denver or Colorado Springs for affordable prices. But, if you are among the super rich you can also fly into Vail, Aspen, and Steamboat to cut drive time significantly from Denver.

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Where is a good location to go camping in Colorado?

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Jay

I want thee old fashion sleepin in a tent type of camping, no campers!

Answer
your in luck Jay, you can camp on public land in Colorado for as long as you would like. no campground needed.
I have a friend who lived in a tiipii for 1/2 a year, because it was cheaper then a house. just make sure you have all your permits and have at it.
Water is a hot commodity in Colorado so find a spot near a spring. 1/3 of all the land is open to the public in Colorado so it easy to find a spot. you mite try:
Big Blue in: Uncompahgre National Forest
Elk Creek in: Rio Grande National Forest
Longs Peak in: Rocky Mountain National Park

Looking for a good place to tent camp?

june h

I am looking to take a week long camping trip. I would like to go somewhere in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, or Idaho. Does anybody have any good suggestions?

Answer
In Colorado there are a bunch of wonderful spots to tent camp. Spruce Grove has some big boulders if you wanted to go rock climbing/rappelling. There is also a spot called Sylvan Lake where you can do just about what you want.

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