Search Results for: rv camping

Camping in Death Valley National Park: Furnace Creek Campground review

We love Death Valley National Park’s Furnace Creek Ranch, but as room rates for this family-friendly Death Valley lodging option rise (justifiably…it’s a great place to stay), we’ve been exploring camping in Death Valley. Here's what we discovered about fantastic Furnace Creek Campground! Families have their pick of several Death Valley campgrounds, including Stovepipe Wells campground, and all … [Read more...]

Family camping hack: Dispersed camping tips

Have you ever been on a road trip, paid around $100 a night to stay at a basic motel, and thought to yourself that you’d rather pay less and see more nature along the way? Or have you ever camped in a campground amid loud neighbors and wished you could find a place to pitch your tent away from the masses? If either question has crossed your family’s minds while traveling, dispersed camping might … [Read more...]

Tips for getting your RV summer-ready

Summer has arrived, and while you might be ready for a family camping trip, or road trip, can the same be said about your RV? If your Class C camper or trailer is still winterized, it’s time to get it summer-ready. You’ll want to begin your preparations a week or more before your first camping trip of the season, to ensure you have time to replace any necessary parts and pack for your … [Read more...]

Renting an RV: Tips for RV summer travel

As a parent, I understand it can be appealing to rent an RV for a family road trip. Your schedule is your own (and so is your bathroom!), and you're not confined to airports, flight delays, or even hotel reservations. On a whim, you can detour to visit something new, or delay a day to remain somewhere special. Before you take the plunge and rent an RV for a family road trip, however, read the … [Read more...]

New outdoor and camping gear for families

Camping season is almost here, and it's time to gear up! I spent a week last winter at Outdoor Retailer, becoming acquainted with new camping and outdoor gear from backpacks to tents to camp kitchens. Here's what's new this year, plus a few favorites that have stood the test of time. New camping gear for families: New camping gear and outdoor gear divided into several categories below: Day … [Read more...]

How to make a 5 item outdoor survival kit for $5

We love getting kids into the outdoors! At Pit Stops for Kids, we're fans of backpacking, camping, climbing, mountain biking, geo-caching...you get the idea. But as a one-time Search and Rescue volunteer who has spent countless hours teaching school kids how to stay safe in the woods, I want families to be prepared. Kids can occasionally get lost in the wilderness, but by heeding the following … [Read more...]

Camping with babies and toddlers: gear up!

The first time my family and I took our eldest son out camping, it was a three-day backpacking trek into Oregon's Columbia Gorge near Multnomah Falls, and he was 13-months old. Were we crazy? Well, yes, but we had a great time introducing baby Nate to the outdoors we loved, and I believe the experience (and others that followed) helped him acclimate at a young age to the idea of roughing it. Is … [Read more...]

Winter camping: extend your outdoor travel season

'Tis the season for everyone at the Around the Campfire community to be talking about winter camping. What's quickly become apparent, however, is that everyone's interpretation of 'winter' and 'camping' is different. As an avid camper and backpacker, I'm glad to know so many versions of outdoor overnights exist; no matter what your comfort level or geographic location, there's a way to continue to … [Read more...]

Starved Rock State Park

The following pit stop was submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Erica Smith. Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois' most beautiful natural landmarks. Located in Utica, Illinois and filled with canyons and waterfalls, Starved Rock offers breathtaking hiking, biking, exploration, and lodging. Families can stop by for the day, or consider it a destination! Distance from the … [Read more...]

A rustic cabin stay at Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

A state park stay can be a great way to safely travel with the family during COVID-19. For up-to-date information on park closures and updates in Oregon, check here. Located approximately 25 miles east of Salem, Oregon off Highway 22, Silver Falls State Park is the largest in Oregon. With each site tucked away under the canopy of the temperate rain forest, however, you'd never know it. Silver … [Read more...]