The Best Camping Tipscamp
Sleeping Bags — Temperature Rating
The Temperature Rating of Sleeping Bags
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag indicates the coldest temperature in which that sleeping bag will keep you warm. While there are no required standards consistent among manufacturers, the EN 13537 is a European standard designed to standardize the temperature ratings on sleeping bags manufactured and/or sold in Europe. The temperature rating provided for a sleeping bag is only a suggested guideline to use as a starting point. There are many factors that will affect how warm you will be in that sleeping bag.
- What type of metabolism do you have? Are you a ‘hot’ sleeper or a ‘cold’ sleeper? Are you the one who sleeps with minimal covers or do you bundle under several quilts and blankets, and then you are cold when you wake up? If you are the latter then adjust the temperature down by 10 degrees.
- Will you be eating hearty and drinking a lot of water? If not adjust down.
- How does the bag fit? Do you have minimal air space or do you need space to move around? Can you sleep in the bag with the hood cinched around your face with just a small opening for breathing? If not, adjust down.
- What type of tent are you in? If you have a winter tent then less concern. Are you using a three season tent or a summer tent and it is cold out? Then adjust accordingly.
- On the other extreme, are you always hot while everyone else around you is chilled? Then adjust up.
Click here to see a brief video displaying the features of the TETON Sports Celsius Sleeping Bag
Select a bag with a temperature rating of at least an extra 15 – 20 degrees lower than you expect ever needing. You will be able to use it in a range of temperatures and will also give you flexibility on how much or what type of padding you want underneath or how many layers of clothing you will wear.
Warm weather sleeping bags are great for family camping trips in the warmer climates. They do not need special insulation or a heavy shell. They can be very inexpensive, starting at $10.00 for a basic sleeping bag. When the kids have a slumber party they will be happy to sleep in their favorite sleeping bag as they share the floor space with their friends.
Three Season sleeping bags are a good investment if you camp often and want a bag that is versatile and functional. You can stay very warm when camping in climates where the evenings get cool. Select a temperature factor taking the above factors into consideration. A general guideline is to get one with a minimum rating of 15 to 20 degrees. If it is too warm you can always open up!
Winter sleeping bags are for campers that find themselves out in cold weather where the temperatures are below freezing. The design that is the warmest is the mummy shape, as you have less air space to keep warm and with a hood and draft collar it helps to lock in warmth. Both down and synthetic insulation will keep you warm. Don’t be stingy. If you are camping in the winter cold get a bag with a rating of -40. Don’t be surprised by the cold winds blowing! Any winter bag must also have zipper draft tubes, shoulder collars, and a hood the fits close around the head to make sure you stay warm.
Visit our page “The Best Sleeping Bags” for more features and options to consider when selecting a great sleeping bag.
Select the BEST Sleeping Bag for You!
There are many brands of quality sleeping bags available. Below are just a few of the excellent sleeping bags available today. Click on the image or link for each to learn more about each bag pictured. Agnes makes a great sleeping bag, as we haven’t met anyone who didn’t love their Agnes sleeping bag! Eureka, Marmot and Kelty also make a quality product. Many merchants offer a wide choice. One of our favorites is Campmor and Gander Mountain. They offer a large assortment of quality sleeping bags. Amazon also carries many great brands to choose from.
| Great Sleeping Bags |
 The Eureka Sandstone is perfect for camp or cabin. Eureka Sandstone 45 Degree Rectangular Sleeping Bag Sleep comfortably, in the roomy Eureka Sandstone 45 Degree Rectangular Sleeping Bag. It… [More] Price: $49.98 Buy Now
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 The Kelty Dualist hasd hybrid insulation for warmth and dryness.
The Kelty Dualist 30°F Sleeping Bag adapts to unpredictable weather you face outdoors to keep you comfortable. It has a thermal-comfort hood and natural-fit footbox for warmth and coverage head to toe. tube...[More] Price: $99.99 Buy Now |
 The ground layer of synthetic insulation provides maximum warmth in compression zones, while the top layer of down insulation provides warmth and comfort. Marmot Scandium 20 Degree Outdoor Composite Mummy Sleeping Bag The Marmot Scandium 20 degree Mummy Sleeping Bag is the result of extensive lab and field testing, to optimize the body mapping of different types of insulation to perfectly balance thermal efficiency, weight and comfort. … [More] Price: $199.00 Buy Now
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 The North Face Snow Leopard has a shaped hood for increased warmth and comfort. The vaulted footbox allows for natural foot movement. The North Face Snow Leopard Zero Degree Sleeping Bag... Lightweight, warm and extremely durable, The North Face Snow Leopard 0 Degree Sleeping Bag will perform in all conditions. The efficient design maximizes warmth and compressibility while reducing weight. … [More] Price: $169.98 Buy Now
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 The Slumberjack Sojourn is lightweight and highly compressible, allowing you to pack your bag into the backcountry without taking up a lot of space in your pack. Slumberjack Sojourn -20 DriDown Mummy Sleeping Bag If you’re looking for a roomy yet lightweight, compact, warm and water resistant mummy bag, the Slumberjack Sojourn -20 DriDown Mummy Sleeping Bag is the answer! Slumberjack’s unique “arms-out” feature allows you to keep insulation on your chest and head while freeing up both arms to manage tasks without leaving your bag [More] Price: $299.95 Buy Now
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We have created this website, and it includes input from friends who love to camp. Send any questions about this website to info@thebestcampingtips.com. There are no sponsorships or paid topic insertions included on this website. However, if you purchase something from the merchants featured on this website we may receive a commission for traffic directed from our site. These commissions are also compensation for our opinion and analysis on products and services offered by these merchants. We give our honest opinions and findings based on our research and experiences. All views expressed are our own. All product claim, stats, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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The AdjustAGrill — Campfire To Go
We love this new grill! The AdjustAGrill — it’s the Campfire to Go fire pan combo contained campfire and cooking system. It’s a combo of a contained campfire with a grill to prepare your meals! This is a useful addition to your camp kitchen, and it is a great alternative if you are in an area where ground fires are not allowed. It is great not only for camping, but for picnicking, tailgating at sports events, backyard parties and so much more!
Best of all, it is now on sale for $15.00 off at Campmor!!
Your awesome campsite meal is ready … prepared on the AdjustAGrill!
The AdjustAGrill – Campfire To Go – Fire Pan Combo
The AdjustAGrill ‘Campfire On The Go!’ was specifically designed for meeting the requirements of environmentally sensitive permitted areas where ground fires are not allowed. The fire pan can be set up in a parking lot for tailgating or used on a picnic table for Dutch Oven cooking…. [More]
is also available from Amazon, along with several other models of adjustable grills. Click on any of the images below to browse for more information on each model.
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Fall Camping
Fall Camping – the BEST Camping Season!
No matter where you are, fall is one of the best times for camping! The evenings are cool, the days are beautiful! If you’re in the northern part of the world you are blessed with a magnificent display of warm harvest colors, while those of youus in the southern part of the world are blessed with the renewal of a season of new growth and awesome beauty!
Lets get going!!!
Planning remains the key. The main thing to consider is the variation in temperatures, and be ready for changes in the weather. In other words pack extra clothes to keep warm!
- A three-season tent will keep you warm at night. Be sure to close all openings to keep out any cool drafts and keep all body heat in. Visit our page for selecting tents by clicking HERE.
- Take a sleeping bag designed to keep in body heat – one that closes up around the shoulders and your face. Learn more about sleeping bags for the seasons by clicking HERE.
- Dress in layers of clothing. Start with something fitting close but comfortable to your skin, like long underwear. This will decrease the size of the air pockets next to your skin that you need to keep warm. Layer so you can adjust based on the temps for that day or evening. Be sure to bring a hat or stocking cap, as the head is one of the first places where we lose body heat. Place the clothes you plan to wear tomorrow in your sleeping bag tonight so it will be warm when you dress.
Keep up your energy with a hearty meal prepared in your camp kitchen or over the campfire. Prepare food ahead of time to make the chore easier at the campsite. And be sure to drink plenty of water, even though the temps may be cool!
With the right preparations and bringing the right camping gear the fall season can become your favorite time to go camping!
Looking for the best hiking trails to see the fall colors? See the 10 Best Fall Hiking Trails in the US for magnificent views for taking in autumn’s colors. If you are in the vicinity of any of these hikes be sure to take the time to just look and be surrounded by the beauty of nature!
We have created this website, and it includes input from friends who love to camp. Send any questions about this website to info@thebestcampingtips.com. There are no sponsorships or paid topic insertions included on this website. However, if you purchase something from the merchants featured on this website we may receive a commission for traffic directed from our site. These commissions are also compensation for our opinion and analysis on products and services offered by these merchants. We give our honest opinions and findings based on our research and experiences. All views expressed are our own. All product claim, stats, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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Get the Benefits of the Good Sam Club
Don’t Leave Home without Good Sam!
An excellent resource for the RV campers is the Good Sam Club. The Good Sam Club provides members with RV camping discounts, RV technical tips, 1,000,000 RVing friends, and much more.
With a membership in the Good Sam Club you become a part of the largest RV Club in the world! You will receive discounts at RV parks & campgrounds, discounts on RV parts & accessories, free RV trip routing, discounts on gas and diesel, and so much more!
Click here to learn more about the Good Sam Club!
- Save 10% on regular nightly RV site rates at over 2,100 Good Sam RV Parks & Campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada with Good Sam Club.
- Save on Fuel at Pilot Flying J – save 3¢ instantly on gas and diesel at Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers using the Good Sam Club Swipe & Save membership card. No codes to enter at the pump! Pay with your preferred form of payment.
- Save up to 30% at Camping World, plus enjoy special installation offers with your Good Sam Club Membership
- Good Sam Club membership comes with the Good Sam Trip Planner. Map your route, calculate fuel costs and travel time, use the RV filter to see low clearance and tunnel warnings and much more! Join Today!
- Click here to see all of the discounts available to Good Sam Club members!
Traveling by RV is a great way to see the country, but when your RV suddenly leaves you stranded your good time can quickly turn into hours if not days of frustration. Good Sam Roadside Assistance is the most comprehensive Good Sam Extended Service Plan available. It providing towing and road service for RVs and all household cars, minivans, SUVs, pickups and boat trailers.
- Benefits include flat tire service, jump starts and travel delay assistance.
- Get NO LIMIT towing to the nearest service center with Good Sam Roadside Assistance
- Good Sam Roadside Assistance includes FREE family coverage for your spouse & dependent children.
- Good Sam Roadside Assistance
is celebrating 30 years of successful roadside rescues!
The Good Sam Extended Service Plan is mechanical breakdown insurance for your RV, 5th Wheel, Trailer, and Tow Vehicle. The Good Sam Extended Service Plan is better than an RV Warranty. It is mechanical breakdown insurance that goes above and beyond a manufacturer’s RV warranty to protect RVers from the high costs associated with a mechanical breakdown. When your RV breaks down, simply take it to a service center anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Call their toll-free number and they will discuss the repairs with the technician on your behalf. Once work is completed to your satisfaction, Good Sam Extended Service Plan pay the service center directly.
- Let the Good Sam Extended Service Plan pay your RV Repair Bill!
- Click here for a FREE Quote
We have created this website, and it includes input from friends who love to camp. Send any questions about this website to info@thebestcampingtips.com. There are no sponsorships or paid topic insertions included on this website. However, if you purchase something from the merchants featured on this website we may receive a commission for traffic directed from our site. These commissions are also compensation for our opinion and analysis on products and services offered by these merchants. We give our honest opinions and findings based on our research and experiences. All views expressed are our own. All product claim, stats, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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S’Mores in a Pan
Easy S’Mores in a Pan
If you have a beautiful roaring campfire you would never be making S’Mores in a Pan! But if you are camping where there are fire restrictions because of a drought or any other reason, or you just want easy S’Mores at home then this is the recipe for you! Make these ahead of time and they will be ready for snacking any time of day! Or, for some fun around the campfire, use your camp stove to melt the ingredients, add the grahams and chocolate chips, and then press in a pan and you are done!
1/4 cup butter
1 (10 oz) bag regular marshmallows
1 box of Golden Graham cereal
2 cups Chocolate Chips
Melt butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows and keep stirring until the marshmallows are melted completely and you have a smooth liquid. Remove from heat. Add Golden Grahams and stir to coat well. Crush a few of them up before adding them to make some smaller pieces. Stir in chocolate chips.
Grease a 9×13 pan and press down the S’mores. Drizzle with some melted chocolate chips over the top for some added chocolate. Allow to cool, cut into pieces and enjoy!
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Cook Stoves for the Best Camping Meals
With the right Stove the Best Camping Meals are easy!
When planning our meals for a camping weekend some of the first things that come to mind are roasting hot dogs or grilling hamburgers over the open fire. I agree that is hard to beat! But, if you camp often or are out for more than a day, you may want to add some other options for the meals. And with a good camp stove, it’s easy to do. With the right equipment you will soon be preparing the best meals ever!
Following is an overview of the different types of camp stoves available and the features of each. We also offer some recommendations of models for each type. Visit the sites for these products to see more choices of camp stoves.
Camping stoves are categorized into three types: canister stoves, liquid fuel stoves and the bigger family camping stoves. Which type is best will depend on what type of camping you do. If you do a lot of hiking and backpacking where you will be carrying everything on your back, then you definitely want a smaller lightweight canister stove or liquid fuel stove. If you are car camping where you will drive to your campsite and unload for the duration of your stay, then a bigger two or three burner camping stove will be a good choice. These stoves are great for families or a group as meal preparation will be much easier with more than one burner.
Canister Stoves
Canister Stoves use propane, butane, or butane/propane mix.
- Small and lightweight, good choice for backpackers
- Easiest and cleanest to use, no pumping and priming
- Can purchase automatic ignition device which you can attach to the stove (turn fuel on, press button, you’ve got the flame) Some come with the ignition built in
- Butane’s performance in cold weather is not as good
- Burn clean on butane, propane or mixture of both
- Easiest and cleanest to use
 Jetboil Flash Jetboil Flash Personal Cooking System Jetboil’s Flash Personal Cooking System includes a heat-transfer system to increase output and fuel efficiency as well as thermocromic stripes on the cup that change color when hot. The translucent FluxRing cooking cup doubles as a measuring cup with easy-to-read lines and a translucent drink-through lid so you can see when your contents are boiling…. [More] Price: $99.95 Buy Now
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 The MSR Pocket Rocket is compact yet powerful MSR Pocket Rocket Stove This compact and powerful butane stove is the lightest MSR stove ever made. The durable and maintenance free Pocket Rocket is made with high quality stainless steel, aluminum and brass. Simple in design, this stove requires no preheating, priming or pressurizing – just twist the control valve and light. It quickly delivers a steady, hot flame that users can adjust to simmer or boil. … [More] Price: $39.95 Buy Now |
Liquid Fuel Stoves
- Heavier and more bulky than canister stoves
- Small enough for backpackers
- Can operate on more than one type of fuel (alcohol, kerosene, unleaded gasoline, white gas), most work best when using “white gas” (also known as Coleman fuel)
- Alcohol: burns cooler so will take more fuel, also burns cleaner
- Kerosene: cheap, available in most parts of the world, burns dirtier so more attention is needed for cleaning and maintaining the stove, safer as it evaporates more slowly than other fuels–a spill will not ignite as quickly and easily
- Unleaded gasoline: the same stuff you put in your car, burns very dirty, evaporates quickly spills ignite easily. Use this only as your last choice.
- White gas: provides intense heat, performs well in most weather conditions, inexpensive, is the choice of many campers
- Require pumping to pressurize the fuel tank and priming when lighting
- Easy to use, work well in all conditions
- Good choice if you are going places where you do not know what fuel will be available
 The MSR Dragonfly — a quart of hot water in less than 4 minutes! MSR Dragonfly Stove A multi-fuel expedition stove with a fully adjustable flame, from a slow simmer to a rolling boil. Burns kerosene, white gas, aviation gas, naptha, auto gas, diesel #1 and Stoddard solvent. Self cleaning shaker jet. Boils 1 quart of water in under 3.5 minutes, with white gas, just under 4 minutes with kerosene…. [More] Price: $139.95 Buy Now |
 The MSR Whisperlite is ultralite! MSR Whisperlite Shaker Stove The Whisperlite Shaker Stove has gotten great reviews from the casual recreational campers to the avid adventurers! It is ultralight and folds up small enough to fit into any size pot without compromising critical space in your backpack…. [More] Price: $89.95 Buy Now |
Family Camping Stoves
- Large and heavy, ideal when car-camping as you will be driving to one spot and unloading
- Offers a large cooking area with a high heat output
- Different models—propane, Coleman Fuel (white gas), Duel Fuel stoves (will burn either white gas or unleaded fuel)
- Two or three burners, grill and stove combinations
- Flame control, use burners to simmer on one and boil on the other
 The Coleman stove – a family favorite for many years! Coleman Triton 2 Burner Propane Instastart… A Coleman stove has been standard gear for many campers for years. The durable Tritan 2 Burner Stove by Coleman has powerful burners for great cooking performance and boils water very quickly allowing you to adjust the temp from a simmer to a boil. … [More] Price: $79.99 Buy Now |
 The Century cookstove — another family favorite! Century 18,000 BTU Economy 2 Burner Stove Lightweight, compact and easy to use, the Century 18,000 BTU Economy Two-Burner Stove i.. More] Price: $44.99 Buy Now |
The above camp stoves are available from Campmor. They offer an excellent selection of stoves and accessories from which to choose. Visit Campmor’s website to see a full line of Camp Stoves. Amazon also offers many choices for camp stoves. See some of their selection here.
Features to Look For
Look for the following features on any model, no matter what type of stove you purchase. These guidelines will help you select the best stove for you.
- Being easy to set up is always a plus.
- The stoves should have a good solid base so they won’t tip over easily.
- Push button ignition are convenient, but is a mechanism that can break or wear out. Just be sure to have matches as a backup to get it started.
- Be sure to have a windscreen, as the stove may be impossible to keep lit any time you have the howling winds creating less than ideal conditions. The windscreen will also help hold the heat in. Reflectors, heat exchanges and pot lids can also be used to keep the temperature up, which will also save on fuel.
- A case or stuff sack for your stove ensures that all parts stay together. You will always be ready for the next campout.
Safety
The stove — we are talking heat and fire — use the same common sense that you use around any fire. Don’t ever leave the stove unattended. Keep all flammables at a distance. Keep small children at a distance. And, a few additional points to keep in mind include:
- Make sure the stove is standing on a level. If the surface is not level get a piece of scrap wood from your Campers Toolbox to help make the stove stand solid.
- Don’t use a pot that is too big and cause the stove to tip over.
- Don’t ever cook inside your tent or any enclosed shelter as this is very dangerous.
Efficiency
Stove efficiency is often measured by how long the stove can run at full throttle on one tank of fuel. While this can be misleading as many factors can affect efficiency, a general guideline is that the stove can run for 10 to 12 minutes on 1 oz of fuel.
Performance
The stove manufacturers measure performance on how long it takes to bring one quart of water to boil. This can range anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes. Look for one at a midrange of 3 to 6 minutes. This is also affected by altitude. Boiling will take longer at higher altitudes, so if you are going up the mountains then get a stove with a higher boiling point.
With a few pieces of the right basic equipment you will be serving the best meals ever while out on your camping vacation!
We have created this website, and it includes input from friends who love to camp. Send any questions about this website to info@thebestcampingtips.com. There are no sponsorships or paid topic insertions included on this website. However, if you purchase something from the merchants featured on this website we may receive a commission for traffic directed from our site. These commissions are also compensation for our opinions and analysis on products and services offered by these merchants. We give our honest opinions and findings based on our research and experiences. All views expressed are our own. All product claim, stats, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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Headlamps
Wear a Cool Headlamp at Night!
Select a low, dim headlamp when sitting around the campfire with friends.
One of the best tips for camping is using a headlamp. A headlamp is like a flashlight on a headband, where you wear the light on your forehead. This leaves your hands free to do whatever you need to do at the moment, be it cooking the evening meal, an exciting card game, reading a book in the tent or a late night trip to the privy.
Be sure to include a headlamp with your camping gear. This will become one of your favorite camping accessories!
There are several options and choices when selecting a headlamp. The best lamp for you will depend on your specific use and purpose. The first thing to consider is the type of beam. Do you need a flood beam or a spotlight? The flood beam is best for close-up work, while the spotlight is better for distance. For routine chores around the campsite the floodlight would be best. The night hikers will appreciate the distance lighting provided by the spotlight. Beam throw is another measure stat that you will want to consider depending on the primary purpose of the headlamp.
The Best Wide-Beam headlamp — Princeton Tec Quad
The Princeton Tec Quad is one of the best lamps for task lighting. It works great for campsite lighting and for household power outages. Watch a video here demonstrating the features of the versatile Princeton Tec Quad headlamp.
 The Princeton Tec Quad is a great choice for task lighting |
Use a powerful headlamp to light up the pathway when navigating a dark trail
Brighter does not necessarily make it better. The bright light will be beneficial if you’re on a dark trail or looking for something in your box of supplies in the dark, but will be very annoying if others are close by and your light is shining in their eyes. Too bright also creates a glare which makes it hard to read in your tent. The head chef may want a stronger lamp, while everyone else just needs a small flood light.
The level of brightness affects the duration of batteries as the brighter the light the more battery power is consumed. An adjustable light level is a feature that gives you more flexibility with a lamp and allows longer battery life by allowing you to keep the lamp on the lowest light setting needed.
Consider a lamp with a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator will keep the light consistent for a certain number of hours, rather than the lamp starting to dim right away as the batteries fade. Lamps with a voltage regulator usually have a battery meter so you will know when it is getting time to change batteries.
The beam throw and battery life are two standard measures agreed upon by manufacturers. You should be able to compare most brands and what the models will provide based on these two measures.
Best Long Distance LED headlamp — Princeton Tec Eos
The Princeton Tec EOS is a top choice for distance lighting, while still being optimal for localized needs. This lamp also includes a strobe function for emergency situations.
 The Princeton Tec EOS is a top choice for distance lighting
Princeton Tec EOS LED Headlamp Designed with the user in mind, the Princeton Tec EOS? LED Headlamp is optimal for both… [More] Price: $34.99
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LED lights are now recommended as the best type. LED technology now allows for long battery life with bright light. Lux is better than lumens. It is harder to compare lumens across products as manufacturers calculate lumens differently. Other features to consider:
- A flash or strobe mode gives the ability to alert rescuers should there ever be an emergency situation.
- Night vision – a red LED is better than a red filter. If you do select a lamp with a filter, the colored filters that pull down are more convenient than detached filters.
- If you are travelling to unfamiliar places be sure to select a headlamp that uses standard batteries that are universal and easy to find. Or, even easier select a solar powered lamp which needs no batteries.
- Waterproof or water-resistant – what is your sport? Water resistant means the headlamp can survive out in the rain. Waterproof means the headlamp can perform while immersed in water, which is appropriate if you are a diver.
Use it all around the home whenever a little extra light is needed.
Don’t limit the use of your headlamp to the camping trip. You will find it very useful for many chores around the house, garage and barn. Think of all the times you could do your task if both hands were available and you didn’t have to hold the flashlight. Many folks keep one in their vehicle so they are prepared for nighttime emergencies. A headlamp with a flash or strobe mode is a valuable added feature for those emergency situations.
There are many great models of headlamps to choose from. Following are more of our recommendations for the various types of headlamps.
Lightest Headlamp
Several models have received good reviews, each with it’s own specific features.
 The Petzl e+LITE is tiny and lightweight so it is very easy to always carry it with you. It is an ideal emergency light as it is small enough to store anywhere. Petzl E+LITE Emergency Headlamp The E+LITE can be used for emergencies or every day. 26 Lumens. 2 lighting levels: econ… [More] Price: $29.95
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 The Petzl Tikka has gotten good reviews as well. This compact headlamp includes several proximity lighting modes to adapt to each situation, including a wide, comfortable beam for close-range vision. The Petzl Tikka + Headlamp offers 160 lumen brightness in Boost mode. It is ideal for outdoor activities that require rapid movement. Featuring CONSTANT LIGHTING technology … [More] Price: $39.95
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 The Black Diamond Ion was designed to be the smallest headlamp in existence. With the feather light adjustable headband, it can be worn on a helmet or hat as well.
A great replacement for that bulky flashlight in your glove box or emergency kit, the Black Diamond Ion Headlamp is so small and light it never gets in the way… [More] Price: $24.95
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 The Black Diamond Gizmo has been recommended it for children two reasons – it fits small heads and it saves battery as it automatically powers off after four hours.
The powerful 90-lumen Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp is bright enough for climbing, ski touring and backpacking. The water resistant design ensures powerful lighting through unexpected storms… [More] Price: $19.95 Buy Now
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Brightest 3-watt LED Headlamp
 The Princeton Tec Apex gets excellent reviews for the brightest headlamp. It has adjustable flood and spot beams, and it has a strobe option for alerting rescuers in emergency situations. Princeton Tec Apex LED Headlamp The Apex is the pinnacle of waterproof headlamp design, with four light levels, safety flash mode and impact resistant design. Easy dual switch system allows you to control long range lighting, the wide angle, or close range lighting. … [More] Price: $69.99 Buy Now
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We have created this website, and it includes input from friends who love to camp. Send any questions about this website to info@thebestcampingtips.com. There are no sponsorships or paid topic insertions included on this website. However, if you purchase something from the merchants featured on this website we may receive a commission for traffic directed from our site. These commissions are also compensation for our opinion and analysis on products and services offered by these merchants. We give our honest opinions and findings based on our research and experiences. All views expressed are our own. All product claim, stats, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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Starting a Campfire
The Campfire — Center Stage!
Campfire safety is the number one concern when building a campfire. Before you even start to build a campfire, make sure you have a bucket of wat
er and shovel nearby! Check your surroundings around the fire pit and make sure the tents, overhanging limbs, and any other flammable items are a safe distance–at least six feet–from the fire pit. Make sure there are no tree roots or underbrush close by.
By following these tips for starting a campfire you will have a warm fire glowing in no time. You will need small and large pieces of wood and some kindling to build your campfire. The wood should be dry and no more than two to three feed long. It should fit inside of your fire pit.
- The kindling is the base for starting a campfire. To start the fire place a couple of handfuls of kindling in the center of the fire pit. Kindling can be small pieces of wood, sticks, twigs, etc., and other fire starter materials such as dry leaves or grass which will get your fire going. It is best to bring this with you as well as many parks and public areas will prohibit you from gathering fallen material from the ground as this is an important part of the ecosystem. If you run out of kindling you can resort to using Doritos or chips, which also will work!
- Place larger sticks and pieces of wood around the kindling. This is the fuel for the fire. Set some upright leaning inward so their tops meet at the center to form a teepee or pyramid over the kindling, allowing the air to circulate so oxygen will feed the fire.
- Light the fire.
- Add more kindling and small pieces of wood, if needed, to get the fire burning.
- Continue to build the teepee with the larger pieces of wood. As the fire begins to burn, place increasingly larger pieces of wood and logs on the fire, always stacking in a manner so air will circulate and the fire can breathe. Keep the stack of wood small and contained. Your goal is to keep the fire burning, not create a larger fire.
Check the rules of the campground regarding firewood, as some sites will not allow you to bring in firewood as it could carry diseases. Most campsites will have a place to purchase logs, and often the locals will offer firewood for sale. If the campsite does allow you to bring your own that is always a good option as you know for sure you will have plenty of dry wood. If it has been raining the day before it also might be best to bring at least a few dry logs to get the fire going, as the campers that have arrived before you may have grabbed all the dry wood from the campsite.
Whether you bring your own or plan to purchase the wood at your destination, be sure to bring the rest of the supplies needed–matches, kindling, and fire starters.
How much wood you need depends on how much time you plan to spend around the campfire. Is it cool out? Will you spend your evenings around the fire keeping warm? Or is it hot, in the middle of summer, and you are only planning one meal over the fire roasting hot dogs? The campfire is always the center of activity at the campsite and creates a wonderful ambience with nature. Don’t let a lack of adequate supply of logs keep you from the pleasures of the campfire.
An easy way to make fire starters to use in addition to the kindling to get your fire started is by using items you probably have at home and just throw away – egg cartons and paper towel/toilet paper rolls.
Fill the egg cartons with:
- Charcoal
- Dryer lint — keep an egg carton in an inconspicuous place close to the dryer to accumulate as you clean the vent
- Dried pine needles
- Sawdust
- Nut shells
Place a rubber band around it to ensure it stays shut. It is clean and easy to pack.
Use paper towel and toilet paper rolls by filling them with:
- Strips of newspaper or any scrap paper
- Tie the ends shut with twine and tissue paper and fill with the suggestions for egg cartons
- Old twine
Place the filled cartons or rolls under the logs to start the fire.
Never use a liquid igniter like lighter fluid or gasoline on your campfire!.
When you leave MAKE SURE THE FIRE IS COMPLETELY OUT!!! Scatter the ashes and sprinkle them with water. Drench any charred logs with water, pull away from the ashes. Sift your fingers through the ashes to make sure it is out. If it is too warm for your fingers then it is not truly out. (Do this before you pack up the soap!)
Building a campfire can be a lot of fun. But be sure to keep safety in mind before, during, and after you’ve built it. Visit Smokey Bear’s Campfire Safety guide for more information on building a safe campfire, which will help keep you, and others, safe when cooking and camping outdoors.
If scavenging for wood and building a campfire is not part of your plan for fun, then consider an easy alternative for having a campfire — the Campfire in a Can. Simply attach a propane cylinder and you can easily light a realistic campfire to chase away the evening chill.
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We have created this website, and it includes input from friends who love to camp. Send any questions about this website to info@thebestcampingtips.com. There are no sponsorships or paid topic insertions included on this website. However, if you purchase something from the merchants featured on this website we may receive a commission for traffic directed from our site. These commissions are also compensation for our opinion and analysis on products and services offered by these merchants. We give our honest opinions and findings based on our research and experiences. All views expressed are our own. All product claim, stats, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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Planning Meals for the Camping Trip
With a Little Planning You’ll Have the Best Meals!
As we need to bring all of the food and supplies needed to prepare the camping trip
Breakfast is almost ready!
meals, here are a few tips to help you plan for and prepare easy meals at your campsite.
Keep your camping food cold at all times to avoid spoilage.
- Replenish ice often. Freeze some of your food ahead of time at home to help keep the cooler cold. Freeze meat. Prepare one-dish meals like chili and stews ahead of time and freeze.
- Block ice lasts much longer than cubed ice. Cartons of fruit juice freeze well. Or bring cans of frozen concentrate, which will also save space assuming water is available at the campsite. If water is not available then prepare the juice at home and freeze. Plan your camping meals for the latter days of your trip to include items that freeze well.
- Keep the items needed frequently (drinks, snacks, etc.) in a separate cooler. The food cooler won’t be opened as often so will stay cold much longer.
Prepare as much as you can ahead of time in your kitchen to ease the cooking chore while at camp.
- Measure the ingredients for your meals and bring only what is needed. There will be no measuring when you are preparing the meal. Put the ingredients in ziplock bags, keeping the ingredients for each meal together. Pre-chop raw vegetables at home and they are ready to use at mealtime.
Prepped early, now meal preparation will be easy!
- Bring condiments in squeeze bottles for ease of use at the picnic table. While mustard and ketchup is usually already in a bottle, select or place mayonnaise, butter, and syrup in squeeze bottles as well.
- Potatoes baked in the campfire are always a favorite. Ease the task of baking them by pre-baking them ½ done in the microwave before leaving home. Wrap individually in foil and keep in your cooler. They will be ready to bake in the campfire.
- Discard all cardboard packaging before packing the food. This eliminates much of the litter accumulation. Placing the food in plastic bags allows you to reuse the bags for other purposes (storing leftovers, stuff the kids have collected and accumulated while exploring on the trails, wet clothes when it’s time to pack for going home, etc.).
An easy way to make toast is to place it on a stick with a Y fork at the end. Hold over the fire, toasting each side to a golden brown. Do not place directly in flames.
Keep pots covered when cooking so to keep the heat inside and also use less fuel.
Cleanup:
Cover the bottoms of your cooking pots with soap to prevent them from getting damaged by the smoke and fire. This also makes cleanup easier.
Camp Kitchen setup, plan for easy cleanup
- When you are finished cooking, put a pan of water on the stove. It will be hot when you finish the meal and ready for cleanup.
- A pine cone works great as a pot scrubber.
- Always have paper towels handy. Place a rope through the roll and hang in a convenient place.
Click here to visit our page on for Campfire Recipes for some great recipe books that will give you many ideas for delicious camping meals!
A good cast iron Camp Dutch Oven is an essential part of any outdoor kitchen. Food won’t stick, and surfaces resist rust. Solid Cast Iron provides even heating over the
You are sure to have awesome meals when preparing with your dutch oven!
entire heat surface, cooking meals thoroughly and evenly every time. Use this versatile product for cooking chili and stews, or for baking biscuits. Place hot coals around the feet underneath the Dutch Oven. Arrange more coals on the lid around the outside edge. The heavy cast iron will keep food warmer for longer periods.
The Dutch Ovens come in many sizes. The Camp Chef 6 qt. Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven 
Now, after you have obtained the perfect Camp Dutch Oven and you have prepared a great meal over the campfire, make sure you make the most of it! The book entitled Field Guide to Dutch Oven Cooking is full of ideas and recipes for using your Dutch Oven. In the rich tradition of outdoor cooking in the American West, this is a great collection of all-time Dutch oven favorite recipes, including main dishes, breads and desserts. It includes recipes for the beginners preparing their first meal with a Dutch oven over the campfire as well as recipes for the more experienced outdoor cooks.
We have created this website, and it includes input from friends who love to camp. Send any questions about this website to info@thebestcampingtips.com. There are no sponsorships or paid topic insertions included on this website. However, if you purchase something from the merchants featured on this website we may receive a commission for traffic directed from our site. These commissions are also compensation for our opinion and analysis on products and services offered by these merchants. We give our honest opinions and findings based on our research and experiences. All views expressed are our own. All product claim, stats, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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