Fifth Water Hot Springs has become one of Utah’s most famous soaking spots, thanks to its milky blue water and easy access from Salt Lake City. But with popularity comes crowds, and not everyone loves what it’s turned into. Some say it’s overrun with influencers, drones, and too many people, while others think it’s just part of the deal with well-known outdoor destinations. If you still want to visit, here’s how to avoid the madness and get the most out of your experience. How to Get to the Fift...
When I first tried to insure my van, I thought it would be simple. Call an insurance company, explain my setup, get a policy, and move on. Instead, I hit roadblock after roadblock, denials, high premiums, and confusion over what was actually covered. Turns out, insuring a converted van, especially a DIY camper van conversion, is way harder than I thought it would be. Some insurance providers won’t touch self-built vans, others won’t cover full-time van lifers, and most policies leave gaps that c...
Is Van Life Really As Cheap As it Sounds? Van life can be as cheap or expensive as you make it. Gas and groceries are obvious, but what about tolls, paid campsites, cooking fuel, and health insurance? Those costs can honestly add up so fast. Some people make van life work on a tight budget, while others spend as much as they would in a house. This guide breaks down the real expenses: what to expect, what most people forget, and how to keep costs under control. The Big Expenses You Can’t Avoid Bu...
Dispersed camping means you’re finding your own spot on public lands instead of staying in a developed campground with picnic tables and bathrooms. BLM land, national forests, and other public lands make this possible, offering millions of acres where you can camp for free. But as more people head off the grid, some areas are cracking down with new restrictions, fire bans, and stay limits. I know this topic can be a bit confusing so I wanted to break it down in this post! We’ll cover how to find...
As winter starts to loosen its grip and the first signs of spring emerge, it’s the perfect time to begin preparing for your upcoming camping adventures. Getting your gear ready now not only ensures a smooth start to the season but also gives you peace of mind as you head into the great outdoors. Taking the time to inspect, repair, or upgrade your gear will help you avoid last-minute surprises. Here’s a checklist of essential tools and gear to check before your first spring camping trip. Tent Che...
Have you ever felt like you’ve been some place before, even when you know the surroundings are new to you? On a recent trip I got that feeling, though perhaps it was more of an echo of the past. Different state, different circumstances, and with different people. One common denominator tied my memory with the reality: sand dunes. We stopped to visit Indiana Dunes National Park. The park is adjacent to the state park and thus a substantial stretch of dunes buffer the surrounding area from the mig...
Camping is one of the best ways to disconnect from the daily grind, enjoy nature, and recharge—but it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can have an enjoyable camping experience without breaking the bank. Here are some budget-friendly camping tools and clever hacks that will help you save money while still enjoying the outdoors. 1. Prioritize Essentials Over Extras When you’re on a budget, focus on the essentials—items that directly...
This February, why not trade the traditional dinner reservation for something more adventurous? Valentine’s Day camping is the perfect way to celebrate love while embracing nature’s beauty. With the right tools and gear, you can turn any outdoor adventure into a cozy and romantic getaway. Here are some must-have items and tips to make your Valentine’s Day camping trip extra special. 1. Cozy Two-Person Sleeping Bag When it comes to camping with your significant other, staying warm is key—especial...
Thinking of ditching everything and hitting the road for good? You’re in the right place. In this article we’ll lay out all of the pros and cons of full-time van life – learned the hard way by real nomads who came into the game wide-eyed with big dreams. Let’s dig into the amazing benefits and some of the less-than-glamorous realities of a fully nomadic lifestyle. Pros of Van Life For Outdoor Hobbyists, Van Life Gets You Closer to Your Bucketlist Spots If you have outdoor hobbies like climbing, ...
In 2024, the founder of Camping Tools, Robert, posted a story about why he created Camping Tools . He shared some lovely stories about his love for the outdoors and how that love was passed down to him from his father and how he then passed it down to his sons. Reading this story made me reflect on my own relationship with the outdoors and the connection to my family. So, that’s what I am going to share here. The History Now that I am in my 30s, my memories from my childhood feel a bit clo...
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Fifth Water Hot Springs has become one of Utah’s most famous soaking spots, thanks to its milky blue water and easy access from Salt Lake City. But with popularity comes crowds, and not everyone loves what it’s turned into. Some say it’s overrun with influencers, drones, and too many people, while others think it’s just part of the deal with well-known outdoor destinations. If you still want to visit, here’s how to avoid the madness and get the most out of your experience. How to Get to the Fift...
When I first tried to insure my van, I thought it would be simple. Call an insurance company, explain my setup, get a policy, and move on. Instead, I hit roadblock after roadblock, denials, high premiums, and confusion over what was actually covered. Turns out, insuring a converted van, especially a DIY camper van conversion, is way harder than I thought it would be. Some insurance providers won’t touch self-built vans, others won’t cover full-time van lifers, and most policies leave gaps that c...
Is Van Life Really As Cheap As it Sounds? Van life can be as cheap or expensive as you make it. Gas and groceries are obvious, but what about tolls, paid campsites, cooking fuel, and health insurance? Those costs can honestly add up so fast. Some people make van life work on a tight budget, while others spend as much as they would in a house. This guide breaks down the real expenses: what to expect, what most people forget, and how to keep costs under control. The Big Expenses You Can’t Avoid Bu...
Dispersed camping means you’re finding your own spot on public lands instead of staying in a developed campground with picnic tables and bathrooms. BLM land, national forests, and other public lands make this possible, offering millions of acres where you can camp for free. But as more people head off the grid, some areas are cracking down with new restrictions, fire bans, and stay limits. I know this topic can be a bit confusing so I wanted to break it down in this post! We’ll cover how to find...
As winter starts to loosen its grip and the first signs of spring emerge, it’s the perfect time to begin preparing for your upcoming camping adventures. Getting your gear ready now not only ensures a smooth start to the season but also gives you peace of mind as you head into the great outdoors. Taking the time to inspect, repair, or upgrade your gear will help you avoid last-minute surprises. Here’s a checklist of essential tools and gear to check before your first spring camping trip. Tent Che...