Camping.Tools is for Saving Memories A few days ago, I had breakfast with a mentor and friend, and he asked an important question. Why did you create the business? This is a seemingly simple question. But as I start to unravel the answer I'm learning that the answer is not so simple. The truth is that "the business" has evolved from a personal passion into something that I believe can lead to many good things. My writings here on Camping.Tools begin with my attempt to explain how things started,...


Replacing Your RV Suspension is Easy Enjoy this DIY video on how to upgrade the suspension on a 2017 Keystone Outback 240URS. I've driven this towable RV for roughly 35,000 miles. We bought it new in 2018 and have traveled as far north and as far west as possible in the continental US. About two years ago I noticed I was going through a set of back tires per year. I had hit a bump on the road and slightly bent the rear axle, which caused the back tires to camber out. Then, on my last big trip to...
Hiking Trails Near Atlanta, Great for Fall Foliage Standing Indian Campground is a popular outdoor destination in the Nantahala National Forest near Franklin, North Carolina. The area offers numerous hiking trails that vary in length and difficulty. Here are three hiking trails near Standing Indian Campground: Standing Indian Loop Trail Distance: Approximately 11 miles. Difficulty: Moderate. Description: The Standing Indian Loop Trail is a well-known hiking route that starts from the campground....
After leaving Custer State Park and Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota, we decided to try to find a place to stay around Devil's Tower National Monument. It was late June 2012 and it was hot, somewhere north fo 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It turned out to be the hottest part of the entire trip. So we decided to continue west across northern Wyoming . We were approaching a large mountain range that I thought were too close to be the Rockies so I checked the map. They turned out to be...
My dad used to tell me there are two kinds of RV owners, those that have had flat and those that will. Get a TPMS for peace of mind because all RV owners should use them. Imagine towing a thirty-foot towable RV and one of the tires starts dropping pressure on a long haul trip across the southern states. When you fuel up you think it looks a little low, but you get distracted by the kids and forget to check the pressure before pulling across some already hot roads. The road you’re on is worn so t...
The Shawnee National Forest , located in the southern tip of Illinois , was our first stop on the Grand Tour to Glacier National Park . Our rule of thumb for setting our schedule was to travel for about 8 hours, camp a few days, then continue on. Most of the campsites we had booked but there were several nights where we were just winging it. If you're RV camping, I definitely recommend having reservations for every stop. If you change your mind then call around. And you won't be heartbroken when...


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Nestled in Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks, Long Canyon offers a surprisingly lush escape—a short yet richly rewarding hike that stands in stark contrast to the arid foothill surroundings. Distance: 1.5 miles with significant elevation change approximately 905 feet making this a moderately strenuous yet manageable out-and-back adventure. Difficulty: Rated hard by the City of Boulder with steep sections that are icy during the winter. Trekking poles are recommended and from October to Mar...
My kitchen is a collection of murky mason jars, hanging herbs, and withered mushrooms drying beneath the counter. These things I gather from the world around me; I grow them in my garden and forage them from the sprawling Ozark Mountains beyond my home. Each object has a purpose: they turn to tinctures, balms, lotions, teas, and fragrant perfumes. My products snake into the blood, lungs, and lives of the people I love. They adorn the bodies of my community, are bought and sold and given as gifts...
There’s something magical about summer along the Boulder Creek path and a stop to enjoy Boulder Creek at Eben G. Fine Park . Located about a 10 mile ride from my home it sits right at the edge of downtown Boulder, and is a gateway to the canyon — a place where the chatter of the city fades into the rush of the creek, and the trail begins to wind into the foothills. The Boulder Canyon Trail connects the Boulder Creek Path into Boulder and follows the course of Boulder Creek as it climbs into the ...
Chautauqua Park is a classic Boulder trailhead, but it’s especially magical early in the morning before most hikers arrive. With multiple loop options, it’s easy to adjust the hike to your time and energy level. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, making it perfect for your four-legged adventure buddies. Bring plenty of water for both you and your pup, especially in the summer heat! This is a crushed gravel and dirt trail, if you venture onto the Flat Irons Loop, this gets rocky and dogs can suffer cut pad...
The Flatirons Loop is a Boulder icon, and for good reason. The combination of Ponderosa Pine forested switchbacks at the base of the Flat Irons, and open meadows provides great variety, and the rock formations make for some Instagram-worthy shots. While it’s a popular trail, heading out early in the morning or after work helps you avoid the crowds. Be prepared for a bit of elevation gain—this is a great workout in under two hours. These moderate grades make this an ideal trail for runners and a ...