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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The rain has already started in the Pacific Northwest, that means fall is here and that spooky season is just around the corner. For those of us who grew up in this area, the rain doesn’t deter us from getting outdoors and enjoying everything this beautiful area has to offer. (If I didn’t get outside and explore when it was raining, I would never go anywhere). To me, fall camping is actually the best , and the earlier sunset and often drearier weather adds a spooky vibe that is perfect for Hallo...
After relying on the traditional method of camping, I’ve decided to make my life much easier by trying out the digital approach. On my most recent camping trip, I used the CampingTools app to plan for an adventurous journey. And up to this point, I’m still wondering how I managed to go on trips without using this application. And here’s a back story of how everything went down before I started using this application: I’m a camper who always has a hard time preparing for trips. For in...
Do you love camping but are worried your camping options may be too limited if you switch to an electric vehicle? Or are you already an EV owner and unsure if you can take it camping? As an avid camper in the Pacific Northwest and a city kid with a Tesla, let me tell you that owning an electric vehicle doesn’t mean you can’t go camping. But, of course, there are some things you will need to take into consideration. I’m here to share my experience with taking a Tesla camping and provi...
Every outdoor enthusiast has been there—seduced by the promise of a gadget that claims to make camping a breeze, only to find it gathering dust in the garage. It's a tale as old as time in the outdoor gear world. Today, we delve into some of the most talked-about, yet underwhelming, pieces of camping gear that you might be better off skipping. 1. The Overly Complicated Tent Systems While they promise a quick setup, these intricate shelters often require an engineering degree to assemble. Many ca...
Surrounded by beautiful beaches, the UK is packed with numerous beach campsites that’ll give you new experiences, especially if you have never been there. Whether you are into surfing, pack rafting, kiting, kayaking, or paddleboarding, you’ll get a chance to lose yourself in fun activities while enjoying beautiful sightings. What makes beach camping fun? Reasons Why Beach Camping Is An Exciting Experience Sunset and Sunrise Sightings In terms of natural beauty, nothing beats sunset a...