MO Magic: Explore the Best Missouri Ozarks Campgrounds for Any Budget Some states are hidden gems. Missouri is a hidden goldmine. The Show-Me State is home to gigantic springs, crystal-clear rivers, and mighty mountains spread across an astoundingly beautiful landscape of vibrant greens and blues. Once you visit, you’ll fall in love. I’m here to help you get started planning your trip, so strap in and get ready to take a tour of some stellar Missouri campgrounds just waiting to be d...
Photography Tips for Winter Campers in the Pacific Northwest Like me, outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the pristine landscapes and snow-covered forests for unforgettable camping adventures in the Pacific Northwest. From snow-capped mountains and icy lakes to towering evergreens, the winter scenery here offers endless opportunities for stunning photography. So, here are some photography tips for winter campers in the Pacific Northwest. As an iPhone photographer, I will include some sp...
People drive hundreds of miles to visit a good waterfall. Each state boasts its own famous falls that draw in outdoor adventurers like moths to a flame, with some of the most prestigious receiving millions of tourists each year. Unfortunately, excessive visitation can pose some issues. Waterfalls get crowded and decidedly un-magical. Parking areas and trails are overrun with trash, and once-pristine locations become loud and dirty. Want to avoid all that? Get off the beaten path. &nb...
Guide to Provincial Park Booking in BC Nestled in the majestic mountains, lush forests, and pristine coastlines, British Columbia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a connection with nature. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse themselves in nature, camping in BC is an unparalleled adventure. If you’ve camped in BC before, you know that getting the most popular sites on almost any weekend in the summer is challenging. In 2022, BC Parks updated its o...
Camping and New Year’s Resolutions As the New Year unfolds, many contemplate resolutions that promise personal growth, self-improvement, and a renewed sense of purpose. While I don't love New Year's resolutions , I support making positive changes in our lives (this doesn't have to happen at the start of the year). While traditional resolutions often revolve around fitness, career, or personal relationships, there's an alternative approach that offers a unique blend of adventure and self-di...
The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its lush forests, rugged coastlines, and vibrant culture. While summer may be the go-to season for camping, winter offers an entirely different, enchanting experience for the adventurous at heart. Imagine cozying up next to a crackling fire while the rain patters on your tent, or waking up to a snowy wonderland outside your campsite. Winter camping in the Pacific Northwest is a truly magical experience, but it does require some preparation and know-how. I’ve...
Best Free RV Campgrounds in the Buffalo National River Area Want to do the Buffalo on a budget? You’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of campgrounds on the Buffalo River, but many are costly or inaccessible with an RV. Finding beautiful free campsites where you can safely bring your rig can be tricky, especially without local knowledge. Luckily, I’ve got you covered. Read on for a complete guide to the best free RV campgrounds in the Buffalo National River area, incl...
With more than half a million acres of Appalachian landscape to explore, Pisgah National Forest is a nature lover’s paradise. Nestled in the westernmost part of North Carolina and wrapping around Ashville, Pisgah is home to jaw-dropping mountain views, whitewater rivers, towering waterfalls, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Pisgah was the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act , which authorized the federal government to buy private land to preserve and protect r...
Who doesn’t love a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning when camping out in the woods? As a regular camper and a faithful coffee drinker, it’s essential for me to find ways to brew a good cup of coffee while camping. Here are the common ways of brewing coffee during your outdoor adventures for you to try, and, of course, I will tell you what my favourite method is. Campfire Brewing This traditional method involves boiling water over a campfire and adding coffee grounds direct...
LAKESIDE CAMPGROUNDS AROUND LAKE TAHOE The jewel of the Sierra, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its stunning scenery, with clear blue waters, snow-capped mountains, and towering pine forests. The largest and second deepest alpine lake in the country, it offers 72 miles of shoreline, beaches and parks, and hundreds of miles of trails. Camping is a great option for experiencing Lake Tahoe. And while there are more than 15 campgrounds around the lake, only 9 are truly lakeside, where you w...
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...