So, you want to head into the great outdoors this weekend? You want to have an adventure and get some fresh air, spend some time in your tent and burn a few marshmallows while you are at it. But there is one small problem.

You have kids. Kids are awesome and so is camping, but how do you combine these two potentially explosive things. Being far from home, fire, a tent, a kid that’s quicker then your eyes. Isn’t it sort of setting yourself up for some major “excitement?”

Camping with your kids doesn’t have to be stress inducing race to keep them out of the water away from the fire. You just need a little careful planning ahead of the game to keep your head in the game and have a great camping weekend filled with fun and kids!

What are some of the things we can do as parents to have the most exciting and fun camping trip possible with our children in tow, and come out alive?

1. Pick the right campsite.

When it comes to bringing the rug rats along on your camping trip, you know you are in for a good time. But to set ourselves up for success it’s going to all start with picking the proper camping site to use. Not all campsites and locations are created equal.

First, you should probably pick a campsite that is not next to any large bodies of water, cliffs, or any other type of potential danger. Just for the sake of your peace of mind, someone wandering
off into the woods may be better then into a lake or some other deadly landform.

Also, it’s a good idea to pick a campsite that has plenty of space between you and your camping neighbor that weekend. Not everyone loves our kids as much as us, and to avoid any uncomfortable situations, it’s’ best to choose a site that gives us a little space for the kids to run.

Last but not least make sure you pick a campsite that is close to the bathrooms. Do I really have to say it? Just save yourself the hassle of nighttime expeditions with flashlights and the kids in tow over to the restrooms. It will make your life easier if you are only a few spots away.

2. Come Prepared for battle.

You know as well as I there are going to be many “opportunities” on a camping trip with kids. There is the falling in the water part, into the mud, into the fire, or basically anything
else that you don’t want to happen.

Having lots of clothes and cleanup supplies to deal with the messes that are going to happen will make your camping trip go just a little bit smoother, smooth enough to do it again next month.

Also, make sure to pack food that will be consumed by your ravaging clan of kids. Hungry kids are grumpy kids and you want everyone to sleep through the night. Make sure you have food prepared that your kids like and will eat.

The basic design of a mess kit consists of a pan with a hinged handle and lid. When the lid is placed over the pan and the handle is folded over, it only measures nine inches deep and seven inches wide, which is very important if one is backpacking.

Some designs have a ring on the lid that can hold eating utensils and can aid in cleanup.

The design of the mess kit has really not changed since wartime. The WWI versions were normally made of aluminum while the WWII versions were made of stainless steel.

Eating utensils could be added to the kit along with a drinking cup and were secured to the mess kit by the ring in the lid.

Today, mess kits are not hard to find and most sport related stores carry this camping staple. But what happens if you forgot your mess kit or do not want to purchase one. Do not worry; the answer is no farther then your kitchen cabinet.

The first thing you will need is a mesh bag. This is easily found in the produce section of any grocery store holding onions, oranges or potatoes. Next, you will need a heat resistant plate and bowl. Try to get one that is not breakable. After that pick out some silverware and place all the items in the mesh bag.

As far as a “drinking cup,” you can use a canteen, collapsible cup or drinking bottle only if you plan to only drink cold beverages. If you plan to drink hot liquids, a heatproof, non-breakable mug will suffice. Many of these can be found in camping stores or look for a metal one in a consignment shop.

Once you have your “mess kit” assembled, the next question is how to clean it. Cleaning ones dinnerware, regardless of what it may be, is very important and can mean the difference between an enjoyable camping experience and a trip to the emergency room.

The first step to the cleaning process is to scrape the dinnerware clean of any food particles. Next heat two deep pots of water to the boiling point. Place dish soap in one and leave the other one plain.

If you are using a commercial mess kit, attach the lid to the pan by the ring and to the ring add the silverware. Once this is done, you can simply hold on to the handle and dip everything into the soapy, hot water. Do this twice and then dip into the clean water. Let air-dry before folding up.

If using the homemade version, place dinnerware in the mesh bag and dip as above. Hang the bag in tree to air-dry.

Having something to eat out of beyond a can is very important when it comes to roughing it. But always remember that even though you may be roughing it, the importance of cleanliness still remains.

The truth is that camping in National Parks rarely offers an authentic out-of-doors experience. Sure, you can find solitude on a long day hike, and most parks offer backcountry permits, a fine option for the more adventurous. But spending a night in designated campgrounds can be a frustrating and crowded experience.

A good option to avoid whirring RV generators, rowdy family reunions and cramped quarters is to check out a National Forest instead of a park.
With 155 National Forests in the United States containing nearly 190 million acres of land, there are plenty of options. Most of these destinations, often bordering National Parks (and just as stunning), don’t have the same nation-wide appeal as parks — or the same crowds.

Aside from certain guidelines - e.g. the distance between your campsite and a water source - dispersed camping is allowed and welcomed in most forests. You can explore the public land on your own terms and camp wherever you see fit, or you can stick to developed campgrounds of which there are many. Not to mention, fees are usually small or nonexistent.

Here are a few options to consider:

Dixie National Forest

Southern Utah is jam-packed with incredible national parks — eight in total. I am not saying they shouldn’t be explored; some of my favorite camping memories are from time spent in Bryce Canyon, Zion and Arches. But Dixie National Forest offers a great alternative. It’s less commercialized, less crowded and equally breathtaking.

This forest straddles the divide between the Great Basin and the Colorado River. One gem that stands out is Red Canyon, an oasis of crimson sandstone formations that shoot up out of a forested area. Plenty of great hiking opportunities to be had.

There are 26 developed campgrounds to choose from, with drinking water, restrooms and fire pits available.

Sierra National Forest

When I think of Sierra Nevada, the first thing that comes to mind is a delicious beer. Then I’m struck with images of one of the most captivating mountain ranges in the country.

This national forest is nestled on the western side of the mountain range in California. Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are all nearby. This may be a great place to camp in solitude before checking out some of the parks.

Dispersed camping is certainly an option, along with more than 60 developed camping areas. You’ll also find thousands of miles of hiking trails at your fingertips. That’s another thing about so many National Forests: they’re huge. Sierra National Forest encompasses more than 1.3 million acres. Yosemite National Park is 761,268 acres to put things in perspective.

From John Muir himself, a man who explored the Sierra Nevada’s more than most: “The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.”
–From John of the Mountains (1938)

Bridger-Teton National Forest

You could just call this forest “The Greater Yellowstone Region.” And I mean that in a good way.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks seem to have about as many photo-snapping tourists as elk, or bison during the peak summer months. If you are interested in avoiding those Yellowstone traffic jams and the hustle-and-bustle of one or our nation’s most popular parks, the nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest in western Wyoming offers the same expansive skies, and stark, looming mountains. You’ll find more than 40 peaks, with hiking trails ranging from novice to “you better know what you’re doing.”

There are 17 campgrounds among clear mountain lakes, rushing streams, lush vegetation and a diverse wildlife.

About the author: Eric Voorhis is a journalist, photographer and blogger living on Long Island. As a reporter and freelance writer he?s covered everything from education and local politics to recreation and the environment. He has been camping in nearly every state of the contiguous U.S., from the backwoods of Maine to the beaches of California, and hates it when people burn marshmallows.

All rodents, and other pests, depending on where you are located, may have different reactions to certain remedies. Therefore, we have listed below several different options you may want to try, until you find the one that works for you.

The first thing you may want to try would be a well known remedy that is already used in attics and basements and such. Moths balls have been known for ages now to keep vermin away. A good way to put the moth balls in use would be to put them in some tupperware with small holes poked in the top of it. This will prevent the balls from rolling around and possibly getting lost in your camper. Spread a few of these throughout your camper. When the time comes to put your camper to use, you can quickly air out the smell of the moth balls by removing the tupperware with the balls in it and open the windows for a couple of hours.

A couple of other options you may want to consider, would be soaking some cotton balls in peppermint oil and dispersing them through out your camper or Bounce dryer sheets. Both of these options have been known to do the trick as well, with the added bonus of a fresh smelling camper.

Also, if none of these do not seem to do the trick, you may want to try using ammonia or even sprinkling baking powder throughout your camper and vacuuming it up when your ready to use it again.

There are so many remedies out there to choose from. Knowing which one will work best for you may take a little trial and error, but it will pay off in the end with your vermin-free camper.

Enjoy.

While motorhomes and racing have long been associated with each other with most if not all Nascar superstars owning at least one luxury RV, that’s not what I’m talking about today.

I’m talking actually racing your motohome. Yep, it’s as crazy as it sounds and can only be described as part racing, part demolition derby.

Check out the video and all the carnage:

Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

In the spirit of the holiday season I hope you watch and enjoy the video below of Christmas lights synchronized to Trans Siberian Orchestra’s “Wizards in Winter.”

To learn more about the home with this light display visit their website, friscochristmas.com.

Watch video below to see for yourself and drool!