| you know the freedom of getting away. Now you | | | | many national parks, although park authorities |
| can travel even farther and discover your own | | | | should always be consulted regarding local |
| quiet haven in nature. Without leaving every | | | | regulations. Towable RVs can be compatible with |
| convenience behind, your family can dine amidst | | | | rustic or dispersed campsites, where its highly |
| tall pines, identify constellations in clear night skies | | | | important to tread lightly on the land, says Joyce |
| and then flip on the lights to enjoy a favorite | | | | Drinnin, marketing manager, RV marketing, Onan. |
| novel before turning in. New products such as | | | | Since most toilet and cooking facilities are available |
| quiet, dependable power sources can make | | | | in towables, its easier to leave natural |
| comfort and security part of your travels, | | | | surroundings undisturbed. With an unobtrusive |
| wherever the trail may lead. The U.S. Forest | | | | power source, campers can enjoy a hot cup of |
| Service includes 192 million diverse acres across | | | | coffee and a hearty meal without building a fire. |
| the nation that are waiting to be enjoyed, says | | | | Plus, in some camper units, you can even cool |
| Jim Miller, dispersed recreation program manager, | | | | down in airconditioned comfort after a long, hot |
| USDA Forest Service. Most campsites in our | | | | day on the trail. For other benefits, Drinnin points |
| system do not have electrical hookups and many | | | | to added security from dependable campsite |
| forests offer even more primitive or dispersed | | | | lighting and communication systems that provide |
| camping opportunities. Depending on local forest | | | | advance warning when stormy weather is on the |
| regulations, campers can travel off main roads | | | | horizon. Todays active families build strong ties |
| and pick out their own sites along less developed | | | | when they spend time together camping, she |
| routes, as long as they do so responsibly, with | | | | adds. These extra safety features can reduce |
| respect for other visitors and as little | | | | stress and enhance the time busy families enjoy |
| environmental disruption as possible. Miller notes | | | | together. Be Prepared Preparation for remote |
| that dispersed sites tend to appeal to experienced | | | | camping experiences is key to ensuring a pleasant |
| campers who are looking for their own quiet spot. | | | | camping experience, says Miller. His |
| What they often find are breathtaking vistas, | | | | recommendations for campers are Contact the |
| colorful sunrises and close up looks of surrounding | | | | U.S. Forest Service in the area you plan to visit |
| nature. Many choosing dispersed sites stay near | | | | for current campsite information, since rules and |
| favorite hunting or fishing spots, Miller notes. | | | | regulations vary around the country. Motorized |
| Mountain bikers or hikers also prefer to camp | | | | equipment is not allowed in designated wilderness |
| close to favorite trails for easy access. Camping | | | | areas. Pack water filters or purification tablets for |
| Not Roughing It Even without electrical hookups, | | | | purifying lake or stream water, in case you need |
| piped water or toilets, campers can enjoy many | | | | more water than you have brought along. Follow |
| comforts from home when they travel in a | | | | local campfire regulations. If fires are permitted, |
| camper carrying its own power source. Onans | | | | build only small ones, never leave them |
| new compact generator, Camp Power, provides | | | | unattended and always put fires dead out, |
| big RV power for smaller trailers, folding camping | | | | especially when retiring for the night. Use the |
| trailers and truck campers. The generators fully | | | | portable toilet facilities in your towable. |
| enclosed design is quiet enough to operate in | | | | |