| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | Be Prepared |
| Innovations provide the power to enjoy RV | | | | Preparation for remote camping experiences is |
| amenities miles beyond the last electrical hookup. | | | | key to ensuring a pleasant camping experience, |
| (ARA) - If you've already experienced the | | | | says Miller. His recommendations for campers are: |
| serenity and fun of camping with your towable | | | | - Contact the U.S. Forest Service in the area you |
| recreational vehicle (RV), you know the freedom | | | | plan to visit for current campsite information, |
| of getting away. Now you can travel even farther | | | | since rules and regulations vary around the |
| and discover your own quiet haven in nature. | | | | country. Motorized equipment is not allowed in |
| Without leaving every convenience behind, your | | | | designated wilderness areas. |
| family can dine amidst tall pines, identify | | | | - Pack water filters or purification tablets for |
| constellations in clear night skies and then flip on | | | | purifying lake or stream water, in case you need |
| the lights to enjoy a favorite novel before turning | | | | more water than you've brought along. |
| in. New products such as quiet, dependable power | | | | - Follow local campfire regulations. If fires are |
| sources can make comfort and security part of | | | | permitted, build only small ones, never leave them |
| your travels, wherever the trail may lead. | | | | unattended and always put fires dead out, |
| "The U.S. Forest Service includes 192 million | | | | especially when retiring for the night. |
| diverse acres across the nation that are waiting | | | | - Use the portable toilet facilities in your towable. |
| to be enjoyed," says Jim Miller, dispersed | | | | Other options are to bury human waste in |
| recreation program manager, USDA Forest | | | | decomposable layers of soil, normally at least 6 to |
| Service. "Most campsites in our system do not | | | | 8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water, |
| have electrical hookups and many forests offer | | | | paths and campsites, or use toilet devices that |
| even more primitive or 'dispersed' camping | | | | allow you to sanitize waste for safe disposal when |
| opportunities. Depending on local forest regulations, | | | | you return from camping. |
| campers can travel off main roads and pick out | | | | - Pack out everything you bring in. Always leave |
| their own sites along less-developed routes, as | | | | campsites the way you would like to find them. |
| long as they do so responsibly, with respect for | | | | For more information about U.S. Forest Service |
| other visitors and as little environmental disruption | | | | camping, visit or The U.S. Forest Service is listed |
| as possible." | | | | under the U.S. Department of Agriculture in phone |
| Miller notes that dispersed sites tend to appeal to | | | | directories. For additional information about Camp |
| experienced campers who are looking for their | | | | Power, visit |
| own quiet spot. What they often find are | | | | SIDEBAR |
| breathtaking vistas, colorful sunrises and close-up | | | | |
| looks of surrounding nature. "Many choosing | | | | |
| dispersed sites stay near favorite hunting or | | | | |
| fishing spots," Miller notes. "Mountain bikers or | | | | Remote Camping Adventures |
| hikers also prefer to camp close to favorite trails | | | | Pack your camper and experience nature in U.S. |
| for easy access." | | | | forests across the nation. Here's just a sampling |
| Camping -- Not Roughing It | | | | of the adventures that await. |
| Even without electrical hookups, piped water or | | | | - White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire |
| toilets, campers can enjoy many comforts from | | | | and Maine. Spectacular foliage is a key fall |
| home when they travel in a camper carrying its | | | | attraction for visitors. The forest includes Mount |
| own power source. Onan's new compact | | | | Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, |
| generator, Camp Power, provides big-RV power | | | | and a variety of wildlife, ranging from moose and |
| for smaller trailers, folding camping trailers and | | | | black bears to peregrine falcons. Visit or call |
| truck campers. The generator's fully enclosed | | | | 603-528-8721. |
| design is quiet enough to operate in many national | | | | - Superior National Forest, Minnesota. Nearly 2,000 |
| parks, although park authorities should always be | | | | lakes and streams offer unmatched canoeing, |
| consulted regarding local regulations. | | | | boating and fishing in northeastern Minnesota's |
| "Towable RVs can be compatible with rustic or | | | | north woods. Trails for novice through advanced |
| dispersed campsites, where it's highly important to | | | | hikers meander through 3 million scenic acres and |
| tread lightly on the land," says Joyce Drinnin, | | | | include access to the Boundary Waters Canoe |
| marketing manager, RV marketing, Onan. "Since | | | | Area Wilderness. Visit or call 218-626-4300, ext. 2. |
| most toilet and cooking facilities are available in | | | | - Dakota Prairie Grasslands, North Dakota and |
| towables, it's easier to leave natural surroundings | | | | South Dakota. Four separate grasslands, including |
| undisturbed. With an unobtrusive power source, | | | | the Maah Daah Hey Trail, offer rare views of |
| campers can enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a | | | | wildlife and opportunities for hiking, canoeing, |
| hearty meal without building a fire. Plus, in some | | | | fishing, hunting and backpacking. These diverse |
| camper units, you can even cool down in | | | | sites range from tallgrass prairie on rolling hills to |
| air-conditioned comfort after a long, hot day on | | | | stark badlands. Visit or call 701-250-4443. |
| the trail." | | | | - Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National |
| For other benefits, Drinnin points to added | | | | Forests, Colorado. Located on the western slope |
| security from dependable campsite lighting and | | | | of the Colorado Rockies, these three forests |
| communication systems that provide advance | | | | offer some of the most spectacular scenery in |
| warning when stormy weather is on the horizon. | | | | the mountain range. Sites include Bridal Veil, the |
| "Today's active families build strong ties when | | | | tallest waterfall in Colorado; Grand Mesa, the |
| they spend time together camping," she adds. | | | | world's largest flattop mountain; and Dry Mesa |
| "These extra safety features can reduce stress | | | | Dinosaur Quarry, home of the world's largest |
| and enhance the time busy families enjoy | | | | dinosaur bone fossils. Visit or call 970-874-6600, |
| together." | | | | ext. 6676. |