Holidaymakers Get Back to Nature Camping

Tour operator Europcamp said this week that not only does camping allow travellers to "really explore the outdoors" it is also a "greener holiday option".

Ruth Start, Eurocamp's head of sales and marketing, said: "Families can make the most out of local attractions and Eurocamp parks often personify the culture and traditions of the destination."

Winter camping

Spend a night with an experienced Northwoods guide of more than 18 years, Bill Slaughter, who mushes on just for you. During your personalized trip, you can set up camp anywhere and enjoy the beauty of winter with many options. You can choose among hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Meals are hot, and you might even catch your lunch or dinner.

Free Camping in New Zealand

To celebrate the New Zealand love affair with the humble outdoor holiday, Family Parks are inviting people to enjoy a weekend of family camping, in a powered or un-powered site, with 'Family Parks' Go Camp 08' - New Zealand and Australia's biggest ever free camp-out.

On Friday, February 22 and Saturday 23, enjoy a free weekend at either Westshore Holiday Park, or Waipatiki Beach Farm Park.

'Family Parks' Go Camp 08' encourages New Zealanders to get back to nature, Westshore Holiday Park owners Ray and Anna Stevenson say.

Camping in Scandinavia

For kids, most Scandinavian campsites have their own activities or playgrounds, or are located close to family attractions. The picture shows you kids on a "Hoppeputte", a giant air pillow that is found at countless Danish campgrounds.

To get a campsite, make sure to purchase a Camping Card Scandinavia (valid in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland) before you go camping, or at the first campsite you visit. It's reasonably priced and is valid for the whole year. There are discounts for single overnight stays, and groups of 5+ campers.

Everything you always wanted to know about Jewish camping

Parents with a laundry list of questions regarding Jewish camping may find answers at www.jewishcamping.org - the website of the Foundation for Jewish Camping (FJC) - the central address for the field of Jewish summer camps in North America.

With a constituency of over 130 non-profit overnight Jewish summer camps, the FJC serves as a catalyst for growing the Jewish camping system. It has moved the importance of the Jewish summer camp experience to the forefront of the Jewish community’s agenda.
Through its programs and consultation, the non-profit organization encourages and assists with the expansion of existing Jewish camps and the development of new ones.

Internet, Video Games Blamed for Drop In Camping

The study was conducted in the United States and Japan and tracks the rise of video game play in the early 1980s along with a decline in visits to national parks, camping, fishing and other outdoor recreation. Declines of 18 to 25 percent were reported.

According to a statement by the researchers, "Video games, home movie rentals, going out to movies, Internet use, and rising fuel prices explained almost 98 percent of the decline in people visiting national parks."

Annual camping reservation rush begins

The first day is always the busiest, with campers competing for favorite sites at one of 12 state campgrounds. Sebago Lake State Park is the most popular destination, and the state only accepts reservations for four or more nights until March, when the minimum stay changes to two nights.

State campground reservations started this morning and got off to a fast start, according to the Bureau of Parks & Lands.