Your Questions About Camping In Yosemite

James asks…

I need ideas for meals for our 9 day camping trip.?

We are going camping Yosemite for 9 days. We will have a stove and we already have the typical meals planned like chilli, hot dogs, bacon & eggs, sandwiches and stuff like that but we need more since we will be eating 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 8 dinners. We also have to keep in mind of the quantity of stuff we bring since all of our food have to fit in the bear lockers provided. Please help with some good easy recipes.

twopersontents.com answers:

If you have eggs and milk take pancake mix in a ziplock bag. Do lots of fishing. Check your local grocery store for dehydrated food packs. Ramen is a good one and great before hikes with a can of tuna or fish you caught. Remember you also want lighter stuff if you are packing in. TVP (textured vegetable protein)also, a big bag of it.

 

Helen asks…

Where could we go camping in Yosemite National Park?

We are a large group. approx 30 people. We want to be near a river or a lake. Also be able to make fire and grill. Tent only.

twopersontents.com answers:

There are lots of places to go, and they ALL fill up quick. We are going to Yellowstone this year, we got reservations in the park for July back in November. We stayed outside Yosemite in Groveland, at a place called Yosemite Pines RV Park, they did accept tent campers as well. Groveland is just outside a Yosemite entrance. They did have large groups when we were there plus free WIFI. Http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/ http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=ll You can check for "in" park campgrounds here: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campground.htm Good luck and have fun, it is beautiful.

 

Laura asks…

Camping; Yosemite Valley, which campground?

I'm an experienced camper, but new to California. I'm planning a camping trip for next summer (Arriving July 29th and leaving August 3rd) I know reservations have to be made significantly in advance, but was wondering which campground would be best. I intend to do a lot of hiking (as in watching the sunrise as I hike and only returning to camp for a late evening dinner and some sleep) Which campsites are best located to all the major landmarks and trailheads? I'm looking especailly for Half Dome, Mirror Lake, and at least a couple waterfalls. Also, the more isolation, the better. I am not a people person and will be traveling alone, without pers and do not require a fire ring or picnic table. Thanks in advance for your help! PS if you could explain why you think a specific campground would be best that would be great.

twopersontents.com answers:

My preference is north pines with a site next to the river if your RVing it. Camp 4 if tenting. All the camp grounds in the valley are good basically they have a tram that takes you to all the trail heads and visitor sites. I do recommend you go with someone the experience is so much better shared.


Your Questions About Camping Tents

Mary asks…

Need ideas for an EPIC Prank to pull while camping in tents?

My friend and I are going on a camping trip with 4 guys all around 25 and we want to pull an epic prank on them.. We will be in the woods in tents but cannot come up with anything original or over the top we really need to get our guys good… PLEASE HELP :)

twopersontents.com answers:

If the tent you are using has double zips then use a small (suitcase) padlock to hold them together so that when one is pulled it keeps the inner door closed.

 

Betty asks…

Does anyone know of a place in the UK where you can hire tents & camping equipment?

Not tents which are already pitched for you (as in Eurocamp) but ones which you hire and take with you.

twopersontents.com answers:

You should be able to find what you need at this tent2hire site… Http://www.tent2hire.co.uk/ Good luck!

 

John asks…

are camping tents allowed in new york city beaches?

I bought a camping tent, the zip up kind and I was just wonderin can I put it up and chill in it while I'm at the beach or at a park like central park??

twopersontents.com answers:

Can I just ask why you'd go to the beach and put up a tent? Seems like that kinda defeats the purpose of why you go to the beach.

 

Donna asks…

My daughter (7yrs) wants an indoor camping party, with tents, smores etc. What activites can we do ?

I got tin plates/cups for everyone and we're going to make hobo packets for dinner. I thought of a 'dressup like a camper' game where they would have a sack of random clothes like plaid shirts, fake mustaches, and big old jeans. They would have to get everything in the bag put on and the first one finished would get their picture taken. But what else can I do so the kids have a camping theme activity ?

twopersontents.com answers:

There is always duck duck goose. I like the ghost story idea also. Or you can put different items in brown paper bags number them and close them up tight. Everyone has to feel the item and guess what it is. The one with the most correct answers wins. Best of Luck


Your Questions About 4 Person Tents

John asks…

Can anyone offer any advice on tents please?

We are going to Glastonbury next year & also want to take our 4 year old daughter away on a few camping trips next year. We want to buy a decent tent, probably 4 person or larger which is secure, dry and that's going to last us. Can anyone give me some advice about the best makes and types of tent etc please as I am 100% clueless! We will only really be camping on camp sites and during the summer, not that brave yet!

twopersontents.com answers:

Coleman make good tents at reasonable prices and they have a good reputation round the world. The waterproofing is very good and the quality of finish is just fine. Vango is the top british firm and is well worth looking at. They have built up a great reputation and the firm gets involved with outdoor stuff, not just make equipment for it. They know the deal and they live it. There are tent tips and advice on the links below, and you will see that Vango and Coleman are the favoured ones for me, and I've spent a lot of years camping in the wilds and on sites. However there are other firms worth looking at and if you find a reduced-price bargain in your local store, check out the firm that made it.. Litchfield is not only a town but the name of an old-established tent manufacturer which makes very good equipment. Not a fashionable name, but a steady firm which keeps on turning out good tents year after year. Whatever you buy, buy a groundsheet a bit bigger and put it on the ground to fix your tent over. It keeps the mud off the base of your tent, reduces wear, is an added protection against water coming in at the floor seams, and lengthens the life of the tent. Fold the edges in underneath all the way round so rain falls outside it or you'll have water between the groundsheet and the tent. The folds lift the edges and so improves it's performance at keeping water out. It only takes a couple of minutes but you'll have the benefit of it all the time. Get something big enough or you'll be cramped and uncomfortable and it will put you off camping again. Space is a luxury but on a site, where you're not carrying the tent on your back as wild campers do, it's an affordable one and makes a lot of difference to your happiness. Wear on a tent and the weather performance are made worse by loose pitching. Get the tent up taut and keep it taught. Check the guy lines when you can. Water runs well off a straight, taught tent roof, and forms rivers and puddles on loose ones. Wind damage is far less on a tight tent than a loose one. On wild mountain camping in a gale, a tight tent will let the wind flow over it. A loose tent can get hammered and knocked flat. And a loose one looks like it was put up by a rookie…..haha, can't have that can we? Good strong pegs long enough for the job make a big difference. Supplied pegs are normally not brilliant, and it can be worth spending a bit extra to get some good ones. On soft, loose, or sandy ground angled or V-pegs are best with the inside of the angle facing the tent. Otherwise straight round pegs are fine if they are long enough. And thick enough. Bang the pegs in with the tops angled away from the tent around 30 to 45 degrees and then they hold firmer because the tension on the guy lines is pulling the right way. If the pegs are angled towards the tent, pressure on the lines will pull them out. You'll also want a peg puller to get them out if they are tightly knocked in. It works like a crow bar and you can make up something easily youself. A strong stick or bar under the top of the peg acts as a simple lever to pull them out but occasionally a bit more clout is required. Coleman and Vango website links and Coleman waterproofing videos are on these. Long way through but there's a lot to pick up. There is also a long list of tent manufacurers and checking their sites can give a lot of info about camping and how the thinking goes. Some provide very good tips and advice. Coming into a new subject totally cold isn't easy. It takes time to get the priorities and ideas sorted, so take your time reading and thinking. When you've got it all sorted in your new camping head you'll have a good idea of what to buy and the money will be better spent. Have a great time. Camping is fun when you're organised. That's the biggest secret of all, apart from choosing the right tent and equipment. Keep organised and life runs a lot better and a lot smoother in a tent. Http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ap9SeCocDpFndUg47oCh5JIhBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20090415085151AAkUd9q&show=7 . . . . Http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090728132514AANmV95 . . . . Http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArWBkkLSF4SQWuuv8_QfijIgBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20090925142055AAXaMmR&show=7 . . . . For an outdoor cooking tip, not quite free heat, see on here….long answer http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjZK96tdsqvE62fP5.LvyEggBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20090926082222AA540tP&show=7

 

Sandra asks…

I just bought a 2 person 4 season polarshield tent and have read a few mixed reviews on it…?

does anyone know about this company and/or has had anything from them? I've seen good reviews on their sleeping bags but one person who bought the same tent had problems. the information was very thorough and the pros are very appealing about this tent but most people don't seem to know about it and I'm hoping I didn't give my money away for crap…

twopersontents.com answers:

If you know how to set a tent correctly and are used to the weather conditions then you should be set, if you cant set a tent……stay home or learn…

 

Linda asks…

bring tents on black friday at target?

target is having an amazing deal on a tv on black friday and me and my friends wanna get there super early this year. i have a small 4 person tent and i wanted to know if target would allow me to put it up because i know best buy does but i never saw them outside target. anybody know? thank u

twopersontents.com answers:

They should I see no problem with it.

 

David asks…

RAGE Haarstadt 8 Person 4 Bedroom Dome Tent instructions?

does any person know where to obtain the iunstruction for the above

twopersontents.com answers:

Call the local boy scout troop and ask for a few to stop by. They will figure it out, and you can pay them with girl scout cookies.


Your Questions About Best Family Camping Tents

Lisa asks…

Best camping in North carolina?

Looking for good family fun place to camp in NC, any suggestions? Tent or cabins camping please.

twopersontents.com answers:

1. Black Mountain Campground

 

Donna asks…

best place to camp on sth coast of Sydney?

we are looking at a big family camp trip down the south cost of Sydney – perhaps Batemans Bay but totally open to wherever. We are wondering where there's a CHEAP place to camp (with own tents)? We would prefer a powered camp site but am open to whatever. A google search is taking us forever to go to each site's costs etc. Any ideas? The cheapest we've found so far is a powered side for $330 a week.

twopersontents.com answers:

Try these places. I have heard reports from others that they have good camp spots: Berrara Tabourie Lake Kiola South Durras Tuross Head The further south you go, the cheaper the spot. Also, consider getting the NRMA caravaning/camping accommodation guide. It's $10.00 for members, but worth the cost. It covers most of the camp sites in Australia.

 

Sandra asks…

tent camping with black bears and kids and anxiety/panic attacks/OCD lol?

I have numerous anxiety disorders- and next week we are taking a tent camping trip with our 3 daughters. While I camped when I was younger- being a mom and a super high anxiety level has been giving me sleepless nights already. We are going to a park camping- where I often camped growing up. I don't ever remember having problems with bears there- just at other locations in northern michigan when we camped. Anyways- when I called the park office to inquire about the bears- I felt so silly and irrational- that I was almost hysterically laughing when I asked if they had bears- so after that question, i thanked the young man and hung up. I am now wishing I had asked more questions. He did say "We are next to the woods, so there can be bears" I've been up there recently visiting some family camping- and almost everyone (that i remember) has campers and pop-ups. I don't remember anyone or very people were in tents. We cannot afford a camper, nor can we afford to rent one right now- and we do have a very nice 10 person tent we have used before. But sleeping in a tent with the possibility of bears is freaking me the f out – to be honest. (1) Should I call the park and inquire more about the bears? (How often do they come to the campground- etc…) (2) Would I be better off paying 10 dollars more a night to camp at a location more south of where I am where they don't have bears? (peace of mind) (3) If we do camp there- where would be the best place to camp to put the less likelyhood of a bear visiting our campsite? The campside is surrounded by a winding large river on two sides and the other two sides are a national forrest. Would we be better off camping as close to the river as possible- farther away from the woods as we could? Should we camp near other tent campers? My fear is that people in trailers aren't worried about the bears- and that they will leave food or something out to attract the bears and then they will come to our little measly tent next door. (4) Please don't laugh- I know this fear seems irrational- because all fears are- but to me it's a very real fear. ok this is where i get paranoid- i realize bears are attracted the food/scents. Because the campground isn't in bear country (northern michigan or the UP) and it's classified as "occassional bear sightings" on the DNR map- they don't have bear proof food storage lockers. People just leave their coolers etc sitting outside their campers. So this is why I am a little freaked out and considering finding somewhere more southern where its even less of a threat.

twopersontents.com answers:

You think you have problems, read this article, http://news.yahoo.com/bear-safety-lecture-yellowstone-interrupted-bear-220941425.html Ok lets answer your questions. Anxiety can be treated with XANAX see a doctor. 1. Always talk with the rangers it makes them feel important like they are accomplishing something and you get the latest info about everything including any bear problems. 2. Yes it may also have better features since it costs $10 more sometimes these are worth it being closer to the lake or having bathrooms and showers etc. 3. It doesn't matter where in the campground that you pick, a bear follows it's nose, it is looking for food, trash anything that smells or looks tasty. Keep a clean camp, do not cook , eat or store food and smelly things in your tent. Use the the bear proof food lockers and camp about 100 feet away from that. When in bear country wear red flannel so the bears see you coming. Wear bear bells so the bears hear you coming. Carry pepper spray for those sudden close encounters. One way to tell if your in bear country is to look for bear scat it will have red flannel and bells in it and smell of pepper spray. Good Luck!

 

Laura asks…

What are the best two burner camping stoves?

First thanks to those who answered my last question on tents and tent prices, you all really helped. Now my other question is about two burner camping stoves. I love to camp but am not a back packer, just a family camping guy. I have been using a Coleman match lite two burner propane stove for many years and before that was a Coleman two burner white gas stove that finally died a few years ago. Anyway I was thinking about replacing my stove as my son has been talking about taking the grand kids camping and will want to borrow my stove which means I'll never get it back so I told him that he could have mine. So I guess my question is should I stick with the tried and true Coleman or is there another brand that is better? If so what brand and why is it better than a Coleman? I prefer propane stoves.

twopersontents.com answers:

check out this site for more info  http://newportablegrills.com


Your Questions About Camping Recipes

Lisa asks…

What are your favorite camping recipes?

I'm going camping next week and I'm wondering if anybody has any favorite recipes they'd like to share, recipes other than the normal hot dogs or chili. Thanks!

twopersontents.com answers:

BBQ'd Kabobs: Get a pack of bamboo skewers, some lean meat, chicken breasts, shrimp or scallops, along with sweet onion, sweet peppers and russet potatoes. You will also need bbq sauce (I think Open Pit works best), Yellow mustard, finely-chopped garlic (bottled or fresh), olive oil, salt and black pepper. If using meat or chicken, cut into 1" cubes. For scallops, if much larger than 1", cut in half. Shrimp should be peeled and tails removed. Place in a large bowl. Mix coating: 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 4 Tbsp Olive Oil, Two large cloves garlic chopped fine (or two Tsp bottled chopped garlic), 4 Tbsp Yellow Mustard, 1/2 Tsp fresh ground black pepper. Mix well. Pour mixture over meat and toss until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in refrigerator at least one hour. Wash potatoes well and cut into 1" cubes. Drizzle lightly with olive oil then add salt and pepper to taste. Peal onion and chop into 1" squares. Wash and chop pepper into 1" squares. Wash and cut cherry tomatoes in half. Rinse then soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. Double-up on the number of skewers. Starting and ending with the meat (chicken, shrimp, scallop), alternately slide ingredients onto skewers, using two slightly-spaced skewers per serving (makes it easier to turn while cooking, hold while eating, and less likely for ingredients to fall off). Place in single layer on aluminum foil and wrap. Freeze. Remove from freezer about 4 hours before cooking, or 8 hours if transporting in a cooler or refrigerator. Cook foil packets over a medium fire about 4 minutes each side, then remove from foil and char over a high fire on each side for another minute or until properly cooked. Serve over instant microwave-bag rice heated in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes.

 

Ken asks…

Simple dutch oven camping recipes?

Anyone have recipes to share? We are taking the dutch oven camping this weekend and would like some tasty but simple recipes to cook over the fire that do not require a lot of ingredients. Thanks.

twopersontents.com answers:

Here are some recipes from my 2 dutch oven cookbooks and some from my third which is in progress. 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Peach Cobbler Coleen Sloan 1 large can sliced peaches, undrained 1 box spice cake mix ¾ can lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7-Up) In a preheated and oiled 12” Dutch oven, pour the peaches into the bottom. Sprinkle the cake mix over the peaches. Do not stir! Drizzle about ¾ of a can of soda over the cake mix. Cover and bake at 350o for about 35 to 45 minutes. Serves 6 to 8 Coleen and I used this recipe for an event in which we catered during the 2002 Winter Olymipcs in Salt Lake City. Dave’s Dutch Tamale Pie "Cast Iron Covered Wagon Cookin'" by David Herzog 1 lb. Ground turkey (try lean ground round) 1 ½ Tbs. Chili powder ½ tsp. Cumin 1 tsp. Fajita seasoning 2 Tbs. Garlic, minced 1 28oz. Can diced tomatoes 1 15 oz. Can whole kernel corn (try hominy, YUM!) 1 8 oz. Can diced green chilies 1 ½ c. Shredded Colby cheddar cheese ½ c. Chicken broth 1 12 oz. Box corn muffin mix (12 oz. Aunt Jemima corn bread mix from a 5 lb. Bag) ½ c. Milk 2 Tbs. Melted butter or vegetable oil 1 large egg In a 12” deep Dutch oven, brown turkey with chili powder, cumin, and minced garlic. Add tomatoes, corn and chilies. Stir well. Add broth, stir. Layer cheese over the top of meat mixture. Mix corn bread mix, milk, butter, and egg. Spoon over turkey mix and cheese evenly. Cover and bake at about 375o for 35 to 45 minutes until bread is firm and baked through. Serves 6 Braised Cabbage and Turkey Sausage "Cast Iron Covered Wagon Cookin'" by David Herzog 2 c. 1” diced celery 2 c. 1” diced red onion 8 to 10 c. Chunked cabbage, cored 8 links turkey sausage Salt and pepper to taste In a 12” Dutch oven, cook the turkey sausage over medium heat with 1 Tbs. Olive oil. Remove sausage and set aside. Add 1 Tbs. Olive oil and sauté celery and onion for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly browned. Add cabbage chunks and ½ c. Water or chicken broth. Cook cabbage 8 to 10 minutes, until slightly wilted. While the cabbage is cooking, slice the sausage into bite sized pieces, then add to cabbage, stir. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook 8 to 10 minutes more to heat sausage. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes. Serves 8 to 10 Chicken or Pork Tortilla Casserole 4 chicken breasts cooked and shredded or 1 lb. Cooked and cubed pork ½ pound tortilla chips 1 pound cheddar cheese, grated, add some pepper jack cheese 2 Ortega chilies, diced Mix together: 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 cup milk or sour cream 1 large chopped onion 1 7 oz can green chili salsa Grease a 12 inch Dutch oven. Crumble half of the chips into bottom; then layer of chicken, a layer of soup mixture, a layer of cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. Bake at 300° for 1 ½ hours Serves 8 Beer Bread 3 cups self-rising flour 2 Tbs. Sugar 1 can warm beer Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl. Place dough into a 10” deep, Dutch oven and let rise for 15 minutes. Bake at 350° for about 45 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes covered then turn out on a board and serve warm with your favorite topping. You may also use this recipe for drop biscuits. Serves 6 to 8 Cast Iron Basics (some of the most important things you need to know!) Seasoning: Cast iron may be heavy, but with a proper seasoning, is the greatest type of metal to cook in. But, you need to keep your cast iron free from rust and well seasoned to make it “stick free”. When someone buys cast iron from the store, the foundry (manufacturer) coats the pot or pan with a coating of some sort to keep the item from rusting. This is done by spraying with a type of varnish or dipping it into hot paraffin wax. This protective coating must be cleaned off before seasoning your cast iron. If your Dutch oven is made by LODGE, the protective coating is a sprayed varnish coating, which must be scrubbed off. Heat the Dutch oven inside your home oven to 225oF., then with a hot pad, lower the oven into hot soapy water, and scrub the Dutch oven with a S.O.S. Pad. Scrub the inside and outside of the Dutch oven very well, rinse well, and towel dry. Then place the Dutch oven back into your oven at 225° to dry for about 10 to 15 minutes. The only way to dry cast iron is to dry it completely. I do mine in the oven because, the heat is not concentrated in one spot, as it is on the stove top, which can cause minute cracks. If your Dutch oven is made by any of the other companies that make outdoor Dutch ovens, the protective coating is dipped paraffin wax, which can be burned off. Do this outdoors in your gas B.B.Q. Or, a kettle type charcoal B.B.Q. Like a Webber. In a charcoal B.B.Q., use Mesquite charcoal for fuel because it burns much hotter than briquettes. Start the charcoal or light the gas B.B.Q., set on high and pre-heat the B.B.Q. When the charcoal is white, spread it out a little so that is not to close to the cooking grate. Place the oven onto the cooking grate, upside down, and close the lid on the B.B.Q. Heat the oven to 500° to 550° for 15 minutes. Close the B.B.Q. And cook the Dutch oven for about 1 hour at 500° to 550° , or until the oven stops smoking. Cool the scrub the oven and dry as directed above. To season the Dutch oven, place the oven upside down on the cooking grate and warm the oven for 10 to 15 minutes at 500° to 550° . With hot pads, remove the D.O. And rub a light coat of lard, bacon grease, white Crisco, or vegetable oil, using a paper towel Coat the inside and outside of the D.O. And lid. You only need a light coat of oil, you don’t want the grease to be dripping off the oven. Place the Dutch oven back onto the cooking grate and cook the Dutch oven for about 1 hour at 450° to 500° , or until the oven stops smoking. Remove the oven from the B.B.Q. With hot pads to cool. If the D.O. Is a glossy brown color, not black, return to B.B.Q. To cook about thirty more minutes. By doing this outside in the B.B.Q., you don’t have to fill the house with smoke and set off the smoke detectors. Cleaning: Cleaning cast iron is really quite easy and simple. As the same principal with seasoning, there are as many opinions as there are cooks. The methods I have found to work for me are written hereto share with you. However, as you cook more with cast iron and outdoor Dutch ovens, you will find a method that works best for you and your style of cooking. Right after I am finished cooking in my Dutch ovens, I like to a spray bottle filled with a solution of 4 parts of water to 1 part of apple cider vinegar to clean and sanitize with. Scrape out all the extra bits of food with a spatula then spray the solution into the hot Dutch oven and wipe it out with paper towels. Sometimes, I need to spray and wipe out the oven several times to get it clean. But, it works well and the vinegar has other uses as well. Many people will tell you to never clean cast iron with soap and water. I have found this to be an excellent way to clean cast iron and use soap and water frequently myself. Be sure that cast iron is warm, to free the food from the pores easily, and to rinse the cast iron with hot water very well to remove all of the soap. The last and most important thing to do after cleaning your cast iron is not applying more oil to the iron. But, is to dry it completely over or in a heat source, to keep it from rusting. When drying cast iron, don’t get it to hot. It only needs to be about 225o for the moisture to evaporate and dry out. Once the pot, pan, or Dutch oven is cleaned and dried, place a paper towel inside with a little of the paper towel going to the outside to “wick” out any moisture from inside the pot and lid. Be sure to store your cast iron dry, without oil to keep it from turning rancid. Storing: As mentioned before, cast iron needs to be stored absolutely dry, free of any water, or oil. The water will rust the cast iron. The oil may turn rancid, especially if stored for a long period of time. Personally, I dry my cast iron in the oven at 225o for 30 minutes, after towel drying. So that I don’t burn my hands, I just leave the cast iron in the oven until the oven has cooled down, about 45 to 60 minutes. When I’m camping, I dry my cast iron over a few coals, about 6, 4 under the bottom and 2 on the lid of the Dutch oven. Only keep the cast iron until the water evaporates. Then remove the cast iron from the heat source with hot pads and place paper towels inside the pot and place the lid on the pot. Be sure some of the paper towel lays over the edge of the pot to the outside to wick any internal moisture to the outside of the pot and into the air. Once cast iron has been seasoned, unless it has not been cared for properly, does not need to be re-seasoned after you use it. So, why store it with more oil in the pot, pan, or Dutch oven. The oil will turn rancid, becoming sticky, smelly, and spoiled; just like food that has been around for to long in the refrigerator. The oil also attracts dirt, dust, and other things flying around in the air, like bugs. So don’t apply any oil to your cast iron until it is warmed up just before you use it and put food into it. Take care of your cast iron and, it will take care of you. Temperature: judging temperature is an important skill that needs to be practiced when cooking with a Dutch oven. First off, use only name brands of charcoal. Once you find a brand that you like, stick with that brand. That way you become familiar with how it burns, how long the coals last, etc. When cooking in a Dutch oven, use the 2/3rds rule. The 2/3rds rule is not based on fractions of any number of coals. But, is short hand for figuring out how many coals to use for a 350o to 375o oven. Take the diameter of the oven for the bottom coals and subtract 2. So, if you have a 12” o

 

Carol asks…

What are Your Favorite Camping Recipes?

I'd love some recipes for camping besides s'mores and hot dogs. We do have a Coleman stove but would prefer cooking over the campfire. Easy, creative recipes are best though. Oh, an natural ingredients only please – no "canned biscuits" or powered eggs. Thanks in advance!

twopersontents.com answers:

GGGRREEEAATT…proper food! With eggs, vegetables, meats and cheeses you can make dozens of meals at camp over a fire or on a stove or a barbecue. If you add a few more bits you can cook hundreds of things. Fried rice? See below under the wok bit. Fun eh? You can get some fun cooking outdoors in the wilds. You can cook anything in the wilds. That you can cook at home. Bread, cakes, stews, soups, Indian, Chinese, French, anything …even casseroles in an oven. The oven is a biscuit tin. Nice over a slow burning heap of cinders but a camping stove will do it. Bit pricey on fuel though. You can bake potatoes round a heap of cinders too wrapped in foil. And meat and fish. Does great for that. Or dig a pit for them and build the fire over it. Cover the foil-wrapped goodies with an inch or two of earth first to get an even heat. Pit oven. Good for rabbits, pheasant, partridge, briskets, leg of lamb, shoulder etc. Wrap them in foil, put them in the pit. Cover with an inch of soil and build the fire over it. You can bury a steel or cast iron pot, Dutch oven,etc, and put some foil over it for extra sealing. Roast meat in it, or bake a cake, or a get a few pounds of baked potatoes and parsnips. You can serve a three course meal on silver trays if you take some silver trays. Posh meals are easy outdoors. Camp near a trout stream so you can cool the wine in it. Nice for catching dinner too…trout recipe coming up. And you can cook three lots at once if you take a couple of disposable barbecues. They pack inside the biscuit tin and you don't have to barbecue things on them. Boil stuff, use a frying pan, or your biscuit tin oven. Bake bread or a cake in it, roast beef, lamb, fish, rice pudding, souffles (stand it the other way up for that…soufles rise). Fresh apple pie or banana loaf. Use half what's provided to burn in the disposable ones if you want. Empty half of it out and use it later. Or take some coals and use old discarded frying pans or oven dishes, whatever there is, for a simple home-made solution. Bacon and French omelettes for breakfast with camp bread, and a sweet and sour fish for lunch freshly cooked. Put the roast in the oven so it's cooking while you go for a walk. Very good for camping is a wok…do a stir fry or steam fish or vegetables in it on a trivet. Fierce heat from a camp stove is better for stir fries than an electric cooker at home…get the heat up the side. Get the wok hot all over, not just the base. Tumble stuff around and everywhere it touches the wok cooks it. Light airy fried rice…not stodgy stuff cooked on the wok base instead of flying all over a very hot wok. And done in half the time. At home I use a big petrol stove outside for stir fries….proper stuff then. The electric stove is rubbish for it. Done in seconds..extreme wok from an expert… Hot http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x75ei4_… . . . . . See how quick this egg browns…30 seconds. Hot wok…light and fluffy then like the texture of a good French Omelette. Plenty of space to work in and the shape helps too. Http://www.pond5.com/stock-footage/460638/frying-an-egg-in-a-wok.html . . . . . It's just the same on the top of a mountain or in a forest camp site cooked on a camp stove turned up to full power or heated over a disposable barbecue or the glowing cinders of a cooking fire…no difference. Heather baked trout is very nice if you're near a trout stream in the mountains. Run your fingers along the heather stems to clean the leaves off. Just the tops but you soon get a tray full. Lay the trout over the bed of freshly picked heather tops on a tray and seal it with foil so you don't lose any juices. They keep the heather soft then. When cooked remove the trout and keep them warm in the oven while you prepare the sauce. Add the water from the veg and thicken the juices and softly roasted heather tops the quick way with cornflour or properly as a roux sauce….butter and flour required for that but worth the trouble. Do the same for loin chops or a small shoulder of lamb or a brisket but large briskets are best done overnight in the pit oven. Whisky (no e for Scotch Whisky) or brandy or red or white wine poured into the heather works wonders if you like the flavors and fortified sauces. Just take a few herbs and spices in small pots for the exotic things and for flavoring soups and casseroles. Bon Appetit Source(s): Lifetime of camping and traveling.Ex army outdoor instructor….

 

Thomas asks…

What are some good single-serving camping recipes?

This summer I'm going to be working in a state park, and I'll be camping out in the park rather than renting a place. I'm going to be doing most of my cooking either over a campfire, with a reflector oven, dutch oven, or on a small propane stove. Does anyone know any good (affordable) recipes for this sort of thing? I also probably won't have refridgeration, so most of my ingredients will be dry or canned. One-pot recipes would be good; that way I have less dishes to do. I'm expecting to eat a lot of food based around rice, noodles, and potatoes, so simple recipes along those lines would be great. Thanks!

twopersontents.com answers:

Check out some books by Buckskinners. I do a lot of camp cooking with dried foods. You can make some very satisfying stews with dried soup mixes and jerky. If you're going to be out there a while, I would suggest learning how to make sour dough bread in that dutch oven though. You can also use it to bake most desserts. Probably the best suggestion I have though would be to find a book on the edible plants in the area you'll be camping in. Without refrigeration, fresh food is a boon. A good reference will also have natural spices, coffee and tea substitutes, and the like. However, I find that dried foods work out beautifully for extended camping trips as well. If you look around, you should be able to find a source for dried fruits and vegetables, or better still, invest in a dehydrator and prep your own stuff before you leave. If you're not a heavy eater, you can fit about a months worth (2 veg and 1 fruit serving for 3 meals a day)of dried fruits and veggies in a standard sized cooler that can either be eaten dry or reconstituted for cooking. It will also cut down on the weight of your gear considerably, especially if you get a larger cooler and take your potatos in a dehydrated form as well. For me though, it just isn't camping without coffee. My favorite camp trick is to take dandelion roots and bake them until they are almost ash, and to use the remains as a coffee substitute with a little wild chicory. Have fun!


Your Questions About Family Camping Tents

Robert asks…

Advice on buying camping equipment and recommended family camping sites.?

Hi, im looking to buy a couple of tents and would like some advice please. I am after purchasing a small light weight 3 person tent that could fit on the back of a motorbike for camping weekends. Also we are looking to purchase a family tent that would sleep 6. Any recommeded tents? Are there any good camping shops / sites apart from millets. Also can anyone recommend any good family freindly campsites in the UK. Any advice on camping would be helpfull. Cheers.

twopersontents.com answers:

With over 40 years of camping experience I have found high tech tents [expensive] to be no better than a cheap one. Look for double sewn and sealed seams with a water proof bottom and a full fly. Preferably a 3 or 4 season tent. #1 rule never set your tent up in a dip or on ground lower than than the area around it. As in most things, experience is by far the best teacher. Each time you go camping you will find new things you need and others that you don't. And the best part is you will have fun learning. Good luck and GO FOR IT!

 

Lizzie asks…

Where is good in the summer for family friendly camping in norfolk?

we have brought a large tent for a family of 4, we have 2 small kiddies. Where is really nice for camping with really good clean facilities?

twopersontents.com answers:

Tame: Virginia Beach KOA. Wild: Virginia Wilderness Areas. Middlin': Shenandoah National Park.

 

James asks…

Where is a good place to go tent camping this weekend in Northern Ca?

Family camping with 3 kids 17months-7years in a tent, we live in Sac. Want to go somewhere it's going to be around 70's not too hot nor cold, yet hotter is better than cold since we will be in tents. Thanks. Yes this weekend.

twopersontents.com answers:

Http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/462/files/LakeOroville2008.pdf "Lake Oroville State Recreation Area" Location-Directions From Highway 70, go east on Highway 162 (Oroville Dam Blvd.). Continue on Oroville Dam Blvd., turning right at Olive Hwy. (Highway 162), proceed approximately 6 miles on Olive Highway to Kelly Ridge Road. Turn left and Kelly Ridge Road ends in the Visitor Center parking lot.

 

Richard asks…

Please advice my family how to choose a 3 season tent for camping for 6 people.?

We would like to begin camping again this summer, but haven't done any since before our children were born. Please advice how to determine the best choices for our investment. We need 1 with a lot of room and at least room for an air mattress. We would prefer 1 with multiple rooms option but do not want poor quality. Anyone know anything about Turbo Tents? Any advice- will be great.

twopersontents.com answers:

I haven't heard of turbo tents. A bit pricey I might say. If you want good quality, a stay dry guarantee, easy set up, and room for 6 + all your gear I recommend Colman Tents.


Your Questions About Tents For Camping

Donald asks…

What is the best campsite for tent camping in New England?

Me and my friends want to take a camping trip this summer. We're all 16. I'm looking for a relatively wooded private campsite. It would be nice if it was near some nice hiking area with panoramic views. It has to be in New England. We would be camping in a tent, not an RV so utilities are not a problem, just a fire site would be nice. Thanks.

twopersontents.com answers:

There is a brand new app that you can download for Rhode Island that shows you the best state park camping sites! It is called PocketRanger check it out, its a great app for all state park activities.

William asks…

How do you do tent camping in Yosemite without getting eaten by bears?

Where do you go to exactly? Do you have make reservations even for tent camping?

twopersontents.com answers:

It's suggested that you make reservations to Yosemite well in advance. Now that Labor Day is near, once the holiday has passed, it may be easier to rent a cabin tent or even stay at the Hotel. If you follow the directions left by the rangers to lock your provsions in the bear proof containers and not in your camp or car, you should be bear safe. Here is a link for more info. Http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/camping.htm

Paul asks…

Can you recommend a good place for tent camping with a good swimming hole within 200 miles of Houston?

Going camping in hot July, so I'm trying to find somewhere that has lots of shade & a place for the kids to get wet! Most of the places I've found don't offer swimming.

twopersontents.com answers:

Lake Livingston State Park 300 Park Road 65 Livingston, TX 77351 936/365-2201

Michael asks…

Is there a good tent camping site near Orlando in Florida?

I am not looking for a RV camping site,,,, I am not rich. Just a nice and safe tent camping site to go with friends.

twopersontents.com answers:

Your best bet is Ocala Nat`l forest, very few people and some great campsites


Your Questions About Two Person Tents

John asks…

Thinking of getting two new tents. What do you think?

Hello, I thinking of buying two new tents. One for the family and one for myself (for hunting trips). Take a look at these and give me your opinions. The first link is the one man tent for myself. http://www.walmart.com/ip/SwissGear-Eiger-Hiker-Tent/10993672 The second link in the family tent. http://www.target.com/Coleman-Bayside-8-Person-Family-Tent/dp/B001O5H35K/ref=sc_qi_detaillink

twopersontents.com answers:

The Coleman Bayside is an excellent choice. It's easy to set and comes with a stay dry guarantee. You will be quite pleased. The swiss gear is a poor quality low cost tent that won't last very long, sets poorly, leaks like a sieve and barely fits one person. You get what you pay for. One man tents I recommend two options Some swear by the Hennesy Hammock as being the most comfortable one man option out there. Now I have tried it and didn't like it, well each to his own. I've seen these cheaper then REI has em though, http://www.rei.com/product/721900 My favorite is the REI Half Dome 2 Tent it's rated for 2 people but one and your gear is more comfy has great ventilation sets well and the price is fair.

 

Linda asks…

Asda 2 person tent review?

I have just bought this tent for a weekend away : http://direct.asda.com/Two-Person-Tent/000921141,default,pd.html Has anyone used it ? If so how was it ?

twopersontents.com answers:

Its alright, go witth northface tho

 

Ruth asks…

Is camping with a friend of the opposite gender just too awkward?

I want to go on backpacking overnight with one of my guy friends. It would just be us in his two person tent. Would that be too awkward? I mean in two person tent you can't not spoon. I really do want to go but I don't want to hurt out friendship. You can't really leave an awkward situation when you are fifteen miles from the nearest road and don't have cell service. I'm in quite a bind please share your opinion.

twopersontents.com answers:

Sounds to me you either don’t trust him completely or you don’t trust yourself. I have gone camping and hunting with women alone when I was single without any spooning or sex. And there were some times that a female “friend” who just wanted to get intimate with me and used the camping trip as a way to seduce me. And I have seen guys play that game. I think you are attracted to him and you’re not sure how to handle that. Or you think he’s attracted to you and you don’t quite trust him. If you are true friends then you should both respect and trust each other. If not then going alone with him to a place that’s remote where you can’t call anyone is a very foolish idea! And if he’s the one that came up with this camping trip idea where you can’t contact anyone, I know what he has in mind. And maybe that’s what you’re afraid of. You better think this one out very carefully.

 

Nancy asks…

What hiking and camping gear should I buy?

Ok here's the scoop… I want to get into hiking and camping with my wife. I currently have no gear. What should I buy? I have about $800 to work with. I am planning on camping through 3 seasons, spring, summer, and fall (a little in the winter perhaps). I am going to need a two person tent, his and hers sleeping bags, and his and hers backpacks. I am looking for gear that would take me on 2-4 day hikes. Should go with internal or external backpacks. What's the difference? Is there a good rain resistant tent within my price range? I'm thinking I would want a mummy type sleeping bag. Again, not sure though. Brand names with reasons for purchasing would be much appreciated. Thanks.

twopersontents.com answers:

Go to www.cabelas.com and browse around, or better yet request a catalog. It's the best outdoors outfitter I've ever used. First off, since you're talking about backpacking, you need to think lightweight. Interior/Exterior just has to do with whether the frame is inside or outside the "pack" on a backpack. To decide on which type is better fo you, go to a good sporting goods store in your area and look at them/try them on. Sleeping backs should definately be the "mummy" style bags. They are around $100 each, but are very lightweight and can handle moderately cold weather (sleeping bags will have a rating in degrees to how cold it can get and you can still rely on the sleeping bag). They can also be compacted better than classic sleeping bags. Any brand in Cabela's would be a good brand, including its own brand. Also buy you and your wife sleeping pads… They are light, compact, and your back is worth it. I like the self-inflating type, but you can also get foam ones. Again any brand in Cabela's (this goes for all their products) is usually a good brand. Tents are usually rated by seasons they can be used in (summer, 3-season, or all weather are popular ratings). Definately go for a dome-style tent rather than the boxier tents. Dome style tents are usually more sturdy, deflect water better, and are usually lighter. Also you'll want one with a good rain cover that goes close to the base of the tent, and a high waterproof rating (in mms)… 1,500mm waterproof ratings are pretty good. Also, pay attention to weight. Aluminum weighs less than fiberglass, but costs more also. A two person tent probably weighs around 15 lbs, and you and your wife can split this weight (she takes tent, you poles) or you can pack it yourself, but weight is the largest factor (besides neccesities) when hiking. Alright, now that we have the major equipment out of the way, here are some neccessities. -First Aid Kit and maps or knowledge of area, or GPs -Flashlight w/extra batteries and lantern would be nice -Good all-purpose knife/survival knife -water purification pump AND purification pills… Start out with at least 1/2 gallon of water each -Waterproof matches AND waterproof lighter (just in case) -Lightweight stove. Sporting good store can recommend good ones for backpacking. -Food: lightweight, non-perishables, such as top ramen, energy bars, canned food, chocolate. Fatty foods are good to have in the woods since you will be burning a lot of calaries. They say one of the best things you can eat if your lost is butter. You may burn 3,000 or more calaries a day, so don't try to go on a diet right then. I recommend some type of powder flavoring for water… It doesn't always taste great when used with purification pills. -Dish soap, eating utensils and backpacking pots. They usually come in a nice kit that doesn't take up much space. Look on Cabela's or at a sporting goods store. -TOILET PAPER -Permits. You usually have to get permits to camp in public parks/Forest Service land. You go to the closest Forestry office to pick these up. These are important if for no other reason than if you don't come back when your family expects you, they know where to start looking. -Bear spray -Clothes that can be layered, gloves, beanies, good hiking boots and tennis shoes if you dont mind the extra weight (for camp). Recommended Supplies: -Cell phone or handheld CB at least -Camera (for obvious reasons) -Rope(hang your food away from camp so predators dont get into it). -Insect repellant/sunblock There's probably more that I am missing, but those are the most important. The most important thing to do when going camping is to tell at least two responsible people you know where you're going, and give them a timeframe for coming back. Also I recommend you both take a First Aid Course… They are usually free and something could go wrong quickly (although unlikely) in the forests… Snake bite, broken leg, heat stroke, hyperthermia, bear attack, drinking bad water (always purify or boil for five minutes… & retrieve from running water source. If impossible to purify, find area where water is "falling"… It's usually cleanest there). I'm not trying to scare you away and you guys will probably have a blast, but definately be prepared.


Your Questions About Camping In California

 

Daniel asks…

Where is there Beachfront camping in California?

We want to go camping (in tents) and would like to be as close to the beach as possible…I know they have some that the beach is walking distance but I would like to be close to the water.

twopersontents.com answers:

Well there are dozens of campgrounds all up and down the coast, the problem is that they are all reservable 6 months in advance, you may be to late for this season. Start planning for 6 months from today and you can pick your destination. For camping right on the coast up north coast at point magu state park you can get reservations and set your tent right by the beach. Http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Point_Mugu_Sp/r/campgroundDetails.do?page=details&contractCode=CA&parkId=120072&topTabIndex=CampingSpot

 

Carol asks…

Where is the best place and most beatiful to go camping in California?

in august my friends and i want to go camping. we want wonderful scenery and a secluded camp site. where should we go. we don't it to be to expensive and maybe not tooooo far away from socal. we were thinking possibly big sur or yosemite. not sure though. =)

twopersontents.com answers:

These are by far the best spots check em out http://linkbee.com/campincali

 

Paul asks…

what is a great place to go camping in California that is fun for partying and allows camp fires?

It is my sister's 30th birthday and she wants a place where you can have fun and they allow camp fires. Also she would like a place no more than an hour drive from Sacramento.

twopersontents.com answers:

Samuel P Taylor state park in Marin County is really cool with lots of redwood trees. They have fire pits and all, but because it is a public park, you do have to keep the noise down after 10pm. The other place is called Ladoga. It is off interstate 5 near Maxwell. It's the only free park in California that is at a lake. To find it you would have to get a good map of that area. It's really cool, because you just pick a spot and can really stretch out. The down side is there are zero facilities accept outhouses, so you need to bring all your own supplies including water. They have very few restrictions.


Your Questions About 4 Person Tents

 

Betty asks…

4 Season Camping Tents?

Lately I've been getting into the whole wilderness survival thing, and I've done a bit of a background research in it. I've come to find out it's best to get 4 season tents because 1. You're not limited to any type of season and 2. They're vastly more durable than regular tents but I've still got a few questions I'd like cleared up. Are the best tents really dome shaped? I've heard the dome or "cross bar top" shaped tents provide the best structure in high wind situations, I'd like the opinion of someone with experience. Is it really the Tent design or the way the person sets it up? Also I've heard that low profile tents are better suited for high winds just how low exactly? I'm more than willing to sacrifce head room for preformance (come on it's a camping tent, you're suppose to sleep in the thing not throw a dance party) Are they're any good 4 season tents that ARE NOT school bus yellow? I know some may argue this is a safety thing so you can find your way back to camp, but if the weather is really bad common sense says not to got wandering around. Plus my mother and father have gone hunting together, they say you can't see the orange "safety" outfits even at 10 feet. This is just a personal choice thing. And finally, are there any dependable, highly rated 4 season tents for 1 person? I'd like to travel as light as possible, I'll settle for a 2 person tent if I have to but 1 person tents would be ideal. As far as price goes it really doesn't matter to me, I've come to find out as far as camping equipment goes you truly get what you pay for. And any additional information camping wise is welcomed by the way. By the way I should point out that I'm mostly interested in preformance of the tent and it's color, I'll deal with a little extra weight in the pack if I have to but still it's nice to look around for what you want.

twopersontents.com answers:

I would recommend a good three season tent check under Sierra designs they make some great tents. I have had one now for a three years and camped in below zero weather in it and had some nasty rainfalls and have never had a problem. North face makes some great products as well. I am not sure where you live but in Canada we have a store called MEC they make their own brand of tents and are very good as well if you google MEC it will come up and you can look at their catalog. But if I was you check out Sierra Designs I would say they are the best tent on the market. I have the Electron a great two man dome tent with two vestibules.

 

Sandra asks…

what is the best 2 person 4 season tent?

i am looking for a tent that can handle the most severe weather.snow/rain/wae up in the montains in alaska

twopersontents.com answers:

Go with a swiss army tent thier really nice look into them

 

George asks…

where could i buy used camping tents for a good price to send home by sept ending?

i want to spend $50 on a used 4-6 person camping tents, i am in alexandria, va .

twopersontents.com answers:

Check craigslist.com, there may be something available in your area. I just sold some tents, backpacks and sleeping bags on there…………