10 Good Reasons to Go Camping

Excerpted from: Go on a camping trip now for these 10 reasons (10best.com)

By Christina Nellemann

Sleep under the stars and get a little dirty

When the weather is inviting, the smell of campfires and pine trees allure many people into the woods and mountains for camping trips. At the start of summer, when the days are getting longer, or perhaps in fall when the nights are chilly and the leaves are beginning to turn, are ideal times to take to the woods.

Sometimes there's nothing better than sitting around a fire and roasting marshmallows. If you still need more convincing, here are 10 reasons you should consider packing up the sleeping bags and heading into the wilderness – or the local campground.

1. You get (much) closer to nature

While camping, you're most likely going to be in a national or provincial park, wilderness lands or national forest lands. Campgrounds in these areas are about as close as you can get to some of the most beautiful places on earth. How about camping just a stone's throw from the blue waters of Crater Lake, on a river in Maine or while enjoying a view of Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous U.S.?

2. You get far away from technology

Most campgrounds don't have Wi-Fi or even a cell signal, so you and your children can leave the tech at home and get up close and personal with wildflowers, bugs, swimming holes and the Milky Way. Some privately-owned campgrounds like KOA do have Wi-Fi if you need to keep in touch or pull up maps to plan the next leg of your journey.

3. You realize how little you can live with

My husband and I have traveled around the world, but one of our best trips ever was a two-week trip to the Oregon coast. We were able to fit everything we needed into the trunk of a car and realized we could be happy with very little – including plans. You can go big and camp in a 45-foot fifth wheel, or you can keep it simple with a two-person tent.

4. Food tastes much better in the outdoors

Ribs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, Jiffy Pop and roasted marshmallows – typical camping food is some of the best-tasting food and it tastes even better in the fresh air. Cooking over an open flame or over a grill gives burgers an intense flavor and s'mores can't be done as well on the stove at home.

5. Camping is affordable

When strapped for cash for a vacation, many families can keep it cheap by heading into the woods for a camping trip. Camping gear these days can be purchased from many big-box stores for very little money, and the biggest cost is usually the gas to get to the campground. Keep it even cheaper by staying away from private campgrounds and heading into publicly-owned national forest lands.

6. It's a chance to explore your own backyard

You can make camping even more affordable by visiting your own state parks. Learn more about where you live by camping close to home and maybe even attending a ranger talk or visiting the park's museum. Hike local trails and be home before Sunday evening.

7. It's a time to feel small and insignificant

Take along a star chart for your part of the world or an app like Star Walk and delve into the mysteries of the universe. You'll realize that most problems will feel very small in comparison to what's above your head. Some campgrounds and parks even have special nighttime and stargazing activities.

8. You could get scared out of your long underwear

A group camping trip is not complete without some scary storytelling. The darkness, lack of civilization and the fear of spiders and bears will get you in the mood for some screams. Websites like Ultimate Camp Resource have quick and creepy stories to tell your tentmates – with only a flashlight.

9. You can really be alone

If you're interested in backpacking, you can carry everything you need on your back and head into the wilderness. Whether you want to practice survival with some prepper gear, or just have some time to yourself, backpacking on- or off-trail will take you places many people will never see.

10. Your friends will be inspired

Post a few photos of your camping trip to Grand Teton, Moab or the Great Smoky Mountains and many people will wish they had gone camping, too.

We'd love to host your tent or camper! www.dellomarv.com/stay

Visit us at the Peddlers Faire this June 3rd, Old Town Lewiston, CA

The Lewiston Peddlers Fair is an amazing annual event in Old Town Lewiston, near the headwaters of the Trinity River. Del Loma RV plans to have a presence at this year's fair, with our kitschy camping decorations on display (see the Gallery www.dellomarv.com/gallery). We hope to see you there!

About the Peddlers Faire

The Peddlers Fair is organized by the Lewiston Sparkies, a nonprofit volunteer organization formed in August 2004 when a local group of residents from the Lewiston Garden Club, the Women of the Moose, The Lewiston Lions and other individuals gathered to discuss a fund-raising group to benefit the all-volunteer Lewiston Fire Department. See: Lewiston Sparkies | Lewiston CA events.

Suggested names for the group included the Lewiston Embers, Lewiston Fire Plugs, Lewiston Spark Plugs, with the members choosing the Lewiston Sparkies with a dalmatian as their logo.

In May of 2005, the Sparkies invested their fundraising dollars with the Humboldt Area Foundation, all earmarked for a new fire station for Lewiston.

They formed a Non-Profit Association under CA code in February 2006. They were granted Non-Profit status by the IRS in June of 2006.

According to their Non-Profit description, the Lewiston Sparkies are organized exclusively for charitable, educational and safety purposes under section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The primary objective of the Lewiston Sparkies is to raise funds for the benefit of the Lewiston Fire Department (LFD), which is overseen by the Lewiston Community Services District (LCSD). The LCSD is a political subdivision of the state of California and has a limited budget to maintain the fire department, streetlights and parks and recreation. The Lewiston Sparkies wish to assist the LCSD in providing funds specifically for additional equipment and buildings for the LFD thereby lessening the financial burden of local government. The Sparkies will also promote public fire safety for the benefit of the Lewiston residents and the firefighters.

Membership is open to all adults (18 years and older) with an annual dues of $10.00.

In 2021, the Officers are President Patti Ryan, Vice President Annabel Myers, Secretary Shirean Duntsch and Treasurer Katie Quinn.

A Kayaker's Paradise: Lower Trinity River, CA

Flowing out of the Trinity Alps, the crystal clear Trinity River is dam-controlled and has guaranteed flows throughout most of year. There truly is something for just about everyone on the Trinity, including both the Class V Burnt Ranch and several long stretches of Class II. Once you’re there, you won’t want to leave. The Pigeon Point run is very popular and the Lower Section is a good option with younger kids. Both are a short drive from the Park. You can even put in or take out at our beach.

For a good synopsis of kayaking runs & take outs check out this site: Trinity River Whitewater & Scenery (californiawhitewater.com). Some excerpts and maps for excellent kayaking runs near our Park (www.dellomarv.com) are included below:

Pigeon Point – Class II-III

Big, rolling, class II and III rapids are the trademark of the Pigeon Point run, which is perfect for families, first time rafters, or anyone looking for a fun adventure with a low fear factor. Rapids such as Good Morning American, Z-Drop, Hell Hole, and Fishtail will keep the adrenaline flowing and the kids squealing with excitement. This run is great for first-time rafters, inflatable kayakers, and for kayakers ready to make the plunge into Class III rapids.

Although the Pigeon Point run is all roadside along Highway 299, it runs through such a remote part of California that it still feels uncivilized. The hillsides are densely forested with pine, fir, alder, and oak trees, and the wildflowers in the springtime fill the canyon with beautiful colors. The Trinity is also a significant river for Salmon runs, although the Salmon populations have dwindled some in the past decade. Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead can all be found in the Trinity.

Insider Tip: Surf spot at Pigeon Point Campground

There is a nice ledge hole/ surf spot just upstream of Pigeon Point Campground. So if you arrive to camp the night before, head upstream on the trail and get in a little evening surf sesh.

Lower Trinity – Class II

Perfect for younger kids and wildlife lovers, the Lower Trinity is remote and provides a genuine wilderness experience. The rapids are Class II, mellow and splashy, and good for learning how to kayak or getting into an inflatable for the first time. Several tributaries have flowed into the Trinity at this point, so the river is higher volume, but the rapids are still family-friendly. Because of the lush vegetation throughout the canyon, wildlife seems to flourish along the lower Trinity.

Come stay with us and take advantage of the amazing kayaking options nearby Trinity River, a hidden gem. Go here for cabin, glamping tent, RV and tent site options: Trinity River Campgrounds & Cabin Rentals | Del Loma RV Park.