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3 Easy Steps to Enjoy Your Camping Trip

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The noise of the world is getting louder and louder, your senses assaulted from every direction with millions of distractions vying for your complete attention. If there has ever been a time to get away from the rest of the world it most definitely is now.

Has it been so long since you’ve taken the family camping that you can’t even think of the first thing you need to do? First of all, take a deep breath. Remember that all you need to do is pack the essentials, gas up the car, and keep these three tips in mind:

  • Keep Your Camp Clean

This should be common sense, but your cleaning skills need to approach ninja levels when you’re in the wild. That means cleaning up immediately and taking waste to designated areas sooner rather than later. Organize your camp to maximize its cleanliness. The old saying in scouting and Chief Seattle still applies: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”

This will not only prevent your campsite from being infested with any number of foul pests but also probably save you from having to fight off a bear. This scenario is totally avoidable if you simply keep clean!

  • Bring a Digital Camera/Camping Goods

You’d be surprised how many people make planning a camping trip so stressful that they forget to simply stop and take pictures of awesome and interesting things. Commercial cameras used to require film that could be expensive at times. Families were always sure to use the film in the camera sparingly.

Modern day digital cameras can take literally hundreds, even thousands of photographs (depending on the size of your memory card). Don’t miss a thing! Photograph anything and everything. Just keep an eye on your charge level and be sure to recharge overnight. Don’t let yourself think “When will I ever look at these?” In a few decades, when you’re sharing your best times with the grandkids or just reminiscing with friends, you’ll be glad you took those photos!

You may think you have this covered by just bringing your smartphone, but a digital camera is preferable. If you don’t have a camera just bring your phone but put it on airplane mode. To save battery and so you won’t be charged for roaming.

Not only should you bring some sort of way to capture your moments but maybe just bringing a journal to write down what you have done on your trip. Bring a few outdoor games and a deck of cards is always a great item. Obviously, bring your essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, water, and plenty of warm clothes for night time.

  • Leave Your Phone Off/Airplane Mode

This will be the most difficult task to carry out during your trip. Our personal and professional lives are now inextricably linked to our smartphones. Leaving the city and camping in the wilderness is an opportunity to tell everyone you’re unavailable, that you’re taking time for yourself and/or your family.

People with adolescent and teenage children will probably have the worst hard time doing this but agree with them to spend most of the time during the camping trip with the cell phones off. Implement designated hours during the trip where the family is together, no phones are out, and that is that.

Stated in the section above the only time the cell phones should be out is when you are taking amazing photos. Other than that disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the world we live to actually be in the world we should be living in.

 

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

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Stand-up paddleboarding (commonly abbreviated as SUP) is the act of propelling oneself on a floating platform with the use of a paddle. Different cultures have embraced SUP throughout history. The discipline is thought of as originating in Africa, where it was common to stand on their canoes. Hawaiian surfers of the sixteenth century, though, were the first to embrace paddleboarding as a sport. Hawaiian surf schools began teaching SUP in the 1990s as an alternative to surfing. Surf instructor Brian Keaulana decided to add “Beach Board Surfing” to the world-renowned “Buffalo Big Board Contest”, and the response was overwhelming.

Here is the know how to Stand-up paddleboarding:

Those who want to paddleboard must first find a shallow part of the water they like. Smooth points of entry are ideal. Surfers should then walk out to a point of where they are sure the fin on the bottom back of the board is not hitting the sand, or floor of the pool. Users should then place their paddle so that it lies perpendicular to the board. Surfers can then attempt to bring their outermost knee on top of the board, followed by the innermost knee.

Photo Courtesy of Mammoth Lakes:

Beginners can see how it feels to paddle on just their knees. At this point, surfers can start paddling. The blade of the paddle should be oriented so that it is perpendicular to the board. Boarders should also ensure the blade is submerged under water each stroke. Users can then opt to either stroke the water once or twice before switching and doing the same on the other side. It is also a good idea to assume the kneeling position if one grows tired of standing, or if conditions become rough.

Here is where to try and the deals:

Trying a new sport can be intimidating but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it! Find yourself a body of calm water and give this a try. Depending on where you are in the country finding a place might be easy or a little more difficult. If you are in California try out Mammoth Lakes, Big Bear Lake, North or South Lake Tahoe this goes for Nevada too. If you are in Colorado try out Lake Dillon or Horsetooth Reservoir. If you are more towards New York give Lake George a shot. Minnesota is the Land of Lakes and you’ll find something easy there. New Hampshire has Waterville Valley for some easy calm water. Just do your research and find something near you!

Some  SUP deals we have on Mountain Resort Coupons are Johnnys Rentals in California. They will get you a free delivery of Stand-Up Paddleboards and Kayaks too. Mammoth Lakes area the deals are also at Footloose Sports every Thursday you can rent a Stand-Up Paddleboard all day for a 4-hour rate. If you are closer to Nevada don’t forget about Slopestyle Sports where you can rent a Paddleboard for as low as $50 a day.

We also have a deal with Silver Star Ski and Sport in Park City, Utah. $60 dollars for the whole day and they will even transport your paddleboard for $40 each way. Don’t miss your chance for summer fun on the water!

At Mountain Resort Coupons it is our goal to get you outside and enjoy nature as much as possible. If you need more help feel free to reach out and Contact Us or look on our site for more summer fun ideas!

 

Summer Activities on a Budget for Families

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What are some of your favorite summer activities?

Sometimes it can be difficult to think of new family-fun activities to do in the summer. We understand that many families stick to a certain budget and some activities may not be feasible for everyone at times. We have compiled a few summer activities below that are great for families, children of all ages, and won’t drain your savings account.

Family Fun Camping

Camping is such a great way to spend time as a family and there is always so much to do. We emphasize “old fashion camping” because you do not need to have an RV or camper to go camping with your family. Find a State Park near you, and check out the camping guidelines, costs, and any restrictions that specific parks might have. Find a campground that correlates with your families favorite activities such as hiking trails, lakes for swimming, rivers for rafting, shooting ranges, etc. For example, Lake Couer d’Alene in Idaho has many campgrounds in the area. If you want to bring your family pet, be sure to check if the campground allows dogs. Camping is an excellent summer activity for families and can be very budget friendly.

Plan a Fishing Trip

Spend quality time with the family and enjoy the thrill of pulling up a great catch. Take your family to the local lake or search online for good fishing spots near you. You can pack a cooler and bring some food to make a day of this. If you’re going to make this fishing trip an all-day event, be prepared and consider bringing some of the following:

  • chairs or blankets to sit on
  • sunscreen and bug spray
  • plenty of water and snacks
  • radio or Bluetooth speaker for music

Some of the best rivers to fish in the United States are the Colorado River, Arkansas River both in Colorado. The Bighorn River in Montana and the Yellowstone River that starts the Missouri River. The Sacramento River in northern California. Finally Soldotna River Walk in Alaska which may be hard to get to but could just be the best of all. Find Lodging information for these places, here, on our Mountain Resort Coupons site and more things to do in these areas.

If you would prefer something a little different, look into charter fishing trips in your area, for instance, Dvoraks in Buena Vista, Colorado has fishing expeditions. Guided fishing trips can be very exciting, as you typically have more luck catching fish – the guides know all of the great spots!

Take Up Kayaking

If your family has never tried out kayaking, give it a go this summer. It is always a great idea to try out new and adventurous activities. It helps to build new memories with your family and you will be experiencing the excitement together, as well. Kayaking is also excellent exercise, so that can’t hurt. Find a rental center at a local park in your area to rent kayaks. If you end up falling in love with this fun summer activity, consider purchasing some kayaks for the family. There are kayaks that seat multiple people, but the most common are one-seater kayaks or two-seaters.

If your family is experienced and already enjoys kayaking, consider taking a trip to a new spot to make new memories. Places like Lake Havasu in Arizona, the Colorado River in Colorado, Big Bear Lake in California, and Waterville Valley in New Hampshire. Find rental shops like Johnnys Watersports in Big Bear Lake or Dvorak’s Expeditions in Colorado. Search online for great spots to kayak. There are so many excellent kayaking spots with beautiful scenery and landmarks.

 

 

Experience Adventure with Whitewater Rafting

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If you’re looking for an exciting activity to try this summer, whitewater rafting is a perfect opportunity to try. No matter your level of experience, there are whitewater rafting activities that will fulfill your spirit of adventure! Read on to learn more about what you need to know before going on your first whitewater rafting experience.

Whitewater Rafting for Beginners

If you’re ready to get wet, but want a little more excitement than the community pool, hop on an inflatable raft and paddle through the rapids. While you may have seen whitewater rafting portrayed in the media, it isn’t always about flying through rushing water and narrowly missing boulders. There are different classes of rapids, with the lowest class bring slower and easy to navigate. If you’re just starting out, this is a perfect place to begin. As you build strength, endurance, and skill, you can move onto higher classes for a more thrilling experience.

And don’t worry about having to go out there alone! Whitewater rafting is a team activity, with everybody paddling the best they can. An experienced guide may lead the activity, taking on much of the more difficult navigating, but for easy rapids, no guide or experience is necessary to have fun!

The Benefits of Whitewater Rafting

No doubt, whitewater rafting is great exercise. Paddling through rapids can burn hundreds of calories an hour, and can help you build strength and endurance. In addition, regularly rafting can tone your back, arm and shoulder muscles. Being outdoors and in nature can help relieve stress and relax your body, especially on an easy course, so it’s great for your mental health. And if you head out with friends or family, the bonding experience will last a lifetime. Even if you decide raft with a group of strangers, you’ll develop team-building skills and self confidence. As you get better, your confidence will grow and you’ll develop a great and healthy skill.

Get Out There!

If you’re hungry for a new challenge, and want something that’s good for your health too, whitewater rafting should be in your plans this summer! When you stick to easy rapids, the risk of injury is minimal, and the rewards to your body and mind are beneficial. Before you dive in, a few words of advice:

  • Wear protective gear – don’t ditch the helmet or life jacket, no matter how confident you are! And lather on the sunscreen too – look for the kind that’s waterproof
  • Dress right – you’re going to get wet, so pack your bathing suit! And pack a few towels and some dry clothes for when you’re finished
  • Avoid accessories – jewelry, hats, and sunglasses are likely to get lost during your adventure, so keep them in your bag.

 

5 Ways You Can Enjoy Fall in the Mountains

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Most people love a trip to the mountains, but some people only think to do it in the winter for winter sports or the summer for summer activities. But the fall is the perfect time to go to the mountains too! There’s so much to do in the mountains in the fall and lodging and activities are often priced more affordably since it is the off-season. Here are 5 ways to enjoy fall in the mountains.

 

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3 Quick and Easy Mountain Getaways Near Denver

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Feel like getting away from it all, but don’t want to have to travel too far? One of the great things about Colorado is that there are so many amazing mountain destinations within a short drive of popular transportation hubs. Here are three easy mountain getaways near Denver that you can reach in under two hours.

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