I was a few miles south of Wall, South Dakota, when I finally saw the line of campers perched perilously close to a cliff ledge. After nearly two days of nonstop driving, I’d finally reached my destination, Nomad View in the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands ( https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recarea/?recid=30329 ). Gnarled rock formations rise above the low plains, the remnants of geological instability 65 million years ago and continuing erosion ever since. On this unseasonab...
National park crowding has been an issue for years, but what if the solution is hanging in your garage right now? Can e-bikes make for not only a less congested park system, but also a happier and healthier visitor experience as well? Late last fall, I spent two months visiting all the national parks in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. It was an incredible road trip, but even during the supposed shoulder season, the crowds were often stifling. So many people see these parks, among the most bea...
Outdoor gear is constantly improving, but is that reason alone to upgrade? There are two main camps of people when it comes to gear: Folks wearing puffy jackets covered in duct-tape patches who see buying new equipment as a moral failing and those people who consider seasonal gear guides as holy scriptures on the level of the Bible or Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire and want the latest and greatest of everything. I’ve written dozens of gear reviews over the years, so I know the all...
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Camping.Tools is for Saving Memories A few days ago, I had breakfast with a mentor and friend, and he asked an important question. Why did you create the business? This is a seemingly simple question. But as I start to unravel the answer I'm learning that the answer is not so simple. The truth is that "the business" has evolved from a personal passion into something that I believe can lead to many good things. My writings here on Camping.Tools begin with my attempt to explain how things started,...
Photography Tips for Winter Campers in the Pacific Northwest Like me, outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the pristine landscapes and snow-covered forests for unforgettable camping adventures in the Pacific Northwest. From snow-capped mountains and icy lakes to towering evergreens, the winter scenery here offers endless opportunities for stunning photography. So, here are some photography tips for winter campers in the Pacific Northwest. As an iPhone photographer, I will include some sp...
Replacing Your RV Suspension is Easy Enjoy this DIY video on how to upgrade the suspension on a 2017 Keystone Outback 240URS. I've driven this towable RV for roughly 35,000 miles. We bought it new in 2018 and have traveled as far north and as far west as possible in the continental US. About two years ago I noticed I was going through a set of back tires per year. I had hit a bump on the road and slightly bent the rear axle, which caused the back tires to camber out. Then, on my last big trip to...
People drive hundreds of miles to visit a good waterfall. Each state boasts its own famous falls that draw in outdoor adventurers like moths to a flame, with some of the most prestigious receiving millions of tourists each year. Unfortunately, excessive visitation can pose some issues. Waterfalls get crowded and decidedly un-magical. Parking areas and trails are overrun with trash, and once-pristine locations become loud and dirty. Want to avoid all that? Get off the beaten path. &nb...
Guide to Provincial Park Booking in BC Nestled in the majestic mountains, lush forests, and pristine coastlines, British Columbia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a connection with nature. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse themselves in nature, camping in BC is an unparalleled adventure. If you’ve camped in BC before, you know that getting the most popular sites on almost any weekend in the summer is challenging. In 2022, BC Parks updated its o...