Welcome to Campgrounds Videos section of JoyOfCamping.com.
We just started this new section Summer 2008 at the request of our readers. As such, we have not covered all the states of the U.S. Help us suggest a campground to add here for benefit of fellow campers. Do you have a campground video you've posted online, share the link in the comments section below. We might add it to our Campground video channels.


Feature Campground: Okeechobee Resort KOA, FL

Click here for more information: Okeechobee Resort KOA, FL


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Filed under By U.S. State by Myrtha Chang.
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Darren Smith, author of Parks Directory of the United States contacted the directors of each of the 50 systems and posed the following question:

If you were trying to showcase your state park system, what would be your recommendation to visitors for 2-3 "must see" parks and why?

I must say, this is a difficult task for any park director, it's like a parent being asked to play favorites. Well, trust Darren to persuade them to share their list of top favorites, so here they are. Some of the park directors stretched it a bit and gave 4 or 5 parks. Darren let it slide.

Continue reading…

Filed under State Parks by Myrtha Chang.
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How do you find the best family campground?

You know the cliché: you gotta know what you want. Well, if you are a beginner camper, you may not even know what to look for. No worries, start the process and it’ll all come together. Here are four different ways to find the family campground best suited for you.

Campground Welcome Sign

  1. Ask Around
  2. Read Up
  3. Family campground chains
  4. Online Forums

1. Ask around
“Word of mouth is best,” says Kristin Hostetter, co-author of Tent And Car Camper's Handbook: Advice for Families & First-timers. Check with friends who camp. Ask them and their kids what they like or dislike about a certain campground.

If this is your first time camping, my best advice is to tag along Continue reading…

Filed under Find Campground by Myrtha Chang.

A mosaic of geological and ecological features, Acadia National Park is composed of ocean, mountains, forests, streams, ponds, wetlands, meadows, and beaches. This paradise of natural wonders rests mainly on Mount Desert Island, but also extends to the Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and a dozen tiny islands. The park's dramatic geological extremes are the result of glacial activity and a melting process that shaped the area into islands, coves, and kettle ponds, forming a 10,000-year-old shoreline so "new" that finding sand is almost a rarity.

The plant and animal life in this 47,633-acre park is diverse and accessible. Anglers will find 28 species of fish lurking in the coves and streams, and bird watchers will be awed by more than 300 species of birds (including 23 species of warblers and that old icon–the bald eagle), which call this park home.

Acadia reflects all that is New England, with glimpses back to the days when wealthy New Englanders first began settling the region. There are winding carriage roads and quaint stone bridges ideal for hiking, biking, and breathing crisp Maine air. With vistas that leave even the most hardened park-goer speechless, the 27-mile Park Loop Road features Cadillac Mountain, the North Atlantic coast's highest promontory, and Thunder Hole, where views of waves smashing against the coast give visitors a powerful sense of how this wondrous park was shaped.

Park activities - The variety of geological features offers something for everyone. There are 115 miles of hiking trails looping through the park and 45 miles of carriage trails, which are perfect for walking, biking, or horseback riding. Fishing, boating, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching are also popular activities. One of the park's true gems is its educational ranger-led programs, which include boat cruises, mountain hikes, stargazing, bird and nature walks, short talks, and evening slide programs. See a map of Acadia National Park.

Source: http://encarta.msn.com/list_popularparks/15_popular_national_parks.html

Official Park Website: http://www.nps.gov/acad


Filed under National Parks by Myrtha Chang.
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evening's reflection on hot spring! Do hot springs and camping go together? There are many highly developed resorts built around a hot spring. Rather expensive and uppity, not the most welcoming to a sweaty, hungry camper looking for a place to soak.

The Mystic Hot Springs in Utah is much more affordable and developed for campers. A day-visit soaking costs $7.50. A campsite is $15 per night (soaking included). And an RV site with hookups is $30 per night (soaking for two included).

The water comes out of the ground at a steaming 168 degrees (Fahrenheit). The water, cooling as it travels down a channel, runs into eight personal soaking tubs and two pools. As the hot mineral water purifies your body, the inspiring view overlooking the Sevier Valley purifies your mind.

When you're not soaking your stresses away
, the countryside offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation. In the Sevier Valley, you can go river rafting, visit a salt mine, or explore Indian ruins. There are also miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.

Mystic Hot Springs. (435) 527-3286
www.mystichotsprings.com

Related Post:
Agua Caliente Hot Springs

Filed under Family Campground by Myrtha Chang.
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Agua_caliente
Agua Caliente Hot Springs is a 910-acre San Diego County Park, complete with a picnic area and a large campground with shady trees at some sites. It is located near the south end of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in southern California. There are 2 hot spring pools here. One is a large outdoor pool that is kept at a natural 90 degrees (Fahrenheit). The other pool (102 degrees F) is protected inside a glass-walled building and - ready for this? - equipped with whirlpool jets.

Because this is one of San Diego County's most popular parks, don’t expect to Continue reading…

Filed under State Parks by Myrtha Chang.
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In Florida, camping doesn't stop in winter. "What winter?" you may ask. Being a New Englander myself, I totally agree with you. Winter camping in Florida is actually preferred by some campers to avoid the annoying ever-present flies in the hot, humid summer months.

Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key

Bahia Honda is one of the best beaches in South Florida. It is located along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Camping, cabins, 2 exceptional boat ramps, a certified "Clean Marina," and a concession and gift store make Bahia Honda an outstanding recreational destination. Click here for the park photos.

Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin

Originally called Hog Island, it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a New York developer built 50 palm - thatched bungalows for honeymooners. Today, visitors can drive across Dunedin Causeway to enjoy the sun - Continue reading…

Filed under State Parks by Myrtha Chang.
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Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and other winter sports combined with a temperate winter keep California’s system busy through winter. The three parks that were iselected here offer unique opportunities in addition to the common winter sports found in other parks.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , San Diego

Winter Attraction: Desert wildflowers – they start blooming in late February or early March. For a special wildflower recorded message, call (760) 767-4684. Or mail a self-addressed stamped postcard in an envelope to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. The kind Anza-Borrego folks will mail the card back at just the right time.

Ano Nuevo State Reserve, San Mateo

Winter Attraction: This is the site of the world’s largest mainland breeding colony for the northern elephant seal. Every winter, visitors come to observe the males battle for mates Continue reading…

Filed under State Parks by Myrtha Chang.
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What families like about San Diego's Campland:

  • Load of amenities for kids: pools, Jacuzzis, beach, marina, rec room, etc.
  • Never a dull moment: line dancing, bingo, flag football
  • Internet access at the cafe
  • A bargain at $40 a night
  • Close to many San Diego attractions (though you may not want to leave the campground resort)

Campground Pictures:


Read a camper's experience at Campland:

Back in my day (when we trudged 10 miles to school in 30 feet of snow), camping meant a smelly tent in an Ozark thicket where "I'm bored" got you a kick in the pants and the trip ended with Continue reading…

Filed under Family Campground by Myrtha Chang.

The Grand Canyon glass-platformed skywalk officially opened March 28, 2007. It is the first-ever cantilever shaped glass walkway to suspend more than 4,000 feet above the canyon’s floor and extend 70 feet from the canyon’s rim. Continue reading…

Filed under National Parks by Myrtha Chang.
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