Camping has been an integral part of American culture, purportedly having originated in the late 1800s when camps were established by such organizations as the YMCA and YWCA. By 1890, Yellowstone National Park became our country's first national park. Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States, affectionately referred to as "The Father of Conservation," walked softly and carried a big stick when it came to signing legislation which established five more national parks-- proof of his firm belief in preserving and conserving our land for all of us to enjoy in its natural state. America, the land of the beautiful, is invitation enough for outdoor enthusiasts to forsake the daily grind and head for untrammeled territory. Whether sleeping inside a tent, cabin, or trailer within the confines of a bare bones campsite, or one with the amenities of home, the experience has the potential to kindle more than campfires.
Once you heed the call of the wild, any concessions made to enjoy Mother Nature in the raw are small sacrifices in comparison to the benefits of camping which include but are not limited to these health, social, and spiritual acquisitions:
Quality time to further bond with family or a significant other without the distractions of gizmos, gadgetry, or everyday stressors while engaging in pleasurable pastimes such as fishing, board games, and conversing around the campfire.
Frugal fun without spending money on airline tickets or hotels. Other than burning fuel to arrive at one's camping designation, and campground fee for the night, weekend, week or more, your initial investment in camping gear is sustainable.
A variety of campground settings afford camping enthusiasts different environmental options which preclude alternative activities such as bird watching, canoeing, hiking, or biking.
Instilling respect for nature and honing survival skills are important by products of simplifying life to enjoy the solitude and tranquility of the great outdoors.
Health benefits are derived from engaging in vigorous physical activities while enjoying the fresh air: hiking, biking, rowing, recreational pursuits, gathering wood, etc.
For the novice camper heading to the wilderness of a state or national park, forest service campsite, or commercial campground, you'll need:
Food supplies
Cooking utensils-pots, pans, plates, cutlery, and a stove unless you intend to cook over a campfire
Small axe or hatchet, and a durable knife
A first-aid kit filled with antibacterial hand gel, antibiotic ointment, gauze and adhesive bandages, tape, instant cold compress, pain relief medicine, rubbing alcohol and tweezers for removing ticks
Flashlight and extra batteries
Sleeping bag
Waterproof and fire resistant backpack stocked with: protein bars, bottled water, compass, Swiss Army Knife, insect repellant, sunblock, binoculars-and your first aid kit.
Lighters
Blanket
Tent sturdy enough to withstand the elements
Sixty per cent of Rhode Island is covered with woodlands which provide an excellent resource for camping with access to beaches, rivers, and hiking trails. Numerous family oriented campgrounds are located throughout the sate. A majority of them can be found in the southern region of Washington County which covers most of the ocean coastline where prominent wildlife refuges are located. The Blackstone Valley area in the northern region, as well as Newport County in the eastern region, are also home to several wooded campgrounds. A bird's eye view of campgrounds indicative of nature's bounty in the Ocean State, whether opting for a rustic cabin, RV-ing it, or pitching a tent under the stars by the light of the silvery moon, follow:
Blackstone Valley (northern region)
Bowdish Lake Camping Area (Rte. 44, Putnam Pike, West Glocester):
Site - each campsite averages 100 ft. and accommodates tents or RV campers.
Activities - bingo, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, basketball, hiking, fishing, canoeing, boating, face painting contests, and dart tournaments.
Amenities - water and electricity at all sites, some sewer sites, dumping stations, modern bathhouses, recreation halls and a recreation pavilion, snack bar, picnic tables, camp store, basic and extended cable available. Pets are allowed.
Oak Leaf Family Campground (43 Oak Leaf Way, Gloucester):
Site - wooded flatland comprised of 60 shaded campsites averaging 22 ft. in width. Close proximity to Wojcik Farms, Peck Pond, Ponagansett Reservoir Dam, Pond View Equestrian Center, and Mohegan Bowl-a-Drome.
Activities - whitewater paddling, swimming, fishing, and hiking.
Amenities- modern restrooms, hot showers, well water, sewage pump out, electric hook-ups, fireplace and picnic table at each site, horseshoe pits, recreation area, playground equipment, swimming pool, recreation hall, store, public telephone. Pets are allowed.
Whippoorwill Hill Family Campground (106 Plainfield Pike, Foster):
Site - spacious rural setting with Audubon hiking trails; close proximity to nearby orchards and berry picking.
Activities - hiking, swimming, fishing, golf, horseshoes, bingo, dancing to live bands.
Amenities - store, playground, laundry facility, modern restrooms, game room, dumping station, water, sewer, electricity, fireplaces and picnic tables. Small pets on a leash are allowed.
Newport County (eastern region)
Fort Getty Recreation Area (Fort Getty Park, Jamestown):
Site - oceanside campground set on a windswept bluff with 25 tent sites and 103 RV sites, appealing to history buffs or beachcombers.
Activities - kayaking and fishing.
Amenities - water and electricity, restrooms, sand volleyball court, charcoal pit, wind curtains available for use on the pavilion, picnic tables. Pets are allowed but must be leashed.
Mellville Ponds Campground (181 Bradford Ave., Portsmouth):
Site - coastal woodland accentuated by wetlands, ponds, and brooks; spacious sites for RV's and tents. Hiking trails provide a variety of bird watching experiences. Close proximity to area beaches and historic Newport.
Activities - boating, fishing, hiking, horseshoes.
Amenities - showers, water and electric hookups, public phone, dock, playground. Pets are allowed with breed restrictions.
Washington County (southern region)
Burlingame State Park & Campgrounds (1 Burlingame Rd., Charlestown):
Site - 700 rustic campsites, 11 cabins, freshwater beach, and hiking trails with close proximity to the Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary on Watchaug Pond.
Activities - bicycling, boating, canoeing, bird watching.
Amenities - restrooms with shower facilities, dump station, comfort station, nature center, playground, picnic tables, boat ramp, canoe rentals, and convenience store. Pet friendly to tagged and collared cats and dogs; allows no more than two pets per campsite.
Fisherman's Memorial State Park (1011 Point Judith Rd., Narragansett):
Site - seaside village atmosphere accommodating tents and RV's, with close proximity to RI's public saltwater beaches-Scarborough, Roger Wheeler, Salty Brine.
Activities - fishing, swimming, horseshoes, tennis, basketball.
Amenities - comfort station which contains restrooms and showers, dumping station, dumpsters, fire rings, playground, picnic and barbecue area, ranger station, telephone, viewing platform with overlook. Pet friendly to dogs and cats.
Whispering Pines Campground (41 Saw Mill Rd., Hope Valley):
Site - accommodating tents and RV's; rustic cabins. Close proximity to Goat Rock Beach Pond and Maple Breeze Miniature Golf. A complimentary cup of coffee awaits guests at the store and recreation hall during appointed hours.
Activities - swimming, paddle boating, canoeing, sailing, fishing, horseshoes, miniature golf, volleyball, basketball, and bingo.
Amenities - restrooms, free hot showers, full hookups, electric service, Laundromat, dump stations, propane filling station, store, snack bar, game room, swimming pool, athletic field, complimentary WI- FI. As far as pets go-only one dog per site, leashed, with breed and behavioral restrictions specified in rules; not allowed in cabins; visitors may not bring pets.
Perchance you're anxious to escape from the stressors of city life. Maybe you desire to forge a closer bond with your family or significant other. Could be you're itching to get in touch with your untamed side. Fortify yourself against mosquitoes, pack the proper provisions, and follow the trail to any of Rhode Island's oases in the wilderness. America the beautiful extends to each of us an open invitation to experience magnificence by exploring its untrammeled territory, nibbling on s'mores while gathered around a campfire, and lulling ourselves to sleep serenaded by the soothing sounds of nature.
| Price : | Post Date : Oct 25, 2011 09:58:18
