Camping Ideas For Winter and Spring in The Palm Springs Area

As I sit here outside my tent at a campground located in the Palm Springs area writing this article, the sun is shining and the temperature is a comfortable 80 degrees. The rest of the country is suffering below freezing weather and winter storms. Palm Springs is located on the western edge of the greater Coachella Valley and is known as a play ground for the rich and famous. Part of the Colorado Desert, during the summer the Coachella Valley area temperatures can reach a blistering 120 degrees. But If you are looking for a place to go camping during the fall, winter or early spring you couldn't find a better place in the country. During the fall and spring average high and low temperatures range from 50 to 85 degrees. The winter days average 60 degrees but on some days it can drop below freezing at night.
What is little known though is the Coachella Valley is a premier outdoor destination. This area is alive with outdoor activities and unexpected adventures. From desert terrain to pine forest covered mountains to shimmering lakes, the Coachella Valley area is a haven for outdoor lovers. No matter what your outdoor interests are there is something here in the Palm Springs area for you during the winter.
There are two public campgrounds on the valley floor and many private RV parks that accept tent campers.
One of the public campgrounds is the Lake Cahuilla County Park. Located in the city of La Quinta, Lake Cahuilla County Park is a county maintained park and is ideal for families. It has 85 tent campsites and 56 RV campsites, 46 with electric and water and 10 with water only. La Quinta's motto is Gem of the Desert and the name couldn't fit the 165 acre lake more perfectly. Enjoy fishing along the bank of the lake which is re-stocked regularly with fish and is a popular fishing spot for the locals. Don't expect to get in the water though the lake is off-limits to swimmers. There is a picnic area and playground for the kiddies. Hidden away next to the park are several hiking trails that steadily switchback up the Santa Rosa Mountains. While hiking through this spectacular desert mountain hideaway enjoy sweeping views of the Coachella Valley and the Salton Sea.
The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is located 27 miles south east of La Quinta and nestles up against the shoreline of the Salton Sea. You can enjoy many water sports including boating, water skiing, fishing and kayaking. The Salton Sea attracts hundreds of species of birds and is an excellent place to go birding. There are over 1400 campsites divided amongst several different campgrounds. Most campsites are primitive but there are some RV campsites available.
The majestic Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument overlooks the Coachella Valley and is located along its southern border. Although most of the National Monument is cold and snowy there is one thing you must do while you are here. The Palm Springs Ariel tramway whisks you up to 8500 feet above sea level in rotating tram cars to the Mountain Station. You get to see the vegetation change from desert plants to pines in 10 minutes. Enjoy a meal at the top or explore the winter wonderland of San Jacinto Mountains. You can rent snow shoes and cross country ski equipment and play in the snow. When you are done you can go back down to the valley floor and enjoy more comfortable temperatures at your campsite.
The Coachella Valley is bordered on the north by Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park has over 550,000 acres of wilderness. Spread throughout the park are 9 different campgrounds with 490 individual campsites and 22 group campsites. Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class rock climbing destination and is a great place to go hiking and camping. The park offers guided ranger tours and other ranger programs. Brought your SUV or mountain bike? There are many miles of rugged unimproved dirt road you can explore. Or you can take a jeep tour of the back country with a private vendor.
For many people in upper and middle America it is too cold to go camping during the winter and early spring but here it is perfect. I have really enjoyed my outdoors excursions here in the the Palm Springs area. There are many other things you can do if you visit this perfect outdoor playground this article just scratches the surface. Just because the weather is cold where you live doesn't mean you can't go camping. You just have to have know where to go.
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Oregon Fall Camping - What to Know

We all love a family camping trip in the summer. We make plans to hit our favorite camping destination where you can fish, swim and sit around a campfire in the evenings. Summer is the premiere time for a camping vacation. Or so many people think.
More and more couples are taking camping trips in the fall months to take advantage of lower campsite costs, smaller crowds and cooler weather. Many campsites reduce their fees after Labor Day, making fall camping less expensive than summer camping, an especially nice savings during the current economic times. Because school has started, there are fewer kids and teenagers camping in the fall, making the campgrounds a little quieter for young and old couples to have a relaxing, and maybe romantic trip. The nights are often chillier as well, offering the perfect opportunity to snuggle up under a warm blanket with a friend or loved one. Plus, the scenery during the fall can't be beat. The greens of summer turn into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Fall camping does require two additional planning elements not necessarily considered when preparing for a summer camping trip.
1. Pack heavier clothes and bedding: The days may be sunny and warm, but nighttime temperatures can drop quickly and dramatically. Pack for the unexpected. If you think one sweatshirt should be enough for your trip, you should probably bring two.
2. Check the weather patterns where you will be camping: Prepare for potential changes in weather. Fall weather is more volatile than the summer. Pack rain or snow gear even if the forecast calls for blue skies.
Other supplies do not have to vary much from your traditional summer camping trip. Your camping packs should still include plenty of food in airtight containers, a fully-stocked first aid kit, and essential camping supplies, such as matches, flashlights, lanterns, plastic tarps, rope, and firewood.
Fall Camping DestinationsI am partial to the Northwest for outdoor camping and hiking trips. There are a large number of campsites open in Oregon and Washington year round, perfect for fall camping.
1. Castle Rock Campground: Located on Three Rivers, the Castle Rock Campground in the Siuslaw National Forest offers fishing and camping and is open year round.
2. Detroit Lake: Located in the heart of the Oregon Cascades, Detroit Lake offers a number of year round campsites as well as hiking, fishing, boating, and other fun outdoor activities.
3. Washington Coast: For exceptional coastal camping, visit Cape Disappointment, Pacific Beach, or Twin Harbors, all year round.
4. Cape Blanco State Park: This park located on the Oregon coast offers miles of coastal hiking, lighthouse tours, and extra large, private, sheltered campsites.
For more information on year round campsites in your area, go to either [http://www.oregonstateparks.org]www.oregonstateparks.org or [http://www.parks.wa.gov/]www.parks.wa.gov
Fall camping is an easy way to enjoy a three day weekend in the great outdoors. Simply take a few added precautions when planning for your camping trip by bringing a few extra supplies and know the area you will be staying in. These simple steps will make any fall camping vacation, whether in the Northwest or beyond, an enjoyable excursion.
Ben Anton enjoys the great outdoors around the Portland, OR area.
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Things You Should Consider When Camping With Your Dog

There are those days when you want some time alone but you really need a companion. In such cases, you can spend some time with your best friend- your dog. If you are planning to take your dog out on a camping activity, the best place would be somewhere which you haven't explored before. Basically, just like you, your dog will love new sights and places to explore. However, before you actually take your dog out, you have to be prepared. Below are some things that you should consider when camping with your furry buddy:
a. Before your camping trip, make sure that you have made a pre-traveling vet visit. This will ensure that your dog is fit for traveling and for exploring outdoors. When checking with your dog's veterinarian, make sure that your dog will have all the appropriate shots and vaccination needed particularly the Lyme disease vaccine. Do not forget to get a rabies tag that you can attach to your dog's collar.
b. Before you set out on your trip, make sure that your dog has a proper license matched with an appropriate ID tag. Make sure that your dog's tag has your name, contact numbers, and residential address. You can also try having temporary tags that will carry your name along with your prospect camping site.
c. When going outdoors with your dog, make sure that you bring a copy of the prescriptions provided by the veterinarian. Make sure that you don't forget the medications.
d. Determine how you are going to travel with your dog. If you are going to take public utility vehicles or rented cars, you should consider using a crate during the travel. However, do not forget to bring the dog's collars and restraints for short walks wherever such is appropriate.
e. Do not forget to pack for your dog. Make sure that you bring a lot of food and water for him. To make sure that no problems occur, bring the actual food and drinking bowl of your dog. Make sure that you follow the dog's usual feeding routine and schedule.
f. If you are bringing a puppy, make sure that you don't forget his dog brush and his chew toy. Otherwise, your tools and your camping gear might be his next toy.
g. Do not forget to bring extra dog equipment such as extra food bowls, extra leashes, and extra collars. Keep in mind that anything can happen on your camping trip including losing some pet items.
h. Never forget to pack a first aid kit for your dog, Bring a towel as well. Before heading to the camping site, check if there is a veterinarian or pet hospital nearby. Make sure that you know how to get there from the point of your camping site.
i. Before anything else, make sure that campers are really allowed to bring their pets in the camping site. There are some camping sites where pets can only roam around in certain areas. Most of the time, pets are not allowed in national parks.
j. During the actual camping activity, make sure that you can control your dog at all times. Never leave him alone. If you do, keep him inside the crate or on a leash. Make sure that the dog does not bark so frequently to the point that it will disturb other campers. Make sure that you dispose your dog's wastes properly.
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