Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Indian Lakes - Thousand Trails in Batesville Indiana Review

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Vincent_F.]Vincent F.
Indian Lakes is part of Thousand Trails, Naco. Camping grounds located at 7234 Indiana 46, Batesville, Indiana located about 30-40 miles from Cincinnati Ohio. We have been a UDI member for about three years. If you are thinking about getting a membership or visiting Indian Lakes on your next camping trip I hope this review helps.
The campground consists of phases. Phase one is for people who keep their campers on site all year, most of these people do not move their campers. Some of the campers have permanent decks, sheds and custom lots. There are two or three other phases but I do not know which is which but all are open to anyone for camping. One is full hook-up, this phase has 44 campsites. Full hook-up consists of power, water and sewage. The other phases is power and water only, these phases have 682 campsites per the Thousand Trails website. Indian Lakes also has 52 cabins that can be rented. Prices range from $25 per nigh during the week to around $75 per night depending on your membership and what days you will be staying.
Indian Lakes campground also has many lakes on property that are said to be stocked with bass, catfish and bluegill. You may take a boat on the main lake but is trolling motor only. The lake also has a small beach. New this year to the campground is an in-lake water park with the big inflatable water toys to climb, jump and slide on for all visiting campers to use free of charge.
Indian Lakes campground has a pool along with infant pool, adult center, free Putt-Putt and a large playground.
There is an Indian Lakes 9 hole Golf Course that is only $1 per hole if walked. Golf carts cost extra. No personal golf carts are allowed on golf course.
Okay, now to the pros and cons of Indian lakes Indiana:
Pros:
Large lake along with many small ones.
Open fields to play in, kids play area.
DJ at adult center most weekends.
Kids movie night some weekends.
Can camp on big lake.
Pretty many bath houses.
Campground has its own store/gas station.
The duck issue looks to have been cleared up.
Free Putt-Putt.
Nice 9 hole golf course (cheap too).
Cons:
The people who run this campground have been very rude for years.
Gas station pumps went out last year and to date they still have no gas. If you have a golf cart you can get gas down the road. The pumps are now working.
Not all power and water sites have water turned on.
Store closes early.
Could have more child activities but they do an Okay job here.
Can be a wild campground with parties.
Workers are rude, oh wait did I already say that? Well worth another mention.
Lakes do not seem to be stocked well.
Smaller lakes have very heavy vegetation and are hard to fish.
All the lakes have a snake issue, they are all over and the Water Moccasins are very bold.
You will be charged to use your own golf cart.
Full hook ups are always full, you will need to wait for someone to pull out and then grab it quick unless you luck out and show up at the right time.
This campground has had a bad wrap for many of years but I must say, since it was sold a couple years ago things seem to be getting a little better every year.
Vincent F. is a fan of the outdoors. If you also enjoy this life style please visit his [http://fish-and-hunt.net/]hunting, fishing and camping website. Users can [http://fish-and-hunt.net/submit-fishing-hunting-report-tip/]submit reports, tips and stories.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Indian-Lakes---Thousand-Trails-in-Batesville-Indiana-Review&id=6611352] Indian Lakes - Thousand Trails in Batesville Indiana Review

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Camping Trip Menus - How to Pick the Meals You Want To Cook

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=GA_Anderson]GA Anderson
Don't let the meals on your camping menu turn the job of camp cook into an ordeal, when it should be an enjoyable part of your camping experience. Too many times, what started out as an exciting task turned into a chore to struggle through - because you were doing it backwards. You can't pick the best meals for your camping trip if you don't have these answers first.
How much cooking do you want to do?
Camp cooking is a big part of the outing for a lot of people - so much so that they may even plan the other camping activities to fit their cooking schedule, but for others it is a necessary task to fit in between other outdoor activities. Ten minutes to fix, and ten minutes to eat - that's how they want their camp meals.
If your idea of camping fits the former - then you have a free hand to pick almost any kind of camp meal you can think of, but if your idea of camp cooking fits the latter - you should look for simple quick meals with fewer ingredients, and fewer preparation steps.
Do you have the camping cookware and cooking equipment you need?
This one is pretty simple - no need to pick a great Dutch oven recipe if you don't have a Dutch oven. Or a meal that needs several pots and pans, plus a campfire cooking grate - when you only have a 2-burner camp stove to cook on.
Are your options for camp cooking limited by the campsite restrictions?
Do you know if open campfires are allowed where you will be camping? Are you required to only use the fire rings or BBQ pits provided onsite? Does the size and layout of your campsite limit the space you will have available for the camp kitchen, or food prep and cooking activities? Obviously it would be a mistake to plan campfire recipes if you can't have a campfire, or a camp meal that needs a lot of space for preparation and cooking if you only have room for one small table for the camp stove, and the food prep.
What type and age group of campers will you be cooking for?
Hearty, big eating adult campers? Weight or diet-conscious campers? Vegans? Kids? Or a combination of them all? Who you will be cooking for is one of the most important considerations when picking your camping menu meals. You may have visions of sizzling steaks and steaming baked potatoes, but how will that go over with the diet-conscious or vegan campers in your group? Or you might be considering Escargot' and mushrooms, with a nice wine - to impress your fellow campers, but what about the six kids in your group? To them it's snails and fungus - which they probably won't touch, they would rather starve first.
It is important to pick meals and varieties that everyone will enjoy, or at least plan for back-up or supplemental meal choices. Nothing ruins the joy of a camp cook quicker than sour faces and a chorus of "Eewww's."
Planning the meals for your camp menu will be a lot easier, and more successful, if you know the answers to these basic questions before you start looking for camping recipes.
You can see a more details, and other factors that influence your camp meal choices; complete with menu examples, step-by-step menu planning instructions, and a menu planning kit at:   rel=nofollow [http://campingwithgus.com/2010/12/02/camp-meals-planning-camping-menu/]How to Plan a Camping Menu.
GA Anderson is an online author and avid outdoorsman whose lifelong camping adventures started with week-long bear hunting camps when he was eight years old, and continued to include over 7 years camping experience as an adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America.
To see more outdoor camping articles, guides, and camping tips, visit [http://campingwithgus.com/]Campingwithgus.com where he write as "Gus."
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Camping-Trip-Menus---How-to-Pick-the-Meals-You-Want-To-Cook&id=6624038] Camping Trip Menus - How to Pick the Meals You Want To Cook

Friday, December 23, 2011

Complete Weekend Camping Trip Menu - Fun and Easy

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=GA_Anderson]GA Anderson
Don't waste time wracking your brain trying to come up with a menu of camp meals for an upcoming weekend camping trip. This weekend camp food menu is complete with easy camp recipes that are as fun to make as they are to eat. It also includes two popular must-have campfire treats that will have your campers smiling with anticipation.
Designed with fun and ease of use in mind, this camp menu can be cooked with as little as just a coffee pot, frying pan, and a pot -plus a campfire of course.
Friday - arrival day dinner
It's been a long day; packing all the camp gear, the long drive, unpacking everything and setting up camp, and now, everyone wants you to cook dinner. Let them do it themselves.

Hobo Tin-foil Hamburger Dinner: 6oz. hamburger patty, sliced onions, sliced carrots, sliced potatoes, a dollop of steak sauce, and salt & pepper to taste.
Warmed apple slices
Bread and butter
Cold beverage and coffee

Campfire treat: S'mores, hot chocolate, and good coffee
Saturday - breakfast
It's the first full day of camping and everyone is anxious to get started with all the fun things they came camping for. It's time for a good, but quick and easy breakfast.

Instant oatmeal and/or toasted bagels with butter or cream cheese
Fruit - an apple or orange
Juice - milk - coffee

Saturday - lunch
Everyone is having so much fun -lunch is probably just a forced break because they are hungry. The perfect time for easy-to-fix sandwiches or hoagies.
Toasted cold-cut hoagie sandwich: deli meats and cheeses, lettuce-onions-tomatoes, all on a campfire toasted hoagie or Kaiser roll.
Pringles (chips), and an apple
Cold beverage and coffee

Saturday - dinner
Now everyone is ready for a good, traditional campfire meal. This entree can be cooked in a frying pan, on a campfire cooking grate, or in a tin-foil pack like the Hobo dinner.

BBQ boneless chicken breasts: How you plan to cook them determines when and how you use the BBQ sauce
Tin-foil baked potato and veggie (corn or peas warmed in their cans, or in the pot)
Dinner bread and butter
Cold beverage and coffee
Campfire treat: Chocolate Banana boat with hot chocolate and good coffee

Sunday - breakfast
Usually an easy day, maybe an activity or two left to do, then get ready to pack-up. Time for a little more leisurely meal -but still easy to prepare and clean-up.

Hobo baggie Omelets: Baggies, eggs, cheese, and bacon bits -along with a pot of hot water are all you need for this fun camping breakfast
Easy fried hash-brown potatoes from the grocery frozen foods section
Juice - milk - coffee

Sunday - lunch
It's getting to be time to pack-up the camp gear - no time for dawdling or big messes now.

Cup-o-Noodles instant noodles: just add hot water to the cup
Pringles (chips), and an apple or orange
Cold beverage

Weekend snacks

Anytime snacks: Trail mix, (Gorp), granola bars, snack-cracker packs, fruit, cookies
Evening snacks: Hot chocolate, marshmallows, cookies, bananas, popcorn

And that is your complete weekend camping trip menu. Easy shopping, preparation, and clean-up. Plus, the Hobo meal items are fun to fix, and easy on your budget.
You can see a more details for this camping menu; complete with recipes, step-by-step cooking instructions, cooking and packing tips, and a completed camp food grocery list at:   rel=nofollow [http://campingwithgus.com/camping-menus/]Weekend Camping Menu #1
GA Anderson is an online author and avid outdoorsman whose lifelong camping adventures started with week-long bear hunting camps when he was eight years old, and continued to include over 7 years camping experience as an adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America.
To see more outdoor camping articles, guides, and camping tips, visit [http://campingwithgus.com/]Campingwithgus.com where he write as "Gus."
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Complete-Weekend-Camping-Trip-Menu---Fun-and-Easy&id=6624407] Complete Weekend Camping Trip Menu - Fun and Easy

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Camping Food Tips - Meals to Make Over a Campfire

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rolland_Meigs]Rolland Meigs
As I ponder with regards to camping in the in the open air, the very first thing which happens to come flooding back are usually my thoughts associated with the actual enjoyable camp food many of us use to prepare over an open camp fire.
Outdoor camping has long been viewed as an excellent out-of-doors experience for numerous varieties of men and women; individuals who love adventures, individuals that desire a holiday vacation brimming with fun-based activities as well as individuals who will be searching for a less expensive yet still pleasurable getaway.
It is really an enjoyable encounter with respect to both young and old, in which you see adults become delighted with regard to the holiday, precisely as the youngsters (may be even more), and then they commence the particular preparations as early as they possibly can. Both equally enthusiastic to be starting off on their very own holiday getaway.
Considered one of the principle preparations in which you'll want to give thought to is definitely, not surprisingly, the actual camp food an individual is undoubtedly intending to take on their exciting family vacation.
Presently at this time there are numerous online shops offering a big assortment of food packages which could provide a person with all of the calories you would be required to help keep you up and running during your getaway. Such food products as packed porridge with sultanas, packed Chilli con carney or maybe even chocolate pudding, all of these are fantastic if you are searching for a lightweight hassle-free food items for use on your excursion.
In contrast to the commonplace misconception, there is absolutely no exact food which an individual Has to take whenever camping out, on the contrary, you could potentially develop any sort of meal you prefer and make it suitable for camping by looking into making a handful of modifications, the most essential thing is obviously, the actual shelf life of the camp food you actually are currently taking with you.
By way of example, in cases where you happen to be an admirer of stews, it is possible to go ahead and take beef or maybe chicken cutlets inside your icebox, various dehydrated vegetables such as carrots and celery, some onion and garlic powder along with the ingredient which takes an individual's meal to another level: stew powder mix that you can acquire from any large grocery stores.
On the other hand, in the event you don't desire to transport an icebox (if you are backpacking for example) you possibly can make it some sort of vegetarian meal as an alternative, simply because vegetables can remain fresh for longer in contrast to meats which usually go bad in short order.
I personally can't stress more than enough regarding how significant it really is to constantly make perfectly sure that the foodstuff you are taking with you tastes top-notch, since there is absolutely nothing worse than finding out about how terrible the food tastes when you find yourself away from home and also in desperate need for a healthy meal to provide you the comfort and wellness you desire.
There are numerous other handy tips like, for anybody who is taking powdered soup packets or perhaps powdered milk, an individual has to make sure you have the means to access hot water, either by taking a flask of hot water for the first day by way of example, or by having access to any source of heat (this is when you miss your stove most) such as some sort of campfire.
Additionally in the event that you make a decision that you would like to prepare a meal making use of the campfire. Considering that you have prepared your camp food necessary and therefore are ready to get the campfire going, please take a second and make sure you take a look at first whether or not the site you are going to makes it possible for individuals to start fires or not.
Interested in having fun on your next camping trip? Visit Http://www.campingdinners.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Camping-Food-Tips---Meals-to-Make-Over-a-Campfire&id=6625706] Camping Food Tips - Meals to Make Over a Campfire

Monday, December 19, 2011

Beach Tents: Exciting Tips to Make the Most of Your Beach Tent

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mike_Craft]Mike Craft
Outdoor activities of the family require beach tents. These outdoor essentials are a source of shade in sunny places like beaches, parks, camping sites and your backyard or patio. If your family is always on the lookout for holiday excursions and tours, investing on a dependable beach tent has its rewards. Here are some basic descriptions of different tents and how to make the most out of them.
• Baby Beach Tents are tents specially created for babies. They are little tents to bring with anywhere your baby goes. These baby beach tents have net mesh panels for their ventilation. The tents equipped with pockets which can be used for keeping their toys and feeding bottles. They are very portable. Your sleepy babes will find solace in this tent. Just zip up and the cute babes are free from the insects and bugs. Baby tents are UV protected to block out the harmful rays of the sun. They are portable, easy-open and quick-fold to a cool carrying case. Rest assured your little darling is safe and comfortable in this humble abode.
• Beach Cabana are beach tents that have the basic function of giving shade for the whole family while providing them with a good view at the beach or at the park. The beach cabana is opened on one side. They offer privacy and can be zipped up for changing purposes. They are handy tents and are self erecting. The beach cabanas have a SPF coating to protect every member of the family against the heat of the sun. Have a place where you can keep your picnic gear when you avail of these tents. Bring out your coolers, towels, paper plates, and glasses. Don't forget to bring a black bag for your dirty clutter. Help in preserving and cleaning the environment.
• Beach Canopy tents are beach tents that are built to hold different numbers of people. The smallest beach canopy tents are especially created for a couple. The largest tent can accommodate an event or a party. The big canopy tents are commonly used in garden celebrations. The huge tents are decorated with tables and trimmings to achieve a certain theme. The huge tents require several adults before it could be set up properly. A simple family reunion can turn into a grand affair if you have these beach canopy tents. Set up a barbecue grill, have a wonderful food presentation, bring out some colorful glasses, put fruits in a nice tray and excite the family while they wonder what the event is all about.
• Pop up tents are tents that can be set up at a snap of a finger. Bring these tents into campsites and let the teenagers open it by themselves. Let them have fun in discovering the convenience of the pop-up tents. Show them how the sand pockets work and make them fill it up. The young kids can join and enjoy, too. Folding it up is easy too. This time, give the children a hand in folding because they may have become exhausted from swimming incessantly n the beach.
Beach tents offer more excitement with the family through these easy steps. Create your own kind of fun while enjoying your holiday with the whole family.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Beach-Tents:-Exciting-Tips-to-Make-the-Most-of-Your-Beach-Tent&id=6632626] Beach Tents: Exciting Tips to Make the Most of Your Beach Tent

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Popular Camper Trailers

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brad_Druss]Brad Druss
For those who enjoy their comforts but like to get into the great outdoors too, the good news is that you don't have to compromise on your comfort. Camper trailers have changed camping for the better, allowing you to bring the comforts of your home with you on your recreational adventures. Camper trailers are versatile and come in many forms to suit any needs. There are actually oversized tent trailers available that can be hauled by bikes, and various models for cars and trucks.
What Is A Camper Trailer?
Before I go any further, we better just take a brief look at what these campers actually are. A camper trailer tent is a piece of camping equipment that can be towed by a car or truck, even a bike. The size of trailer your vehicle can tow will depend on its towing capacity
Most cars have a towing capacity of about 3000 pounds, while some trucks can tow up to around 30,000 pounds in weight. The size of the trailer will obviously dictate the size of the camping tent. Many trailer tents are known as oversized tents, that fold out with overhang beyond the square footage of the trailer base. They tend to have sleeping space for several people, an area to sit in and some even have small rest rooms and kitchens. They tend to be well designed and make best use of the space within.
Variations of Camper Trailers:
There's a pretty wide range of camper trailers on the market, but you'll find that the differences between them can often be negligible. In fact, some have two or three names but the trailers are identical. Lets take a look at some of the more popular trailers:
Teardrop Trailers - small, light camper trailers that come in a variety of sizes. Some are just big enough to carry equipment, others are big enough to sleep six or more people. These trailers have a signature rounded shape, kind of like a teardrop.
Pop Up Trailers - Pop up trailer tents expand and unfold to provide a lot of room. The base of the tent folds out to overhang the trailer base. They're quick to assemble, very comfortable, and lightweight. When they are collapsed the are only about a foot or so above the trailer base.
5th Wheel Trailers - These trailers get their name because they don't attach to the standard trailer hitch. They actually attach to a purpose fitted hitch that is attached to the bed of a pick-up truck. These are known as called the 5th wheel trailers or a gooseneck hitches and they help to distribute the trailer weight better and prevent the trailer from tipping backwards with the weight. These trailers have lots of space and unlike the other trailers, they do not expand, unfold or collapse.
You can find out a lot more and see photographs of [http://www.campertrailerguides.com/camper-trailer-guide/]teardrop trailers and 5th wheel trailers at my websites [http://www.CamperTrailerGuides.com]http://www.CamperTrailerGuides.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Popular-Camper-Trailers&id=6625930] Popular Camper Trailers

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Best Camping Gifts for Christmas - Top 3 Electronics Picks

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=GA_Anderson]GA Anderson
Technology has come to camping, and some of the top-pick camping gifts this year weren't even a consideration until recently. This year, micro chips and satellites, and, memory cards, and solar power, are the forces behind these three top pick camping gifts.
Hand-held GPS Systems - Step aside camping knives and Dutch ovens, Geo-caching has made camping a whole new ballgame. What was once a hiking and camping activity for a small group of techno-campers has now spread to everyday campers world-wide, and because of the way Geo-caching works -you have to have a GPS system to participate.
Market leading GPS makers like Garmin and Magellan quickly introduced portable hand-held models that were designed to withstand the rigors of camping and hiking environments. Before Geo-caching expanded the market for hand-held units you could easily pay $400 - $500 for one, but now you can get top-shelf models for $150 - $250. Just make sure you check out the details and customer reviews to ensure the GPS system you're looking at has the map overlays and other features needed for your area.
Pocket Video Cameras - A great gift for any camper, and like the GPS systems, market demand has spawned a wide selection of these small video cameras that are perfect for use in the outdoors. Rugged and durable, models like the Kodak PlaySport are even waterproof up to about ten feet under. Plus, the use of memory cards instead of tape cartridges to store and share your videos has made them so easy to use that even the most non-techie camper will be recording and sharing in minutes.
Some of the popular features that make pocket video cameras like the PlaySport so well suited for camping are; the size of course, they really do fit in your pocket, one-touch recording and viewing, removable memory cards, rechargeable batteries, digital zoom, and a lanyard attachment that even lets it hang from the neck. Price range: $100 - $150.
Solar Chargers - Cell phones. video cameras, GPS units, even LED headlamps, can be recharged with these new solar battery chargers. Except for those big six-volt lantern batteries, almost anything with rechargeable batteries can be charged and maintained with a solar charger.
Like the other top-pick electronic camping gifts, these solar chargers have evolved to be a perfect fit for campers that rely on battery-powered electronics. More compact, durable, and efficient, the newest models available are more than able to hold their own in camp. Price range: $25 - $75.
These were only the top three picks for electronic camping gifts this year. There are so many more choices available that you will be sure to find just the right one for the camper you have in mind, even if it's you.
You can see a more details about the hottest new camping Christmas gifts this year, complete with picture, customer reviews, and direct links to some of the lowest prices available at:   rel=nofollow [http://campingwithgus.com/top-camping-gifts-christmas-2011/]Top Camping Gifts for Christmas
GA Anderson is an online author and avid outdoorsman whose lifelong camping adventures started with week-long bear hunting camps when he was eight years old, and continued to include over 7 years camping experience as an adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America.
To see more outdoor camping articles, guides, and camping tips, visit [http://campingwithgus.com/]Campingwithgus.com where he write as "Gus."
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Camping-Gifts-for-Christmas---Top-3-Electronics-Picks&id=6628777] Best Camping Gifts for Christmas - Top 3 Electronics Picks