tent camping out west?

[Sorsha]

Holy Moley, Montana Zoo! What happened in Bozeman?

I'm not MontanaZoo (Hi Billings!) but I am from MT too, Kalispell up by Glacier.

I believe they have decided it was a gas leak. Bozeman, like most of the major towns in MT, has a historic downtown, buildings over 100 years old. It blew up most of about a 4 block area. In the wake of this tragedy, Kalispell has decided to undertake a downtown survey and check up on some of our infrastructure and utilities. Good plan.

 

[MontanaZoo]

I'm not MontanaZoo (Hi Billings!) but I am from MT too, Kalispell up by Glacier.

I believe they have decided it was a gas leak. Bozeman, like most of the major towns in MT, has a historic downtown, buildings over 100 years old. It blew up most of about a 4 block area. In the wake of this tragedy, Kalispell has decided to undertake a downtown survey and check up on some of our infrastructure and utilities. Good plan.

Right, and I heard that the gas leak started under a parking lot and people were smelling it for days but no one called in. Plus the gas lines were so old they didn't have the modern shut off valves. Amazing only one person died since it was so early in the morning.

Glad to hear Kalispell is checking stuff out!

 

[MontanaZoo]

One other suggestion, OP...for Montana and I'm sure most other states, you can go to recreation.gov and look for forest service cabins to rent. We're doing that a few times this summer, they range from really primitive to ones that used to be people's houses. We have one for a week this summer that has electricity and water and sleeps 5 for $35 a night.

The KOA cabins as PP have said are also really good. We've stayed in them in East Glacier and in West Yellowstone.

 

[manning]

Just remember, when out running the bear you don't have to be faster than the bear, just faster than your spouse.

Have fun.

 

[CowboyCO]

Well, we retired but our 401k isn't going to let us travel in the manner we wanted to. We have a tent and everything and my husband thinks it would be fun to try. My question is, is it safe out west with the wild animals? Has anyone done this and what was it like? Any great campgrounds to go to? Anything to consider before trying this adventure? Thanks

What areas are you intersted in going specifically? I have camped all over the state of Wyoming and many places in Colorado over the last 30+ years. There aren't that many placves I haven't been and I could suggest places to camp and what to watch out for in those areas. Let me know and I'll fill you in! Also, let me know what types of things you'd like to see and what time of year you'd like to go, as many areas are only accessible at certain times of the year.

 

[CowboyCO]

We have never been out west, so we would start in Michigan and just head out seein some sights, etc. Would like to get to Montana and Wyoming and campgrounds along the way. We sould take off September lst and just go until we were ready to come home. We will have a boat that we will carry the tent and supplies in. So you think we are crazy? I am 60 and my husband is 62 so I don't know how this will work but ....

OK - just saw the above post about when you plan on going. September is a spectacular month in the Rockies. I'd also suggest hitting Glacier as early as you can and working south. But be aware that as you head south, the alititude, will likely increase. The valley areas of glacier are down around 4,500 feet and the valley areas of Yellowstone area are closer to 7,000 feet. Snow is very possible anytime from September on. TBS, you could also see Indian Summer with warm days and crisp nights. You will need to check Forest Service Campground & National Parks information on their website to see which campgrouns remain open after labor day.

Once you get into October, you could see a amjor shift towards winter weather, but you never know. Just bring clothes and sleeping bags for 4 seasons.

One of my favorite spots:

 

[ringaswan]

we'd suggest some weekend camping over the course of the summer, or as soon as you can. That'll give you an idea of what tent camping is all about, and you can develop some sort of system for yourselves for pitching and breaking camp. You'll also have the opportunity to perfect your camp cooking skills, learn how to best pack your car for easy loading and unloading, etc.
And although this may sound strange, we encourage you to camp one weekend in the rain. Because you have no control over the weather on your adventure, so you might as well get a taste of what it's like before you head out on the road. It'll also help you learn how to best arrange your campsite for inclement weather.
Here's something to look into as well ... dehydrating some of your own meals. It's pretty easy, and there are several good guides that will help you design some great meals. Or if you're not into doing the dehydrating thing yourself, try something like this: http://www.hawkvittles.com/ These meals put the commercially made products (MountainHouse, etc.) to shame.

Enjoy your time camping. There are also national forest campgrounds that are very inexpensive, or free, although they don't have much in the way of facilities (like flush toilets ... it'll be chem toilets or pit toilets). Just check to see if it's hunting season in the area.

We're backpackers so we don't car camp much. But the idea is basically the same, and it's always a good idea to give yourselves a few test runs with your equipment before hitting the road!

 

[MontanaZoo]

Wild animals in Montana are very well behaved.








Just kidding - that's our grizzly at the zoo and he grew up in the southeast US with a private owner. This was his first winter ever and he was not liking all the cold white stuff on the ground.

 

[JDinCO]

There is a Tent Camping forum at the RV.net forums, those folks are a great help. I can't get DW out of the motor home to tent camp. You might also want to look at some state parks too. Good Luck.

 

[Inigo]

My personal favorite is Bryce Canyon in Utah. That place is beyond beautiful. It makes the Grand Canyon look like a big drab hole in the ground.

To me, Bryce Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in existence. Cedar Breaks is a mini-Bryce, and isn't too far from there. The Hoodoo's change color all day long as the sun hits at different angles. I found an inspirational poster for my office that has the Hoodoo's on it. It's on the wall directly across from my desk so that I can day dream about being there. (Now all of you who haven't been to Bryce will have to find out what a Hoodoo is.)

 

[pperfectmom]

To me, Bryce Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in existence. Cedar Breaks is a mini-Bryce, and isn't too far from there. The Hoodoo's change color all day long as the sun hits at different angles. I found an inspirational poster for my office that has the Hoodoo's on it. It's on the wall directly across from my desk so that I can day dream about being there. (Now all of you who haven't been to Bryce will have to find out what a Hoodoo is.)

I can't wait to take our kids there. I had some friends that I recommended Bryce to and they complained about how cold it was. This was in the middle of summer too when I think "cold" is a good thing.We have been holding off on any huge camping trips until the kids are old enough to do some major hiking. We do week long and weekend camping trips right now, but when DH and I travel out west we like to have at least 3-4 weeks to spend. We have WDW this fall and a Disney cruise next fall, so I'm hoping by 2011 the kids will be ready at age 8 and 6. Until then we'll be working on their stamina.

 

[thumpersfriend]

How do you all transport your tent and all the supplies? Was thinking of hauling our boat and putting everything in that but if we didn't take the boat it might be a little less cumbersome. We have an extended Yukon. Maybe get one of the things you put on top of the vehicle? What are your suggestions? I can't believe how much help this has been. I honestly was thinking that I would get discouraging replies.

 

[MontanaZoo]

How do you all transport your tent and all the supplies? Was thinking of hauling our boat and putting everything in that but if we didn't take the boat it might be a little less cumbersome. We have an extended Yukon. Maybe get one of the things you put on top of the vehicle? What are your suggestions? I can't believe how much help this has been. I honestly was thinking that I would get discouraging replies.

We used a tiny Honda civic for years! I think you can do it in your Yukon. Really think about what you need to bring. I have a camping list somewhere if you'd like it. It depends on what kind of camping you are doing too, going into national forests is different than KOAs.

 

[thumpersfriend]

I have been online looking at the KOA's and they look nice. Don't think I would do any rugged camping but it sounds nice if we were a little younger and more experienced. Guess we will get out our old 10 year old tent and start practicing setting it up. Think we might need a new one?

 

[Justanopinion]

http://www.koa.com/

Check out the KOA website. They have a Kamper Work program that you might want to check out for this summer.

 

[geffric]

I have been online looking at the KOA's and they look nice. Don't think I would do any rugged camping but it sounds nice if we were a little younger and more experienced. Guess we will get out our old 10 year old tent and start practicing setting it up. Think we might need a new one?

depends on if it leaks or has tears..best to camp in your backyard a few nights to get the tent setting up and taking down right.. Also, to help figure out what you will need for cooking meals.. container to carrying it in.. ways to pack. I use a list of meals that I can make and mark all the ingridents and practice cooking to make sure that it works..

 

[geffric]

How do you all transport your tent and all the supplies? Was thinking of hauling our boat and putting everything in that but if we didn't take the boat it might be a little less cumbersome. We have an extended Yukon. Maybe get one of the things you put on top of the vehicle? What are your suggestions? I can't believe how much help this has been. I honestly was thinking that I would get discouraging replies.

I put everything our family wants/needs for a long camping trip in a Dodge Caravan.. so the Yukon should be fine.. just practice packing and getting things in and what container they need to be carried in..

 

[MontanaZoo]

I have been online looking at the KOA's and they look nice. Don't think I would do any rugged camping but it sounds nice if we were a little younger and more experienced. Guess we will get out our old 10 year old tent and start practicing setting it up. Think we might need a new one?

I agree with geffric, the only other thing you may want to look at is how heavy your tent is, newer tents tend to be lighter and easier to set up. Also, if you're doing a lot of setting up, I'd get a tent with chained poles (and not bungeed) to make setting up the poles easier.

And don't forget a footprint tarp to go underneath the bottom of your tent. We just use any old tarp and fold it so it fits but some tent manufacturers make ones that are specifically for a tent.

 

[pperfectmom]

I have been online looking at the KOA's and they look nice. Don't think I would do any rugged camping but it sounds nice if we were a little younger and more experienced. Guess we will get out our old 10 year old tent and start practicing setting it up. Think we might need a new one?

Not to knock the KOA sites, but don't overlook the NPS campgrounds. Most of them will have incredible scenery that can't be matched by commercial campgrounds(though there are some exceptions). The cost is usually similar($20-$25/night) and a great many of them have campstores, restaurants, laundry and showers nearby. The forest service campgrounds are also lovely and less expensive but a lot of them do not have showers if that is important to you.

I'll second the need to get your tent out and make sure it is still in good shape. A tent is your most important piece of camping equipment. This one is probably too big for your needs, but we bought the Columbia Cougar Flats II last year and love it! Here it is on our trip to Edisto Island State Park last fall.

 

[dnoyes]

How do you all transport your tent and all the supplies? Was thinking of hauling our boat and putting everything in that but if we didn't take the boat it might be a little less cumbersome. We have an extended Yukon. Maybe get one of the things you put on top of the vehicle? What are your suggestions? I can't believe how much help this has been. I honestly was thinking that I would get discouraging replies.

Have you given any thought to buying a used tent trailer? You can store your things in it and it's no harder to set up then a tent. Would keep you off the ground and they have heaters for the cold mornings.

By the way you have me all fired up to go camping now ...