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Hiking Safety on the Trail: Decisions, Hazards, and Habits That Keep You Out of Trouble
Hiking Safety on the Trail: Decisions, Hazards, and Habits That Keep You Out of Trouble
Most hiking articles start with a packing list. That is useful. We already covered the modern Ten Essentials on this site, but gear sitting in a pack does not keep you safe by itself. Safety on the trail is a series of small decisions: when to turn around, how fast to drink, whether that ridge is a...
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John Dent
August 30th, 2026
 
Good Sam Campgrounds Guide: How to Find Top-Rated RV Parks and Save on Your Next Stay
If you travel by RV or enjoy campground camping across the United States and Canada, you’ve almost certainly seen the Good Sam name. Good Sam Campgrounds form one of the largest and most recognized networks of private RV parks and campgrounds in North America. Members receive meaningful discounts...
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John Dent
August 24th, 2026
 
Essential Camping Gear Checklist: Must-Have Items for a Safe, Comfortable Outdoor Adventure (2026 Guide)
Quality camping gear transforms a basic overnight stay into a comfortable, low-stress experience—and it can make the difference between a trip you want to repeat and one you’d rather forget. Whether you’re planning a weekend car-camping trip in a Missouri state park, a family lakeside getaway...
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John Dent
August 24th, 2026
Go Boat: The Portable Electric Boat That Changes How You Camp and Fish
Go Boat: The Portable Electric Boat That Changes How You Camp and Fish
Most boats come with a long list of headaches — trailers, storage, heavy hulls, and the need for a boat ramp. The Go Boat takes a completely different approach. It is a round, inflatable, electric-powered personal watercraft that packs down small enough to fit in a car trunk or even a large backpa...
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John Dent
August 23rd, 2026
 
RV Power & Fishing: How a Better Electrical Setup Helps You Catch More Fish
Most RVers think about power only when the air conditioner struggles or the microwave trips a breaker. Serious fishing campers look at power differently. When your RV is your fishing basecamp — especially on a permanent or long-term site — reliable electricity directly affects how long you stay...
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John Dent
August 23rd, 2026
 
How to Turn Your Campsite into a Productive Fishing Hub
Most people treat camping and fishing as two separate activities. They set up camp, then drive or hike somewhere else to fish. That approach works, but it leaves a lot of opportunity on the table. When you intentionally design your campsite as a fishing basecamp, everything gets easier. You waste le...
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John Dent
August 23rd, 2026
 
The Ten Essentials for Camping & Hiking: Modern Gear That Actually Keeps You Safe
The original “Ten Essentials” list was created decades ago to help outdoor enthusiasts stay safe when things go wrong. The core idea still holds: carry the right gear so a simple problem doesn’t turn into a serious one. Today the list has been refined, but the principle remains the same. Here...
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John Dent
August 22nd, 2026
 
Mountain Camping Essentials: How to Stay Safe, Warm, and Comfortable at Higher Elevations
Camping in the mountains offers some of the most rewarding outdoor experiences — sweeping views, cooler temperatures, and a sense of remoteness that’s hard to find at lower elevations. It also comes with unique challenges. Weather can change rapidly, nights get significantly colder, wind is ofte...
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John Dent
August 20th, 2026
 
Gear That Pulls Double Duty: Multi-Functional Essentials That Make Camping Easier
Most camping gear does one job. The best pieces do two or three — and they make the whole trip smoother because of it. When space and weight matter (or when you simply don’t want to dig through a pile of single-purpose items), multi-functional gear becomes one of the smartest upgrades you can ma...
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John Dent
August 20th, 2026
 
Transform Your Campsite: Must-Have Tents, Furniture & Lighting for Comfortable Outdoor Living
A campsite doesn’t have to feel temporary or uncomfortable. With the right combination of shelter, seating, tables, and lighting, you can create a setup that feels organized, inviting, and genuinely relaxing, whether you’re spending a weekend at a Missouri state park or a longer stay farther afi...
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John Dent
August 20th, 2026
 
Camp Kitchen Setup Guide: How to Create an Efficient Outdoor Cooking Space
A good camp kitchen turns mealtime from a chore into one of the best parts of the trip. When everything has a place and you can cook without constantly searching for tools or balancing pots on uneven ground, the whole experience feels smoother. Whether you’re making simple breakfasts or cooking a...
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John Dent
August 19th, 2026
 
Camp Comfort Upgrade: How to Transform Your Campsite into a Relaxing Outdoor Living Space
A campsite doesn’t have to feel like a temporary survival zone. With a few thoughtful choices, you can create a space that feels inviting — a place where you actually want to sit, cook, talk, and relax after a day outside. Whether you’re car camping at a state park or setting up a longer base...
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John Dent
August 19th, 2026
 
Camping + Fishing: How to Plan the Perfect Lakeside Getaway
Camping + Fishing: How to Plan the Perfect Lakeside Getaway There’s something special about combining camping and fishing. You wake up a short walk from the water, brew coffee while watching the morning mist rise, and cast a line before most people have even left the house. Later, you cook your ca...
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John Dent
August 16th, 2026
 
Beach Camping Guide: How to Camp Comfortably by the Ocean
Beach camping offers a unique outdoor experience — falling asleep to the sound of waves, waking up to ocean views, and spending days right on the sand. However, camping by the water comes with its own set of challenges that regular forest or lake camping doesn’t prepare you for. Wind, sand, salt...
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John Dent
August 5th, 2026
 
Camping in Missouri State Parks: A Practical Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Missouri has 93 state parks and historic sites, and entry is free. 41 of them have camping, with more than 3,500 campsites, and 39 take reservations. Reserve up to 12 months ahead at icampmo.com or 877-422-6766; same-day reservations are often available until 7 p.m. Camping is limited to 15 days in...
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John Dent
August 5th, 2026
 
How to Find the Best Campgrounds: Tips for Choosing Your Next Campsite
A good campground makes the whole weekend. A bad one, and you're up at 2 a.m. listening to the neighbor's generator. Suzie and I camp Missouri state parks most weekends, and we haul a fifth-wheel, so we've picked plenty of sites. Some winners, some not. Here's how we sort them out now. Types of Camp...
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John Dent
August 3rd, 2026
 
Hiking for Beginners: What to Pack and How to Prepare for Your First Trail
Hiking is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the outdoors, but showing up unprepared can turn a pleasant walk into a frustrating or even unsafe experience. With the right gear and a bit of planning, your first hikes can be comfortable and memorable. Choosing Your First Hike Start easy: Choose a well...
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John Dent
August 3rd, 2026
 
Beginner’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing: Gear, Tips & First-Trip Advice
Fishing is one of the most relaxing and rewarding outdoor activities. You don’t need years of experience or expensive equipment to get started. With a few basic items and some simple knowledge, you can enjoy a successful first trip on a lake, pond, or river. This guide covers the essential gear an...
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John Dent
August 3rd, 2026
 
Late Summer Camping Guide: Make the Most of August & Early Fall Trips
Late summer is one of the best times to go camping. The days are still warm, the nights are starting to cool down, crowds are thinner than peak July, and many outdoor destinations are at their most pleasant. Whether you’re planning a final summer getaway or transitioning into early fall camping, a...
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John Dent
August 2nd, 2026
 
Essential Camping Stove Guide: How to Choose the Right One for Your Trips
A good camping stove turns basic ingredients into hot meals and makes mornings much better with coffee or tea. But not every stove fits every style of camping. The best choice depends on how many people you’re cooking for, whether you’re car camping or backpacking, and what kind of fuel is easie...
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John Dent
August 2nd, 2026
 
Best Camping Gear for Beginners: Essential Checklist for Your First Trip
Camping is one of the best ways to disconnect from everyday stress and reconnect with nature. But if you’ve never been before, figuring out what gear you actually need can feel overwhelming. Buy too little and you’ll be uncomfortable. Buy too much and you’ll spend money on things you don’t u...
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John Dent
August 2nd, 2026
 
How to Choose a Family Camping Tent for Midwest State Parks
Picking a family camping tent for Midwest state parks is less about the biggest number on the box and more about the trip you take. From Excelsior Springs we run lake loops and Missouri park weekends — drive-up pads, coolers in the truck, sometimes a kids’ tent beside the fifth-wheel. This choos...
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John Dent
August 2nd, 2026

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