Camping Noire Magazine

Photo Credit: Steven J. Roth Picture a tranquil evening by the beach, with the soothing sound of waves and the stars casting their glow upon the sand.  As the bonfire crackles, a shadow dances through the night, catching your attention. Intrigued, you direct a gentle beam of light toward the source, and lo and behold, a pair of foxes appear before you.    This was the scene during last weekend's weekend beach bonfire at Island Beach State Park, where nature had a delightful surprise in store for us. Amidst the laughter and warmth of our bonfire, we had the pleasure of sharing our sandy haven with some unexpected guests that decided to  make several appearances, serving as a gentle reminder that we were sharing our beachside sanctuary with these enchanting creatures.  Now, I'm not going to lie to you...it did cause a bit of a stir at first because who knew foxes and beaches were a thing? I surely did not, but here are the lessons we took away from our interaction...

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As the leaves get ready to put on their spectacular fall show and the breeze takes on that familiar chill, let's chat about a must-know topic for your next hiking or camping escapade: the art of layering. Getting your layers right not only keeps you comfy but also ensures your safety in the great outdoors. So, grab your backpack, gear up, and let's dive into the essentials of layering for your upcoming adventure! Layer #1. Let's Start with the Base Layer: Cotton's Comfy Vibe, But Watch Out! First off, your base layer is the unsung hero in regulating your body temperature when you're out in the wild. Now, we all love the coziness of cotton. It's soft and breathable, and it feels like a second skin, right? But here's the thing – when you're in nature, cotton doesn't play nice with moisture. It doesn't pull sweat away from your skin, which can be a real problem if your clothes get wet. It could even up the risk of hypothermia. So, instead of all-cot...

Imagine this: You've just returned from an epic four-week back-to-back camping adventure, surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness. But hold on, the adventure doesn't quite stop there. Somewhere along the way, you unknowingly crossed paths with poison ivy, and now you're dealing with the notorious itch and discomfort. Fear not, because though I am scratching my skin away, I'm going to use it as a teachable moment to share some super friendly and natural ways that I have learned to help manage this irritating rash. So, the first rule of the nature-lovers handbook is to know your plants! Poison ivy loves to play a sneaky game, so getting familiar with its telltale "leaves of three" can help you avoid it in the future. Also, consider suiting up in long clothes and gloves to give you a friendly barrier against potential plant encounters. If you're like me and have already noticed that itchy red patch, the first thing you'll want to do is head straight to...

The great outdoors have long been a source of solace, adventure, and inspiration for people worldwide. Whether you're hiking through pristine forests, camping beneath a star-studded sky, or embarking on a backpacking journey, spending time in nature can be a transformative experience. However, with increasing numbers of outdoor enthusiasts seeking the beauty of nature, it's crucial that we follow principles that ensure our adventures have minimal impact on the environment. This is where the Leave No Trace principles come into play. Leave No Trace, often abbreviated as LNT, is a set of outdoor ethics that provides guidelines on how to enjoy and appreciate nature responsibly. These principles, developed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, help protect natural environments and preserve them for future generations. In this blog, we'll delve into the seven core principles of Leave No Trace and discuss how each one contributes to responsible outdoor recreation. 1. Pl...

It's mid-July, and while hot, humid weather is typical during summer, the country is heating up at record-breaking levels! So, we continue our series on all things heat-related, and it's time we talk about fire bans.   But first, a story...in a recent Facebook post, a fellow camper shared the following:  "Unfortunately, I learned an expensive lesson last night after getting a beautiful cooking fire going…use the correct resource for fire ban orders for your location…I used the wrong resource (thinking it was the correct one) and ended up with no dinner and a $330 citation from the US Park Service. We’re unpacking the butane stoves for breakfast then off to see the Grand Canyon." Yep, you read that right, a THREE HUNDRED DOLLAR fine.  It was an honest mistake that the Forest Ranger could have easily excused with a warning, but they didn't, so let's make sure you don't fall victim to the same.   You've likely heard of a fire ban before - they are someti...

As the sun shines brightly and scorches more than half of the country with record-breaking high temps, we may be enticed to explore the great outdoors, but it's super crucial to prioritize our safety and well-being when doing so.  Whether you're hiking, camping, or simply enjoying nature, h eat-related illnesses can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not managed properly, so  understanding how to stay safe and prevent heat-related illnesses is essential. Continue reading to explore effective strategies to help you stay cool and hydrated and protect yourself from the heat while embracing the beauty of the natural world. TIP #1. Plan Ahead and Stay Informed: Before venturing into nature, it's crucial to research the weather conditions for your chosen destination. Check local weather forecasts, including the temperature, humidity, and heat index. This information will help you make informed decisions about your outdoor activities and allow you to prepare accordingly. T...

When it comes to hiking, proper hydration is essential for both your comfort and safety on the trail. Water is crucial for maintaining your body's functions and regulating temperature. However, the question often arises: How much water should you really drink when hiking?  The answer isn't as straightforward as any of us would like because d etermining the right amount of water to carry while hiking depends on several factors, including the duration of your hike, weather conditions, terrain, your body weight, and personal hydration needs. As a general guideline, aim to drink at least half a liter (16 ounces) of water per hour during moderate hiking conditions. However, this amount can vary significantly based on individual factors and environmental conditions, for example: Weather and Terrain Impact on Thirst.  In warmer climates or during summer hikes, your body sweats more, increasing the need for hydration. The heat and humidity can accelerate dehydration, so drink water mo...