Camping

Maximize Storage in your RV

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Planning a summer roadtrip? Looking to fit your family in a small space for a weekend, week, or longer? Our experiences in RV living for the past several decades have granted some perspective about how to make the most of your storage, your living space, and your sanity when you downsize.

Plan, plan, plan! Start planning your travel or vacation in advance of your travel date. Know what you intend to do on your trip. If you don’t ride your bicycles at home, you may not suddenly become a cyclist on a camping trip. Do you have a plan to store your canned goods. What about other non perishables? Will you have access to laundry services where you’ll stay? Think about rain patterns, weather, and warmth!

Only keep things that serve a purpose. In such a small space, there simply isn’t enough room for a lifetime of belongings! Keep what you need for daily life or the possessions that mean the most to you.

Keep it clean and clutter-free. A tidy home always seems bigger – even if it’s only 400 square feet! Smart storage solutions also can help you maximize your space.

Multipurpose. Look for furniture pieces that do double duty in your RV, such as ottomans with storage inside or a sleeper sofa! Modify existing fixtures with the help of a contractor who can help you maximize what storage you have and make even more.

Be prepared to be unprepared! Research the nearest grocery stores/big box stores/or Amazon delivery options at the RV park or resorts you’ll travel to. Know that some areas don’t have great cell signal or internet – and be prepared to make do with what you have for 24 hours at any given time.

Stay excited! Travel, even in a small space, even with your entire family, is exactly the sort of memory-making we suggest “‘MOR(e)” of! Midwest Outdoor Resorts is here to help you make the absolute most of your memories, your experiences, and your time with family in the outdoors!

The 17 Best Gifts For the Camper in Your Life this Christmas!

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We all know Christmas shopping can be a challenge. Gift cards are great, but aren’t always heartfelt. Everyone loves getting cash, but it can show a lack of initiative. What do you get the person who seems to have everything? It’s usually best if we can narrow down the recipient’s interests and/or hobbies and go from there.

Well, I have some good news! If you have a camper/RVer in your life, there are all kinds of unique gifts sure to please. Chances are, he or she won’t have one of the items listed below. Whether or not you purchase one of these directly, hopefully this will help spark some ideas. Enjoy!

I’ve listed them in order of pricing:

$=$1-20

$$=$20-50

$$$=$50-100

$$$$=$100-200

$$$$$=$200+

$

Eco Firestarters

firestartershttps://www.etsy.com/listing/120677320/eco-friendly-fire-starters-9-unique

You no longer need smelly lighter fluid, try these firestarters made from macadamia nuts! Use in campfires, fireplaces, grills, chimneys, etc.

Inflatable Solar Lights-

solar-lighthttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQ1RDWS//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

All you need is sunshine, no batteries required! This is extremely lightweight (4.4 ounces) and waterproof.

Disposable Urinals-

urinalshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NV878S//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

These are a fantastic white elephant gift, but are also great for camping! You never know when you might need one…

$$

Campfire in a Bag-

green-light-fire-baghttp://www.greenlightfirebag.com/

Get one roaring in 30 seconds or less! These light up quickly and last for hours.

Survival Kit-

surival-kithttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R1J482//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

This all-in-one tool fits in the palm of your hand! This has a knife, cords, wires, firestarters, you name it. Don’t be caught in the wild without it!

$$$

Inflatable Lounge Chair-

inflatable-chairhttp://shop.fatboyusa.com/products/lamzac-the-original

These lounge chairs inflate in seconds and can seat two. They collapse into a small package so you can take them camping or to the beach!

Backpacking Food Kit-

backpacking-kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ABW9BUC//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

Just add water! These are great for camping, backpacking, hiking or whenever you might need to be prepared for an emergency.

Wearable Futon-

Blanket.jpg

http://www.japantrendshop.com/king-jim-wearable-futon-air-mat-set-p-2540.html

This may be a little gimmicky…wear it like a coat! It looks fantastic for a cold winter night!

UV Water Purifier-

water-filterhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B003A1MURC//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

This handheld purifier is reusable up to 8,000 liters, and destroys 99.9% of harmful bacteria. Perfect for a long expedition in the deep wilderness.

$$$$

Portable Solar Oven-

solar-ovenhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B008S47I8M//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

Extremely light and packable, this oven sets up and stores in seconds. Cook everything from cookies to pizza!

Jeep/Truck Hammock-

hammock

http://www.jammock.com/

Driving to the campsite without a tent? Sleep in this hammock that can be affixed to the roof of a jeep or the bed of a truck!

Travel Shower-

hot-showerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4IAMS//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

One of the most difficult aspects of camping is keeping clean. Stay fresh with this portable shower that sets up anywhere!

$$$$$

Anti-Gravity Backpack-

backpack

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U3O8GRW//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

OK, so you’re not actually going to defy gravity with this backpack, but it is extremely nice for camping, hiking or really anything outdoors.

Tree Tent-

tree tent.jpghttp://www.tentsile.com/products/stingray-tree-tent

You can’t write about camping gifts without including a tent, and this three-person canvas allows you to get off the ground (where the animals are) and into the safety of the canopy.

Hot Tub Hammock-

hot tub.jpg

https://hydrohammock.com/

Yep, the name says it all. You can take a hot tub while relaxing in your hammock. If there’s a better way to spend time outdoors, I don’t know what it is.

Glamping Tent-

glamping-tent

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016AC7PUY//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

Whether or not you’re actually into glamping, this tent is awesome. Really, you could actually live in this thing.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Invisible Man Kit-

Invisitble Man Kit.jpg

http://www.opticsplanet.com/invisible-man-kit.html

For when you REALLY need to get away…This isn’t necessarily camping gear, but for someone special in your life who’s looking to disappear, look nowhere else.

Hopefully this article helps spark some gift ideas for your favorite camper. If you have any other ideas, don’t hesitate to let us know!

Why you should be planning your Glamping Vacation Today!

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Envision yourself hiking in the deep wilderness of Minnesota, trekking through the land of towering pines, pristine lakes and black bears. You’re in the midst of raw and organic wilds, taking in the atmosphere only the Upper Midwest can provide. You stumble on an untouched lake, so crystalline you can see the pebbles and fish underwater. This should be a euphoric moment, enveloped by unblemished nature and its everlasting serenity.

Instead, the kids start to complain. You’ve travelled a long way, and are far from anything that defines an amenity. There is no cell service, no Facebook, no bathroom, and it appears a thunderstorm is rolling over the horizon. You and your family will soon be drenched, and you and the kids do NOT want to sleep on the ground tonight.

Introducing Glamping: AKA glamorous camping. This clever portmanteau is a new take on an old concept: being as comfortable as possible while also enjoying the outdoors. It’s saying, “Sure, we can roast marshmallows, but why don’t we do it over the firepit on the porch?”

Glamorous camping got its roots in the Middle Ages, when kings and queens travelled to other kingdoms and battlefronts with many of their home palace’s provisions. They set up palatial tents complete with servants, artwork and fine beds and linens. Later, when African safaris were the rage with wealthy Brits and Americans, they refused to give up their domestic opulence and instead brought along their familiar comforts like electricity and champagne.

Nowadays, glamping is a global trend that allows people from different walks of life to experience the enjoyable aspects of camping (time with family, enjoying scenery) without the unfavorable (raccoon in the tent-unless it’s Rowdy-, insomnia).  Various glamping lodgings, including cabins, cottages, villas and yurts also have a large range of prices that can accommodate most travelers.

While it may not appeal to the more bucolic among us, glamping offers a chance to experience the outdoors while allowing us to keep in touch with modernity. It is alluring to the overloaded vacationer who can’t get all the way away from their desk, as well as the novice camper who is easing their way into the craft.  Let us know your glamping adventures, and if you don’t yet have any, it’s probably time to give it a try!

 

Fun Camping Gear

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When many people think of camping, they think of roughing it in a tent in the woods. Camping certainly still can be like it was back in the Boy Scout days, however there have been many new inventions and innovative ideas in the world of camping.

Screen Shot 2014-12-02 at 3.19.30 PMFinding fresh water can be a hassle when out in the woods or on the road in remote places. One of my favorite new gadgets is the Camelbak All Clear UV Microbiological Water Purifier. This fancy water bottle has a UV light lid that purifies water in 60 seconds once activated. You can use this on almost anything from lake water to questionable hotel tap water. The UV cap is good for 80 purification cycles and comes with a normal lid and a USB charger. This nifty water bottle carries a $99 price tag but as a loyal Camelbak user, I could easily justify the cost for the availability to have fresh water anywhere. This would be a great bottle to travel with too so that you can always have fresh clean water whether you are in the woods or if you are overseas.

Screen Shot 2014-12-02 at 3.21.18 PMThe Coolest Cooler is pretty nifty as well. This is no average cooler but one with almost any feature you could think of! It has a blender, a Bluetooth equipped wireless speaker system, a USB charging port, tie down straps, extra large wheels for easy transport, a bottle opener, an interior light, and built in plate and knife storage. This cooler really is the coolest! You can find this neat gadget on Kickstarter and make it yours today!

Investing in a solar powered charger is becoming more and more common these days. With all of the new capabilities of smart phones and other electronic gadgets, we tend to use up battery life Screen Shot 2014-12-02 at 3.23.13 PMquicker than ever, especially when we are away from an outlet. Solar chargers have become more efficient and affordable in recent years and are such a valuable tool to have at your disposal. You can search for and compare these online.

The NOCO GB30 UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter is a portable charger that can jumpstart your car! It also includes an LED flashlight and can charge your phone and electronics as well via a USB port. This awesome gadget can be yours for $159.95 and will make you worry less about having to call someone for a jump. Keep one in your emergency kit and never be without power again! This is a must have for any adventurer!

These are just a few pieces of fun camping gear. Check out our Pinterest for more inspiration and #FunwithMOR

Winter Camping with Midwest Outdoor Resorts

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WinterThought about traveling with Midwest Outdoor Resorts’ condo and camping affiliate companies during the winter months? Need help planning a winter getaway in a cabin or condo? Here at Midwest Outdoor Resorts we have you covered; whether it’s visiting one of our rustic rentals at Soo Line Trail Campground, near Onamia MN, on the weekends, camping with our affiliates, or taking a relaxing 7 night condo vacation.

 

By taking advantage of your Midwest Outdoor Resorts Membership our affiliate companies; Coast to Coast, Good Sam Club, and Resorts of Distinction you and your family can plan a camping or cabin getaway throughout the United States for a discount rate. But wait….we can’t forget about those 7 night condo stays! Through Hopscotch Holiday Condo Vacations and Condominium Travel Club you can book a 7 night condo or cruise getaway almost anywhere in the world. Not sure if you have these memberships, not a problem just

call us at 800-231-0425 and we’ll be happy to discuss them with you.

Camp in the Black Hills and Take in Rush Hockey

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Rush Winter is on the horizon folks but don’t let that discourage you from getting excited about camping in November! Even in the off-season, the Black Hills are still alive with great concerts and other live entertainment to see. Luckily for all MOR members, Rushmore Shadows Resort still has cabins available throughout November this year.

Starting out this month the Dahl Arts Center of Rapid City is hosting an Americana Music Festival featuring seven free local bands throughout the day and a ticketed evening concert. Other concerts coming to the Black Hills in November include Hairball at Deadwood Mountain Grand, Manheim Steamroller Christmas at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, and Rodney Carrington at Deadwood Mountain Grand.Concert

If you’re looking for a little competition, the Rapid City Rush hockey season is back in full swing with seven home games throughout the month. The Rush currently has an undefeated season. GO RUSH! The Black Hills will also be hosting the PRS Bull Riding World Finals on the third weekend of November. Both of these events are being held only eleven miles up the road from Rushmore Shadows Resort at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

Book event tickets soon because they are going fast! Also don’t forget to make your camping reservations at Rushmore Shadows Resort so you can come out and enjoy all the area festivities!