If you’re wondering what to do this summer and thinking a camping or backpacking trip is in the plans, then we’ve got some great ideas for you and places to go visit in the US. You can have an affordable vacation camping, hiking, biking or canoeing and you’ll be spending time in the outdoors and having fun. Here are some tips for you to make the most of your vacation time and be well prepared.

The first step is to head into your garage and closets and see what kind of camping gear you currently have and decide if you’re going on a traditional camping trip in the car at a camp site or you’re going to do some real backpacking and head out deep into the wilderness. You’ll need some basics and you can find most of them on Fabswapp for absolutely free like: A hiking backpack, tent, stove, cooler, pots and pans (aluminum is the lightest), outdoor clothes: shorts, shirts, sweaters in in case it gets cold, hiking boots, axe to chop wood, tent, tarp, air mattress, air pump, matches/lighter, plates, bowls, paper towels and some soap. You’ll also need some typical personal items to bring along and this time get some bug repellent, sun tan lotion and Aloe Vera gel in case you get sunburned or a cooking burn.

Now you get to figure out where to go and camp or hike. Wherever you go make sure you bring a map and plan your trip accordingly. Here are some of the top places to visit and set up camp and what they have to offer you. These places have a good mix of campgrounds and backpacking trails that will lead you to some spectacular locations where you can set up camp and enjoy the wilderness. In the US there are 3,794,100 square miles of gorgeous mountains, beaches and clear lakes to choose from this summer. With this much area to cover you just might want to hit a couple places along the way.

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon

Starting on the west coast you can head to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. There you can hike amongst the sheer cliffs and old growth ponderosa pine. You find some good campgrounds like: Mazama and Lost Creek where activities will include: Biking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, boating and hiking.

Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree National Park

Another great place is the Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree National Park in California. The rock formations are amazing and people from all over the world will come to see them. But you better get there early because there are only 124 campsite available on a first come first serve basis. And you’ll need to bring your own water too as they only have the picnic benches, fire rings and pit toilets.

Calpine Fire Lookout

If you’re looking for something romantic, then head on up to Lake Tahoe where you’ll find the Calpine Fire Lookout, in the Tahoe National Forest at an elevation of 5,980 feet. This has some of the most spectacular views in Northern California and impressive vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The lookout has two single beds, propane lights, a sink, a stove, and an oven so you can bake your own high elevation cookies if you’re feeling hungry.

Sandspur Campground in Bahia Honda State Park in Florida

Florida is always a nice place to go visit and a great place to go camping now. For some great camping you can head to the Sandspur Campground where you can have the option of running water and electricity and each site it set up with water, grill and a picnic table. The sites have beautiful ocean views where you can wake up every morning and see the blue Atlantic ocean right from your tent.

Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area

Take a trip to Big Sky country and head to Montana where you can camp at the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness area. There are lots to do there and you can have some fun doing some backcountry camping, bird watching, bow hunting, camping and horseback riding. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area covers 920,310 acres so take a good map.

 

Get all your free backpacking and camping gear at FabSwapp

Making sure you have all the camping gear is important so now is the time to head on over to Fabswapp and check out what everyone has been posting. This time of the year everyone is looking for things and items they will need or want to swap as they prepare to head out into the wilderness. Right now you’ll find good quality jackets, jeans, hiking boots, shirts, shorts, men’s clothing, women’s clothing, girl’s and boy’s clothing too. You might even find a good quality hiking backpack. If you go to the accessories section there are always lots of items people would love to swap with you as they prepare for their amazing vacation in the wilderness. And it’s all free. So, be safe, go well prepared and enjoy your summer camping trip with family and friends.

Camping and backpacking trips do not have to be expensive and finding things for free will set you on the right path to an affordable vacation. You can download the Fabswapp app now on Google Play or Apple iTunes and find something you love for free. You’ll be saving money and the environment and that is best for both. Help us reduce the waste in landfills and give yourself a memorable camping or backpacking trip that you will remember for a long time.