With the surge in popularity of outdoor activities, the question many adventurers are asking is, “Is Kelty a good tent brand?” Offering unbeatable value, will a Kelty protect you from the elements if a sudden rainstorm hits during the night? Kelty Tents Overview The Bottom Line Kelty is a great value camping tent brand that offers high-quality backpacking tents at a low price. Kelty tents have the benefit of a well-covering comprehensive rain fly and can take a few more hits than other value tent brands. Kelty tents are known to be sturdy; with the right upkeep, you can go hundreds of miles on ..read more

Bring the diner out to the woods by finding the best Blackstone for camping, however you like to camp and cook! Camping grills haven’t seen much change until the Blackstone griddle popped up a few years ago – Most gas grills needed pans or extra accessories to cook a burger when the wood is wet, adding to the amount of gear you had to bring each time. That changes with a griddle where the only clean-up is scrape and go! We’ve found the five best Blackstones for camping that help bring these heavy grills to the outdoors with ease. Sneak Peek: Best Blackstone Griddle for Camping Best for Most ..read more

When buying a tent, be sure to avoid these tent brands to keep you safe from the elements on your explorations outdoors (and avoid waking up in a puddle)! These tent brands to avoid may not hold up to the stresses of the rain and wind so opt for one of our recommended brands instead! Tent Brand Tips When shopping for a new tent, keep these three tips in mind to avoid poorly manufactured or overpriced tents: Opt for specialized retailers. Whether online like backcountry.com or in-person at stores like REI, try to find outdoor-focused retailers to avoid poorly developed house brands found at Ta ..read more

When buying a tent, choosing from one of the best tent brands is important to keep you safe from the elements on your explorations outdoors (and avoid waking up in a puddle)! Overview How to Select the Best Tent Brand for You Type of Tent There are a few types of tents to select from, primarily based on how many people you need to pack inside and how you’ll be getting to your campground. Almost all of these brands make both car-camping tents and more specialized backpacking tents. Backpacking tents will prioritize shaving weight down by saving space and reducing peak heights while car camping ..read more

Tents are expensive enough that the first time purchasing a camping tent for beginners can be stressful and overwhelming. We’ve done the research to find the top tents on the market and help you skip from planning and go straight into your weekend exploring the outdoors! Sneak Peek: Best Camping Tent for Beginners Best Value: Coleman Sundome Unbeatable value for price Weighs only 7 pounds Thicker rain repellant fabric and reinforced corners Large mesh windows for airflow See Current Price! Upgrade Pick: Gazelle T4 Pop-Up Simplest setup on the market Unique box design offers a spacio ..read more

You may be having trouble finding where to buy an Illinois State Park pass. While many state park systems have annual passes to help reduce fees – you won’t need anything like that in Illinois because there are no fees! Other than $1 parking charges present at some parks with beaches, there are no entry fees at Illinois state parks. Unfortunately, this also means there are few ways to get discounts on camping at Illinois State Parks. The state parks do offer Illinois camping discounts for seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities. Hopefully, this clears up your questions about finding an ..read more

While Illinois might be known for cornfields, we’ve found the best options for camping near Chicago – all within about a two-hour drive! Skip the research and snag a reservation at one of these campgrounds within two hours of Chicago! State Park Campgrounds Near Chicago Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park | Closest State Park to Chicago As the only one of Illinois State Parks along Lake Michigan, Illinois Beach State Park offers great views of the lake less than an hour away from the city! This state park is full of natural preserves and marshland beyond the sand dunes t ..read more

Central Illinois has campgrounds for every type of camper! While camping in central Illinois usually surfaces visions of flat forests and fields, we’ve found hidden gems throughout the state to explore state parks, local forest preserves, and private campgrounds in central Illinois with unique waterfalls, lakes, and more! State Park Camping in Central Illinois Illinois has one of the best state park systems in the country, and one of the only ones that is still free for anyone to enter every day. While camping in central Illinois state parks might not be free, the DNR still operates some of th ..read more

Northern Illinois has dozens of campgrounds perfect for adventure seekers and families – if you know where to look. We’ve pulled our favorite state parks, local forest preserves, and private campgrounds in northern Illinois so you don’t need to spend hours going from Google Maps to websites and back again. Find your perfect spot for camping in Northern Illinois for fishing, hiking, boating, and more! Camping in Northern Illinois State Parks Illinois has one of the best state park systems in the country, and one of the only ones that is still free for anyone to enter every day. While camping in ..read more

Southern Illinois offers unique midwestern camping experiences you can’t find in other parts of the state! Camping near Carbondale at one of these four campgrounds will be an unforgettable experience for any outdoor adventurer. Check out our recommendations for Jackson county camping and plan your trip today! 4. Crab Orchard Campground Best Carbondale Campground for Hunters USFWS Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is one of the greatest spots for camping near Carbondale. This refuge’s main priority is to protect the native fish and wildlife species. Both bank and boat fishing is permitted a ..read more