2014 Camping Thread

[ken0042]

I'd be curious to see where you can get a 140 watt panel for under $150. The "$1 per watt" magic number I keep hearing about; I have yet to see such a system under 2000 watts. Which is far more than you would want to bring camping, far more expensive than the one mentioned; which meets the needs of just topping up a single 12 volt battery.

[hillspeak]

We are heading out to Bow Valley Park for a 5 day trip with the kids. My question before I get there and have kids tipping is does anyone know how good the cell coverage is there? Data service?

Sad that I have to ask....

Also is this a nice campground?
Thank you in advance

[jeffh]

Great cell coverage for a campground in alberta. It is also a nice place to go. Good shower facilities too. Close to town and in the mountains(close enough).

[Slava]

On a non-long weekend, how likely am I to get a spot if I just drive down highway 66 on a Friday night? Is it basically always packed and I should go Thursday and setup a tent? I just want to avoid packing everything and then having to head back home after failing to get a spot.

[ken0042]

Right now McLean Creek has 1 site left; 1/2 of a shared site. Little Elbow is already full. That leave Paddy's flats and Gooseberry for everybody else. If I was going out this weekend I would go out Thursday and lock up the trailer. Weather is supposed to be nice still, so it will fill up quick.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Right now McLean Creek has 1 site left; 1/2 of a shared site. Little Elbow is already full. That leave Paddy's flats and Gooseberry for everybody else. If I was going out this weekend I would go out Thursday and lock up the trailer. Weather is supposed to be nice still, so it will fill up quick.

Ya, I wasn't going this weekend, but in another week or two. I guess I just don't like the idea of not having something booked, but maybe thats the way to do things?

[hillspeak]

We have been to Paddy's Flats twice this year. The first time was on a Friday night at 6 in evening .We started at Gooseberry and nothing and then moved on to Paddy's Flats. We literally got the last spot and there was a number of people looking after that.

Second time was this past weekend and we went out Thursday. Pretty much a good selection but a number of people had come out and dropped tents. Again by supper time Friday it was full.

For long weekend would recommend going Thursday and slapping a tent down on a site.

[GGG]

I would say for a car / trailer spot you need to be there by 3 on friday to guarantee yourself a spot. If you are tenting and walk in is okay than 6 on Friday will get you something

[Regular_John]

Just returned from a fantastic trip spent at Fish Creek campground in Glacier National Park.

The drive through Going-to-the-Sun Road is well worth the trip to Montana in and of itself. Camp ground was top notch as well, those US Park Rangers are super friendly folks.

Crossing the border fully loaded with camping gear was a really easy as well, going down we were asked the usual, including 'what's in the coolers?' but had no problems getting across. Getting back into Canada was even easier.

Anyways we had a really great trip, if you get a chance Glacier National Park is most definitely worth the trip, and some damn fine camping as well.

[Hevishot]

Just a heads up for anybody planning to go out to fallen timber campground this weekend. There is a cross country dirtbike race this Saturday & Sunday so expect it to be busier than usual 200+ people in and around the campground and in all the camp loops. The race will be starting from the field across the road from the bridge and will be about 70kms long. If you are out and about on the trails in this area make sure if you find any pink and blue ribbon or KTM arrows hanging from trees it means you may be on the course so be careful!.

[Boblobla]

Heading to Revelstoke next week for 10 days. Any tips on where to get cheap firewood? Any hidden gems that would be good to see with the family (I have a 1.5 year old and a 3.5 year old)?

[zarrell]

Just got back from revelstoke. We went to the train museum and drove up to the dam but didn't get to tour it as we were too late. My nephew who's just over a year old seemed to enjoy it. You won't need fire wood as there's a fire ban in place.

[Wormius]

Yeah, the dam is fun. I also like Nomad burger. There are lots of places to see once you get off the highway.

Meadows in the Sky is pretty easy hiking.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

Heading to Revelstoke next week for 10 days. Any tips on where to get cheap firewood?

Nothing specific, but seeing as you cannot/should not bring firewood across provincial borders, when I go to BC I bring scrap lumber with me. You are allowed to transport lumber across the border. Having a small bundles of 2x4s pre-cut to length along with you helps save you from having to pay outrageous prices right when you setup camp.

[Titan]

We just got back from Farragut State Park in Idaho. Wonderful campground. Silverwood was very fun, particularly on the Costco bought tickets.

I picked up two golf cart batteries to replace the 12 v I have. They were $87 plus $9 core charge (whatever the hell that is) at Costco.

Now, I am paranoid about maintaining them over the winter as I wrecked a set of trojans last year. (Insert Fotze joke here).

My question is: Is the battery tender the way to go and can I put this guy:

http://www.amazon.ca/Battery-Tender-...s_7421024011_1

on the set of 2 6vs in series (or parralel whichever it is) or do I need a specific 6v tender?

Thanks.

[Canehdianman]

Do you camp over winter? If not, wouldn't it be easier to store them indoors over winter?

[Titan]

Originally Posted by Canehdianman

Do you camp over winter? If not, wouldn't it be easier to store them indoors over winter?

I do plan to store them inside. Should I be putting a trickle charger or tender on them is the actual question.

[indes]

Originally Posted by Titan

I do plan to store them inside. Should I be putting a trickle charger or tender on them is the actual question.

If it's inside the house in the basement they'll be fine with nothing

[Hockeyguy15]

I just check on mine every month or so (stored in my garage) and make sure everything is fine, then I throw them on the charger and make sure they are topped up.

[Canehdianman]

Originally Posted by indes

If it's inside the house in the basement they'll be fine with nothing

This. If they are inside, no need for anything.