Miscellaneous

Here is Why Climate Change Is Making Mountain Climbing More Dangerous

Last updated: August 7, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

This post is about climate change.

Enter Greta Thunberg...

Recent years have put the issue of climate change in a more serious light. Melting ice caps, rising sea waters, struggling animal species—these are just some of the common montages that we see in documentaries and discussion boards whenever the topic is brought up.

But what we don’t often see⁠—and realize⁠—is how climate change has escalated to a point that its impacts are now felt on a more personal scale. For people who live and breathe adventure, this comes in the form of escalating danger levels of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain climbing.

Numbers talk

Figures can help put this in a better perspective. In 1987, a woman died on a hiking trail in Alaska after she was crushed by a 1,000-pound chunk of ice while taking a photo at the foot of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. This could have been easily ticked off as a case of ‘being at the wrong place, at the wrong time,’ but succeeding figures of similar accidents say otherwise.

In 2005, 18 people died in Kang Guru, Nepal after they were caught in an avalanche caused by unusually heavy snow. In 2018, another woman was crushed by a falling ice ceiling in Byron Glacier. In a sick twist of events, more and more bodies that have been buried under the snow of Mount Everest are now showing up as its ice caps start to melt.

Climate change and the dangers it brings

It’s undeniable: climate change has come to finally catch up with us. The global phenomenon, which can be described as an intense changing of the planet’s climate system, has caused usually impenetrable walls of ice to melt and collapse, crevasses to shift, and rocks to move.

This can be especially felt in mountain hiking trails traditionally covered by snow and lorded over by harsh climate. Other mountain rockfalls, moreover, have also suffered from increasing freezing altitudes and rising temperatures.

But it’s not only the melting ice that hikers have to worry now. From originally just trying to avoid slippery slopes, they now have to prepare more for weather changes that they might face along the way. Is it going to snow harder? Will the temperature drop or rise? Nature has been so hard to read in the first place, and now it has become even more tricky to deal with because of how unpredictable it has become.

Changing the experience of mountain climbing

The changes can also be felt in how park and trail management work now. For example, Kenai Fjord’s Exit Glacier is now closed every summer to protect hikers from possibly falling rocks, snow, and ice. This change has greatly affected the whole mountain climbing experience in the area because the base of this ice wall used to be the only glacier that is accessible by road.

The problem is that not every mountain trail management has solid safety precautions set in place. Around the world, inexperienced and under-equipped people get injured by wayward accidents on trails. This is especially so in areas that are not as popular and well-managed as other climbing sites. And this does not even cover casual hikers and daredevils, a lot of whom don’t even secure the proper equipment and/or guidance, before going on their adventures.

In addition to the higher chances of accidents, climate change is also making the act of climbing and hiking more dangerous in itself. When the ice melts, more rock gets exposed, making the trail even more difficult to traverse. The reason behind this is because when water freezes, it expands and causes cracks on the rocks. While permafrost can hold the broken pieces together, it is a different case when the ice starts to melt. The thawing of ice sheets can cause pieces of rock to roll and fall on unwitting climbers, not to mention make the trail itself unsuitable for hiking.

Climate change has, without a doubt, started to affect some of the world’s best peaks. The Alps, for example, is reported to have some of its best peaks start to crumble, making its trails even more dangerous to traverse. Popular mountains in the US like Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier have also suffered from thinning ice which has resulted in more open crevasses. Routes are being closed. Once trusted mountain hiking guidebooks are now being rendered useless.

Moreover, the flora and fauna in mountain trails are also feeling the punishment of climate change. In Switzerland’s peaks, for example, marmots are pushed to wake up earlier during their winter hibernation because of the change of weather. Alpine plants are also moving upward as the ice starts to recede. Note that the root system of these plants can also be a driving factor behind falling rocks since they cause more cracks on the already unstable rock bed on these trails.

The next steps

With mountain climbing becoming riskier than ever, it has become even more necessary for people who are into this activity to follow precautions that can keep them safe during their climb. And it’s not just hikers who have to take action. Hiking trail management offices also have to exercise better control of their routes, closing risky paths and re-assessing their routes. Trail guides also need to be revisited since what might have been the condition a decade ago might no longer be applicable in the present landscape.

Hikers, on the other hand, need to practice more caution when choosing their hiking trails. Always do intensive research on a location you plan to visit. Trail guides may be outdated, but checking recent hiking discussion boards⁠—or even a simple hashtag relating to the landscape⁠—can give you a better idea of what to expect. Also, do not go anywhere that has not been advised by the trail management. You might be there for an adventure, but be smart enough to assess the risks, too.

Actively discussing the effects caused by climate change in mountain hiking is by no means a way of telling outdoor enthusiasts to stop doing it. However, it is a necessary conversation to have if we want to keep this hobby alive and its hobbyists safe from possible dangers. Bottom line: climate change is no longer something we can ignore. In fact, it has come to finally meet us at our planet’s highest peaks.

9 Outdoor Adventures You Should Try in Your Lifetime

Last updated: August 17, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

Hey guys, today's guest author is Josh from MinuteManReview. He wanted to reach you guys out with a guest post about outdoor adventures, so I'm leaving the stage to him.

In the modern world, it’s easy to get stuck behind a screen all day. Stepping away from these screens and getting out of the house or office can be incredibly rewarding. During your time outside, there are a number of activities you should add to your bucket list. As you tick each one off, you’ll come away with new and breathtaking memory.

1- Camping

Camping is a popular option among those looking for outdoor adventures, especially for families. Whether you are traveling to somewhere new or just pitching a tent in your backyard, spending the night enjoying the fresh air can be a fun experience. Not to mention, you and your family won’t forget the time spent around the campfire making s’mores and swapping campfire tales.

For an even more exciting camping experience, campers can try tree camping or cliff-face camping. These conditions can make for a rewarding trip for ambitious adventurers.

2- Hiking

Hiking is a unique outdoor activity because it can be as easy going or as challenging as you’d like. For hikers looking for a relaxing afternoon, trails in the forest can be a nice day out. For hikers that want more of a challenge, a hike can be as extreme as mountain paths.

No matter how intense you want your hiking adventure to be, it’s a great way to step away from the modern world and spend a day or so in tune with nature.

3- Hot Air Ballooning

When it comes to outdoor adventures, the sky is literally the limit. One unique way to get a bird’s eye view of the world around you is to take a ride in a hot air balloon ride. This gives you a truly one-of-a-kind venture that you’ll never forget.

4- Rock Climbing

Many people decide to get their full body workout on the rock wall at their local gym. It can be a lot of fun and present a fantastic workout. An even more exhilarating way to get this workout, though, is to take your rock climbing hobby outdoors.

This is a way to complete an even more impressive test of your skills. Even if you don’t have the right gear or aren’t as confident in your rock climbing skills, there are plenty of group excursions available where professionals help lead you through your rock climbing trip to help you try something new and do so safely.

5- Whitewater Kayaking

During the spring and summer months, whitewater kayaking can be an exhilarating day out. Defined, whitewater kayaking is kayaking over moving water - usually white river water. This can be slow moving water or it can be an extreme sport.

Much like rock climbing, if you don’t have practice whitewater kayaking, you aren’t out of luck. There are many businesses that offer whitewater kayaking excursions and classes for a variety of skill levels.

6- Slack Lining

If you want to test your balance, spending an afternoon outside with a slack line tied between two trees. This is a simpler outdoor activity to set up but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The main goal of a slack line - which is a strip of material a few inches wide tethered between two posts - is to walk across it like a tightrope.

Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, there are ways you can test your skills even further. For instance, adding an incline to the line or moving it a little further off the ground. Not only will it be an impressive feat of balance, but you can also use this test to strengthen your core and legs.

7- Spelunking

Spelunking, to put it basically, is the activity of exploring caves. This might sound like a casual trip but it can turn into something a little more blood pumping rather quickly.

Caves can be a little unpredictable thanks to sudden drop-offs and unstable terrain. So, it’s important to have the right equipment, for one. This might include a first-aid kit, a strong light, a helmet, and the right shoes. Because of how tricky it can get, many also recommend that newcomers stick with a professional or more practiced spelunker.

8- Zip Lining

If you want a quick, adrenaline-inducing tour of an area, a zip line might be just for you. This is something that is offered in many different interesting locales and you don’t need to have any pre-existing intense skills to do it!

These zip lines are usually high above the ground and allow you to zip through the scenery at quick speeds. All you need is a harness, a helmet, and the professionals operating these zip lines will help you get on your way!

9- Free Running

If you want to try something outdoors but live in a more urban environment, you could always try your hand at free running. You’ve probably heard of free running by the name of parkour. This might sound a little too intimidating but it doesn’t have to be as intense as the videos you’ve seen of talented free runners online.

At its core, free running is the practice of trying to get from point A to point B as quickly as you can and using the obstacles in your path to your advantage. If you want to truly practice free running like in a dedicated fashion, it’s often looked at as not only as a physical feat but one that tries to incorporate grace and poetry in motion.

For the average person, though, a free running class or excursion can be a unique and unmatched experience.

The world around you has a lot to offer you throughout your lifetime. With activities like these, you can take the bull by the horns and experience everything life has to offer over the course of your life.

Best Camping Activities and Games for Adults

Last updated: April 19, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

I love to drink wine and have deep conversations with my friends around the campfire but sometimes we're just in the mood for something more fun without the hassle.

So, to be prepared for the next time we camp, I laid out all my favorite games so far as well as the fun ones I've found after researching.

I also categorized them as to when they're played the best:

Small groups,
Large groups,
While drinking
With 2 people only.

If you ask my favorites for a quick answer, I'd say:

Psychological Tests
Detective Riddles
Wink Murderer
Psycho

These are all played around a campfire with little to no movement - but I'll also mention different ones.

Table of Contents

Camp Games for Small Groups

Camp Games for Large Groups

Wink Murderer

How’s Yours

The Werewolves of Millers Hollow

Psycho

Camping Games for Adults Drinking

Activities Before & After Camping

Don't Forget Hiking!

What About Sports?

References

Camp Games for Small Groups

Detective Riddles

These are very, very good IMO and around the campfire becomes more of a "horror" game.

You basically come up with a "detective riddle" needs to be solved. One of my favorites is this:

Questıon
ANSWER

A man walks into a restaurant and orders a plate of seagull, takes 1 bit, walks out of the restaurant and kills himself. Why?

Others can ask you questions, but you can only respond with a "Yes" or "No".

For example, they can't ask you "Where was he before?" but they can ask you "Was he with his friend before?". And you must tell them the truth.

It can be creepy around a campfire.

Some other good riddles I like:

Questıons
ANSWERs

"A naked man found dead in the middle of a desert and has nothing with him but a broken match. How did he die?"
"A man goes to his bedroom to sleep, lies in his bed and when the car passing by outside illuminates the wall clock, he checks out under his bed and finds a dead body. How did he know where to look?"
"A group of 4 men are about to have dinner. A deliveryman rings the door, the host collects the cargo and returns it to the table. They all gather around and open the box only to find a human cut off leg and they smile. Why did they smile?"

The first riddle is the most popular one and is called "Seagull Soup".

Let me know if you have any other good detective riddles like this in the comment section below, so I can add them here!

Psychological Tests

These are my #1 favorite.

I put this under the "games for small groups" section, but they're also (actually maybe even better) for 2.

You basically ask these questions to the other person (or "people"), wait for their responses (maybe get them write them down on their phones) and then move to the other question.

In the end, their responses (supposedly) reveal certain things about their subconscious minds and their deeper personalities. Needless to say, it can be hit and miss at times, but in my experience, they were almost never absolutely inaccurate.

Let me show you the good ones I know. If you're familiar with psychology, feel free to tweak the questions or the interpretation of the answers as well.

Questıons
INTERPRETATION OF ANSWERS

Imagine you're alone in a forest. Describe the forest, what is it like? Is it bright or dark inside? Are there a lot of noise or is it silent?
You start walking inside the forest and come across a key on the ground. Describe the key. What's the material? How large is it?
Do you pick up the key and take it with you?
You keep walking and come across a mirror. Describe the mirror. Is it a handmirror or a tall, dressing mirror?
Do you take the mirror with you? Assume that its large size doesn't stop you.
You keep walking and come across a wall. Describe the wall. What's its height? Does its height prevent you from seeing the other side? Or could you jump over?
Do you look at the other side? If yes, what do you see?

Questıons
INTERPRETATION OF ANSWERS

If you were an animal, what animal you think you'd be? Why?
If you weren't [insert their response to question #1 here], then what animal you think you'd be? Why?
If you were an animal, what animal you think you wouldn't be?

Questıons
INTERPRETATION OF ANSWERS

If you were an animal, what animal you think you'd be? Why?
If you weren't [insert their response to question #1 here], then what animal you think you'd be? Why?
If you were an animal, what animal you think you wouldn't be? Why?

I've also came across these 4 additional tests, which don't sound bad, but I've never done them.

I'll keep updating this part of this article. Still, please do let me know in the comment section below if you know any other good psychological tests like this and I'll add them too.

SpikeBall

If you're looking for a more dynamic activity, SpikeBall can be a good option. It's a great way to be active and have fun & laugh at the same time. It's also probably the simplest of all: The team that lets the ball touch the floor loses.

The game is played with four players, two on each team on the opposite sides of a net. One player serves the ball by spiking it on the net toward the opposite side. The opposing side gets two passes between them before they have to return the ball to the other team by bouncing it on the net.Players can move anywhere they like to get the ball and points are scored when a team fails to spike the ball back to the other side. The first team to 21 points wins the game. Here's a video explains the game-play very well:

First 11 seconds are a waste so I forwarded it already. You can check its current price on Amazon by clicking here.

Bocce Ball

This is actually an old game that seems to be closely related to the British version known as bowls and the French petanque. It can be played anywhere on any terrain including the beach or wooded areas.

Many adults play it at the beach but it can be great during camping as well. Here's how to play it and the rules [PDF].

In summary, Bocce can be played between two people or in teams of two, three or four. The match begins with the randomly chosen side throwing a small ball called a jack up to 16 feet away but further than 8 feet. If the first team misses two times, the other team gets the opportunity to place the jack themselves. The first team to bowl tries to get their four larger balls closest to the jack, with the score based on one point for each ball that is closer than the other team’s ball.

Balls must be thrown under-hand and the jack can be knocked away, as can the other team’s ball or balls.

There are literally tens or even hundreds of different models, but most of them come with poor bags and distance markers, so make sure they're good. This set on Amazon is a good option for most people.

Camp Games for Large Groups

Little to no movement is required for these games.

Wink Murderer

In this game, a secret “killer” winks at the other players to eliminate them. The others must identify who the wink murderer is before they are “killed” too! This game works best with large groups of 6-7 or more. To determine who the wink murderer will be, you can split up anything (a deck of cards, for example) with one being different which designates the wink murderer for that round.

The group should continue to talk and interact, but the wink murderer will be stalking their next victim. If a player is winked at, they should “die” in a humorous way (like falling off their chairs) so that others know they're out of the game. Or they can just yell "I'M DEAD" after at least a few seconds.

How’s Yours

This is a thinking game, best played by groups of six or more around a campfire. Send one person away from the group and while they're gone, decide on something that everyone in the group has. Physical possessions such as cars or bicycles, or body parts like fingers or knees or even something like a sense of humor would work.

When the person returns, they quiz the group individually by asking, “How’s yours?” and each person in the group answers with one or two words that describe the possession agreed upon in secret. The fun in this game is finding clever adjectives that are accurate in their description but do not easily give away the secret.

Some How's Yours ideas:

Chest hair
Sense of humor
First kiss
Bank account
Feelings for someone in the group
Morty (shout out to R&M fans)

The Werewolves of Millers Hollow

Based on the Russian game called Mafia, The Werewolves of Millers Hollow is a card game for eight players and up. There are 24 cards that include 4 werewolves, 13 townsfolk, and one each seer, little girl, witch, hunter, cupid, thief and sheriff.

You DON'T need to buy the board game for this, just simply split up a deck of cards. Click here for the detailed explanation with images.

A moderator assigns a role to each player, giving each a card that is kept secret from the other players. During the night part of the game, players close their eyes until the moderator calls them one by one (so that no one knows the roles of others) to perform their special action. Then they close their eyes again.

Then the day portion of the game happens with all players opening their eyes. The moderator tells them who was killed during the night, and that player or players is/are not allowed to speak for the rest of the game. The rest of the players decide on who the werewolf is.

Psycho

Choose one person to be the psychiatrist, who then leaves the room while the others prepare the game. The other players must decide on a psychological illness to have, and the sky is the limit. The best “diseases” are the most creative and may be an “in-joke” between the members of the group. When the “psychiatrist” returns, he or she must try to discover what is wrong with them by asking questions or making note of strange behavior.

If a player lies or does not play along, another player must yell “Psychiatrist!” and switch places with them. The game ends when the “psychiatrist” correctly guesses the ailment of the patients.

See some CRAZY ideas here. This will probably be your go to game if you're looking to have hilarious time.

Camping Games for Adults Drinking

Never Have I Ever

Each player takes a turn saying something he or she has never done, such as, “Never have I ever ridden in a convertible.” The rest of the players have to drink or not drink depending on if they have done the activity or not.

If you have ridden in a convertible, you would take a shot or a drink. If you have not, you would not drink. As the night goes on, some of the topics can be eye opening, to say the least!

Shag Marry Kill

OK so I'll be honest I'm uncomfortable explaining this lol. You know what Shag is .

This is a classic game in which three celebrities are presented and the player must choose one to shag, one to marry and one to kill. After taking their own turn, they must present the next player with three celebrities to shag, marry or kill and so on.

To spice up the game, move on from celebrities to real people that everyone in the group knows.

Verbal Games for 2

For couples or two friends camping together, below games can be fun.

Would You Rather

Choose someone to go first, who will ask a player of his or her choice a “would you rather” question. For example, “Would you rather have feet for hands or hands for feet?”

Creativity is the key to making this game fun. Check out this site for many, many good questions. I guarantee you'll have dilemmas. Here are some of their examples:

Marry at 19 or never marry at all?
Save 2 family members or 10,000 strangers?
Master every programming language or spoken language?

Two Truths and A Lie

You tell two truths about yourself and one lie and he/she has to guess which one is the lie. Make sure judging the other person depending on their answer (ground rule).

Some examples:

I am really into running.
I can speak 4 languages.
I once broke a long term relationship with text.

Or...

I am colorblind.
I have 1000+ Instagram followers.
I always call my mom before my dates.

Or...

I think about you often.
I was once the president of United States of America.
I love you.

No, no don't do this. I was kidding it doesn't work...

(Or does it?)

Five Best

One person asks the other to name five of something, with the goal of stumping the other person. For example, asking your opponent to name five British Kings or Queens or even five famous rivers. The person who cannot finish their list of five is the looooser.

For example, ask the other person if they can name 5 planets. If not, get up and leave. If you're the one can't, leave this planet. Rules cannot be broken, so yeah.

Also, don't forget to check out "Camping Games for Adults Drinking" and "Camp Games for Small Groups" headings above - some would work perfectly fine for 2 people.

Activities Before & After Camping

If you’re looking for local attractions on a road trip that just happens to involve camping, look for campground ratings, travel guides and reviews from fellow campers online:

Camping.com – Search popular destinations by region or state on this comprehensive website. You can even search by a specific interest. For example, if you want to visit all the county fairs in Wisconsin on a mega-camping road trip adventure, this is the site for you.
Good Sam – There is a fee to join, but you make it back in special member savings and discounts. But I'm not a member, so I don't know much. Members are part of an online community that has a robust forum on locations and trip guides all over the United States. The site also has a trip planner, perk rating system and RV park review area.
Motorhome USA – A free listing or National Parks, State Parks and campgrounds by state that will help you find the best campground near activities and attractions. This site is great for tent and RV campers alike and includes a list of free and low cost campgrounds as well.

Don't Forget Hiking!

Not to put on my Captain Obvious hat (I did anyway...), but hiking is one of the most common activities to plan during a camping trip. For most campers, they will be pulling their rig or pitching their tent in a national park or campground adjacent to one, which is the perfect location to set off on a hike.

Hiking doesn't necessarily have to be exhausting, you can basically hike during the night very slowly.

If necessary, don't forget to get a trail guide from the park ranger’s office - all national parks have different levels of trail difficulty and length to suit different hikers. Know before you go.

What About Sports?

In addition to SpikeBall and BocceBall mentioned above, below sports also require gear and daylight. Most of these are only good if you're going to camping with a vehicle and you don't mind sweating unlike me. It's also good for adults with kids who aren't planning to hit the way back right away in the morning.

They also require some outdoor space and can be enjoyed by any number of people:

Volleyball
Croquet
Badminton
Frisbee

If you think of playing either volleyball, croquet or badminton; it might be a good idea to buy a portable net with stands that set up in minutes. There is this portable net set on Amazon and it seems good for all the activities mentioned above except adult volleyball as it's too short for that.

Other two popular camping sports I've come across researching online are:

Lawn Bowling (has "higher" terrain requirements such as a flatness and smoothness)
Cornhole - Here's the link to a good cornhole board set in case you'd like to order.

Hope this post will be helpful for you to have more fun during your next camp. Thank you for reading and happy trails!

References

The 6 Best Tent Campgrounds in Missouri

Last updated: April 19, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

After a blissful day of wandering woodland paths, admiring beautiful views and wading through crystal-clear streams, you huddle around a campfire, crack open a beverage and enjoy the evening peace and quiet. You may even have a s’more or two, since they’re calorie free when eaten outdoors (little known fact).

After a mosquito free night and a good night's sleep in your tent, on your comfy air mattress, you wake to birds chirping and clear morning air. This is the life!

In this article, we have rounded up the best tent campgrounds in the great state of Missouri. No more excuses; dust off the headlamp and shake the cobwebs off your tent, fill the bear-proof cooler and grab the kids. We’re going camping!

But first, here are some good reasons to camp in Missouri.

Missouri – The Show-Me State!

Few states come close to the natural scenery that makes Missouri perfect for pitching your tent, even if you’ve never been there before. Whether you are looking for a home-base campground to explore neighboring attractions or an exploration of the natural beauty that Missouri has in abundance, these tent campgrounds will be perfect for an enjoyable, relaxing great-outdoor vacation.

The Cave State

Considered part of the Midwest region, Missouri’s eastern border is the Mississippi river making its way south to the Gulf of Mexico. Missouri boasts two large cities; St. Louis on the eastern border and Kansas City on the western edge, but Jefferson is the capital city. Missouri is also home to the Mark Twain National Forest and Branson, a tourist mecca on the southern edge of the state. Also known as the “cave state”, Missouri has more than 6,000 recorded caves.

Westward Ho!

Missouri played an important part of the westward expansion of the United States, which is memorialized by the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail and California Trail all began in Missouri, as did the Pony Express. The Missouri River flows from west to east across the entire state, which is part of the reason that the state welcomed almost 17 million visitors to its recreational areas and national parks.

Weather or Not?

Missouri weather is typical for the southern part of the United States, with cold, snowy winters and humid, hot summers.

Extreme weather in the form of tornadoes and thunderstorms may occur during the season, which is March through June.

Therefore, you need a reliable tire to travel safely inside the Missouri region. TireTerrain helps me a lot through the tire selection.

Natural Wonders

Missouri’s Bootheel region, located in the southeastern part of the state, is a low, flat, warm, wet area that is home to a lot of the local agriculture, which includes cotton and rice. The rest of the state includes large river bluffs along the Missouri, Mississippi and Meramec Rivers and plains to the northern border area. The Ozark Mountains are heavily forested and located in the southern-most part of the state.

With a total of over 101,000 acres, the national park system in Missouri is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and perfect for tent camping, so let’s get to our list! In no particular ranking order, here are the six best tent campgrounds in the state:

1- Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Middle Brook Missouri

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is named after its most interesting feature, which is the rocks in the center of the east fork of the Black River, which “shut in” the water’s flow between the boulders. The rocks have formed an erosion-resistant natural water park, allowing the water from the river to pour around and over them. The waterfalls and currents in the shut-ins area are perfect for floating and playing.

In addition to the shut-ins area, the park offers picnic areas, cabins, swimming areas, overlooks and trails for both humans and horses to enjoy the fantastic scenery of the St. Francois Mountains. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers walk-in, basic and loaded campsites including special-use camping areas. There is a campground store plus two others on site to re-stock your food and supplies. Reservations to camp are advised and while the camping is available year-round, the store hours vary and water to the sites is only available from April through October.

Sites Available: Walk-in, basic, electric, sewer/electric/water, equestrian electric/water, special use/non-profit group sites (first come, first served, youth priority)

Seasonal Information: Camping and park open year-round, water April 1-October 31, hours vary for stores and services

Activities: Hiking, picnicking, swimming, exploring, relaxing

Facilities: Three stores, pets allowed in most areas, ADAAG compliant parking, scenic areas and trails, shower facilities, restrooms

Reservations: Online or 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766)

2- Table Rock State Park, Branson, MO

Location is everything for this state park, which is on the shores of Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. Camping is a smart choice when visiting Branson, as it is the most economical way to enjoy this tourist area. Featuring everything from ziplines to live music theaters, Branson has become an international destination for music lovers and thrill seekers alike.

Table Rock Lake itself boasts three different campgrounds that are open year round. Campers have access to parasailing, scuba diving and catamaran tours as well as equipment rentals and the marina. The state park itself is loaded with old growth forests of hickory and oak trees and includes a mountain bike trail, shelters and picnic areas.

Sites Available: Basic, electric, sewer/electric/water, family, platform tent sites, premium yurts
Seasonal Information: Camping and park open year-round, water March 1-November 30, hours vary for stores and services
Activities: Water sports, hiking, picnicking, swimming, mountain biking, parasailing, scuba diving, skiing, fishing, exploring, relaxing
Facilities: Store, marina, pets allowed in most areas, ADAAG compliant parking on the scenic areas and trails, shower facilities, restrooms
Reservations: Online or 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766)

3- Montauk State Park, Salem MO

Anglers in search of trout, take note: Montauk State Park is one of the best in Missouri to reel in that record catch! The park also includes a lodge and multiple hiking trails and is abundant in natural beauty thanks to the Current River. Montauk is a shady green oasis offering plenty of opportunities for relaxing, hiking, picnicking and enjoying the company of family and friends.

Located on the headwaters of the Current River, the park’s own natural springs combine with Pigeon Creek and pour in more than 40 million gallons of water each day. Perfect for trout and perfect for camping under the stars in a nice, quiet spot in the modern campground. Rental cabins are also available along with a dining lodge and motel. Tour the gristmill, which was built in 1896 and is the last remaining flour mill on the river, complete with original machinery. Guided tours are free but only on weekends and hours vary.

Sites Available: Basic, electric, family, cabins, motel
Seasonal Information: Camping and park open year-round, water February 25 – October 31, hours vary for stores and services
Activities: Fishing, hiking, picnicking, exploring, relaxing
Facilities: Store, snack bar, soda fountain, dining lodge with full service restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, pets allowed in most areas, ADAAG compliant parking, scenic areas and trails, shower facilities, restrooms
Reservations: Online or 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766)

4- Roaring River State Park, Cassville, MO

Smack dab on the Missouri-Arkansas State line and just south of Cassville, flows the Roaring River, through one of the steepest areas of the Ozark Mountains. The wild, rugged terrain is more challenging for hikers and bikers, but the mountain vistas are stunning and work the effort. Another fantastic opportunity for trout fishing, you’ll meet fellow fisher-folk from hundreds of miles away that made a special trip just for that.

The park itself boasts seven hiking trails, a swimming pool, picnic areas with tables and a nature center to learn all about the flora and fauna found in the park. The campground has basic, electric and full service sites available as well as cabins throughout the park or modern hotel rooms nearby. A full service restaurant and park store offer complete amenities.

Sites Available: Basic, electric, sewer/electric/water, family sites, organized group sites, cabins, motel
Seasonal Information: Some camping and park open year-round, water February 25 – October 31, hours vary for stores and services
Activities: Fishing, hiking, swimming, picnicking, exploring, relaxing
Facilities: Store, hotel with full service restaurant, pets allowed in most areas, ADAAG compliant parking, scenic areas and trails, shower facilities, restrooms
Reservations: Online or 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766)

5- Meramec Caverns, Stanton, MO

Missouri is as famous for its caves as it is for its Kansas City style BBQ, so how could our list be complete without a campground with caves nearby? Never fear, the underground network of caverns in nearby Meramec State Park has camping nearby, above ground and along the Meramec River. The park features more than 13 miles of hiking trails plus swimming, fishing, rafting and boating in the river.

Meramec Caverns is a name for the 4.6-mile cavern system near the State Park, which were formed over millions of years of limestone erosion. Artifacts have been found in the caverns that date to the pre-Columbian Native American era. Currently, tourists are welcome in the caverns, which is the most visited cave in Missouri. Of note is the fifth level of the caverns, which includes a “wine room”. In this room, the rarest of all cave formations, nicknamed “the wine table”, is six feet high, made of aragonite and supported by three natural legs. Hours vary for cave tours and there is a fee for the experience.

Back in the Meramec State Park, the visitor center is a must-see so you can learn all about the animals, trees and insects in the park. Go for a tour of Fisher Cave, which is a natural wonder full of massive columns and intricate rock formations. Open seasonally, Fisher Cave does charge an entrance fee. Meramec State Park has basic, as well as serviced campsites and group tent areas that are perfect for get-togethers and family trips. There is a park store for necessities and plenty of natural areas to explore like Bluff View Trail and the network of caves and caverns nearby.

Sites Available: Basic, electric, electric/water, sewer/electric/water, organized group sites, cabins, motel
Seasonal Information: Some camping and park open year-round, water April 1 – October 31, hours vary for stores and services
Activities: Fishing, hiking, rafting, boating, swimming, picnicking, cave exploring, relaxing
Facilities: Store, motel, pets allowed in most areas, ADAAG compliant parking, scenic areas and trails, shower facilities, restrooms
Reservations: Online or 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766)

6- Hawn State Park, Genevieve, MO

For those of us who just want peace and quiet without tourist attractions, either natural or created, there is Hawn State Park. One of the best-kept, secret areas in Missouri, beloved by flower and bird watchers, geologists and other nature-seekers, Hawn State Park is full of clear streams and natural rock formations as well as fields of wild orchids and unique mountain vistas. Hawn State Park is the perfect location to relax and unwind surrounded by nature.

The campground is located beneath a lofty pine tree canopy and offers electric and basic sites or just picnic facilities. Camping here is the perfect way to enjoy the over 10-mile long backpacking trail that is considered one of the best in the whole state. Your hosts at the campground will helpfully give you a guided tour or offer wood or ice for sale. Visitors to the park have said that it is well kept, clean and attractive, and they loved exploring Pickle Creek in the midst of the whispering pine forest.

Sites Available: Basic, electric, walk-in, special-use areas for organized groups

Seasonal Information: Camping and park open year-round, water April 1 – October 31

Activities: Hiking, bird watching, geology touring, picnicking, backpacking, exploring, relaxing

Facilities: ADAAG compliant parking, scenic areas and trails, shower facilities, restrooms

Reservations: Online or 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766)

We’ve fallen in love with Missouri just reading about all the great tent campgrounds found around the state. Whether you’re a spelunker, a fishing enthusiast or a hiking and backpack junkie, Missouri tent camping will provide the natural adventure you crave. For those that want their vacation a bit more lively, consider camping near Branson, St. Louis or Kansas City to venture into civilization and enjoy dining and nightlife.

Hope this post was helpful for you to find which campground is the most suitable for your personal needs. Happy trails!

Game on: 12 (Mean) Ways to Introduce Your SO to Outdoors

Last updated: April 19, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

If your partner doesn’t like the great outdoors as much as you do, you may need some tips on how to get your SO to experience the outdoors and grow to love it. You’re in luck; I gathered some info and sharing the best advice for you to get your SO outdoors with you.

A study by the Association for Psychological Science shows that sharing a good experience with someone else makes it more intense. So, in the end, your partner will thank you for their new found love of the outdoors.

Table of Contents

5- Find Some Training

6- Get them out on their own

7- Know Their Level

8- Join a Club

9- Combine Activities

10- Separate but Together

11- Relationship First

12- Know When to Say When

References

1- Don't ask!

I repeat - DO NOT ASK!

My SO hates hiking and isn’t afraid to tell me. I believe the phrase, “over my dead body,” was used a few times early on. Needless to say, I got the hint. I’m a good listener like that!

But this didn’t stop me from pushing for an outdoor adventure together, no way. I felt like we both needed to get out of our comfort zones. Plus hiking is my happy place, and I feel like we’re missing out on valuable time together when I go as a solo hiker. I love my SO and it’s fun to do things together. In fact, I hope our entire family will all enjoy the outdoors together. It'll be a good example if both parents are outdoor enthusiasts.

Don't ask or I (a monkey. Hello) will come and shut it for you. You're welcome.

So, instead of asking, I just signed us up on a group hike. Then, and this was key, I acted like it was my SO’s idea in the first place. I know, just a tiny white lie, but before you know it, you and your SO will be enjoying a nice hike together.

I kept the hike a manageable length and terrain, which also helped. “Oh, it’s just a short one! You’ll be back in front of the fire with your book in no time!” I explained, and it was mostly true. I also bought this cool backpack in my SO’s favorite color. After all was said and done, my SO ended up having a good time on the hike after all.

2- Bribery

I knew I wasn’t going to get away with another ambush hike, so I had to try a different approach: bribery was the obvious choice. My SO happens to love Denver, Colorado and is fascinated by Pike’s Peak and the other mountain ranges that make up the Rockies. While I would rather visit the East Coast or possibly Europe for a change, I’m okay with Colorado and all it has to offer an outdoor enthusiast such as myself.

Don't offer them euros though... they might say no.

My SO, as it happens, loves Colorado for the food, beer and history more than the outdoors. So to sweeten the pot, aka form a great bribe, I combined our hiking trip with a beer and food tour of LoDo, which is the Lower Downtown district of Denver, Colorado. A milestone anniversary was coming up, so it seemed like the perfect occasion to plan a splashy trip.

I had the whole thing planned out including a great hotel, a meal at a famous chef’s Denver location and a beer and food pairing on another evening. Oh, plus a group hike up Pike’s Peak, taking the cog train back down to civilization. With the promise of being pampered and spoiled before and after, it was no problem to sign up for the hike. The trip was a huge success! We both got what we wanted, especially plenty of time outdoors for yours truly.

3- Let Them Choose

I have to fess up; my SO didn’t particularly enjoy the hikes I bribed and surprised my way into. Instead of continuing down this path, I decided to ask my SO what outdoor activity actually appealed to them. After all, I’m the flexible one in the relationship, I’ll be the bigger person (as always!) and do an outdoor activity my SO likes.

One day, while walking our dogs, I asked, “Are there any outdoor activities you’d like more than hiking?” Surprisingly, the answer was camping! Duh, I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. Instead of tromping in a circle or doubling-back, my SO wanted to spend more time in nature and enjoy the peace and quiet! “Camping! Let’s go,” I answered.

4- Gear matters

Making sure your SO doesn't have a +%^%ty gear for their (first) outdoor activity you're dragging them along on is a huge key in getting them to warm up to it. Not only that, but having time to try out said gear is just as important.

Make sure checking out our gear category if you're looking for some. If you have quality gear though, you're completely fine even if they're old. Don't believe anyone trying to sell you stuff.

Sure you don't need to buy anything meant for "pros", but do make sure they're not going to curse the day they said "yes" to you. And I don't even mean your outdoors adventure offer, I mean your proposal. That's right, terrible gear sucks that much in multi-day trips.

The time I talked my SO into a 100-mile bike ride comes to mind when I think of having the proper gear and knowing how to use it. We were planning our first ride together near Palm Springs, California to enjoy the desert landscapes as part of an organized group ride. My SO didn’t have a bike, and I’m afraid we addressed that particular challenge a bit late.

By the time we got my SO a bike, there was only room for one training session before we left for our 100-mile ride. Can you see where this is going? We were winging it with a new bike and took it slow and steady, but it was not meant to be; my SO was very sore in a very private place and decided that bike riding was not a good thing.

5- Find Some Training

You’ve seen that couple, or maybe you’ve been part of that couple. The couple on the lakeshore or hiking trail screaming in frustration at each other. One person is terrified and the other is frustrated, and you known when they make it back to their car, campsite or hotel they won’t speak to each other the rest of the night.

Sharing an outdoor experience should make your relationship stronger, not break it up. To remove your partner’s newbie blues, give them some training before you embark on your outdoor adventure. Find a class on rock climbing, skiing or whatever outdoor activity you are trying to introduce them to and sign them up. Heck, sign up together, more training never hurt anyone.

The point is, the more your SO is exposed to the activity, the more comfortable they will be when they try it with you. Not only will this cut down on the arguments, as you have both had the same training, you can each go at your own pace with confidence.

6- Get them out on their own

This one may blow your mind, but it actually worked for us. Instead of going hiking together, I encouraged my SO to sign up for a hiking group with peers and friends first instead of going with me. This helped my partner feel less judged on the first time they ventured out for a hike.

Not only that, my SO found that they were able to focus more on the hiking experience rather than worrying about my opinion or direction. When we finally did go hiking together, I had a confident partner with ideas of their own on finding water, foraging for food, getting our bearings and a whole load of skills.

As a bonus, my SO made new friends and goes hiking with a group they have joined as well as joining me on hikes too. While we appreciate the time together, we also recognize that it is healthy for us to have our own pursuits and groups of friends.

7- Know Their Level

This isn’t news to anyone, but men and women are different! I know, but hear me out; this has an impact on how your SO physically deals with the challenges of being outdoors on a hike, camping trip, snowboarding adventure, etc. Men have more upper body strength, while women are stronger in their legs and lower body. Each has a different sense of balance and center of gravity, and this all impacts how activities are learned and mastered.

The point of telling you this is that your SO, if not the same sex as you are, is going to have different challenges learning outdoor skills than you. Additionally, people have different fitness levels, so be aware of your partner’s needs. Take things easy at first and don’t push or you will risk alienating them from you and from the activity.

8- Join a Club

There are clubs out there for just about anything, including hiking, climbing, skiing, fishing, etc. Join a club together as a couple and volunteer for fundraising duties and event planning. By being social with other people and other couples focused on your favorite outdoor activity, this interaction will encourage your SO to become more involved and open.

Joining a group or club is also great for the off-season, and every outdoor activity has one. If your activity is ice fishing, for example, during hot weather you are pretty much out of luck! But not if you join a group, who will be discussing the upcoming season and planning new, exciting adventures for when the water freezes again.

Being part of a group that is passionate about your shared outdoor activity will be very encouraging for your SO. Plus, you can get great tips on equipment, events and activities that relate to your sport or activity.

9- Combine Activities

My SO is an avid photographer, and therefore loves being outdoors looking for that next perfect shot. By volunteering to carry part of the photography gear, I was able to talk my SO into more and more hikes as time went on. Plus, we have some beautiful photos in our living space as keepsakes from our hikes together.

Maybe your SO loves cooking or maybe they're an avid runner; the point is to combine whatever your partner is passionate about with your outdoor activity in order to create a shared experience. My partner’s love of photography was a natural fit for hiking.

My love for cooking was a natural fit for my partner’s desire to start camping. We were fortunate that way, but be prepared if your passions don’t exactly mesh with each other. Just be creative and you will find a way.

10- Separate but Together

When we finally settled the hiking/camping debate, it was easy to combine the activities and do them together. But we knew to quit while we were ahead and embrace each other’s differences. We have times that we do separate activities, and then share them with each other afterward.

This enables us to experience different things and enjoy them, but still share the fun afterwards in talking about them. Neither of us really wants to accompany the other to their event nor do we want to ask them to give it up to be with us. So we compromise and go our separate ways occasionally.

11- Relationship First

It’s great to have a passion, and especially great if you can share it, but don’t let it overtake your relationship. The last thing you want to do is live separate lives, with separate hobbies and no connection between you.

I think that was why I really wanted my SO to love hiking, so we could have that connection. While it wasn’t meant to be immediately, my SO has compromised and so have I. Most importantly, I didn’t let my passion for hiking take over my passion for my partner and our relationship.

Your partner loves you and will be patient with your passion for outdoor activities, there’s no doubt about that. Just don’t abuse their patience by demanding that they take up your hobby as well.

When my outdoor activities start encroaching on our time together, my partner reminds me that we haven’t connected in a while. That’s my cue to listen, plan an activity together or show my partner in some way that I care about the relationship more than my outdoor plans.

12- Know When to Say When

You’ve tried bribery, bought the best gear and found an outdoor group to join but your SO still doesn’t share your enthusiasm for outdoor adventures. Some people just don’t warm up to outdoor activities, let’s face it. Know when to back off and let them off the hook, they tried and it just didn’t work for them. As hard as it was for me to realize that my SO didn’t love riding a bike as much as I do, I knew when to back off.

My SO never did warm to bike riding, so we sold the bike and I go with a cycling group on my own. No harm, no foul. My partner is happy I don’t beg for bike rides together and I’m happy that I still have the opportunity to cycle when I have time. We still enjoy other activities together and didn’t let the lack of mutual bike time come between us.

I’m a really happy person these days, with a partner I love and who loves the outdoors like I do, just in different ways. We have a great time together, sharing our outdoor experiences but, shhh; it was all my partner’s idea!