Camp Bell Campground

Fine Finger Lakes Camping!



Keeping Your Pet Safe While On A Camping Trip

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Pets at the campgroundFirst-time campers sometimes worry about bringing their pets camping with them. It is understandable because they are new to the area and new to camping. There are actually several ways to you can bring your furry friends along without placing them in any danger.

Keep your pet around you at all times and try not to leave them alone in the RV. Some pets can experience anxiety when their owners are away. Bring a leash and you can both enjoy relaxing walks around the campground.

Bring gloves and make sure that you check your dog for ticks periodically. Grasp the tick near the skin and slowly pull it off your pet. Never do this with your bare hands since there is a chance that these pests can give you and/or your furry friend some type of disease. Also, make sure you dispose of the gloves safely so there is no way that disease is transmitted to any other people or pets.

Carry water for your pet. They can experience tummy trouble when drinking water in a new area. Have some on hand in case you need it. You should bring a little more than they typically drink since camping may make them thirstier than usual.

There is no reason to keep your pet at home when you’re camping. They are part of your family and will enjoy the trip as much as you do. 

How to Pick the Best Chair for Camping

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Camping ChairOf all the simple pleasures in life, camping is one that offers the best potential for creating beautiful memories that last. Setting up a site in the great outdoors is something that appeals to people of all ages and walks of life. It is all about having the connection to nature and breaking free from the rat race. You can take off your watch, forget about time and just breathe in the beauty of the natural world with loved ones.

No matter what your reasons are for camping, the camping chair that you pick will have a good deal to do with how much you enjoy your stay. It may seem trivial but it is one of the most important pieces to determine your comfort. You need the right chair to nap in the sun or stargaze. You need that chair to sit in to enjoy your outdoor meals, too.

How can you make the best choice for a chair? Here are a few tips that will guide you to picking the right one.

Opt for quality and then price.
There are a lot of cheap camping chairs. You get what you pay for when you go cheap so always invest in a chair that is made with durable materials. It might cost more, but that will be worthwhile in the long run. More expensive chairs also have features like cup holders or built-in pillows.

Pick the right chair and you will enjoy your camping getaway all the more. Be sure to choose a good chair for every member of the family. You will be using your chairs more than you think, so choose them carefully with the features and quality that you need most so that you can all enjoy the outdoors.

4 Simple Tips For Leveling Your Trailer

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level your RVYou want to make sure your travel trailer is level before you enjoy using it. Here are some tips that can help you get your travel trailer level in no time.

Start By Placing Your Trailer in the Right Location
Before you can make adjustments to your travel trailer, you need to put it in the desired location. Pull your trailer into the spot and when it is in place you can start to level it.

Place a Level Across the Trailer Hitch
It’s not always easy to tell when your trailer is level. If fact, you may find it difficult to determine which adjustments need to be made if you don’t use a level. Place the level across the trailer hitch. This will help you determine whether or not the trailer hitch is level. Then, you can fix things.

Use a Board to Lift the Lower Side
You should always carry leveling boards with you. These boards must be at least 2 inches thick. You should place the boards under the tires on the lower side. This will help to level your trailer. You may need to use more than one board. Add as many boards as needed to level the trailer.

Watch Your Wheels
The last thing you want is to have your trailer roll away after you’ve parked it. Chock the trailer’s wheels after the trailer is level. Then unhitch the trailer from your towing vehicle. After you park your trailer, make sure it stays in place by following these simple steps.

Leveling a trailer can be a challenge. However, when you learn how to do it properly, in time it will become easier. All you need to do is follow these tips and you’ll be able to level your travel trailer without much difficulty. Then you can enjoy your vacation.

Best Footwear for Camping

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footwear for campersThere are a variety of things that you should keep in mind when you want to acquire the best footwear for camping. By doing this, you will find footwear from a brand that suits you, while also finding the perfect type and fit. There are a lot of shoes out there that you can purchase in order to make the most out of your camping footwear, so take advantage of these three keys as you shop around for the best footwear.

#1: Focus on the support

The more foot support you have, the better. This way, you will not have to worry about foot and ankle injuries that will keep you sidelined from enjoying your trip. They should have thick soles that protect your feet thoroughly.

#2: Consider the grip

You also need to make sure that you find shoes that have wonderful, durable grip. This way, regardless of the terrain, you will have all that you need to stay safe. This is particularly important if you are dealing with a variety of weather conditions.

#3: Try it on and make sure that they are moisture resistant

When your shoes get soaking wet, you may have to deal with foot fungus and other problems that can be incredibly irritating. Without full access to medical care and products, this can turn your peaceful camping trip into an uncomfortable nightmare. Try the shoes on whenever making a purchase so that you are doing your best to find a great fit.

If you apply these tips, you will be able to get exactly what you need from your camping footwear. You will then be able to buy a nice set of shoes that are great for exactly what you need. Follow these points and then shop with a company that can help you out.

How to Quiet a Squeaky RV Slide

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squeaking rv slidesWhen you are camping with your RV you never know what time will you be getting in and out of the campground. Most of the new RVs have slide out rooms which means that a part of the RV slides out automatically to enhance the interior size and comfort.

There are different systems that slide the RV’s rooms out; they can be electric, hydraulic, gear driven, etc. What the system does is, it pushes the room out through a teeth/ gear metal stick of the RV by using a lot of strength, have in mind that a regular system can add up to 1500 pounds to the RV’s total weight.

Depending on the quality, a squeaky sound will start to happen when using the system in and out. Besides hearing the sound, a good way to know if it is happening or about to is to look at the metal stick for some wear generated by the scraping of the surfaces. If you found some wear, then it means that even if you do not yet hear the squeak, you are about to. Also, depending on the quality and normal wear of the windows system, there may be some squeaking there as well, since they are not as heavy as the other system it may take longer to happen and it may be quieter.

The best way to lower or even eliminate your squeaky sound is to buy either a Slide-out or Window Lube and apply it to the squeaky area. This will not only prevent the squeak but it will help the system to work better and avoid eventual break downs.

The 3-1 RV care lubricant by WD 40 (There are Slide-out and window specific versions) is one of the best ones in the market. It is not expensive and it lasts a very long time. With regular use of the RV, it should be good enough for over a year, but if you hear the squeak beginning again just re-apply and move on. It’s always a great tool to keep in your RV tool box.

Camping With Pets

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Pets at the campgroundMore and more campers are enjoying vacation time with their pets and we think that’s a wonderful idea. The campground can be a little intimidating for shy pets and those that are new to camping so we are sharing some tips to make it a wonderful experience for everyone.

Keep Them With You – Your pet might be a little shy of the kind of noise you get at a campground. There will be plenty of kids running and laughing and you may hear quiet voices around the neighbors campfire at night. Try not to leave your pet alone for too long. They will be more comfortable with you near them and will get used to their surroundings that much faster.

Bring Medical Records and Prescriptions – We sure hope you don’t ever need it but having these items when you are away from home and have to visit a Vet can be a life saver. Bring your pet’s shot records and an ample supply of any prescriptions or over the counter medications they may need while you are camping.

Their Favorite Things – They will feel more at home if they have their favorite bed to sleep on and toys to play with. Bring some of the toys they play with most at home and have a nice bed that carries their scent for them to curl up on.

We hope your pets have as memorable a camping experience as you do and we can’t wait to see you strolling around the campground together. 

Helpful Camping Essentials

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camping essentialsThere are lots of obvious things to add to your packing list and they will take care of most situations. There are a couple of things you may tend to forget so we want to offer a reminder to you.

Scissors – These will come in handy in so many ways. You’ll be cutting tags off new items you purchased for the trip, opening those indestructible plastic bags your crackers are packed in, and trimming a table cloth to fit. A pair – or two – of scissors are smart to have on hand.

Warm Hats – mornings and evenings can cool down quite a bit and keeping yourself warm begins with covering your head. Toss a few knit hats in with your camping clothes and you’ll have them when the temps get a little on the chill side of comfortable.

Heavy Duty Trash Bags – You’ll use these to hold wet laundry, cover camping furniture if it rains, and cleaning up the campsite. Choose the heavy-duty type that won’t puncture or tear easily.

Rope – There always seems to be use for a length of rope. It may not be your need but rather your neighbor who is asking if you have any to lend. Tuck a length of rope in to your trunk and when you need it you’ll be glad you did.

Pocket Knife – you might like to carry one of those multi-tool knives in your pocket. They will provide you with a screw driver, bottle opener, ruler, wire stripper, and chisel, depending on the model you carry. You won’t have to dig around in a tool box and will appreciate being able to carry your toolbox in your pocket.

First-Aid Kit – Make sure you have a supply of first-aid items to treat colds, flu, bug bites, headaches, blisters, slivers, and upset tummies. Your ailing patient will be grateful that you have the items they need at the ready when they need them most.

Campfire Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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campfire pineapple upside down cakeTropical and delicious, pineapple upside down cake is a summer staple.  Now you can take it camping with you in a foil packet version that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

1 16 oz. loaf frozen pound cake (we prefer Sara Lee’s All Butter pound cake), slightly thawed

1 15 oz. can pineapple rings packed in juice, drained with juice reserved

¼ tsp. salt

¾ cup brown sugar

8 maraschino cherries, stems removed, drained and dried

Directions

Create 8 foil packets by tearing off 16 pieces of foil 10” long.  Stack two pieces of foil together, dull side up for each packet. 

In the center of each packet, place a pineapple ring.  Add a cherry to the center of each ring.

In a small bowl, whisk together reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar and salt.  Depending on how much juice was in the can, the mixture should be a medium drizzling consistency.

Drizzle brown sugar topping generously over each pineapple ring and cherry.

Remove pound cake from foil pan and cut into 8 slices.  With a fork, pierce each slice all over, creating holes for the brown sugar glaze to sink in. Place one slice on top of each pineapple ring, and top with additional brown sugar glaze.

Wrap fold foil to form packets, sealing the edges tightly. (The brown sugar mixture will be very hot and could cause burns should the sides leak.)

Cook on a grill over hot coals for 10 minutes, or until pineapple is tender.  Remove from grill, open packets and invert onto plates to serve.  Let stand to cool a bit before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Growing Plants In Your RV

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Plants in the RVHaving an RV is a tremendous blessing in your life. This home away from home makes new kinds of travel possible. Since your housing and accommodations come with you, you don’t have to worry about hotel reservations, and constantly packing and unpacking. In fact, the money you save on motel rooms makes a lot more travel affordable and possible. More travel means either more trips, longer trips, or both.

However, since it’s a home away from home, you want it to feel like it. Part of that is who comes with you, but it also helps to bring along some plants. So what then are the best plants for your RV?

The actual specific plants will vary based on your needs and situations, but there are various factors that might make your decisions and determinations easier.

For starters, always keep space in mind. Any plants you put in your RV should be small in size, since every square inch matters in such a vehicle. For that matter, they should be easy to move around not only so you can keep them out of the way in the vehicle but also move them back into your primary home when not on the road.

Durability is also critical. Something that can withstand sliding around is good, particularly if you have to slam on the brakes on the highway and things fall to the floor.

Ease of care is next on your list of factors to look for. When you’re on vacation, you don’t want to spend a lot of time caring for your plants. Something like a small cactus doesn’t require much attention but can have a dehumidifying effect on the cabin.

On top of decor, you might also want to consider the use of the plant in question. A portable herb garden might mean fresh seasonings while on the road!

Are You An RV Beginner? Read These Easy Tips

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RV beginner tipsIf you’re looking forward to enjoying travel like it’s a luxury event, then getting an RV makes this possible. Yet, driving and operating a full-size recreational vehicle is a very different matter than owning or driving a normal car, truck, or van. The benefits are undeniable, but you surely want to know a few tips to get your RV adventures started off right.

Think About Renting

A lot of aspiring RV enthusiasts scoff at the idea of renting over owning, but there are serious benefits that come with doing this. You might still want to eventually own an RV, but RVs come in four letter-grade classes, ranging A, B, C, and D. If you are totally new to RVs, then you probably have no idea just which class is going to suit you the best. If you rent RVs, you can go through each class and know from personal experience which one is the most comfortable to drive and fits your vacation needs. That’s all very useful information and experience to have before you drop a lot of money on an RV purchase.

Chat Up Current Owners

Think about your current social circle of friends, family, and professional colleagues. Think about anyone that owns an RV or has used one, and pick their brains. Some might offer you the chance to drive their RV. Even if it’s just practice driving in a big empty parking lot, jump at any opportunity to get a little experience behind the wheel of their vehicle. Personal experience and their own feedback about the advantages and disadvantages of RVs gives you an honest and robust basis for informed decisions.

Do Your Research And Due Diligence

Budgetary matters are always a concern, not just in terms of how much RV you can afford, but also the operating costs. While you will stay and eat in your RV most of the time, you still have to consider gas, camping permits, connection fees, and maintenance and upkeep.

When you stick with these guidelines, you can get your RV adventures started right from day one.