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Park Ranger John

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Outdoor Life

Camping tips from a Park Ranger

Tips from a Park Ranger for Camping in a Park

Having worked in parks for close to twenty years I have seen just about everything happen with campers in campgrounds. I can’t even tell you the number of sad looks I get each weekend when I have to tell people that the campsite is full and we have no spots. I want to help make sure that you have the best experience possible while camping in a park. These are my tips for making sure you get the best experience and leave with a smile!

Make campsite reservations as soon as you can. Campsite Reservations have become the norm in today’s campgrounds. Packing a car at the last minute on a Friday afternoon and rushing to a park typically leads to disappointment and driving around to multiple campgrounds all with their Campground Full signs posted. You end up camping in your car overnight at the Wal-Mart parking lot or the local motel/hotel with everyone complaining about this being the worst vacation ever.

Buy campfire wood on site. Have you heard the slogan “Burn it where you buy it?” I know that you may save you a few dollars by carrying wood from home but the real threat here is transporting bugs/beetles and disease to a healthy stand of trees. Remember that trees in a campground can already be stressed due to soil compaction from campers which makes them susceptible to beetles and disease. It would be very disappointing to find that your favorite campground is now closed due to tree disease and all the trees have been removed.

Bring cash with small bills with you. I see several people coming to the park with only carry credit cards on them. Remember that you are going outdoors and internet service can be sketchy at best. This means that several parks are unable to take credit cards at all. Also, remember that you may have to self-pay for your campsite that is something like $22.00 a night. If you only managed to bring a $100 bill or several $20 bills you will be leaving a healthy donation to the park system. Several campgrounds require you to pay for showers so carry quarters with you too. Some showers require tokens and can be bought through a token machine with $1 and $5 dollar bills.

Have a camping checklist and cross off items as you pack. Some items that are most often forgotten include…

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How to become a Park Ranger

How to become a Park Ranger

I started working in parks on May 1, 1994. Little did I know that this would become the first day to an identity that would stick with me forever. It has been over 23 years since that first day and I still get excited to lace up my boots, put on my flat hat and get out into the park! I get the opportunity to meet new people and educate and protect our parks and its visitors. Being a Park Ranger is my passion. In January 2017, I decided that I wanted to share my passion for being a Park Ranger and my experiences in parks and began a blog. Hopefully, this will encourage people to experience the outdoors. This leads me to the one question that I get asked all the time, “How do I become a Park Ranger? “How to become a Park Ranger in Law Enforcement or Interpretation. Get hired now in your dream career, proudly go to work wearing your uniform, placing your badge on your shirt and putting on your flat hat. National, state and local parks all need park rangers to maintain their parks!
The question is much harder to answer than why I became a Park Ranger but just as important. If you are living your passion then everything else just falls into place. My passion for the outdoors, helping park visitors find incredible experiences in parks that I have personally had and protecting resources all led me to this career. Do you feel that you are up for this challenge? If yes then read on. Hopefully, this article will lead you to become the future legacy of an American Icon, walk in the footsteps of Harry Yount, the “Father of the Ranger Service” and the first Park Ranger at Yellowstone National Park!…

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The 10 Essentials for Outdoor Survival

The 10 Essentials are survival items for people going outdoors. These items prepare you in case things go wrong. Many people associate this with Boy Scouts but they have been long adopted by hikers, climbers, backpackers or just anyone spending any time outdoors. There are several versions of the 10 essentials, mostly because of change in technology over the past 50 years but they all have the same fundamentals for keeping you alive.

The 10 Essentials for Outdoor Survival

The 10 Essentials for Outdoor Survival! What to bring with you on every camping trip, hiking trip and more from a Park Ranger. DIY, easy to put together survival kit

  • Compass/Map: Today’s terminology is Navigation, so it includes a GPS. Call me old school but GPS don’t always work. I have found a map and compass to be extremely useful, and they don’t require batteries.
  • Water: There are several thoughts here. I have heard of carrying an additional days water supply of 2-liters per day to a gallon per day depending on the person and weather. Some also suggest water purification tablets or system.
  • Food: It is also suggested to carry an extra day’s food. Most people carry a freeze dried meal, high energy bars, nuts, or fruit.
  • Clothing: Carry clothes for the worst realistic weather conditions possible. This can include raingear, gloves, hat and clothes. I am a big fan of layering. An underlining, fleece then winter waterproof jacket if necessary. An extra pair of socks goes a long ways too.
  • Sun Protection: Sunglasses and Sunscreen can make the difference between a great experience to one that you will never forget.
  • Knife or Multi-tool: is helpful for minor repairs, preparing food, making kindling and even for first aid.
  • Matches: Always place in a waterproof case and make sure you have something to strike them with.
  • Firestarter: There are several things you can buy, or you can make yourself to get a fire started
  • First Aid Kit: There are some really good pre-assembled first aid kits out there. I also like to make sure there is something for blisters and an emergency blanket.
  • Flashlight: Some people carry a headlamp instead as it’s much easier to hike without a flashlight in your hand. Extra batteries can also come in very useful.  Don’t count on using your cell phone flashlight. Batteries can get run down on your phone.

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11 Snowshoeing Tips you need to know

Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside in the winter! It’s pretty easy to catch on, after all, we already know how to walk. It’s also relatively inexpensive. Just like any activity, you can spend as much or as little as possible, but once you already have poles and snowshoes, you are set. I have had friends who just was handed a pair of snowshoes from people who don’t use them anymore. Others who went to a yard sale and pick some up for cheap. Some go to big box stores while others visit a sporting goods store and get specialized equipment and having name brands hanging everywhere. I just encourage people to find what makes them happy and enjoy nature. 11 Snowshoeing Tips you need to know! Let me know your favorite tips!

11 Snowshoeing Tips and tricks to get your prepared for your first snowshoe trip. …

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