Campsites and Star Gazing are two things that many amateur astronomers have in common. Both involve observing from outdoor sites, usually located near a large lake or river. One is an activity done in the wild, and the other is an activity done far more discreetly, but just as safely, on a modern campground site. Many campgrounds offer a wide variety of camping opportunities, but perhaps the best known and most visited are those by the lakes and rivers. These campgrounds usually offer tables for meals and some electricity. They may also offer bathrooms, showers and other facilities such as fishing hookups, built-in cabins, fireplaces, picnic tables, grills and restrooms.
Campsites vary widely in terms of space and amenities. Some are small, with only about twelve to forty campers allowed on the grounds at one time. These are usually called “backwoods campsites” and are the least expensive type of campsite. But they lack many of the comforts of modern sites. They often lack electricity and plumbing, have no cooking facilities, and can be less safe than sites on state or federal forest land.
Camping sites can be found in forests, lakes, streams, creeks and other bodies of water. They are usually set up in a naturalized way. This means that they mimic aspects of primitive camping that we all know. For example, a hunting site in a forest might be camouflaged with decoys and brush, so that animals such as birds and squirrels do not recognize it as their usual hunting spot. This is just one example.
Campsite sitters will need to bring along certain equipment. They should have lightweight sleeping bags, extra food and water, a radio to keep local wildlife informed of their presence, firemaking material such as wood or charcoal, flashlights, and other personal supplies. Most of these equipment items can easily be purchased from a general store. However, if you really want to get away from it all and truly feel at peace then a camping site is a great option. There are many benefits to camping in such places.
You don’t have to worry about staying in the same campsite every night, or about being in the same area throughout the year. You can choose a site that best suits your needs, so you can spend your vacation in a setting that truly makes you feel like you have gotten away. Many of these sites also offer lodgings. In addition, you can pay a one time fee to use the camp site for a set number of nights, which is nice if you really want privacy and quiet.
Campsites can be found all over the country. Most campgrounds have information posted in their website, and there are listings in the phone book. You can even find a map of some of the best camping sites online.
