Car vs. Zone Camping

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Created on Thursday, 17 March 2011 02:01

Published on Thursday, 17 March 2011 02:01

Written by Abe Connally

What kind of camper are you—a car camper or a zone camper? What's the difference, and why should you care? Let's see a few pointers.

First off, car camping is when you drive to your base camp, set up your tent and campfire and whatnot, and then all your walks, hikes, and other activities are based from where you parked. Zone camping is a fancy way of saying backpacking. In other words, you camp for a couple of days or more, only taking with you what you can carry on your back.

First time and newer campers would probably prefer car camping. It's easier, since you can carry much more by way of supplies. You have more freedom in the kind and size of tent you want, and food and cooking supplies.

Backpacking, on the other hand, can be much more challenging, but it's not without its rewards. You do have to be light, efficient, and smart about what you pack. Obviously, a two-room tent, gas grill, a six-pack of beers, and 5 pounds of frozen meat would be out of the question.

But don't let anyone tell you that car camping isn't real camping, or that you're missing out. You can reach most areas of Big Bend from your base camp, either in you vehicle and/or on foot, or on a bike. And that way, you can at least come back to a nice campsite at the end of the day.

Burn Ban Sill in Effect

Speaking of camping supplies, remember that a burn ban is still in effect for the entire Big Bend Area. So roasting marshmallows over a big healthy bond fire would be out of the question. It would be best to pack accordingly. The Daily Report for today says that the fire threat is still moderate inside the park, so be careful all who are planning a trip this weekend.

Beautiful Photography from John Dale

Visit photographer John Dale's blog to find some outstanding photos of Big Bend. The starry skies and canyons especially capture the rugged, natural beauty of Texas, above and below. Any photographer that passes through Big Bend deserves our support, and even more so if they manage to come away with such charming and brilliant of snapshots of the Lone Star State.