Camping

I have such fond memories of going camping with my family growing up...campfires, hiking, and smores of course! It is still an activity that I try to sneak in on a weekend here and there, and one that can likely be done into the Fall season, with as warm as it's been. So far I've only been to Turkey Run, Mounds State Park, Brown County, and Clifty Falls...so I have a lot yet to explore!

If you're looking for a good location to take your family or friends camping, check out the Indiana State Parks site, where you can search depending on what type of camping you're interested in. Tent? RV? Cabin? And you can limit it to locations near Brownsburg or whichever city you are wanting to camp near. You can also find camping and state park info at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources site, such as park entrance fees, and even camping etiquette!

But before you pack up that tent, you'll want to check out some books from our collection! Find out what gear and tools you'll need to handle various situations, as well as ideas for games, outdoor activities, and campfire recipes! Call us at (317) 852-3167 option 2 if you have any questions, or e-mail us at askus@brownsburg.lib.in.us. What are your favorite Indiana camping spots?

Plan your family camping adventure! Whether you're a first-time camper or a veteran backpacker befuddled by the challenges of carting a brood--and all the requisite gear--into the great outdoors, here you'll find all the tips and tools you need to plan the perfect nature adventure with your family. Humorous and irreverent, yet always authoritative, this guide to camping with kids, from babies through pre-teens, is filled with checklists, smart tips, recipes, games, activities, and art projects. Helen Olsson, a seasoned camper and mother of three, shares lessons learned over the years of nature outings with her own family. Learn the basics of family camping, from choosing a destination and packing gear to setting up a campsite and keeping little ones safe. Create the perfect camp menu with simple and tasty recipe ideas. Discover foolproof tips and tactics for keeping kids happy and entertained while hiking. Explore nature through clever and creative camp arts and craft projects. This guide is your game plan to unplugging from the digital world and connecting your kids to nature. Whether it's roasting marshmallows around a crackling campfire or stretching out on a camp mat to gaze at the stars, the memories you'll be making will last a lifetime. Request this item

The Happy Camper is a comprehensive, heavily illustrated, highly entertaining compendium of basic wilderness instruction and well-tested campsite advice. One of North America's top canoeing and outdoors experts, Kevin Callan explains how to get the most from your camping experience -- no matter where you pitch your tent, what you forgot to pack or what the weather. Step-by-step, the book shows: How to plan a trip for a day or even a few weeks, How to pack only what is needed, How to beat the bugs, stake a tent, build a fire, ward off unwanted wildlife, paddle a canoe and much more. Other crucial topics include: Choosing the perfect campsite, Using maps and compasses, Camp cooking, Camping with dogs and kids, Bruises, blisters and Band-Aids, Canoe and kayak camping, Wilderness photography, and Cold-weather camping. Request this item

From "Commissioner's French Toast" to "Chicken Dutchiladas," The Scout's Dutch Oven Cookbook highlights hand-picked outdoor recipes, plus cooking methods and tips for a Scout-friendly cooking experience. This is the must-have resource for Dutch oven cooking in the outdoors, whether you're a Scout, hiker, camper, canoer, kayaker--or anyone who eats in the wilderness. Request this item

From "Glacier's Edge Burritos" to "Dirty Socks Peach Cobbler," The Scout's Backpacking Cookbook highlights hand-picked outdoor recipes, plus cooking methods and tips for a Scout-friendly cooking experience. This is the must-have resource for cooking in the outdoors, whether you're a Scout, hiker, backpacker, camper--or anyone who eats in the wilderness. Request this item

There is a movement upon us and it's full of parents who refuse to let their children become a statistic of childhood obesity, and who understand the fate of the environment rests with connecting their kids with the outdoors. Outdoors Parents, Outdoor Kids shines a much needed headlamp on helping parents accomplish this and more. With an informative and entertaining look at biking, camping, swimming, paddling, snowsports, hiking, fishing, climbing and more, award-winning author Eugene Buchanan extends parents a helping hand in getting their kids outside and instilling in them a respect for their health and the environment. It's a set of training wheels for first-time parents and an essential guide for hair-pulling veterans. Request this item