Camping in the great outdoors is an adventure worth experiencing. There is something extraordinary about sleeping under the stars and cooking over an open flame. The best camping trips are the ones that you have thoroughly planned. If you don't have a ton of camping experience, the planning process may seem a little daunting, but you will be glad you did once you are out in the wild. Here are some tips for planning a better camping trip this summer. Location There are lots of great camping locations in Houston, Texas. Though the Houston area brings up images of tall buildings and crowded freeways, it has dense woods, lazy bayous, and Gulf shores. All of these untouched areas beckon for you to come and enjoy the wild. There are multiple camping destinations you can explore, including Camp Wanderland, 5D Ranch, The Wilderness Campground, and Privet Spring Fed Creek, to name a few. These locations vary in price per night, so a little research will help you find the perfect destination for your next camping trip. more Supplies and Gear You will always want to pack the essentials when you plan on camping out in nature. You can simplify this process by writing up a camping checklist and budgeting for your trip in advance. Gear you will want to include is a tent, tarp, sleeping bag, utility knife, flashlight, rope, hatchet, folding saw, shovel, etc. You may not use all of these, but you will surely be glad you have them if you happen to need them. Your supplies should consist of a pot, dishes, a pan, utensils, waterproof matches, a lighter, or other means of starting a fire. You will also want to bring an excess of water, including gallon-sized jugs, to use for cooking and cleaning. Easily prepared foods and snacks that are energy-rich are highly recommended for camping. These can include ground beef, pasta, peanut butter, beans, trail mix, oatmeal, and chicken. A tight-closing cooler and ice to preserve your food is also a must. Your clothing should include enough of a selection that you would be able to have two to three layers for each day you are out in the wild. This is especially important for more temperate areas. You can't afford to be caught out in nature without being prepared to protect your body from the elements. You will also want to pack plenty of soap and hand sanitizer for personal hygiene and cleaning your supplies after making and consuming meals. Optional gear you could bring is lanterns, hiking or climbing equipment, fishing poles, and firearms (for protection from wild animals). Camping Tips A few camping quick tips include using dry clothes to keep your feet warm in your sleeping bag, lining your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag, keeping an extra pair of socks safe from moisture, packing a trailhead snack, using hand sanitizer as a fire starter, etc. Camping hacks and tips are from people just like you, so get creative when solving common issues related to camping. Remember to be responsible by cleaning up behind yourself, putting fires out, and staying aware of your surroundings. Camping in Houston, Texas, this summer will make for an excellent experience for you and your family. Image by chulmin park from Pixabay
The landscape in and around Houston, Texas, is ideal for hiking. Whether you want a short hike or a longer trek, the city and surrounding countryside have something to offer you. Please take a look at our list of the most impressive hikes near Houston. Galveston Island State Park For an easy to moderately challenging hiking experience, journey to Galveston Island State Park. There you'll find several trails that are perfect for a relaxing hike. Visitors are most fond of the Galveston Island State Park Trail, the Clapper Rail Trail to the Carcara Trail Loop, Prairie Trail to Freshwater Loop, and the Clapper Rail Trail to Heron's Walk. The park also offers bird-watching, beach swimming, nature study, camping, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities, so it has something for you no matter what your outdoor leanings are. For a gorgeous landscape full of everything from wetlands to sand dunes, visit Galveston Island State Park. more Sam Houston National Forest Named for the founder of the city, the Sam Houston National Forest is a picturesque landscape full of woodland creatures of all types. This national forest is 163,000 acres in size, so you could explore for years and not see it all. The Sam Houston National Forest is home to one of the most challenging hiking trails in the country, the Lone Star Hiking Trail, which stretches into the woods for a breathtaking 128 miles. Don't worry, there is no need to take the whole trail in one visit. The rangers at this national forest welcome hikers of all skill levels and are glad to give useful tips to anyone new to the activity. Stephen F. Austin Park Fifty miles outside of Houston, you'll find a 12-acre park that was home to the first colony in Texas history. Explore the site where Texas began and view the landscape first settled by Stephen "Big Daddy" Austin, the father of Texas. Stephen F. Austin Park includes a 6-mile hiking trail through the land that was initially released under contract with the Mexican government for three years. If you get hungry during your hike, wander over to Taco Cabana and have a bite to eat. The restaurant hosts hikers year-round. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center At 4501 Woodway Drive in Houston, you'll find a hike so full of life that the creatures there will follow you into your dreams. This 155-acre arboretum and natural sanctuary are just four miles west of downtown Houston. Five miles of hiking trails cut through the parks, wetlands, and forests in the Houston Arboretum and the nature center plays host to a nature shop, aquariums, interactive exhibits, and microscopes. Pick up a list of common wildlife around Houston and see how many varieties of frog, turtle, bird, and other species you can spot on your hike. The grounds are open until nightfall, so night hiking is not permitted. Whether you like to wander for short distances or take on the challenge of epic hikes, the area in and around Houston has a trail for you. Take on these trails and form memories that will last a lifetime. Image by Michelle Orelup from Pixabay
One of the best ways to enjoy a night out with friends is by heading to a local karaoke bar and enjoying a little bit of spotlight. Whether you are there to sing your heart out to some of your favorite tunes or simply to sit back and enjoy the show, karaoke bars are fun for everyone. Here are some of the best places to sing karaoke near Houston, Texas. Spotlight Karaoke Spotlight Karaoke is a popular karaoke spot in the Midtown and Galleria areas of Houston. Here you can book a private room for your party if you only feel comfortable performing for your friends or you can all enjoy singing with the locals in the main stage area. If you plan to sing, it's free of charge, but you'll need to meet the two-drink minimum. You'll have thousands of songs to choose from, so you're sure to find a few favorites. more Book your next celebration at Spotlight and add some karaoke to the festivities. Parties can be booked during the day for any day of the week, and you'll get the option for a private bartender and karaoke jockey. A photo booth is also available so you and your guests can be sure to remember the fun. Rudyard's Pub For anyone with the dream of performing with a live band, Rudyard's Pub can make it come true. Every second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the upstairs living room of this Irish pub features a live punk rock band playing only the best list of songs. You'll need to be able to perform songs by bands like Bad Religion, Minor Threat, and The Clash, but if you're feeling like a rock star, you'll be welcomed to the stage. Mohawks are not required but are certainly encouraged. Non-performers shouldn't feel pressured to sing, Punkaraoke is also just an awesome show to enjoy. Dino's Den At Dino's Den, you can have burgers with your karaoke. This classic dive bar is a great local spot for a more intimate karaoke experience. Every Tuesday and Saturday night, head to Dino's for drinks, food, and a chance to jam out to your favorite songs. You'll get to enjoy the performances of local regulars and take your own talent up to the stage for a show. Glitter Karaoke Glitter Karaoke is another fun place offering public and private karaoke experiences. Book the private party room to keep the performances between you and your crew, or hang out in the main lounge area. Glitter welcomes singers new and experienced, and typically everyone will join in the fun. If you've never performed on a karaoke stage before, this is a great place to start. Head out for happy hour five nights a week and enjoy discounted drinks while you sing. Don't be shy, get up on that stage and belt it out! Head to one of these great karaoke spots around Houston, and enjoy an experience you won't soon forget. Image from pixabay.com Pixabay License
