The Great Outdoors

The first National Park, Yellowstone, was established back in 1872. Through the wild support of our nation, we flash forward to the establishment of over 400 National Parks to this very day!  The most recent big win for National Parks came under President Donald J. Trump, who signed the Great Outdoors Act. This act revitalized current parks to be accessible to all, while also protecting land and water resources for years to come. National Parks are one of the greatest opportunities to experience the beauty of America with your family. Below is our list of recommend parks and a few details. We have also provided a great link below to "Recreation.gov" to look up additional information for your family camping trip!

This stunning park is full of geographic wonders, including the infamous Yosemite falls. This park gets crowded very easily so be prepared to be patient. 

• Hiking: Trails range from newbie to expert. We personally love taking the bus to the top of Glacier Point which has a path to the Four Mile Trail, and hiking the descent into the valley. Gorgeous views and safe for any age. 
• Camping: Lower Pines, Upper Pines, Tuolomne Meadows, there is no bad choice for camping here with family. Each will give you chances to encounter wildlife and enjoy incredible scenery. 
• Tip: BOOK ASAP. Campsites go fast here so you must book the day they become available. You can defer to Recreation.org or NPS.gov for that information.

Have your camera ready! This park is chalk full of the most beautiful and active wildlife you could ever imagine. Kids will love this park for it's animals, and different easy walks.

• Hiking: Upper Geyser Basin is a family friendly walk along spectacular geological wonder including the infamous Old Faithful. 
• Camping: Freedom Flare Company loves Grant Village, near the south end of Yellowstone. Full of campsites, and easy road access to site see and explore! Reservation can be made at NPS.gov.
• Glamper? Highly recommend booking the historical Lake Yellowstone Hotel's Presidential Suite! Once in a lifetime experience. Stay where Republican President Coolidge stayed!
• Tip: One season to be careful of is bison mating season, late July-August. The males are extremely aggressive. We have witnessed first hand, a bison ram a truck while crossing the road. 

Explore and experience America's Giant Sequoia groves! This park offers incredible programs to educate kids about nature.

• Camping: We love Lodgepole Campground. It is split to north and south side all great for family. Beware of bears.
• Hiking: Tokopah Trailhead is kid friendly and has great views.
• Tip: Store your food with caution to keep Yogi Bear from paying you a visit.

Yes! America's beautiful rum rich island has great hiking!

• Hiking: The Cinnamon Bay Trail is the one to experience. You will pass sugar plantation ruins, a great opportunity to see a piece of history. 
• Camping: Cinnamon Bay Resort and Campground is stunning. It is currently being restored due to destruction from Hurricane Irma. 
• Tip: Pack a backpack for any day excursions with water, snacks, and sunscreen.
• Fun Fact: Did you know there are deer on the island?! Brought by Texas an Georgia around 1972. You will also see a lot of crabs the closer you get to the beach front!

To us at Freedom Flare Co., camping is a time honored tradition where you can enjoy the glory of God's nature with your family. Though roughing it is quintessential to survival 101, our info here highlights a more family friendly atmosphere where the site has a fire pit, a picnic table, enclosed bathrooms, and is a short driving distance from a general store. Let's get you organized for a great time!

We will speak in terms of a 4 day camping trip. 2 Coolers will be ideal especially if this is a family of 4.

REMINDER: Elevation will affect your food. Read cooking directions carefully so you adjust for the altitude. 

BREAKFAST

• Eggs and oatmeal (the individual oatmeal packs are incredible for camping. mix and match flavors for the kids)

LUNCH

• Sandwich meats, bread (or gluten free tortillas). 

SNACKS

• Chips, Petite Carrots, Celery, Peanut Butter

DINNER

• Pre-packaged burger patties and buns

CONDIMENTS

• Heads of Lettuce, mayo, mustard, ketchup, shredded cheese. 
• Meat tenderizer (great for bee stings as well)

DESSERT

• S'mores- Chocolate bars, large marshmallows, graham crackers. Don't forget the skewers!
• Hot Chocolate packets with marshmallows

DRINKS

• Parents- Pick up a 3L Box of wine. It stay fresh up to 30 days, so any unused wine can be brought home.
• Kids- Water and dealers juice on juice for the kids! Camping should be fun so don't feel guilt about the sugar. These little ones will be running around plenty to burn through that energy.

DISHWARE 

• We like paper plates and cups because you can include them as kindling for your fires in the morning and at night. However, investing in reusable tin cups, plates, and utensils will make packing easier. We love Bass Pro Shop brand!

Don't forget to bring ice packs and get ice along the way!

So what exactly do you need for a camping trip? Some will be obvious, and others helpful reminders!

We recommend BASS PRO SHOPS, REI, or ANY MOUNTAIN  for any of your camping needs!

SHELTER

• Large blue tarp (we like to carry 2 in case of emergency or heavy rain storm), hammer/mallet, sturdy stakes. This will be the base you set up before you pitch the tent to ensure no leakage.
• Tent - We love the craziness of family all over the place! Though if you have teens, a fun way to give them some privacy is to bring a second smaller tent for them to enjoy.
• Sleeping bags and blankets. It gets COLD in the great outdoors, the more layers the better!
• Battery operated lanterns- 2-3 for your dinner space, your tent, and going to a froe.
• Pillows
• We LOVE a good air mattress. We recommend Coleman brand.

CAMPFIRE

• Waterproof matches **pro tip- you can use paper plates from your meals as your kindling. NEVER burn plastic. 
• An Axe to chop wood
• Radio
• Collapsing chairs
• Flashlights
• Mosquito repellent (Coleman is the best brand the stronger the DEET the better off you will be)

COOKING

• Gas powered portable stove (we love Coleman brand!)
• A plastic picnic table cloth for the table
• Knife
• Paper plates and paper towels
• Meat Tenderizer (doubles as a great bee sting remedy)

EMERGENCY

• Standard First Aid Kid
• Benadryl 
• Advil
• Ponchos
• Whistles

WHAT TO WEAR

• Jeans/yoga pants
• khaki shorts/athletic shorts
• t-shirt, long sleeve and short sleeve
• light jacket and heavy jacket
• underwear
• socks (extra socks)
• tennis shoes/hiking boots
• mittens (cold mornings)
• Pack the brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, and make up for you ladies out there!

Fun traditions for you to start with your own family!

"ELMER!": 

• Most often times called out at sunset, "ELMER!", is a tradition originates from a friendly bear in Yosemite years ago named Elmer whom kids came to adore. Calling it out loud pays homage to that friendly bear. All of the neighbors will get into it!

CAMPFIRE SING ALONG:

• Gather around the fire at night and sing your favorite songs, whether they be classics from church or golden oldies. Take the time to being the family together through music!

SPORTS: 

• If you can bring cornhole, a football, a soccer ball, or baseball and glove. Being outdoors is the perfect time to play with your family after the hikes have ended!

TREASURE HUNT: 

• Come up with a list of items found around a campsite for your kids to seek out and find! Have a fun reward at the end like hot chocolate

STAR GAZING:  

• Eyes to the sky! The Sky View App on your phone is perfect for helping you find specific planets, stars, and constellations!

Do you have an epic tale, a funny story, or a tradition, tips or tricks about camping? We'd love to share it!

   Our family grew up camping every summer at Pinecrest Lake in Stanislaus National Forest, CA. We loved to attempt to fish... Attempt is the key word. We were cursed as a family and rarely had luck. This always played in favor of my older sister, who was terrified of fish. She was afraid to swim in the lake for fear that a salmon would brush against her leg. Hilarious stuff. 

    One year, my older sister (age13 at the time, I was 11) took a small blow up boat without oars onto the safe swimming section of the lake and fell alseep. By the time she woke up, she had drifted a good 50 yards out to the buoys where the water was deep and closer to where people would fish off of a dock. She began to scream bloody murder, saying she couldn't jump in the water to swim back for fear of fish attacking her. Imagine a 13 year old in tears over fear of the possibility of a fish bumping into you in the water! All of the parents and kids on the shore were laughing at this scene. It was as dramatic as any teen could make. After a good laugh, I swam out to grab her small blow up boat and pulled her into shore. This story was so funny, that I shared it on her wedding night! Classic roast story for a sister I love and though I laugh, will always come to save the day!

 Freedom Flare Co. has no clue, though we do love the quality time you get so spend with your loved ones in trying to catch a fish! 

One thing we do know for sure, is to make sure you have checked to see if you need a fishing license to fish.