Ask the Camping Expert

Mary is an experienced tent and RV camper who has traveled extensively and camped in all types of settings, including primitive mountainous locations, state and national park campgrounds, and modern RV resorts.

Instructions

Do you have a question for the Camping Expert? Leave it in the Comment Box at the bottom of this page, and click the Save button. Don't forget to check the Recent Ask the Camping Expert Questions for your answer within in 24-48 hours.

Recent Ask the Camping Expert Questions

Dear Mary, I have a 1999 Dodge 1500 4x4 w/towing pkg and 318 gas eng. Interested in purchasing a used 5th wheel. I have no experience. Where can you point me to get me started? It is just my wife and I, plus 2 med sz dogs. We are in our mid-late 40's and like light hiking, nature, secluded sites. Need info on nearby sites, what towing capacity to look for, how to set up 5th wheel towing, etc.. Any help is appreciated. I need educated. Sincerely, Kerry-Ohio

Expert Reply

Kerry - You'll need to have a fifth wheel towing package professionally installed. Contact a local RV service center for information about getting this taken care of. The actual towing capacity you need depends on the size of camper you plan to purchase. The towing package you purchase will include information about towing capacity. You may want to look at a few RVs before purchasing your fifth wheel package, so that you have a clear idea of the size camper you'll be towing.

Based on your screen name, I assume you're in Ohio. You can find information about Ohio campsites on OhioParks.net and OhioCamper.com. I'm not sure exactly where you're located, so I can't provide specific information on nearby sites. Check with the convention and visitors bureau in your area and others towns you're likely to visit to request information on campsites.

Happy trails to you and your family. Enjoy your new fifth wheel camper – as soon as you find it.

~~Mary

Mary,

We have an older version of the coleman 425 camping stove (the red cylinder thingamajig is inside..what kind of fuel do I use if we go camping in 1 coulple of weeks for the first time in years?

~~Thanks, Rachel

Expert Reply

Dear Rachel,

The stove you are describing uses Coleman camp fuel. It comes in a can and is specifically designed for camp stoves and lanterns. It is a liquid fuel that is poured into the red cylinder. Most outdoor supply, REI or general-purpose stores sell it. There's a good chance that even the Wal Mart in your area has the right type of fuel.

If you haven’t used your stove in a long time, it's essential to try it out at home before taking it camping. When testing the storve, ensure there is a good blue flame. That is a sign all is properly functioning and burning safely. Occasionally parts of the stove become clogged and it won’t function properly, so it is better to know that before you get stuck in the woods with no way to cook. If you find it doesn’t work, most outdoor stores sell parts to fix these Coleman stoves as they are very common and easy to fix.

~~Mary

Hi Mary,

I have just bought a Wynnster Brecon 8. It is new in the box but about 3 years old (I think). I can't buy the ground sheet anymore as the tent is an unusual shape. What ground sheet size or make would you recommend? The tent has a sewn in ground sheet, so we would be looking for a footprint stone protector type ground sheet for underneath.

~~Regards Jill

Expert Reply

Dear Jill,

When choosing a ground sheet, the major factors you need to consider are getting one that is large enough for your particular tent and made from a durable fabric. I tend to prefer those made from PE rather than PVC options, but many people prefer PVC. Outdoor Megastore is a UK retailer that offers a wide selection of ground sheets (I assume you are in the UK based on your contact information). They even offer the newer Ecotec Carpet Pre-Packed Groundsheets, which many people concerned about the environment prefer to PE or PBC. Enjoy camping in your new tent!

~~Mary

Hello Mary,

I'm wanting to go camping in Clayton with a few friends to celebrate the end of my exams at school. We are all over 16 and feel we're responsible enough to look after the environment when we do camp by cleaning up after ourselves and preserving what's already there. We're wanting to camp on the delph of Clayton, but we don't know anything about the laws of wild camping and such in this area. I've spent time looking around the internet trying to find out who owns it to ask permission, or any laws that are going to let us know if were okay to camp here. It's only for one night and we're going to clean up the next day. Do you have any advice please?

~~Thanks, Bethan

Expert Reply

Dear Bethan,

You are correct to verify that it's acceptable to camp in a certain area before you set out on a trip. I don't have firsthand knowledge of the laws of camping in the UK, so I can't give you specific advice. My suggestion to you is to contact the local government office and inquire about camping regulations in the area that interests you. You might also be able to get information about wild camping from people who operate campground facilities in the area. It's likely that they'll know where to direct you to get the answers you need. Try checking with the people who operate the Camping and Caravaning in the UK directory or Clayton Caravan Park to see if they might be able to help.

~~Mary

Hi Mary! Do you know whether camping is allowed outside of the officially marked campsites in the California state parks? I know I can camp anywhere I want on National Forest Service land (except around certain designated campgrounds), but don't know the rules for CA State Parks. I can't afford an extended stay, so have to camp for free!

~~ Thanks, Carri

Expert Reply

Dear Carri -

Camping outside of designated camping areas is allowed in some California State Parks, but only if you have a Wilderness Permit. You can apply for a permit up to eight weeks in advance of your trip, and you must apply for your permit at least ten days before your trip. There are limits on the number of permits allowed at any given time, so you should definitely request yours as early as possible. For information about wilderness camping permits in California's State Parks, call (951) 659-2607. Here is a link to the permit application for Mount Jacinto State Wilderness camping. For information on other parks, see the CA State Parks website.

~~Mary

Dear Mary, I live in Colorado. Where is the best place to buy a used black water tank for a 1986 yellow stone trailer?

~~ Thanks, Dale

Expert Reply

Dear Dale,

It's going to be difficult to find a used black water tank for your camper anywhere. Finding one designed specifically for the year and model of camper you have is really going to be like looking for a needle in a haystack. You can order replacement black water tanks online from PPL Motorhomes (www.pplmotorhomes.com). This company specializes in consignment camper sales, so the employees are familiar with all different types of campers. The staff members at PPL might be able to direct you to a used tank. If not, they can ship a new one to you. The prices on the company's website seem quite reasonable to me. PPL is in Texas, so shipping to Colorado shouldn't be a problem.

~~Mary

Past Questions

• Finding a Campground Advice
• General Camping Gear Questions
• Sleeping Bag and Air Mattress Tips
• Questions About RVs