This is the HOW-TO-CAMP guide  
Information for tent and RV camping
Parks in America
Whether it is a National, State,
County, or Local park, they have
all been established for you to
enjoy.  Throughout the country
you will find parks of all sizes
and features.
The United States of America is well known
for its natural wonderlands.  Federal, state
and local governments have sanctioned
certain areas to preserve nature and help
people enjoy the beauty of the land when
they feel like relaxing These areas are
known as "parklands".
Parks are wonderful resources.  In this era of constant deforestation and
construction, parks offer a bit of respite.  These protected areas are good
for the environment and good for us, as they give us a place to get out of
the hustle and bustle of urban life.  Many people do not fully understand
the purpose and need for parks, and in this discussion we will answer
some of the most frequently asked questions.
Parks exist to preserve our history and environment.  Without these
parks, many historical and environmental landmarks would be destroyed
or decayed through age.  Parks provide a place for us to visit and escape
from the mundane world. The cultural and recreational significance of our
parks is tremendous.
Parks are present in every state.  They can be as simple as a few picnic                           
tables in the town square of a small village to the spectacular beauty of a national park.  Some
parks are known for hot geysers, waterfalls, mountains covered with snow, and  wildlife such as
bears, deer and elk; the variety found in parks is endless.  
City parks have been around since the days of the American colonies.  They were usually
found in the center of the town  square and people would gather with their  families to hear the
local news and  celebrate a special event .  A leisure  outdoor activity can be enjoyed by all at  
a  local park.  The events presented throughout the year (primarily in the  summer months)
seem to be endless.  A simple glance through your local newspaper will let you know what is
coming up next.  Every year city park activities usually start around the Memorial Day weekend.
 Picnics, concerts in the park, local celebrations, Fourth of July fireworks, carnivals, children
activities, and food and craft vendors and just a few of the activities you will find in your local
park.
State parks provide wonderful facilities for family camping. The
parks are well maintained (tax dollars at work again) and offer
many amenities to make your stay more comfortable: clean
restrooms, hot showers, stores, marinas, boat launches, tackle
shops, planned activities, weekend movies, playgrounds, hiking
trails, and more. Many state park campgrounds also offer RV
sites with electric, water, and/or dump station.  Learn more about
State Parks in America
National Parks are the crown jewels of the American park
systems.  Authorized by Congress, the National Parks were
established to protect the beauty and history of our lands for
future generations.  
The exact rules vary by park, but in general, any activity that
disturbs the natural environment is prohibited. This includes
building campfires outside of designated fire rings, cutting trees
whether alive or dead, gathering firewood, hunting, littering,
throwing coins into fountains or pools, or any other activity that
may be damaging to the environment.  Read more about
protecting a park's environment.