UNT Student Camping Reference Manual

UNT Student Camping Reference Manual

By: Alexus Conde Samuel Clarke

Teniekqua Thompson Kevin Ermatinger

Abdulrahman Habib

Table of Contents v

Table of Contents

Contents Table of Contents ................................................................................. v

Introduction ........................................................................................ ix

Location .............................................................................................. 3

Lake Lewisville ................................................................................... 3

Hickory Creek Park .......................................................................... 3

Lake Park ....................................................................................... 4

Pilot Knoll Campgrounds .................................................................. 4

Stewart Creek Park Campgrounds ..................................................... 5

Sycamore Bend Park Campgrounds ................................................... 5

Willow Grove Park Campgrounds ....................................................... 6

Lake Ray Roberts ............................................................................... 7

Isle du Bois Unit ............................................................................. 7

Johnson Branch Unit ........................................................................ 8

Ray Roberts Greenbelt: ................................................................... 9

What To Take ..................................................................................... 13

Tents .............................................................................................. 13

Sleep gear ...................................................................................... 13

Cooking .......................................................................................... 14

Clothing .......................................................................................... 14

Essentials List .................................................................................. 15

Must haves................................................................................... 15

Cooking ....................................................................................... 15

Clothing ....................................................................................... 15

Extras ......................................................................................... 16

vi Table of Contents

The Campsite ..................................................................................... 19

Locating your campsite ..................................................................... 19

Safe Location ............................................................................... 19

Water Source ............................................................................... 19

Setting up camp .............................................................................. 19

Tent setup ................................................................................... 19

Tarpaulin ..................................................................................... 20

Building a campfire ....................................................................... 21

Keeping camp .................................................................................. 21

Sanitation .................................................................................... 22

Activities ........................................................................................... 25

Hiking ............................................................................................. 25

Flying feathered friends ................................................................. 25

I Heart Texas Hike ........................................................................ 25

Wildlife Detectives ......................................................................... 25

Birding ........................................................................................... 26

Picnicking ........................................................................................ 26

Biking ............................................................................................. 27

Isle Du Bois Unit ........................................................................... 27

Johnson Branch Unit ...................................................................... 27

Greenbelt Corridor ........................................................................ 27

Safety ............................................................................................... 31

First Aid Kit ..................................................................................... 31

Pack a first aid kit. ........................................................................ 31

Emergency Supplies ......................................................................... 31

Bring emergency supplies. ............................................................. 31

The ABC’s ....................................................................................... 31

Learn the ABC's of treating emergencies. ......................................... 31

Weather Report ............................................................................... 31

Before you leave, find out the weather report. .................................. 31

Table of Contents vii

Arrive Early ..................................................................................... 32

Arrive early. ................................................................................. 32

Hazards .......................................................................................... 32

Check for potential hazards. ........................................................... 32

Avoid areas of natural hazards. ....................................................... 32

Inspect Site ..................................................................................... 32

Inspect the site. ............................................................................ 32

Fires ............................................................................................... 33

Build fires in a safe area. ............................................................... 33

Make sure your fires are always attended. ....................................... 33

Pitching your Tent ............................................................................ 33

Pitch your tent in a safe spot. ......................................................... 33

Trash.............................................................................................. 33

Dispose of trash properly. .............................................................. 33

Insects ........................................................................................... 34

Watch out for bugs. ....................................................................... 34

Wild Animals ................................................................................... 34

Beware when encountering wildlife. ................................................. 34

Plants ............................................................................................. 34

Beware of poisonous plants. ........................................................... 34

Hygiene .......................................................................................... 35

Practice good hygiene. ................................................................... 35

Index ................................................................................................ 37

UNT Student Camping Reference Manual ix

Introduction

This is a camping reference manual for the students of the University of North Texas. Camping can be a quick, easy, and inexpensive getaway that any student can take to get away from the stresses of college.

This manual will provide you with the necessary tools to begin a safe and successful camping trip. It highlights selecting a location, what to take, setting up the campsite, activities to do, and safety tips. Now it’s up to you to end it well!

Location

Location 3

Location Where you plan your camping trip very much matters. Whether you want to bike, hike, swim, or bird watch, location is key. We’ve provided a few popular destinations including directions on how to get there that are not far from the UNT campus, such as Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Roberts, that will allow you to do a variety of fun activities.

Lake Lewisville It is famous for water activities and fishing. However, there are some

campsites around the lakes Hickory Creek Park Campground (location: off I35 South exiting the FM 2181/Swisher Rd exit (Exit 458) off the freeway, turn right onto Turbeville Road and then left on Point Vista Road. The park will be on your right.)

• $15 nightly plus daily fees (No daily use) Camping

sites with water and electrical • hookups, picnic tables, grills and fire rings ($28 or $30 per night) • 10 primitive camping sites with water and pit toilet within walking

distance ($14 • per night) • Boat Ramp (for campers only) • Playground • Restrooms with showers • Dump station • Shoreline access for fishing • Walking/Biking trail • Gate attendant on duty during open hours • Emergency exit gate open after 10 pm

4 Location

Lake Park (Location: 600 Sandy Beach Road, Lewisville, TX 75057, Phone: 972.219.3550)

• The park working hours: 7 am to 9 pm • Fees: $10 per vehicle nonresident • ($3 per vehicle for

Lewisville residents) Boat

• Ramp Fee: Included with $10 entry to park

• Restrooms: Yes, but they are pretty old

• Swim Area with picnic Tables

• The park include 18 hole golf course and 18 hole disc (Frisbee) golf course, a

• lighted nine hole par three golf course • There is a fishing barge and 2 Courtesy Docks • 2 Boat Ramps

o Conner Pavilion o Pike Pavilion o Group Picnic Area/Shelter

• Athletic Facilities: o 8 lighted soccer fields o 8 lighted baseball fields o 2 adult lighted softball fields o 2 lighted football fields o The athletic facilities also include areas for parking, two

playgrounds, three restrooms, our concession buildings, and three picnic shelters/shade structures.

Pilot Knoll Campgrounds (Location: Campsite Rental Call 9404552228 Address:218A Orchid Hill Rd. Highland Village, TX 75077

Location 5

• Overnight Camping – $25 per night • This area includes grill, picnic table, fire ring, and water hookups at

each site: • 12 RV and tent campsites with 50 amp electrical hookup • 43 RV and tent campsites with 30 amp electrical hookup • 13 Primitive campsites • Grey water dump station • Playground area with picnic table and grill • Restroom facility with showers

Stewart Creek Park Campgrounds (Location: 3700 Sparks Rd, The Colony, TX To make a reservation call (972)6251106,ext.3954

• Camping Fees o Per Vehicle Tent Camping Without Annual Permit $17.00 / per

night o Tent Camping With Annual Permit $12.00 / per night o RV Camping With Annual Permit $15.00 / per night o RV Camping Without Annual Permit $20.00 / per night

• RV Sites are equipped with 30/50 amp, water, no sewage. • Each vehicle that enters the park for overnight camping will be

charged accordingly. • PAVILION RENTAL

o Rental Fee – $125.00 / day – TC resident discount $25 with proof of

o residency o Refundable Deposit /

Cleanup Fee – $100.00 • Pavilion rental requires a

reservation with deposit. • Cancellation policy is 48

hours prior to occupancy date. There is a 20% administration fee charged on all refunds.

Sycamore Bend Park Campgrounds

6 Location

These campgrounds are very quiet and very much off the beaten path. There is a pay station as you enter to pay the $7 fee per night for camping. The campsites are large and well-spaced. There are plenty of trees for shade here.

• Amenities: o Picnic tables o Fire Rings o Restrooms o Hiking Trails

Note: there is no running water at these sites. These sites are more for outdoors men and women looking for a nice quiet camping experience. This is a great campground right on the lake in the back of a quiet and small park. Willow Grove Park Campgrounds

(Location: 800 E. Hundley Drive; Lake Dallas, Texas 75065 (940) 4972226. For reservation Call 9404972226

• General Camping Fees o Primitive

Campsite: $11.00/night o RV Campsite:

(includes water and electric hookups): $20.00/night

o Key Deposit for RV Campsites: $15.00 (refundable upon return of

key) • Wi-Fi available for all overnight park guests • There is a 3% fee added to these amounts automatically to process

credit cards. • Reservation & Camping Methods

Location 7

Lake Ray Roberts It is a main attraction lake in the area about 30 minutes north of Denton Ray Roberts Lake was created at 1965. It was called Aubry Reservoir. The goal is to provide water to the cities of Dallas and Denton. The lake was renamed in 1980 for U.S. Congressman Ray Roberts (19131993). Ray Roberts Lake State Park has a total of 5,848.8 acres. It has 2 main parks : Isle du Bois Unit This is on the south side of Ray Roberts Lake in Denton County. The Isle du Bois Unit (meaning "Island of the Trees"). Open 7 days a week year round. Gate is open 6 am. – 10 pm. Address (100 PW 4137 Pilot Point, TX 762588944) Tell (940) 6862148.

• Entrance Fees for adults are $7 Daily. Child 12 Years and Under are Free.

• Campsites: • Walk-in Developed Campsites $15 nightly plus daily entrance fees.

This campsite can accommodate 8 persons. It includes o Picnic table o Outdoor grill o Fire ring o Tent pad o Water nearby o Lantern post o Restrooms nearby

• Walk-In Developed Equestrian Campsites $15 nightly plus daily entrance fees. This campsite can accommodate 8 persons. It includes

o Picnic table o Water nearby o Fire ring and/or grill o Hitching/tethering posts

• Walking • Developed Campsites with water and electricity $25 nightly plus • daily entrance fees. This campsite can accommodate 8 persons. It

8 Location

• includes • Picnic table • Water hookup • 30 amp hookup • Restrooms nearby • Fire ring and/or a grill • Restrooms nearby

Johnson Branch Unit is located on the north side of Ray Roberts Lake in Denton and Cooke Counties. Open 7 days a week year round. Gate is open 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. Address is (100 PW 4153 Valley View, TX 762727411) Tell (940) 6372294

• Entrance Fees for adults are $7 Daily. Child 12 Years and Under are Free.

• Campsites: • Walking • Developed Campsites $15 nightly plus daily entrance fees. • This campsite can accommodate 8 persons. It includes • Picnic table • Outdoor grill • Fire ring • Tent pad • Water nearby • Lantern post • Restrooms nearby • Walking

Location 9

Developed Campsites with water and electricity $25 nightly plus daily entrance fees. This campsite can accommodate 8 persons. It includes:

• Picnic table • Water hookup • 30 amp hookup • Restrooms nearby • Fire ring and/or a grill • Restrooms nearby

Ray Roberts Greenbelt: It is a 20 miles Greenbelt Corridor between Ray Roberts Lake and Lake Lewisville. The multiuse trail system is 10 miles for equestrian and 10 miles for hike and bike use. The trails begin at the Ray Roberts Dam and ends at the headwaters of Lake Lewisville. This unique trail

corridor meanders along the heavily wooded banks of the Elm Fork Branch of the Trinity River. Equestrians, hikers, bikers, canoeists, birdwatchers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts can access the trail at one of three trailheads, located at FM 455, FM 428 and Highway 380. Canoe and kayak rentals are available from Greenbelt Canoe Rentals. (817) 2289496. Note: A Texas State Park Pass will allow you and your guests to enjoy unlimited visits for 1 year to more than 90 State Parks, without paying the daily entrance fee, in addition to other benefits. Pets are not allowed in any Texas State Park buildings.

Call the park or park information (18007921112) for more information.

What To Take

What To Take 13

What To Take The things you take are essential to your camping experience. You need something to sleep in, something to wear, and of course food to eat. By having the right tools, you’re ready for a good time.

Tents There are lots of choices when buying a tent and it might overwhelm a beginning camper. Things to consider are size, type, and transporting the tent.

Size Type Transportation Family Tent 4-8 people Tunnel, Dome Vehicle Lightweight Tent 2-3 people Tunnel, Semi-

dome Vehicle, On foot

Backpacking Tent 1-2 people Dome On foot

Sleep gear There are two main types of sleeping bags, Natural and synthetic.

Synthetic sleeping bags Natural sleeping bags

• Cool • Warm • Maintains shape when wet • Loses shape when wet • Heavy • Lightweight • Inexpensive • Expensive

After a type is chosen the next feature you want to look at is shape. Sleeping bags come in three different shapes including mummy-shaped, semi-rectangular and rectangular. Mummy-shaped are most effective at keeping you warm but some people find them constricting. Rectangular is the least

14 What To Take

constricting but also the coldest, and semi-rectangular is in between the other two.

Cooking Using a camping stove is more efficient and convenient than cooking over a campfire. The two available kinds of burners are pressurized and unpressurized with many fuel options including: gas, liquid fuels, gasoline, methylated spirits, white gas and solid fuels.

Size Type Fuel Transportation

Gas twin burner with grill

Large Pressurized Gas Vehicle

Backpacking gas stove

Small Pressurized Gas On foot

Small car-camping gas stove

Medium Pressurized Gas On foot

Methylated spirit stove

Medium Unpressurized Methylated spirits

Vehicle, On foot

Multi-fuel stove Very small

Pressurized Gas, Kerosene, Gasoline

On foot

Barbecue Large Unpressurized Charcoal Vehicle

Clothing Ideal camping clothes should be practical, comfortable and give protection

against the elements. Jeans or shorts with sneakers are recommended. For summer camping bring lightweight cool clothes, swim wear, and a hat. In case of bad weather,

What To Take 15

plan for rain or cold nights.

Essentials List This list is must have items for car camping trips. Items marked with an asterisk are for backpack camping

Must haves Tent, poles and pegs* Ground sheet* Fly/ storm sheet* Sleeping bag* Sleep mat Pillow Mallet* Flashlight* Batteries* Pocket knife* Toilet paper* Sunscreen*

Cooking Water and container* Food* Stove/ barbecue* Fuel for stove* Pots and pans Cutlery Tin opener Plates/ Bowls Cups Cooking knife Matches/ lighter* Dish cloth

Clothing Boots/ sneakers* Jeans* Shorts Socks*

16 What To Take

Underwear* T-shirts* Poncho/ rain jacket* Sweater* Hat* Swim wear* Towel Laundry bag

Extras Camp chairs Folding Table Portable fridge Blankets Radio Clothes line Bottle opener Wine/ beer Camera Binoculars Books

The Campsite

The Campsite 19

The Campsite It’s all about location. Finding the right campsite is just as important as what to bring. The right campsite will make your camping experience perfect.

Locating your campsite The first and perhaps the most important factor in setting up a campsite is finding a suitable location. Suitable campsites may depend on the type of camping you are doing, but there are some universal concerns that you should take into account.

Safe Location • Avoid depressions, valleys and other low lying sites that might be

susceptible to flash flooding • Avoid sites that are overly elevated, as high winds can disturb your

campsite. • Ensure there are no poisonous plants near your campsite. • Pick a site that is free from animal trails. • Do not camp below cliffs with loose rocks • Avoid camping near trees with weakened or threatening limbs, or

fallen trees leaning on other trees. • Do not camp near a single or cluster of trees rising above the rest.

These dominant trees are a target for lightening.

Water Source • When relying on a natural water source, be sure to setup your

campsite about 300 feet away. At this distance you can easily collect water to bring back to camp, but you are far enough away to avoid insects and other critters that use the water source.

Setting up camp Once you have found a suitable location for a campsite, you will

Tent setup There are many varieties of tents, each with its own set of instructions; follow these manufactures instructions for the actual assembly of your tent.

20 The Campsite

• Position your tent so that the opening is facing away from any strong winds

• Place the tent in you favored location. Prior to staking you tent, get in and lie down. This will alert you to any uncomfortable features of the ground below your tent.

Tarpaulin Tarpaulins (tarps) are an excellent way to provide shade and rain shelter

outside the confines of your tent.

Tarpaulins may come with the necessary poles, and stakes, if not you can anchor your tarp to nearby trees. Be sure to position your tarp so that does not collect, but runs of the tarp.

The Campsite 21

Building a campfire

Keeping camp Once you have located a suitable campsite and setup is complete, there are some

First lay down a ring of rocks about 4 feet in diameter, then dig down a 2-3 inches to create a fire pit

Next lay down two thick sticks parallel to each other and then two more sticks at right angles.

As you build layers, place tinder in the center of your squares. Continue to build layers of squares with the sticks until you have 4-7 layers.

Light the tinder at the bottom of your stack.

These small sticks will burn fast. Add thicker logs for warmth or use the embers to cook.

22 The Campsite

Sanitation • Seal all garbage in plastic bags for future disposal while on short trips • Burn trash in a hot fire on longer trips. • When camping in remote areas, DO NOT bury food waste; the slightest

scent can attract bears and unwanted animals. • When camping in populated areas it is acceptable to bury food waste. • Bury human waste under at least 4 inches of soil to eliminate the smell

and to maximize decomposition.

Activities

Activities 25

Activities

Hiking Whether you enjoy strolling around a quiet lake on a gentle, shaded path or backpacking a rugged climb to a stunning view, you’ll find paths and pinnacles to suit your pace.

Flying feathered friends Ray Roberts Lake - Johnson Branch Unit

Participants will enjoy a short hike in which we both look and listen for birds in the area.

I Heart Texas Hike Ray Roberts Lake - Johnson Branch Unit

This will be an easy 0.5 mile loop in which we search for the official symbols of Texas

Wildlife Detectives Ray Roberts Lake - Johnson Branch Unit

This talk teaches both children and adults how to use their observation skills to find traces of animal activity, followed by an optional short track-hunting hike.

26 Activities

Birding State parks offer some of the best bird watching during spring migration, summer nesting, fall hawk watches and hummingbird migrations. They even offer great birding throughout the winter!

Picnicking Whether you relax on a blanket, sit at a picnic table or cook outdoors on an open grill — food just tastes better outside! Find a park near you and start planning your picnic! You can even put on a Texas-sized picnic in a group pavilion..

Activities 27

Biking Texas State Parks offer trails for all skill levels, from mountain biking to rails-to-trails adventures, to road biking. So throw your bike on your car and hit the road to a state park to start exploring.

Isle Du Bois Unit Nearly 17 miles of multi-use trails wind through the park, providing mountain-bikers with varied terrain and an easy to moderate experience.

Johnson Branch Unit Seven miles of multi-use trails wind through the park

Greenbelt Corridor The corridor is a 20-mile multi-use trail system with 10 miles of hard-surface trail open to hikers and bikers. The trail has three trailheads and meanders along the heavily wooded banks of the Elm Fork Branch of the Trinity River.

Safety

Safety 31

Safety Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family outing to a national park, there are many ways to make sure your experience is fun and safe. Consider the following safety tips:

First Aid Kit

Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen.

Emergency Supplies

Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, this includes: a map, compass, flashlight,

knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, and insect protection.

The ABC’s

Learn the ABC's of treating emergencies. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.

Weather Report

Before you leave, find out the weather report.

32 Safety

When you arrive at the site, watch the skies for changes and carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, find shelter until the worse passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss. Also, keep sleeping bags and important gear, dry at all times.

Arrive Early

Arrive early. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight to check over the entire site and to set-up camp.

Hazards

Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees, and hazardous terrain.

Avoid areas of natural hazards. Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Areas that could flood or become extremely muddy can pose a problem.

Inspect Site

Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.

Safety 33

Fires

Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat. Never use a

flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.

Make sure your fires are always attended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically - a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Embers buried deep within the

pile have a tendency to re-unite later.

Pitching your Tent

Pitch your tent in a safe spot. Make sure your tent is made of a flame-retardant fabric, and set up far enough away from the campfire. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving.

Trash

Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle - use

34 Safety

the proper recycling bins if available.

Insects

Watch out for bugs. Hornets, bees, wasps, and yellow jackets are a problem at many campsites. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes. Should such an insect approach, do not wave wildly and swat blindly - instead use a gentle pushing or brushing motion to deter them.

Wild Animals

Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable - never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night - many animals feed at night and the use of a flashlight may warn them away.

Plants

Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion such as calamine to the affected area.

Safety 35

Hygiene

Practice good hygiene. Make sure you wash your hands, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food, to prevent everyone in your group becoming ill.

Index 37

Index ABC's, vi, 29

activities, ix, 3

backpack, 5

Biking, vi, 3

campsites, 3, 5, 6, 17, 32

emergency, vi, 29, 30

Fire, 6, 7, 8, 9

first aid kit, vi, 29

Flashlight, 5

Food, 5

hazards, vii, 30

hygiene, vii, 33

Insects, vii, 32

location, ix, 3, 17, 18

park, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 29

plants, vii, 17, 32

Safety, vi, 27, 29

Sleeping bag, 5

Tarpaulins, 18

Tent, vi, vii, 5, 7, 8, 3, 5, 17, 31

Trash, vii, 32

Water, vi, 7, 8, 9, 5, 17

wildlife, vii, 32