Tips for Campers in Red River Gorge

Camping Tips in Red River Gorge

Camping in the Red River Gorge is a great way for folks to take a break from the modern world.  It gives you a chance to unplug and recharge your soul by connecting with the great outdoors.  People come from all around the world to experience the amazing adventures throughout Daniel Boone National Forest.

However, camping does not mean you have to give up being comfortable.  There are ways to guarantee you will have a great time on your vacation while sleeping soundly.  With the right preparation and gear you should be able to truly enjoy a peaceful slumber under a starry night.

Proper Camping Gear for Stanton, KY

If you are camping or backpacking in the Red River Gorge, having the right gear will help to make sure you are able to enjoy your experience.

  • Sleeping Bag: Make sure you choose a bag that is going to be conducive to the type of environment you are going to be in.
    • Car Camping Bags are typically made a little wider. They offer more room to roll around, which usually means more comfort. However, they are not as great at retaining body heat. Some you are able to unzip to use as a comforter for milder nights.
    • Backpacking Bags are bags which make you feel like a mummy. They have a closer fit providing you with a warmer night’s sleep. Typically, these bags weigh less because they are filled with goose or duck down which condenses more than synthetic bags.
  • Sleeping Pad: There are three different types of sleeping pads depending on where you are camping. They are self-inflated, air and closed-cell.  When you are backpacking, one of the most important things you have to think about is weight.  A lightweight air pad or a closed-cell pad is probably your optimal choice.  If you are camping in the back of your car or truck you can use a thicker, wider pad or mattress for maximum comfort.
  • Pillows – Again, if you are camping in one location throughout your stay at Red River Gorge, you can pack pillows from home to be comfortable. If you are backpacking, many sleeping bags provide you with a small pocket to put a down jacket or you could find a travel pillow.
  • Earplugs – When camping in the great outdoors, some people may be bothered by the noises in the night. One of the most effective ways to take care of this problem is to purchase earplugs. Some camper swear by them.

Staying Warm in the Gorge

If you are camping in the summertime throughout the Gorge, you may only need a light sheet or comforter as the nighttime temps tend to drop to the low 60s through July and August.

Since Red is open year-round for activities, you may want to prepare for colder climates. Throughout December and January, temps can drop into the low 20s. In order to best prepare you should follow these easy steps:

  • Drink warm, non-alcoholic beverages before hopping into your sleeping bag. Alcohol dilates you blood vessels making it more difficult to stay warm.
  • Eat a light snack. When your body is working to digest food, it naturally warms you by generating heat to sleep comfortably.
  • Wear a hat. Keeping your head warm will help to warm your whole body.  If you get hot in the night, it is easy to remove.
  • Do a little light exercise. Not too much because you don’t want to get sweaty before bed, but just a little light exercise could help to warm you up. If you do a couple of light crunches in your sleeping bag, it will help not only warm you, but also your bag.
  • Place a warm water bottle or thermos in the center of your body. When you keep your core warm, you are able to keep yourself warmer.  You could also try place a bottle between your legs at your femoral artery.
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