November 19, 2021
When it comes to camping chairs, the style and structure options are nearly endless—but choosing the one that’s best for you is all about what feels right. For many people, a solid arm camping chair is a great choice because of the superior comfort and support it offers. First, what difference do armrests make, anyway? […]
November 5, 2021
By GCI ambassador Jessica Baker Whether you live the RV lifestyle full-time or are a weekend warrior, chances are you prefer warmer temperatures while camping. As the US cools in the fall and winter seasons, many RVers migrate south. These campers are known as snowbirds. They pack up and seek warmer weather in the cooler […]
October 25, 2021
What better place to spend the spookiest night of the year than in the deep, dark woods? Halloween camping is a frighteningly fun way to celebrate for adults and kids alike. Below, check out our top Halloween camper ideas and tips for setting up a campsite that’s positively haunting. Creepy Camping: Halloween Decorating Ideas After […]
October 10, 2021
Tailgating is essentially hanging out before the game, stocked with plenty of food, drink, sports gear, and good company. If you’re going to a game, this is a great way to spend a full day basking in the excitement. To get the most out of it, you’ll definitely need a serious cooler, a set of […]
September 27, 2021
Spending a serene day on the water exploring, fishing, or watching wildlife should be fun and relaxing—but if you find yourself paying more attention to aches and pains, it’s time to get a canoe seat with back support. Canoe seats are typically constructed of wooden boards, woven cane, or webbing, but in any case, they […]
September 21, 2021
by GCI Ambassador Doris Wang My first time backpacking the Enchantments was in 2016, the first year I moved to Seattle. At the time I had never heard of the trail before, but a friend invited me on their permit so I said yes. Since that first year, I have gone back two more times […]
September 7, 2021
Camping in your car is a great way to spend a simple weekend away from home, or to save money while on the road—and believe it or not, it can be comfortable! You don’t need a huge vehicle or a trailer hitch, just some advance preparation to ensure your comfort and safety. Read on for […]
August 27, 2021
For even the most dedicated sports parents, game days can be long and grueling, especially when you need to arrive at the field early or play multiple games. Before long, the bleachers feel uncomfortable, the weather feels chilly, and you’re feeling hungry. If you haven’t planned ahead, you’re down for the count. But by upgrading […]
August 9, 2021
A good book and the great outdoors—it’s a perfect match! Both activities are ultra-relaxing and can have major health benefits, so why not enjoy them both at the same time? Grab your favorite outdoor reading chair and a book or magazine, find a peaceful spot, and reap the many benefits of reading outside. Easy on […]
July 14, 2021
July is National Grilling Month! It’s the peak of summer, and farmers’ markets are bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables, so what better time to fire up the grill and get cooking? Our favorite way to enjoy this season: deep in the woods with a portable grill table. Whether you’re miles from home or just […]
July 7, 2021
Camping with kids is always an adventure. Their natural curiosity, wonder, and joy bring delight to every activity. To make the experience memorable for all and easy on parents, the right gear can make all the difference. Also, having some fun planned will help little campers from getting “bored.” Here is everything you need to […]
June 28, 2021
After a year spent indoors, Americans are embracing the great outdoors in record numbers. It’s wonderful to see a new appreciation for nature and public lands across the country—but this huge influx of campers and hikers may pose a threat to wildlife and habitats. Parks, campsites, and trails, particularly the more popular among them, have […]
June 8, 2021
After a year of watching live music only via streaming services, we are so excited to get back to music festivals and outdoor concerts this summer! This refresher on what to take to an outdoor concert will help you get back into the swing of things in no time. Check the Venue Website Ahead of […]
May 17, 2021
Camping Memorial Day weekend may be less traditional than parades or picnics, but we think it’s a perfect way to spend the long weekend. Fun, festive, and still filled with delicious food, a well-planned camping trip can be ideal whether you want to gather with friends and family or enjoy some peace and quiet. With […]
May 3, 2021
Mother’s Day is just around the corner—but back away from those scented candles! We’ve got a great roundup of outdoor Mother’s Day gifts for the moms who would rather be hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, or simply relaxing in the backyard. Get her something she’ll love—after all, she did raise you to be thoughtful. Check out […]
April 20, 2021
Happy Earth Day! Celebrated each year on April 22, Earth Day puts a spotlight on environmental issues, encourages us to explore sustainability, and reminds us to appreciate the world around us. Earth Day is for everyone, of all ages, across the globe—regardless of our differences, we share this planet and must work together to preserve […]
April 6, 2021
The sun, the sand, the surf—there’s nothing quite like a day at the beach! The shore is truly one of our favorite places to relax. Of course, there’s nothing relaxing about taking multiple trips from your car to your spot in the sand, lugging bulky beach equipment, or fighting with tricky latches to get your […]
March 30, 2021
Finding the best heavy-duty camping chair is well worth the extra effort—in fact, for an evening around the campfire, your chair can mean the difference between relaxing and laughing into the night, or packing it in early. When you want the support of a big and tall camp chair, you’ll need to strike a careful […]
February 23, 2021
You’ve perfected the art of building a campfire—and whether it’s in your own backyard or a far-flung campsite, there’s just one thing you need to elevate that cozy, crackling blaze: comfortable fire pit furniture. Fire pit furniture ideas are virtually endless—so how do you choose? For us, portability is one of the key factors. Built-in […]
February 15, 2021
Snacking in the great outdoors is undoubtedly one of our favorite things about camping—but we’re ready to admit it: the best campfire snacks don’t have to be loaded with slump-inducing sugar. Healthy campfire snacks have to satisfy—no ants on a log here, thank you—and should be more nutritionally sound than the traditional s’mores. Our top […]
January 27, 2021
With the right outdoor prep table, grill, accessories, and know-how, every season can be barbecue season. Whether you are planning a fun day trip, are headed out to a campsite, or are the chef on duty for your family’s tailgate, we wanted to put together some advice for making your favorite grub away from home. […]
January 14, 2021
Romantic camping tops our list of favorite getaways, and there’s no better time to try it out than Valentine’s Day. With a bit of planning, a Valentine’s Day camping trip can be a sweet (and socially distanced!) way of celebrating, allowing you to focus on and connect with your partner in the great outdoors. So […]
December 18, 2020
As 2020 draws to a close, most of us are more than ready to start thinking about the new year, planning adventures, and making resolutions. After so much time spent at home this year, we’re predicting that a common New Year’s resolution will be to spend more time outdoors exploring America’s many places to hike! […]
December 9, 2020
Camping in the cold is the outdoor enthusiast’s best-kept secret. It’s everything you love about your typical camping trip—but with less crowded trails, your pick of camp sites, and even more awe-inspiring views. Days can be spent skiing or snowshoeing, or admiring the winter wonderland while staying warm by the fire. We’re ecstatic to be […]
November 23, 2020
Ready to make your great escape? Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or embarking on a cross-country car camping road trip, it’s essential to have portable camping gear that’s big on comfort and durability—but small on required trunk space. In this guide, we’ll focus on the portable camping equipment that we know best: camp […]
November 4, 2020
Written by our friends at Staples InTents. Follow their adventures on Instagram or Facebook. Over the last year, road trips have become very popular. Whether you’re planning a family car camping trip or an adventurous overlanding journey, here are a few tips to help you be successful along the way. 1. Plan Ahead. In the […]
October 26, 2020
From the campfire to the ball field, a scenic park to your own backyard—wherever your outside “happy place” is, an outdoor rocker makes the great outdoors even greater. Check out our top three reasons why our rockers ROCK! Rocking is Relaxing—and Relaxing is Good for You First things first—rocking chairs are all about relaxing. With […]
October 13, 2020
In recent decades, the term overlanding has been gaining in popularity as the adventurous-minded look for ways to break away from the daily grind. So what IS overlanding? In a nutshell, it’s self-sufficient exploration through a remote location, traveling by vehicle. Overland journeys typically take at least a week, though some might last for months […]
September 30, 2020
For breathtaking views of fall foliage, hiking in Upstate New York can’t be beat. Offering limitless options for difficulty, length, and terrain, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the crisp autumn air and the trees’ stunning array of reds, golds, oranges, and yellows. But—as New Englanders well know—autumn doesn’t last long! The foliage […]
September 23, 2020
Whether you’re heading out for a day hike or an extended trip, chances are that you’ll already have plenty to carry. A folding chair with backpack straps can lighten your load—and make the adventure more enjoyable. Below, check out our top reasons to choose this all-purpose chair style. Keep Your Hands Free (For Everything Else) […]
August 31, 2020
A high-quality chair can make your camping experience more enjoyable. Whether you’re trying to catch some sun, relaxing with a good book, or watching your friends and family play on the lake, having a comfortable chair is crucial. Have a look at our top picks for the most comfortable camping chairs by GCI Outdoor. From […]
August 28, 2020
The biggest US state is home to 300,000 square miles of landscapes that deliver diverse and astounding natural beauty, making Texas one of the most amazing places to camp in the country. Whether you prefer primitive camping or amenities that provide some home comforts, there is a campground in Texas to accommodate your needs. Here […]
August 25, 2020
Crater Lake National Park is a breathtaking testament to the power of nature. First formed nearly 8,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption causing a mountain to crumble in on itself, Crater Lake is now the deepest lake in America. Camping at Crater lake is a once i a lifetime experience This Southern Oregon park […]
August 20, 2020
If you crave adventure, but don’t want to leave your four-legged family members behind, this blog is for you! Two of our ambassadors, Johnny and Katherine of The Canine Explorers, put together some tips and tricks for camping with our furry friends. Whether you’re taking your dog camping for the first time or just looking […]
August 5, 2020
Written by GCI 2020 Brand Ambassador Matt Luna For all of us, 2020 has been a roller coaster ride of emotions. It began as a seemingly normal year, but so much was waiting ahead. Maybe you were making summer vacation plans, looking forward to a camping trip, wanting that new GCI Outdoor chair, but then […]
July 28, 2020
California has more national parks than any other state, including Alaska. The state has a whopping nine national parks and each protects and preserves a vastly different landscape.
July 24, 2020
Oregon’s Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest is a diverse landscape of old-growth Port Orford cedar and Douglas fir forest, mountain ranges, and several wild and scenic designated rivers including the mighty Rogue River.
July 22, 2020
California’s redwoods are the largest beings on Earth. And the feeling of walking amongst them is truly a magical experience...
July 21, 2020
Written by GCI 2020 Brand Ambassador Doris Wang Back in summer of 2016 (my first summer in Seattle) I planned and went on what I thought was the best PNW road trip ever. We went from Seattle to the Oregon coast, cut into Portland, down to Crater Lake National Park, and then cut back up […]
June 23, 2020
Bringing your own beach chairs on vacation may seem like a hassle. Even if you’re driving a large vehicle, are those cheap or worn-out chairs worth the space they’ll take up? While some beaches and campgrounds offer chair rentals, they’re usually expensive to rent. The solution? Convenient, collapsible beach chairs. Sturdy, durable, and ultra-comfortable, GCI’s […]
June 19, 2020
Your outdoor recliner chair probably needs to get out of the backyard for a while, and Oregon coast camping is the ideal remedy. But don’t be fooled by its liberal public beach law; it turns out that in Oregon you need to do some serious planning for legal, dispersed camping on one of its “public” […]
June 1, 2020
Sequoia National Park is known for being home to the largest recorded tree in the world. This is the perfect spot to pitch your tent beneath massive old-growth trees and experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
May 19, 2020
Lake Tahoe camping opportunities are abundant. You can find cabins, RV parks, lake and boating campgrounds, or tent sites. Tahoe is one of the purest lakes in the U.S. and although the shores have developed areas, most of the region offers an immersion into nature. Check out these 5 Lake Tahoe camping spots. 1. Camp […]
May 18, 2020
Camping chairs make a great addition to any camping trip. Bringing along a collapsible beach chair to a favorite beach or a lightweight folding camping chair can make all the difference in your camping experience. Camping chairs have improved by leaps and bounds in recent years, likely due to the rising popularity of camping. So […]
May 18, 2020
Zion National Park is one of Utah’s many stunning natural wonders, and is one of the most popular and visited national parks in the southwestern U.S., aside from the Grand Canyon. Zion is known for its towering slot canyons, fantastic views, sandstone arches and open country hikes in the arid and mystical landscape of southern […]
May 15, 2020
Pismo beach camping is for locals, road trippers and international visitors. At Pismo beach, camping is low-cost and there are plenty of opportunities to hike around or just chill and watch the local surfers. If you go, take all the usual tents and coolers for a comfy overnight camp, but also toss a collapsible beach […]
May 11, 2020
Mountain bikers flock to Moab in the Spring for the chance to bike through stunning, mars-like landscapes of red rock. Moab is the hub for world class mountain biking and dozens of other outdoor activities. Here, you can put in for a gentle float down the Colorado river by kayak or raft, discover family mountain […]
May 4, 2020
Acadia National Park camping opportunities are innumerable. This coastal gem has reasonable and affordable campsites and is a destination for both locals and visitors alike. Maine has vast areas of wilderness including hundreds of miles of the Appalachian trail and a plethora of opportunities to camp and hike along the coast. Acadia National Park camping […]
April 21, 2020
Gone are the days of heavy folding tables wedged into the back of your car. Modern camping set-ups include high-quality camping kitchens and camping chairs that are easy to transport and perfect for food prep—no matter what’s on the menu. First: What to Look for in a Camp Kitchen A good camping kitchen starts with […]
April 3, 2020
A camping table isn’t usually the first piece of gear most campers research and purchase. Camping tables come after cooking pots and stove systems and a good folding chair. But at some point, most campers realize that flat surfaces are a valuable commodity in the wilderness. What To Look Out For When Buying A Camping […]
March 1, 2020
Outdoor chairs continue to evolve, and the new breeds have reached a pinnacle of lightweight and efficient comfort. Check out these 6 GCI Outdoor rockers for a look at the best outdoor rocking chairs. These options are affordable and great to lounge outside the tent or at a ballgame. The 6 GCI Rocking Chairs You […]
February 25, 2020
If you spend your days outside and haven’t upgraded your folding chair, you are missing out. The golden age of folding chairs has arrived, and GCI Outdoor has tons of folding chairs that are easy to carry to festivals or to the campsite in your favorite wilderness area and pack up easily when the day […]
February 4, 2020
Visitors come to Yellowstone to witness the hot pools of azure, emerald green or bright orange, to see the buffalo, moose and other wildlife, and stay at campgrounds throughout the park. Yellowstone camping is an American tradition. The Ultimate Guide to Yellowstone Camping Yellowstone is vast, and has so much beauty to offer beyond the […]
January 21, 2020
Is there anything better than packing the RV and hitting the road? Road tripping in an RV offers you the comfort and convenience of home while you explore the great outdoors. If you want to be as comfortable while relaxing around the campfire as you are inside your RV, you need the ultimate outdoor recliner […]
January 3, 2020
The Golden State is so vast, so there’s plenty of off the beaten path areas to camp on BLM land or nestled in a campground near the coast. This list includes developed and undeveloped campsites, but be warned that nearly all developed California campgrounds (including beach sites) require planning, permits and fees. Bring your beach […]
December 5, 2019
Surrounding ourselves with people who share our same passions helps build strong relationships and fuels shared experiences. If you love the outdoors, you probably have friends who do too. Show them a little love by getting them a gift that helps them enjoy their time outside even more. We’ve listed some excellent ideas for camping […]
November 26, 2019
Family camping in Pennsylvania is mainly a late-spring, summer and early-fall activity. To find secluded campgrounds, the best times of the year are from April through mid-May, and again in October through mid-November, missing the rush of schoolchildren. The campsites we’ve found for this article can definitely get busy in the middle of summer, but […]
November 7, 2019
After a dog, a lawn chair may be one of life’s most loyal companions. Whether it lives in your car, on your porch, or in your backyard; the uses for fold up lawn chairs are endless and work for almost any outdoor occasion. 10 Uses for Fold Up Lawn Chairs 1. First, the outdoor barbecue. […]
October 30, 2019
A Lake Champlain boat trip has so many possibilities since its waters stretch between two states and two countries—and because so much of the shoreline is undeveloped. You can charter a boat, bring your own or combine your boating trip with exploration of the parks and beaches. Whatever you decide, this lake has enough to […]
October 30, 2019
Car camping sometimes gets confused with glamping, yet the essence of car camping is convenience, not luxury. What is car camping without the spontaneity of throwing a sleeping bag, tent, a few gallons of water, and some snacks into your hatchback? Of all kinds of camping; from backpacking, to multi-day trips, to well-planned glamp-a-thons, car […]
October 16, 2019
Tailgate in style with meals that impress friends and satisfy appetites for kickoff or tip off. Tailgating recipes should go beyond a bag of chips and a jar of salsa. If it’s portable, quick to prepare, and easy to share with others, you’ve got yourself a go-to tailgating recipe. Below are 7 list topping recipes […]
October 11, 2019
The bluegrass state is known for great music, horse racing and bourbon. While Bourbon Street may reside in Louisiana, it’s Kentucky that owns the rights to the ancient craft of American bourbon tradition. So it’s only fitting that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a place you can explore over days or weeks, getting to know […]
September 30, 2019
The Rubicon trail is a 22-mile stretch that is technically a road, although certain sections are passable only by the most determined and capable 4x4s. A crown-jewel destination for off-roaders, the Rubicon trail is a scenic jaunt that leads to Lake Tahoe. However, this ‘trail’ isn’t a great choice for a first time 4×4 expedition. […]
September 30, 2019
RV dwellers know secrets the rest of us don’t. Full time RV living is a bit like boat travel. Every item and tool must be close at hand, perform double-duty and be easily secured from rig shaking vibrations. Whether you’re renting an RV, borrowing one, or even thinking about becoming a full-timer. You’ll want to […]
September 18, 2019
Are you wondering how to pass the time during the tailgate–if you aren’t eating, drinking or shooting the breeze? Or maybe you just want to avoid conversation with certain family members? Here are 15 ways to engage kids and adults in tailgating games while you wait for the main event. 15 of The Best Tailgating […]
August 15, 2019
When you consider the college student in your life, gift buying may feel impossible. Younger people are far hipper to product availability, gadget innovations, and software options–and that makes it tough to find gifts that will impress, get used and maintain their value. Less traditional presents, like subscription services, can be the perfect gifts for […]
July 26, 2019
Fire pits are a quick and easy way to spruce up almost any back yard. Even small spaces can accommodate a fire pit, and this trendy yard feature is the perfect way to create a seating area, define the yard and add party space—especially for homes or condos where interiors make parties a challenge. These […]
July 23, 2019
Summer pool party ideas make planning a get-together a lot more fun, and make a successful gathering much more likely. Whether you own a lavish pool with slide and diving board, or are lucky enough to have one maintained for you in your community—planning a pool party will make hosting a lot more relaxing once […]
July 14, 2019
Folding chair technology has recently brought us the outdoor chair with canopy, the ultra light weight chair, the tiny camp chair and the accessorized small portable chair. There is a chair for every need, and when choosing the best chairs for sporting events, the range of choices is wider than ever. Your first decision: is […]
June 29, 2019
Seeing fireworks from the water is a special experience and whether your watercraft is a kayak or yacht it’s the ideal way to experience the 4th of July celebrations across the country. We can’t cover every state, but here are a few spectacular destinations to put your boat (or someone else’s) in the water this […]
June 6, 2019
An outdoor chair with a canopy may seem like something only the most dedicated of campers would go for, but we are here to tell you that if the Beverly Hillbillies were to pack up their gear on the back of their Okie pick-up, they would surely take their outdoor canopy with them. Below, we […]
May 20, 2019
Summer is here, which means that another season of car camping is never far behind! Looking to dust off the camping cobwebs? The key to successfully semi-roughing it is all wrapped up in one little camping secret: the car camping packing list. Making a car camping packing list isn’t necessarily fun (especially for folks who […]
May 20, 2019
Fire pits instantly transform any yard into a space for family and friends, or a spot to contemplate the starry skies on a summer night. The best news? Building a great backyard fire pit doesn’t require exotic tools or extensive experience. What’s more, a backyard fire pit can be built in almost any environment, and […]