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USA

Covering a large part of the North American continent, the USA is a huge country to explore. It is fringed by the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, there are a choice of 50 states to visit and the terrain is vast and varied. Canada borders the north, separating Alaska from the rest of the country and Mexico lies to the south, with the island of Hawaii out in the central Pacific Ocean.

The main tourist centres are the states of Florida, California and Hawaii, the winter ski resorts and the huge east coast cities. Away from these though are many spectacular National Parks like Yosemite and the Everglades, rugged ice fields, the Great Lakes and the desert plains, taking in sights such as the breathtaking Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains. From coast to coast the USA is an exciting travel destination, displaying diverse cultures, vast cities coupled with small friendly towns and a host of escape destinations into the many national parks and forests, offering something for every visitor.

There are three major mountain ranges in the USA, the Appalachians in the east, the Rocky Mountains in the west and the Sierra Nevada along the border of Nevada and California. The central northeast boasts the Great Lakes which occupy a huge area and link to the Atlantic Ocean by rivers and canals flowing out of Chicago and Detroit. The sparsely populated great plains dominate the central area, drained by the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers and desert stretches across the southwest.

Nature

Due to the vast size and varied terrain, the flora and fauna found in the USA is diverse. The west coast is home to the huge sequoias and the redwoods, some of which are believed to be the oldest living things on earth. In the eastern states you will find leafy hardwood forests of maple, oak and elm, bursting into colour in autumn.

Wildlife

In the northwest states you will find black and grizzly bears, elk and deer. The southern states are home to the marsupial opossum and the alligator. Rattlesnakes, bears, wild boar and alligators are best avoided.

Weather

The climate ranges from subtropical to Arctic, but is generally temperate in most of the US. It tends to get hotter the further south you go and there are seasonal extremes in the far north and further inland from the coasts. Winters can be very cold in the northeast and upper Midwest with long periods below freezing even though it may still be warm enough to swim at the beaches in Florida and southern California.

The US is most popular with travellers during the summer and can get very busy as this is also the time American families choose to pack up and travel. The national park system can get crowded with summer campers during this time so autumn or spring may be a better time to visit.

Camping Gear


By the Campfire
Offers you a wide selection of camping equipment and outdoor gear for wilderness living and recreational escapes. It's all about camping! Shipping within USA only.

Fun Outdoor USA
Offers you a complete line of high quality outdoor products from some of the biggest names in the industry!