Camping season is unofficially here and the campground reviews are steadily coming in. The most recent reviews are from New Mexico, North Carolina and Tennessee.
More: Check out the campground review state index or submit your own campground review.
For more up-to-date outdoor news and campground reviews like About Camping on Facebook and follow on Twitter.
The first solar eclipse viewable in the U.S. in the last 18 years will darken the sky before sunset on May 20, 2012. The partial solar eclipse can be seen best from California, New Mexico and Utah and will be viewable from 5:24 p.m. until 7:42 p.m. Pacific Time.
"Even though we won't have a total eclipse, the moon will be in position to block out 96 percent of the sun's light at the eclipse maximum, leaving what we call a 'ring of fire' around the disc of the moon," said Astronomer and National Park Service volunteer Dr. Tyler Nordgren.
National park rangers and astronomers from the National Park Service, local astronomy clubs and NASA will converge on several national parks with programs and hands-on eclipse activities for park visitors.
"This will be spectacular," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B.
Jarvis. "There are 33 national parks positioned for a great view of the
eclipse."
More: Plan a Stargazing Campout | Top 5 US National Parks to Pitch a Tent | National Park Events |Learn About the Annular Solar Eclipse and See it in Nevada
Photo: A total solar eclipse is seen on July 22, 2009 in Iwojima Island, Tokyo, Japan. / Getty Images
Where are you camping this weekend?
Photo: Montaņa de Oro State Park is a top camping destination on California's Central Coast. | Monica Prelle
Monica Prelle, your About.com Camping Guide, will be going live on Martha Stewart Living Radio tomorrow morning! "Morning Living" hosts Betsy Karetnick and Brian Kelsey invited Monica to chat with them about camping. We'll be talking about camping for beginners and how to get started backcountry camping.
Tune in to Martha Stewart Living Radio on SiriusXM110 on Thursday, May 17th at 10:30 AM Eastern Time.
"Start your day the Martha way with 'Morning Living!' (and About Camping)!"
More: Gearing Up for Camping | Where to Camp | Setting Up Camp | Breaking Down Camp | After Camping
