Outdoor Blog
Best Campgrounds with Horseback Riding

Camping with horses can open up new worlds of possibilities. Where on an average camping and hiking trip, you’re limited by how far your legs can take you, with equestrian camping your journeys will be comparatively limitless. Taking a horse on a camping trip allows you to hike further, and stay longer, all while getting a great workout. It’s also a fantastic way to feel even more grounded and connected to nature, as you admire the vista from your higher horseback position. There’s lots of preparation you need to do, though, for going camping with your horse. But, as we’ll see, some of the best campgrounds with horseback riding make the whole process easy for you.
Before heading off on a camping trip with a horse, there are a few things you need to think about. The first is how experienced you are at camping. If you’re constantly out in the great outdoors, have excellent survival skills, and feel confident on long hikes, this will be an advantage. But no matter how experienced you are at hiking, camping with a horse will add another dimension. If you’re looking to plan your own horse camping trip, then there are some resources out there that could help you prepare yourself. For example, you could attend an expo or seminar that offers horse-camping clinics or demonstrations.
By doing your research, and preparing yourself mentally for your trip, you’ll have more of an idea about how you can prepare, and what you should bring on your trip. There’s a big difference for how you might need to prepare for a trip in your RV, and entering a wilderness area with your horse, with everything you need for orientation and survival on your back! If you’ve not been camping with your horse before, it’s best to try a guided horse-camping trip to learn the ropes from someone who knows what they’re talking about.
While considering this new style of camping, we must start with thinking of ourselves and own experience and knowledge level. However, we also need to think about the horse. What’s the temperament of the horse like? Do they have any experience of cross country riding, or going along hiking and riding trails? Do they have any experience of going camping? Are they relaxed and not too flighty, or do they have the right temperament to be able to stay at a campsite? Some horses adapt to camping easily and don’t react at all. Some become really jittery and difficult to manage. It’s worth taking your horse out many times to build up their trail ride experience and get them used to adapt to a new environment.

But sometimes finding the right campground for you and your horse, or to go horse riding in, is more difficult.
1. Kentucky Horse Park, KY
The Kentucky Horse Park is a mecca for equestrian camping enthusiasts. This place isn’t just a horse-friendly campsite, oh no. It’s a fully blown equine theme park and competition facility celebrating mankind’s relationship with the horse. Set on more than 1,200 acres in the heart of Kentucky’s famous Bluegrass region, this horse park offers daily programs and presentations, including things like a riding summer school.
It also has one of the most comprehensive schedules of equestrian events in the country, with competitions and shows regularly coming here. Kentucky Horse Park has a comprehensive and detailed website, that will help you ascertain which activities, shows and presentations you could travel to visit.
This is no regular campsite. In fact, camping really is secondary here, giving you somewhere to stay to enjoy all the center has to offer. The Kentucky Horse Park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, and contains the National Horse Center which houses more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. This is a professional operation that puts horses, and education on horses, first.
There’s so much going on at this center, it should be the main drag for your trip. They have horse shows, polo, art and crafts fairs, and dog shows. You can see 24 of the park’s nearly 50 breeds of horses in the Breeds Barn if you watch the twice-daily Parade of Breeds between April and October. You can also go to see some stunning beasts, the champion horses in the park’s Hall of Champions.
The Kentucky Horse Park isn’t just the ideal location for appreciating, viewing and riding horses, it’s also an excellent place to become fully informed about horses. So we would recommend this as a great option for those of you who are just starting out on your equestrian camping journey. Admission to the horse park also includes the International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate, and the American Saddlebred Museum. These are some of the biggest and most well-respected museums in the world on horses, so what better camping area to start your equestrian camping journey.
Pros:
- 260 campsites
- Entrance to multiple world-renowned museums on horses
- Full schedule of shows, activities, fairs, and classes
- Electrical and water hookups
- Fire rings and picnic tables
- Tennis and basketball courts
- Swimming pool
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Very popular, book early
- Not the most scenic surroundings, better options for hikers
2. Hill Country State Natural Area
Our last recommendation was perfect for newcomers to equestrian camping, to learn all they need to know about horses, and camping with horses. However, if you’re a little more experienced, and are looking for a bit more of a rugged adventure, why not consider Hill Country State Natural Area?
This option really is about location, location, location. Situated in Texas Hill Country, a 40-mile equestrian trail system leads from the campgrounds here around the surrounding Hill Country. So, what can you expect? If you go camping here with your horse, you’ll be surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery. Here you can adventure among rugged deep canyons and scenic plateaus on the site of a former ranch.
On this campground, you’ll find six primitive equestrian campsites with two overnight horse pens. Or if you’re planning a trip for a large group or club, they also have the option of the horse camp called Chapas Camp which can accommodate 40 people and 20 trailers and has a barn for the horses. These camping options are evidently a lot smaller, and more primitive, taking you back to nature. Come to Hill Country State Natural Area to soak in the incredible natural landscape, adventure with primitive camping, and really to feel like you’re getting back to nature. But if you’re still learning, and want some expert advice, they also offer guide services to help your group explore this primitive area.
Pros:
- Be surrounded by the canyons and plateaus of Hill Country
- Primitive camping sites to get back to nature
- 40-mile equestrian trail system
- Horse stalls
- Bird watching
Cons:
- Not as many amenities as some of the other options, primitive camping
- Non-potable water is provided for horses only.
3. Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park is a lush, forested Colorado state park encompassing 5,112 acres of land outside Divide, Colorado, just west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is another fantastic option for those who have a bit more experience going blaming with their horse, and are more interested in finding ample trails and beautiful scenery to ride in. Mueller’s many acres of thick aspen and conifer forests are home to an amazing variety of wildlife including black bear, elk, deer, fox, coyotes, and bobcats. There are also hawk and many other bird species which make bird watching here a dream.
With over 40 miles of beautiful, well-maintained trials, there’s ample space in this stunning State Park for you to explore on your horse. And that’s not just where the fun ends. If you are looking for other activities on top of trailing with your horse, this campground has you covered. In the Mueller State Park, you can also head off on some beautiful hikes by foot, go mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. If you haven’t been camping many times with your horse, it’s a great idea to give them a break for a day or two, while you explore the natural habitat in a different way.
Pros:
- 5,112 acres
- Over 40 miles of trails
- Amazing wildlife viewing opportunities
- Other activities nearby such as cross country skiing and snowshoeing
Cons:
- Limited winter horse campsites, first come first served
- Reservation fees do not include parks pass entrance fees

Some larger equestrian campgrounds have stables for different breeds of horses and daily shows.
4. Brown County State Park
This is the largest equestrian camping destination we have reviewed. Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because of the area’s resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Brown County encompasses nearly 16,000 acres of stunning rugged hills, ridges, and fog-shrouded ravines. This enigmatic and dramatic landscape was created by the meltwaters from glaciers of the most recent ice age. Head here to be surrounded by mile and miles of geological wonders, and maybe to learn more about this unique landscape yourself.
With over 70 miles of horse trails, this spot is an almost inexhaustible source of adventures to be had with your horse. It’s a great location for those of you who are more experienced equestrian campers, and are looking for a bit more of a challenge, or to locate and navigate your own routes. If you have limited experience in this area, never fear. They have guided horse rides here, so you can learn from people who know these forests like the back of their hand. The large campgrounds in Brown County State Park have a saddle barn for guided horse rides and a separate horseman campground.
If you want to combine your equestrian camping trip with a bit of culture, this could also be a great option for you. All of the surrounding county and nearby Indiana town of Nashville are famous for their lovely cultural experiences. These include: unique shopping, dining, arts and crafts, history, entertainment, and outdoor adventure opportunities. There are historic sites, winery tours, towns, museums and galleries, all within 10 miles of this campground. If you’re looking for a location that satisfies a varied group, Brown County State Park could be right up your alley.
Pros:
- 16,000 acres of stunning rugged hills, ridges, and fog-shrouded ravines
- Over 70 miles of horse trails for horseback riders to explore
- Guided horse rides
- Geological wonders
- Nearby cultural activities like historical landmarks and museums
- Interpretive center
- Electric hookup sites
- 118 modern electrical sites with horse tie-ups and 91 primitive sites with horse tie-ups and space for horse trailers
Cons:
- No wifi
- No sewer no water
5. Farragut State Park
If you’re looking for a more mountainous location to go equestrian camping in, then look no further than Farragut State Park. Here you’ll be nestled among the stunning mountains of northern Idaho, with over 20 miles of trails for you to explore with your horse. This public recreation area used to be a WWII era naval training station.
This 4,000-acre park now provides camping opportunities with 223 individual sites, 7 group camps, and 10 camping cabins. And the activities don’t just stop with horseback riding. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking, cycling, fishing, boating, swimming, water sports, orienteering, disc golf, flying model aircraft, and even archery!
With so many different activities available to you in Farragut State Park, this is an ideal place to head to if you’re going on a longer camping trip, or your going hiking with your family or a large group. There’s so much to do here, everyone’s needs will be satisfied. In the winter, although camping might be a bit more difficult, you can engage in winter sports or activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. For the ultimate thrill, why not check out the tree to tree aerial adventure course, Idaho’s premiere aerial adventure course.
Pros:
- Over 20 miles for trail riding
- In the beautiful mountains of northern Idaho
- Boating, swimming, water sports
- Tree to tree aerial adventure course
- Cross country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding
Cons:
- Better for more experienced equestrian campers, no guided tours
- Horseback riding trails not extensive enough for a really long trip
6. Andrews Creek Backcountry Campsite
If you’re looking for more of a hidden gem, rather than a busy equestrian campsite, Andrew’s Creek could be the option for you. Andrews Creek Backcountry Campsite is the only official backcountry site between the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and Sky Pond. The reason why people come here is not for the campsite itself, but the fact it’s the only campsite that offers you access to one of the most famous equestrian camping trails in the country: The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail. The campground is located along Andrews Creek, approximately .9 miles beyond The Loch.
The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail will weave you along the Rocky Mountains and offer stunning views of lakes, canyons and glaciers. The trail is only 5.4 miles long, so coming to this location might suit you as a weekend trip with your horse. Because of the breathtaking surroundings, this trail can be quite heavily trafficked, so make sure you leave early to miss the crowds.
And take note, too, that this campsite is quite exclusive! There is only one designated site and one privy at the Andrews Creek Campsite, where a maximum of two 4-person tents are allowed. But if you want to sleep in, and fully immerse yourself amongst these astounding geological wonders, then you’ll have to settle with limited primitive camping.
Pros:
- Proximity to The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail
- Location in the Rocky Mountains
Cons:
- Limited, primitive camping
- Trail is highly trafficked

Some trails, like the Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail even allow you to ride donkeys.
Final Verdict:
When it comes to equestrian campgrounds, your experience of camping with horses, and your particular interests factor into which campground will be right for you. If you’re just starting to go camping with your horse, and you’re looking for more advice, information and even guided tours and tutoring, then your best choice would be a campground with extensive expertise behind it, like Kentucky Horse Park, KY. Here is a great starting point for your equestrian camping journey, or a great place to top up your skills and knowledge.
But if you’re a bit more experienced at equestrian camping, then you might be prioritizing location over support. In this case, an incredible location, with many miles of horse trails, like Farragut State Park, would suit your needs. Or if you’re looking for a dramatic, mountainous weekend escape, and you don’t mind sacrificing some home comforts, Andrews Creek Backcountry Campsite is the more adventurous choice. The best campgrounds with horseback riding are the ones that give you the thrill of exploring the great outdoors, but match your experience level too.
Bonus tip: For some tips on what to pack to go camping with your horse, watch this useful video!
Outdoor Blog
How The Annual REI Dividend Works

What is the REI Dividend?
The dividend is a sum of money that is awarded back to REI co-op members every year. The amount of money is based on two primary factors: a percentage of all eligible purchases made by a member and any rewards they accrued on their REI Mastercard during the previous year. You can think of it a bit like a tax return and purchasing points on your credit card — only instead of frustrating points, it’s just money. You can also get any unused amount of the previous year’s dividend added onto the next one, but this isn’t always the case.
REI is short for Recreational Equipment Incorporated, an American company that offers outdoor gear, as well as courses and vacation options.
If you aren’t familiar with their brand, they are known for having high quality and ranked highly in the review of the top tent brands on the market.
What sets it apart from other outdoor retailing competitors is that it follows the co-op business model. That means they offer a wide range of perks to their members, one of the most unique of which is their annual dividend. Since this is such an unusual benefit to the company, understanding the ins and outs can be difficult. So, here are some answers to many of the FAQs people have when talking about the REI annual dividend program.

REI, also know as Recreation Equipment International, is well-know for its outdoor supplies.
How do you earn the dividend?
First of all, only REI co-op memberships can earn a dividend. The good news is that being a member of the REI co-op is both inexpensive and easy. To become an REI member, all you have to do is go here and sign up for a lifetime membership. The upfront, one-time membership fee is only 20$, and there isn’t even an annual fee to keep your membership. However, only members that are considered active receive a dividend notice.
To be an active member of REI, all you have to do is spend at least 10$ merchandise in a year, unless it is the year that you first sign up. If you ever lose active status, getting it back is as easy as to resume making REI purchases.
REI Members earn toward their annual dividend by making eligible purchases. Almost any merchandise you buy directly through REI is considered eligible as long as you are purchasing full-price items. This includes the physical REI stores or through REI.com. One notable exception is that gift cards do not count toward your REI dividend. However, when you use a gift card to make purchases, that can be considered eligible as long as it otherwise would be.
The percentage that goes back into your dividend varies depending on how well the company did financially the previous year, but it tends to be around 10%. The calculation is made based on the product price alone, so sales tax and any other fees such as postage are not counted.
Unfortunately, none of REI’s experience purchases are considered eligible. This means that classes, special events, and the popular REI Adventures don’t get counted into your annual dividend. Service charges don’t count either, so rentals and labor fees are not factored into the dividend. The initial membership fee also is not eligible.
Any returns you make are removed from your dividend amount in the final calculation, and if it has already been calculated, then the dividend amount counts against the return amount you would receive.
You can also receive a retroactive addition to your dividend based on eligible purchases you made at other retailers on REI merchandise, as long as it was in the same year. For example, if you bought backpacking equipment from Amazon that was the REI brand, then you can get that counted. You’ll just need to have your receipt handy to answer some information about the purchase. You cannot get retroactive additions to your annual dividend if the purchase was made before you became an REI member, though.
There is a slight workaround with the discounted merchandise, though. Members can receive an REI co-op Mastercard. As mentioned earlier, this has a built-in rewards system. One such reward is that when you use the REI credit card to purchase sale items, then you receive a 5% kickback into your dividend. It’s a much lower percentage than what you would expect to receive from a normal eligible purchase. However, savvy shoppers will be able to notice when the reduced pricing and smaller kickback turns out to be a better long-term value.
When would I receive my REI dividend?
If you’re an REI member and have a balance, you’ll receive a dividend notice in March of the next year. All purchases you make from January 1st to December 31st are considered part of the same annual sum and will be available until January of two years later. So, if you made purchases throughout 2020, you’ll be able to use your dividend from them starting March 2021, and you’ll have the money available to you until you either spend it all or until the first day of 2023. This, however, is only the case if you don’t accrue any more dividends. Assuming you constantly make enough eligible purchases and spend roughly however much you earn from the program each year, your dividend balance should never expire.

Buying equipment from REI with an REI Mastercard is a great way to earn points towards your dividend.
So what can I do with the dividend?
This question is best answered with another question: “How do you want to spend your money?” For anyone who has ever been frustrated with trying to redeem credit card points or dealing with the restrictions of store credit, you are going to be blown away by the range of options REI gives you when it comes to your member dividend.
Use the dividend as store credit
The most basic option available to you is to use your dividend like store credit. If you can find it on the REI website, then you can buy it with your store credit. If your dividend balance doesn’t completely cover the total price of your purchases at checkout, don’t worry. It will still get deducted from the price and you’ll only have to pay for whatever is leftover.
If you’re near one of their physical REI stores, then you’ll be able to use your dividend to directly buy available outlet items from their stores. Your dividend works at every REI store location, so you won’t have to worry about not being able to access it if you’re shopping far from home. Just be sure to have your co-op member number ready.
Even though buying them doesn’t sound toward your dividend, you can put your earnings on it toward booking an REI Adventure. If you’re a hardcore outdoors enthusiast, then you might be able to generate enough of a dividend to book a trip to a national park at no out-of-pocket expense.
If you aren’t quite that adventurous but still would like a fun experience, then look at spending your dividend on one of the many REI classes. There is something to learn for everyone. From riding a bike to navigating the backcountry, the basics of rock climbing to dozens of stewardship opportunities, it’d be hard not to spend part of your dividend on enriching yourself with the REI classes.
You can also download the REI mobile apps. These make it even easier to shop with REI in general, but they can streamline the process of using your dividend in the online store.
Receive the dividend as a check
If you’d rather take the money that REI has awarded to you elsewhere, then you can request to have your dividend amount in the form of a check.
There are a couple of ways to go about getting the check. The most direct way is to go to a physical REI outlet once you have received a notice of a dividend balance. If you are not anywhere near an REI store, don’t worry. You can have your check mailed to you directly by filling out their request form. Once you have the form filled out, REI will have that information in their database and can mail you the check every year without any extra work from you, should you want that
The check can only be issued to the name of the primary membership cardholder. REI does not send out checks if your annual dividend does not exceed 25$, and they do not send out a check for the REI Mastercard holder reward amount that does not exceed 1$. You can request the check whenever is convenient, but they do not begin mailing them out until July 1st.
You don’t have to receive the whole dividend as a check. You can go ahead and spend part of it as store credit on the online store. Then, whatever amount that is leftover, you can have it sent as a check. As long as all the other requirements have been met, of course. Also, if you attempt to use any of your dividend between the time of the check being sent out and you receiving the check, then it could result in either the check being void, or you being unable to use your dividend funds at all.
If for some reason you don’t want to use the online check request form, you can also make the request over the phone or by contacting them by mail.

You can get your REI dividend in cash or in purchase credits.
Get the dividend in cash
No, that’s not a joke, and there aren’t any strings attached. You can receive your annual REI dividend, in full, as cash. There are a few hoops you have to jump through, but none of them are fine print details that are going to keep you from turning your dividend sum into cash and doing whatever you want with it.
First of all, you can’t convert your dividend into cash after July 1st of the year after you earned the dividend. This is similar to the check option. Unlike the check, there is a cut-off point at the beginning of the next calendar year, so if you wait too long then your dividend can’t be turned into cash.
This option can only be done through a physical REI store, so if you don’t live near one then you will probably have to settle for the check option. If you plan on going to a store to get your dividend as cash, it would be a good idea to call them ahead of time and try to make an arrangement. REI stores only have so much free cash on hand.
If you don’t call ahead, you might run into a situation where the store does not have enough cash to equal the dividend balance you should receive. In these cases, co-op members are given the option to receive the check. For some, that is a fine alternative, but people dead-set on getting cash should be aware of this.
One other thing to note is that the cash option is based on a specific year’s balance. This means, like the check option, if you spend any of your dividend funds as credit first, that would result in you receiving less cash in the end. Also, unlike the store credit option, you can’t compound years together. Since the years have cutoff dates that line up to where there is never an overlapping period between them, you’ll only be able to get your cash balance one year at a time, rather than building it across up to 3 years.
Can I check my dividend balance?
Yes! At any point, you can go to REI.com, and enter the name on your membership card along with your member number, and they will be able to tell you the dividend balance. This is not updated in real-time, so if you have been roughly keeping track and the amount looks odd when you check it, don’t worry. Most likely, it is just in the middle of being exactly calculated by members of the REI team.
Is the annual dividend the only benefit of Coop Membership?
Not at all! You’ve already read a bit about the REI Coop Mastercard and its reward system. You get 5% back with any REI purchases, 2% back through mobile transactions, and 1% everywhere else. This is all factored into your annual dividend along with all the usual 10% kickback from buying normal priced items. This means that anything you use the card on, even bills and groceries, is factored into your dividend.
Members get access to special pricing on certain items through REI. These are usually on things like classes and tours, as well as rentals on any outdoor equipment. This can be frustrating since the specially priced experiences aren’t dividend eligible purchases. Though, with dividend earnings and special pricing, it is easy to earn enough to pick up enough to pay for a class or two.
Members-only events are probably the second-best part of being a member after the dividend. Some of the most popular of these events are new member-exclusive hiking trips or member gatherings to try out local brews. Without a doubt, Garage Sales are the star of members-only events.
The REI Garage Sales are hosted at REI outlet stores every so often. The merchandise of the Sales is made up of returns and other used goods, and come at a heavily discounted price. The products are as-is, and cannot be accepted for returns as of their return policy. Since the merchandise is on a case-by-case basis with the outlets, REI cannot guarantee specific inventory. All Garage Sales operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Garage Sale purchases cannot be put toward your annual dividend unless they are purchased with the members’ Mastercard. Though, the products are usually so aggressively marked down that it usually makes up for it. Plus, the Garage Sale merchandise is evaluated beforehand to assure that there are no major issues with it, so you don’t have to worry about the quality with the low prices.
Final Verdict:
The annual dividend is a unique benefit of being a member of REI’s coop. It saves the frustration associated with other rewards programs by just allowing the members to claim a monetary incentive. It is both pleasantly simple, offers multiple options to use your dividend as you see fit, and a great tool for people that love to maximize value in their shopping.
There are some ins and outs with the membership program to remember how to get the most out of the dividend. Though, remembering these details is more of a bonus than a requirement to earn on the dividend properly, unlike other rewards programs. On top of all that, you get several more awesome benefits for a single 20$ purchase.
Bonus tip: Here’s a video from REI talking about the essential items for backpacking, which are available on their website:
Outdoor Blog
Learn How To Identify 12 Types Of Trees

Tree species are such a common form of plant life that they often go unnoticed in our daily lives. Generally speaking, as they don’t have finite lifespans, trees live much longer than other plant life. Some tree species can even live for thousands of years. Trees are no stranger to our planet — they have been around for nearly 370 years. Currently, planet Earth is home to more than 60,000 types of trees that play a vital role in the life we know and enjoy.
One of the first things children learn about in school is how common trees supply us with the oxygen we need to breathe. Our survival depends on plant life around the world continuing to thrive, including underwater vegetation, grasslands, and the approximate 3 trillion types of trees which currently grow on our planet. Learning how to identify tree species can be an important skill, similar to knowing how to start a campfire when it comes to outdoor survival.
Throughout this article, we’re going to clarify and define what exactly a tree is and introduce you to the different categories that common trees fall under. We’ll also take a closer look at the most common types of trees that you’ll most likely come across, and explain how you can identify them correctly. Different types of trees have different types of leaves and bark that are characteristics of certain tree species. If you can spot the differences, then you’re a step closer in your quest of becoming a tree identification master. Now, let’s begin by differentiating between the two primary types of trees: deciduous trees and evergreen trees.
Related: The 10 best outdoor antenna’s for camping and rural areas

All trees are either deciduous trees or evergreen trees.
What defines a common tree?
In botany (the study of plants), trees are defined as perennial plants with an elongated trunk or stem which supports leaves and branches. (Perennial plants live for multiple years, as opposed to annual plants which have a life-cycle of only one season.) However, this is a slightly limited definition, as the term “tree” can be extended to include any woody plant with branches and a trunk that grows significantly taller than the plants around it.
Tree branches are supported by a large and strong trunk, which extends underground. Beneath, the trunk extends into widely-spread roots which collect nutrients and moisture and provide support to the tree species above ground. The branches which extend from the top of the trunk divide into smaller shoots, which spread to produce leaves. Leaves collect sunlight, converting it into energy via photosynthesis, in order to feed and grow.
The trunk of a common tree is the strongest part, made from a woody tissue that supports the weight of the canopy. Tree trunks also contain vascular tissue, which carries nutrients from one part of the plant to another. Most types of trees also have a layer of bark around the trunk that acts as a protective shield. Although these are the general characteristics that fit every type of tree, tree species vary.
There are two primary categorizations that all tree species fit into. The difference between these two categories is the first thing you need to spot in order to properly identify common trees. Most people already recognize the distinction between these different types of trees, but we’ll still go into detail about how you can identify them. Read on to discover which types of trees lose their leaves, and which tree species remain green all year round.
Deciduous Trees Vs. Coniferous Trees
Every single one of the thousands of tree species found on our planet fits into one of these two categories: coniferous trees (evergreen trees) or deciduous trees. Deciduous trees lose their broad leaves at a specific time of the year, typically fall or autumn. The word ‘deciduous’ literally means “to fall off at maturity”. As such, the leaves of these trees have an annual life cycle. In the spring, new leaves grow and quickly mature into broad leaves, green in color. Over time, they slowly change color leading to the wonderful fall color palette we all recognize and love, before falling to the moist soil.
This is the case with the most common trees in North America, Europe, and other countries with a mild climate. In hotter tropical countries, deciduous trees lose their greenery during the dry season. Once the leaves have fallen, these trees remain bare wood skeletons until new leaf shoots begin to grow in the spring. Most deciduous trees are broadleaf, with wide, flat, green leaves.
Coniferous trees, otherwise known as evergreen trees, keep their leaves all year round. No matter the season, evergreen trees are unchanging in appearance. This type of tree often has needle-shaped leaves, which withstand the cold temperatures better than more delicate broadleaf types of trees. Evergreen tree landscapes are especially stunning in the winter months when all other plant life looks dead.
Tree Identification: Basic Leaf Types
There are three different types of leaves that evergreen trees and deciduous trees can have. Broadleaves is a wide term that encompasses leaves of all shapes and sizes — so long as they are flat. Almost all deciduous trees have broad leaves: they can be oval, round, heart-shaped, and much more. The maple leaf of the red maple tree is an iconic shape that we all know. The term ‘Broadleaves’ encompasses much more than just common tree species, it also includes a huge range of different plant life.
Most people will recognize common tree needles thanks to Christmas trees — many evergreen trees feature this shape. Common tree needles are long and thin and typically grow together in clusters or sparsely depending on the tree species. Evergreen trees lose their needles over time, however, this process doesn’t happen all at once as is usually the case with deciduous trees. Instead, the needles are lost and replaced gradually; similar to how humans lose hair. The third category of leaves that some coniferous trees exhibit is scale-like leaves. We see these on common trees such as Juniper trees and cedar trees, where the needles resemble the scales of a reptile.

The distinctive shape of the maple leaf makes this red maple tree easy to identify.
12 Common Types of Trees and How To Identify Them
Tree Species: Maple Trees
Maple trees are a common tree species found across Europe, North America, and Asia. They belong to the genus Acer family and are commonly associated with Canada — just look at the maple leaf on the Canadian flag. There are more than one hundred species of maple trees, the most common in Europe being the sycamore maple tree. Red maple, sugar maple, and silver maple are also common tree species you’ll commonly see in the countryside. Japanese maple trees are a common choice for bonsai where a small tree is groomed and maintained to resemble a miniature replica.
Maple trees are famous for the sweet syrup made from their sap, which is a big reason why maple trees are often farmed in North America. Maple trees are a hardwood tree species. Its timber is often used to make baseball bats and musical instruments. The easiest way to identify a maple tree is by its distinct leaf shape, which is the same across all maple tree species. Maple trees can be small trees, reaching only 10 meters in height, or large trees more than 40 meters tall.
Tree Species: Oak Trees
Oak trees are one of the most common tree families across the world; their wood is very hard and durable and resistant to most diseases. Oak trees come from the genus Quercus of which there are over 90 different species in the United States alone. They have been one of the most prized trees for building material for centuries, and are used in all kinds of industries, including musical instrument production. As there are more than 300 known oak tree species globally, when it comes to tree identification, it helps to break them down into further categories.
White oaks feature round broad leaves and produce sweet acorns that take a year to mature. Black (or red) oak trees have bristles on their leaves and produce bitter-tasting acorns. The acorns from a red oak take two years to mature and are referred to as biennial oak trees. By identifying the maturity of the acorns on an oak tree, you can tell which type of oak tree it is. Most oak tree species are deciduous tree species, however, there are a handful of evergreen oak trees. The easiest way to identify an oak tree is by its acorns — all oak trees carry this fruit. The leaves of oak trees are lobed, with either rounded or pointed tips.
Tree Species: Sycamore Trees
Try not to get the sycamore maple confused with true sycamore trees — they’re only related by name. The sycamore is a large hardwood tree in the genus Platanus and is a deciduous tree species by nature. The wood from these trees is incredibly hard and dense, and therefore it’s not commonly used as a building material. Sycamores can grow up to 40 meters and are one of the easiest types of trees to identify when it comes to tree identification.
You can spot a sycamore tree by examining its bark. Don’t be misled by its leaves, which look similar to a maple leaf tree species. Instead, look at the color of the trunk. True sycamore trees have flaky bark which gives the trunk a red and brown multi-colored appearance, often featuring patches of white and grey. The Sycamore is a broadleaf tree species. You can identify them by their leaves which have three to five lobes with toothed edges.

Sycamore trees are very large trees, with hard, dense wood.
Tree Species: Pine Trees
Pine trees are another common tree found all around the world. This evergreen tree family of the genus Pinus is probably the most easily recognizable coniferous tree species in the world. The pine tree is a common ornamental tree with softwood. Pine tree leaves consist of clusters of green needles. This tree species is also easily identifiable by its hard cones, often referred to as pine cones. White pine and red pine are two common trees of this tree species and can be found throughout Canada, the United States (North America in general), and Europe.
Pine trees are amongst the easiest tree species when it comes to tree identification. Pine trees are generally large trees that stand straight with needles that are mostly concentrated towards the top. Some species of pine trees can even grow up to 81 meters tall — they do it quickly, too. As pine trees grow into large trees so quickly, they’re incredibly useful when it comes to construction and furniture production. The softwood of the pine tree is easy to work with and features an attractive grain.
Tree Species: Fir Trees
Fir trees, such as the balsam fir, Fraser fir, and noble fir, are all popular festive choices. This evergreen tree family is of the genus Abies and contains approximately 50 different species of tree. Fir trees are closely related to the genus Cedrus, or cedar trees. Fir trees have a much denser needle distribution than pine trees, giving them a fuller and greener appearance.
Fir needles are soft and flat and tend to have two white stripes at the bottom of each needle. As they grow, fir tree cones tend to be green, purple, or blue and turn a golden brown as the tree matures. You can easily spot a fir tree as its cones grow upwards, whereas other coniferous trees have downward-pointing cones.
Tree Species: Elm Trees
Elm trees are a common tree found mostly in forests and can be classed as either deciduous or semi-deciduous. There are about 35 different types of tree species within the Ulmus genus, including the American elm and the European elm. Elm trees are another ornamental tree species that are not generally appreciated for their wood or fruit. Elms are hardwood trees and therefore difficult to work with as a building material.
You can identify an elm tree by its leaves, which are technically classed as broadleaf. There is quite a range of different leaves that grow on elm tree species, but they all have the same pointed oval shape. Elm tree leaves range between 7 and 16 cm long. Unfortunately, a pandemic of Dutch Elm tree disease wiped many elm trees from our streets and forests. However, conservation efforts are well on their way and the American Elm tree species is in revival.
Tree Species: Willow Trees
Willow trees have some of the most distinctive shapes out of any tree in the world; their long drooping branches have a dramatic and striking appearance. There are approximately 400 species of willow trees and they are all deciduous trees. Willow trees can be small tree-like shrubs or grow to be medium-height. Willow tree leaves are always elongated ovals, but their color varies between species. Black willow trees feature dark, furrowed bark.
Willow tree leaves can be green, yellow, or blue in hue, making these breathtaking trees even more beautiful. The wood from willow trees can be used to make wicker baskets and similar items, due to their long, soft, and flexible branches. Willow trees are arguably the easiest tree species to identify, as no other type of tree has anything comparable to its low sweeping branches. When temperatures drop in the fall, willow trees are among the last to lose their leaves.

Willow trees are easy to identify from their long, drooping branches.
Tree Species: Magnolia Trees
When people choose a tree to plant in their garden, Magnolias are an obvious choice. The Magnolia family contains both deciduous trees and evergreen types of trees, which can grow in a huge range of environments. These trees produce large fragrant flowers and cones of fruit that look like berries. In terms of tree identification, all types of the Magnolia tree are broadleaf.
Magnolias are medium-sized trees, they grow fast and have softwood. As there’s quite a large variation in leaf size and shape in magnolias, the easiest way to identify this tree species is by the fruit. As their cone-shaped seed pods are unique in comparison to other types of trees, if you can spot these, you’ll know if your tree is a part of the magnolia family.
Tree Species: Birch Trees
Birch trees, of the genus Betula, are a type of tree family containing about 60 species of hardwood trees. Often, the wood from birch trees is used as firewood or for making furniture. Birch tree bark is papery, often white or silver in color, and is its most identifiable feature. The branches of birch trees are long, and droop slightly, holding small, thin, triangular leaves. Oil extracted from birch trees can be used in both cooking and medicine. Birch trees are some of the most common trees on the planet with small leaves.
Tree Species: Tulip Trees
The tulip tree is not actually related to the flower that shares its name. It’s called so because of its attractive yellow-green flowers. The softwood of the tulip tree is attractive but weak. For this reason, it’s often used for aesthetic purposes rather than construction. When a tulip tree is young, the bark is brown or ashy gray. As the tree matures, the color will darken, however rich and moist soil is necessary for this.
The leaves of a tulip tree are almost rectangular in shape, featuring 4 to 6 lobes which can be up to 15 cm in length. Tulip trees bloom before their leaves grow, meaning once spring rolls around, their large leaves hide their blooming flowers. This distinctive feature makes the tulip tree easy to identify — try focusing on the leaves and the orange-yellow flowers.
Tree Species: Butternut Trees
If you’ve ever seen a tree species with what appears to be small green balls growing among its leaves, then you may be looking at a Juglans Cinerea. The butternut tree is a slow-growing, deciduous tree that’s native to Canada and the United States. It grows in moist soil and has edible nuts that resemble green balls. You can easily identify this type of tree by its light grey bark, which gets rougher in texture with age. This large-leafed tree has no stems — its pointed leaves grow directly from the branch.
Tree Species: Cedar Trees
Cedar trees are large trees from the Pinaceae family that can reach a towering 50 meters. Cedar trees are often used as ornamental trees and also make popular bonsai trees. This kind of tree is also a popular choice of men’s fragrance. In the United States, many of the trees that we refer to as cedar trees, such as the eastern red cedar (found in the Rockies of Colorado), are actually Juniper trees from the family Juniperus. When it comes to tree identification, cedar trees are pretty straightforward as they are one of the few kinds of trees with scaled leaves. In addition, their foliage is either dark green or bluish in color and grows in spiral clusters.

Cedar tree forests are some of the most beautiful natural spaces in the United States.
Final Verdict
Throughout this article, we’ve identified 12 of the most common types of trees from across the United States and the world. Using this knowledge, you should now be able to accurately identify several of these tree species. Some of the more common tree families we didn’t cover include ash trees, hawthorn, larch, black walnut, hickory, hemlock, dogwood, walnut trees, and other species of the genus Picea. Although they’re beautiful tree species, they’re not as common as the trees that made our list. From butternut trees with green balls to huge weeping willow trees, it is our sincere hope that you enjoy identifying tree species as much as we do.
Outdoor Blog
How to Keep Snakes Away from Your Campsite (Stay Safe!)

Having a phobia of snakes is a common fear among people and some research suggests that it may even be an instinctive fear present at birth. Regardless of the reason, encountering a snake at your campsite is not a pleasant experience and can be intimidating, especially if you’re in an area where snakes are native.
While it’s not always possible to completely avoid snake encounters while camping, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of an encounter and to be prepared if one does occur.
One important thing to consider when it comes to snake prevention is the choice of campsite.
Where do rattlesnakes like to hide?
Snakes tend to prefer certain types of environments, and if you can avoid camping in these areas, you’ll be less likely to encounter snakes. For example, you should avoid camping next to rock piles or outcrops, as these can provide snakes with plenty of hiding spots.
Similarly, areas with heavy brush or deadfall should also be avoided, as these can also provide snakes with plenty of hiding places. Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid camping directly next to water sources, as snakes often use these areas to hunt and to travel.
10 Do’s and Dont’s on how to keep rattlesnakes away:
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DO stay calm if you encounter a rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes are more likely to bite if they feel threatened, so try to keep your distance and avoid making sudden movements.
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DO keep an eye out for rattlesnakes while hiking or camping, especially in areas where they are known to inhabit. Look for warning signs such as a rattle sound, a V-shaped indentation in the ground, or the shed skin of a rattlesnake.
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DO wear sturdy boots and long pants while hiking or camping in areas where rattlesnakes are present. This will help protect your feet and legs from a bite.
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DO be aware of your surroundings when hiking or camping. Avoid stepping on or near rocks, logs, or other objects that could be hiding places for rattlesnakes.
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DON’T try to handle a rattlesnake, even if it seems docile. These snakes are venomous and can be dangerous if not handled properly.
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DON’T try to capture or kill a rattlesnake. This can be dangerous and is generally not necessary.
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DON’T attempt to play with or tease a rattlesnake. These snakes are not toys and can be very dangerous if provoked.
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DON’T leave food or trash out in areas where rattlesnakes are known to inhabit. This can attract rodents, which are a food source for rattlesnakes.
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DON’T try to move a rattlesnake out of your way. If you encounter a rattlesnake on a hiking trail or campsite, give it plenty of space and allow it to move on its own.
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If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, DON’T try to treat the bite yourself. Seek medical attention immediately, as rattlesnake bites can be serious and require medical treatment.
So, what is the best type of campsite for avoiding snakes?
Generally speaking, an open area with short grass is your best bet. Snakes are secretive creatures and tend to avoid being out in the open, so if you can camp in an area with plenty of open space, you’ll be less likely to encounter them.
It’s also a good idea to choose a campsite that is well-lit at night, as this will make it easier to see any snakes that might be passing through. If your campsite allows it, lighting a fire can also be a good tactic to deter snakes, as well as rodents, which are attractive to snakes as a food source. Just be sure to handle firewood carefully, as it can be a prime hiding spot for snakes.
Another important aspect of snake prevention is food storage. While snakes don’t generally have much interest in human food, they do prey on smaller animals such as mice and birds, which are attracted to food scraps and trash.
How do you keep snakes away?
To prevent attracting snakes to your campsite, it’s important to store food and trash properly. This means sealing trash bags and disposing of them properly, being conscious of dropping crumbs and cleaning utensils thoroughly after use, and storing leftover food in airtight containers away from your tent. If possible, you should also store food in an elevated area, such as a tree branch, to further protect it from rodents. Additionally, it’s a good idea to pack away anything on the floor when you leave the campsite, such as picnic blankets and tarpaulin, as snakes can use these items as hiding places.
Even if you take steps to avoid snakes and prevent attracting them to your campsite, it’s still important to be prepared in case you do encounter one. If you do see a snake, the most important thing to do is to keep your distance and let it pass.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that most snakes are not aggressive and will only bite as a defense mechanism. If you give them plenty of space and allow them to move on, they’ll likely do so without incident. However, if you do come across a venomous snake, it’s especially important to keep your distance and avoid trying to handle it. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, seek medical attention immediately.
To prepare for the possibility of a snake encounter, it’s a good idea to do regular checks of your tent and gear. Make sure there are no holes in your tent and that all zips are shut, as snakes can sometimes find their way inside through small openings. Additionally, inspect your gear and gear storage areas before use to make
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