State Tourism Offices

Alabama
Bureau of Tourism and Travel
401 Adams Ave.
Suite 126
Montgomery, AL 36104
800-252-2262 or 334-242-4169
Fax 334-242-4554
http://www.touralabama.org/

Alaska
Division of Tourism
P.O. Box 110801
Juneau, AK 99811-0801
907-465-2010
Fax 907-465-2287
http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/tourism

American Samoa
American Samoa Government OfficeTourism Information
1427 Dillingham Blvd.
Suite 210
Honolulu, HI 96817
808-847-1998
Fax 808-845-3420
Internet: N/A

Arizona
Office of Tourism
2702 N. 3rd St.
Suite 4015
Phoenix, AZ 85004
888-520-3434 or 602-230-7733
Fax 602-240-5475
http://www.arizonaguide.com/


Arkansas
Tourism Office
1 Capital Mall
Department 7701
Little Rock, AR 72201
800-628-8725 or 501-682-7777
Fax 501-682-1364
http://www.arkansas.com/

California
Division of Tourism
P.O. Box 1499
Department TIA
Sacramento, CA 95812
800-GO-CALIF (800-462-2543)
Fax 916-322-3402
Internet: http://www.gocalif.ca.gov/

Colorado
Travel and Tourism Authority
1127 Pennsylvania St.
Denver, CO 80203
800-COLORADO (800-265-6723)
303-832-6171
Internet: http://www.colorado.com/

Connecticut
Department of Economic Development
Tourism Division
505 Hudson St.
Hartford CT 06106
800-CT-BOUND (800-282-6863)
860-270-8081
Fax 860-270-8077
Internet: http://www.tourism.state.ct.us/

Delaware
Tourism Office
99 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 19901
800-441-8846
302-739-4271
Fax 302-739-5749
Internet: http://www.state.de.us/

Florida
Visit Florida
661 E. Jefferson St.
Suite 300
Tallahassee, FL 32301
888-7FLAUSA (888-735-2872)
850-488-5607
Fax 850-224-2938
Internet: http://www.flusa.com/

Georgia
Department of Industry
Trade and Tourism
285 Peachtree Center Ave. N.E.
Suites 1000 and 1100
Atlanta, GA 30303
800-847-4842
404-656-3590
Fax 404-651-9063
Internet: http://www.exploregeorgia.org/

Guam
Guam Visitors Bureau
1336C Park St.
Alameda, CA 94501
800-US-3-GUAM (800-873-4826)
510-865-0366
Fax 510-865-5165
Internet: http://www.visitguam.org/

Hawaii
Hawaii Visitors Bureau
180 Montgomery St.
Suite 2360
San Francisco, CA 94104
800-353-5846
Fax 415-248-3808
Internet: http://www.gohawaii.com/

Idaho
Travel Council
700 W. State St.
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720
800-VISIT-ID (800-847-4843)
208-334-2780
Internet: http://www.visitid.org/

Illinois
Bureau of Tourism
620 E. Adams St.
Springfield, IL 62701
800-CONNECT (800-266-6328)
Internet: http://www.enjoyillinois.com/

Indiana
Department of Commerce
Tourism Development Division
1 N. Capital Ave.
Suite 700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
800-289-6646
317-232-8860
Fax 317-233-6887
Internet: http://www.in.gov/core/visitors.htm/

Iowa
Division of Tourism
200 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50309
800-345-IOWA (800-345-4692)
515-242-4705
Fax 515-242-4749
Internet: http://www.traveliowa.com/

Kansas
Travel and Tourism Division
700 S.W. Harrison St.
Suite 1300
Topeka, KS 66603-3712
800-2-KANSAS (800-252-6727)
785-296-2009
Fax 785-296-6988
Internet: http://www.kansascommerce.com/

Kentucky
Department of Travel Development
2200 Capital Plaza Tower
500 Mero St.
Frankfort, KY 40601
800-225-TRIP (800-225-8747)
502-564-4930
Fax 502-564-5695
Internet: http://www.kentuckytourism.com/

Louisiana
Office of Tourism
Inquiry Department
P.O. Box 94291
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9291
800-99-GUMBO (800-994-8626)
504-342-8119
Fax 504-342-8390
Internet: http://louisanatravel.com/

Maine
Office of Tourism
59 Statehouse Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0059
888-624-6345
207-287-5711
Fax 207-287-8070
Internet: http://www.visitmaine.com/

Massachusetts
Office of Travel and Tourism
10 Park Plaza
Suite 4510
Boston, MA 02116
800-227-MASS (800-227-6277)
617-727-3201
Fax 617-973-8525
Internet: http://www.massvacation.com/

Michigan
Travel Michigan
P.O. Box 30226
Lansing, MI 48909-7726
888-78-GREAT (888-784-7328)
Internet: http://www.michigan.org/

Minnesota
Office of Tourism
500 Metro Square
121 7th Place E.
St. Paul, MN 55101-2146
800-657-3700
651-296-5029
Fax 651-296-2800
Internet: http://www.exploreminnesota.com/

Mississippi
Division of Tourism Development
P.O. Box 849
Jackson, MS 39205
800-WARMEST (800-927-6378)
601-359-3297
Fax 601-359-5757
Internet: http://www.mississippi.org/

Missouri
Division of Tourism
P.O. Box 1055
Jefferson City, MO 65102
800-877-1234
573-751-4133
Internet: http://www.visitmo.com/

Montana
Travel Montana
P.O. Box 200533
Helena, MT 59620-0533
800-VISIT-MT (800-847-4868)
406-444-2654, Fax 406-444-1800
Internet: http://www.visitmt.com/

Nebraska
Tourism Information Center
P.O. Box 98907
Lincoln, NE 68509-8907
800-228-4307 or 402-471-3791
Fax 402-471-3026
Internet: http://www.visitnebraska.org/

Nevada
Commission of Tourism
401 N. Carson St.
Carson City, NV 89701
800-237-0774
775-687-4322
Fax 775-687-6779
Internet: http://www.travelnevada.com/

New Hampshire
Office of Travel and Tourism Development
P.O. Box 1856
Concord, NH 03302-1856
800-FUN-IN-NH (800-386-4664)
603-271-2666
Fax 603-271-6874
Internet: http://www.visitnh.gov/

New Jersey
Office of Travel and Tourism
20 W. State St.
P.O. Box 826
Trenton, NJ 08625-0826
800-JERSEY7 (800-537-7397)
609-292-2470
Fax 609-633-7418
Internet: http://www.state.nj.us/travel

New Mexico
Department of Tourism
491 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87503
800-545-2070
505-827-7400
Fax 505-827-7402
Internet: http://www.newmexico.org/

New York
Division of Tourism
P.O. Box 2603
Albany, NY 12220-0603
800-I-LOVE-NY (800-456-8369)
518-474-4116
Fax 518-486-6416
Internet: http://www.iloveny.state.ny.us/

North Carolina
Division of TourismFilm and Sports Development
301 N. Wilmington St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
800-VISIT-NC (800-847-4862)
919-733-4171
Fax 919-733-8582
Internet: http://www.visitnc.com/

North Dakota
Tourism
Liberty Memorial Building
604 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, ND 85505
800-HELLO-ND (800-435-5663)
Fax 701-328-4878
Internet: http://www.ndtourism.com/

Ohio
Division of Travel and Tourism
P.O. Box 1001
Columbus, OH 43216-1001
800-BUCKEYE (800-282-5393)
614-466-8844
Fax 614-466-6744
Internet: http://www.ohiotourism.com/

Oklahoma
Department of Tourism
P.O. Box 52002
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2002
800-652-OKLA (800-652-6552)
405-521-2406
Fax 405-521-3992
Internet: http://www.travelok.com/

Oregon
Tourism Commission
775 Summer St. N.E.
Salem, OR 97310
800-547-7842
503-986-0000
Fax 503-986-0001
Internet: http://www.traveloregon.com/

Pennsylvania
Center for TravelTourism and Film Promotion
404 Forum Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
800-VISITPA (800-847-4872)
Fax 717-787-0687
Internet: http://www.state.pa.us/

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Tourism Co.
3575 W. Cahuenga Blvd.
Suite 405
Los Angeles, CA 90068
800-874-1230
323-874-5991
Fax 323-874-7257
Internet: http://www.prtourism.com/

Rhode Island
Tourism Division
1 W. Exchange St.
Providence, RI 02903
888-U-UNWIND (888-886-9463)
401-222-2601
Fax 401-273-8270
Internet: http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/

South Carolina
ParksRecreation and Tourism
1205 Pendleton St.
Columbia, SC 29201
800-346-3634
803-734-0122
Fax 803-734-0133
Internet: http://www.travelsc.com/

South Dakota
Department of Tourism
711 E. Wells Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
800-S-DAKOTA (800-732-5682)
605-773-3391
Fax 605-773-3256
Internet: http://www.travelsd.com/

Tennessee
Department of Tourist Development
5th Floor
320 6th Ave. N.
Nashville, TN 37243
800-GO2TENN (800-462-8366)
615-741-2159
Fax 615-741-7225
Internet: http://www.state.tn.us/tourdev

Texas
Texas Tourism
800-888-8TEX (800-888-8839)
Internet: http://www.traveltex.com/

U.S. Virgin Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
800-372-8784
Internet: http://www.usvitourism.vi/

Utah
Utah Travel Council
Council Hall/Capital Hill
300 N. State St.
Salt Lake city, UT 84114
800-UTAH-FUN (800-882-4386)
801-538-1030
Fax 801-538-1399
Internet: http://www.utah.com/

Vermont
Department of Tourism and Marketing
6 Baldwin St. Drawer 33
Montpelier, VT 05633-1301
800-VERMONT (800-837-6668)
Fax 800-833-9856
Internet: http://www.travel-vermont.com/

Virginia
Virginia Tourism Corp.
901 E. Byrd St.
19th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
800-932-5827
804-786-4484
Fax 804-786-1919
Internet: http://www.virginia.org/

Washington
Washington State Tourism
P.O. Box 42500
Olympia, WA 98504-2500
800-544-1800
360-586-2088
Fax 360-753-4470
Internet: http://www.tourism.wa.gov/

Washington, D.C.
Convention and Visitors Assn.
1212 New York Ave. N.W.
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005-3992
202-789-7000
Fax 202-789-7037
Internet: http://www.washington.org/

West Virginia
Division of Tourism
2101 Washington St. E.
Charleston, WV 25303
800-CALL-WVA (800-225-5982)
304-558-2200
Fax 304-558-2956
Internet: http://www.state.wv.us/tourism/default.htm

Wisconsin
Department of Tourism and Travel Information
P.O. box 7606
Madison, WI 53707-7606
800-432-TRIP (800-432-8747)
608—266-2161
Fax 608-264-6150
Internet: http://www.travelwisconsin.com/

Wyoming
Division of Tourism
I-25 at College Drive
Cheyenne, WY 82002
800-225-5996
307-777-7777
Fax 307-777-6904
Internet: http://www.wyomingtourism.org/

National Park Links

National Parks
Parks Listed By Name And State

National Parks
Parks Listed By National Park Service

State Park Links

Park-Net
State Parks And Reservations Listed By Name

Arizona Parks
Parks Listed By Name

California Parks
Parks Listed By Name

Florida Parks
Parks Listed By Name

Hawaiian Parks
State Parks Listed By Island

Maine
State Parks In Maine

New York
State Parks In New York

Texas Parks
Parks Listed By Name

Springtime Outdoor Fun in Southern California

Hey everyone it almost Spring!! I know I'm ready for the warm weather as this week we have already seen temps in the 80's in Southern California.

I wanted to remind everyone that lives in the Southern California area to go out and experience the pleasure of living here! Go see the wildflowers that should start appearing soon. A great place is in the Tehachapi's near Gorman. Another area is in the Antelope Valley area or check out Death Valley. Once they start to bloom you'll have about a month to get out and enjoy the beautiful display that nature gives us.

If you love to camp but can't take the time to go far check out some of the great state parks in and around the Los Angeles area. One neat little place that is almost unknown is Malibu Creek State Park. This was once a private ranch and then it became Paramount Pictures property when they filmed much of the M.A.S.H. television show years ago. Now the state owns the land and has turned it into a great place to hike, mountain bike, fish and just enjoy the outdoors. With hundreds of acres of open space come and picnic and spend the day or overnight camp. Bring the horse if you are an equestrian as there are many horse trails to experience. Take a swim with friends and gaze at the mountain views and you may even see a mountain scene that's been on TV and in motion pictures hundreds of times and you never realized it was right here in your own back yard.

If you live in the city check out some of the great parks in your area even for just a few hours. It will help relax you and give you a new perspective on the events of the day.

Go Outdoors!!

Back Country Camping and Backpacking

Back country camping and backpacking is one of the most enjoyable of the outdoor recreational activities. Go where most people have never been. High mountain camping is a whole new level of camping where you need to bring everything you need on your back as there won’t be any stores to buy supplies along the trail.


With today’s technology it has become easier to stay out of harms way and stay comfortable. Take a hot shower with your portable solar shower. Keep in-touch with others with an FRS radio and know the way with a hand held GPS unit. You can even prepare a cup of espresso with a GSI Mini Espresso maker. All of this while miles from anything in the great outdoors.


Check out the full line of Cookin’ Campers products and make your next outing the best it can be. If you travel into wilderness or bear country make sure you have the Backpackers Cache by Garcia Machine. This food storage container is certified by the National Park Service and is approved for use in most wilderness areas.


If you frequent “no trace” areas of the wilderness take along some Pooh Powder and some plastic bags and remove your waste as required. Keep our wilderness areas free of all trash and waste and keep our wilderness areas a place that future generations will also enjoy.


Check out some of our neat accessories like Bongo Ties, Solar Chargers, Stuff Sacks, Batteryless Flashlights, and Tree Huggerz Organizers and get out and Go Outdoors!!

Emergency Preparedness First Aid & Outdoor Safety

Be prepared! This is the motto that everyone should comply with when going into the wilderness, traveling, or on a local hike in the hills. Stow a first aid kit and flashlight in your car or RV and be prepared! You never know when it will happen but it will. Minor scrapes and scratches are going to happen to everyone young and old when on the trail. If you motorbike we suggest you pack a personal kit with you at all times just in case.

If you have children or are an elder outdoor enthus iast be prepared with a portable first aid and or snake bite kit. All campers should have a first aid kit handy as you never know when you may need it. Cookin’ Campers has many different models to choose for backpackers, car campers, RV’ers and more. If you do a lot of hiking in areas with snakes, take along a handy portable snake bite kit, it may save a life.

Our First Aid Kits come in different configurations for your own needs. Choose from the Personal Kit to the Weekender series or the Family Pack. We have a kit to fit your travel and recreational needs.

If you frequent bear country make sure you follow the rules and store you food in approved containers. When you’re car camping food storage bear boxes are usually provided at the camp and are secured lock boxes. If you backpack you need to take the container with you. Check out the Backpackers Cache food storage container and secure your food in a Forrest Service Approved bear proof container. You’ll be glad you did! And please never feed the animals in the wild!!

One item all campers can’t be with out is a flashlight. If you’re like the rest of us just when you need it your batteries start to die. Never be with out a flashlight that works with the NightStar Batteryless LED Flashlight! It never needs batteries!! Just shake and shine!! Have a light when you need it!! Throw one in your vehicles trunk or glove box and be prepared!!

If you travel whether on the highway or back in the woods consider a GPS navigation system to guide you. First developed for military use these portable navigation systems are easy to use and more affordable than ever. Stay connected with a Grundig Emergency Radio that has a hand crank to generate its own power. Offering AM, FM, TV1, TV2, and NOAA weather channels. It will even charge a cell phone! Grundig has two quality models to choose from.

Things To Bring Camping

Here is a basic list of camping items that will be needed for an outing. Your needs will depend on where you are going, what time of year, type of camping, backpacking, car/tent, motorhome, and the length of your trip. This list is only a suggestion of the types of items that will make your campout more enjoyable. Pick and choose what you like and need. Experiment with your outdoor cooking and be creative. Cookin' Campers reminds you to have fun and be safe at all times, and you will enjoy the great outdoors with your family and friends.


Packing - Put heavy items on the bottom

1. Backpack, daypack, and/or fanny pack
2. Bags - Tent bag, grocery bags, etc.
3. Cardboard boxes or plastic storage boxes (if needed)
4. Ice Chests
5. Ice (block ice for the ice chest works best)
6. 5 gallon bucket or similar container (for washing or retrieving water)
7. Large (18-30 gal) Rubbermaid™ container for food storage



Lighting - Check your batteries!

1. Flashlight (one for each person)
2. Gas lantern (and/or electric)
3. Cigarette lighter
4. Matches (preferably water proof)
5. Spare batteries and flashlight bulbs
6. Spare lantern fuel and mantles



Shelter/Bedding - You want to be comfortable

1. Sleeping bag
2. Space Blanket
3. Ground Cloth - Tarp for big tents
4. Mattress or pad - Inflation device for air mattress
5. Pillow
6. Tent
7. Camp axe or hammer to pound tent stakes
8. Shade Canopy & Rope & Stakes



Medical - Bring what you need and then some

1. Sunscreen
2. Eyeglasses
3. Bug Repellent - Spray, Citronella Candle, etc.
4. Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin
5. Tums or ant-acid
6. Antibiotic creams (Neosporin)
7. Tweezers for splinters & ticks
8. Comb & brush
9. Antiseptic, Band-Aids and bandages
10. First Aid Kit (may include all the above items)
11. Prescription medication as required
12. Sinus Tablets
13. Eye drops
14. Pocket Tissues
15. Moist Towelettes (for cleaning wounds and early uses on poison ivy)



Cleaning & Personal Items - Travel light

1. Washcloth
2. Shampoo
3. Bar soap or a Biodegradable soap if in the wild
4. Toothpaste & toothbrush
5. Comb/hair brush/clips/bands
6. Razor & shaving cream
7. Towel
8. Toilet Paper
9. Whisk broom to clean table and tent site
10. Deodorant
11. Chapstick or lipbalm



Miscellaneous - Stuff you might not have thought of

1. Small shovel
2. Swiss Army knife
3. Compass and Map
4. Fishing rod & reel, tackle & bait (license required in most areas)
5. Duct tape and/or electrical tape
6. Safety pins
7. Cellular phone w/extra battery and car adapter
8. Two way radio(s) (CB, or Motorola Talk About are good)
9. Camera w/good battery and extra film
10. Camcorder w/good battery and extra tapes
11. AM/FM Radio/CD/Cassette and/or TV with power adapter and/or batteries
12. Books, cards, Bible, etc.
13. Money, credit card, ID, Passport
14. Pocket Tool
15. Guitar/Harmonicas/Other musical instrument(s)
16. Bike(s) & helmets
17. Binoculars and/or Telescope
18. Whistle
19. Chair(s)
20. Hammock
21. Umbrella
22. Outdoor Toys and/or Games
23. Travel Clock
24. Clothesline and Clothespins
25. Solar Shower (you'll be glad you did)
26. Basic Tools (screwdrivers, pliers, etc.)
27. Rope or String
28. Candles
29. Canoe, Boat or Inflatable
30. Life Jackets (if boating or near water)
31. Portable Heater
32. Door Mat or a piece of carpeting (artificial grass) for tent or RV entranceway

Clothing - be warm and comfortable

1. Hat
2. Bandanna
3. Jacket - take the appropriate type for your climate
4. Poncho - Doubles as emergency tent/lean-to
5. Pants/Overalls, with belt
6. Sweat pants and shirt
7. Underwear - 3 minimum
8. Shirts - 3 or 4 minimum (three light, one flannel)
9. Shoes, shower shoes, HIKING BOOTS, sandals or thongs/flip flops
10. Socks - 3 pair minimum
11. Work gloves & warm mittens/gloves
12. Swim suit
13. Sunglasses



Cooking - Remember you won't be near a store sometimes

1. Stove with fuel & lighter
2. Newspapers for lighting a campfire
3. Firewood (in certain areas you are not allowed to pick dead wood from the ground)
4. Charcoal or firewood (for cooking)
5. Frying Pan - Nonstick w/plastic spatula is nice for eggs, but cast iron is where its at
6. Cooking skewers (for hot dogs, smores, etc.)
7. BBQ Grill - most outdoor grills in campgrounds are not so great, bring one
8. Pot or sauce pan - Big enough to cook noodles for all; With lid
9. Can opener - If you have canned goods
10. Thermos
11. Tongs, Spatula
12. Coffee maker & filters
13. Pot holders
14. Tablecloth
15. Stew Pot
16. Dishes - Take enough to cook the meals that are planned



Reusable Items:


1. Plate - Partition tray/plate is nice
2. Collapsible camping/hiking cup
3. Kitchen knife - nice to have in general or carry a pocket knife
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Knife, Fork, Spoon, Spatula
6. Scrub Pad
7. Dish Pan
8. Tupperware (for leftovers)



Consumables Items:


1. Paper towels & napkins
2. Trash bags
3. Paper plates, cups, bowls, etc.
4. Plastic knives, forks, spoons
5. Ziplock Bags
6. Aluminum Foil
7. Dish soap
8. Water - This is a must
9. At least 1/2 gallon per person/day Water purifier if relying on natural water sources
10. Water bottle, to carry while hiking
11. Food & Drink - Plan your meals with your friends, it's easy
12. Pancake Mix - Krusteaze, 1/2 cup per person per day (need large skillet)
13. Cooking Oil - About 1 oz per person per day or Pam Spray
14. Syrup - About 2 oz per person per day
15. Butter - 1/2 stick per person per day
16. Oatmeal - Instant single serving packs
17. Potatoes - 1-2 per person per day freeze dried if packing
18. Bacon - 3 slices per person per day
19. Eggs - 1-2 per person per day, fresh or powdered are available
20. Noodles - Spaghetti, Angel Hair, Raman, or shells
21. Spaghetti Sauce - In jars or dehydrated
22. Parmesan cheese
23. Bouillon cubes - Chicken & Vegetable
24. Rice (choose a type that fits your needs)
25. Soup/Chili - mix or cans
26. Spices, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Lawry's Seasonings Salt, Cayan Pepper
27. Tuna - Don't forget Mayo, pickles, and onions
28. Onions, lemons, mushrooms, Tomatoes
29. Bread - One loaf per day per four people (store in a cool location)
30. Dry condiments - salt, pepper, garlic powder, assorted spices, sugar (more is better)
31. Ketchup or Catsup
32. Mustard
33. Mayo - Small jar or squeeze bottle
34. Cheese - Cheddar, Swiss, American
35. Fruit - Small fruit cups or fresh fruit
36. Veggies - carrot/celery sticks are good snacks
37. Taco Stuff - (Meat, seasoning package, olives, lettuce, tortillas, buns)
38. Cocoa, Coffee, & Teas (don't forget SUGAR!)
39. Marshmallows, Graham Crackers & Hershey Bars (smores)
40. Peanut Butter & Jelly (a good camp staple)
41. Deli meat slices: Turkey, Ham, Salami
42. Hot dogs & buns (get the good ones!)
43. Milk, juice, soft drinks, Ice Tea, Lemon Aid, Kool-Aid
44. Snacks, Cereal
45. Hamburgers & Buns
46. Steak (go for the Tri-Tip)
47. Chicken (try the Fire Roasted Chicken recipe)
48. Ham (can be used as a main meal and then use the leftovers for breakfast and lunch)
49. Fresh Corn on Cob (when in season get the white corn, it’s the best)
50. Orange Juice (also good for seasoning some cooked foods)
51. Granola type bars
52. Cookin' Campers Fixin's for stew (some of the items are above)
53. Beer is good and wine goes with the spaghetti
54. Jiffy Pop or regular popcorn
55. Vegetable oil
56. Spray oil (like Pam)
57. Squeeze or soft butter or margarine