Now that we've fully outfitted our camper with the true essentials, I'd like to discuss the not so essential items you'd take camping, or have on hand in your camper. We've covered old towels, worn blankets, cheap plastic plates, and mismatched cutlery. This post will be about "luxury" items.
My family is quite content keeping it simple at the c.g. I take bar soap for showers and 2 n 1 shampoo and conditioner. I leave my make up at home most trips. There are a few toiletries I won't leave at home though. I mentioned before I take my facial moisturizer with an spf in it. I also take a travel size bottle of smell good body spray with me. Camping tends to be in hot weather, hot weather makes you "glisten" from parts that don't ever see daylight. With that comes smells, at times foul odors! I take my smell good body spray with me, I'm camping not a barbarian. I may be sweating, I may use cheap shampoo, but I do tend to smell good! I take my regular deodorant I use at home too. There's no need to buy special travel toiletries, I just fill travel bottles with the stuff I use at home. I may even take makeup with me on some trips this year, b/c we plan to be in town some, and though my hair may not be as smooth as it is at home, I won't stink or go around scaring the locals by looking a literal hot mess!
I've put a good set of sheets and a foam mattress pad on the master bed too. My husband tends to get very sunburned at the campground, and refuses to sleep on what he calls, burlap sack sheets! Soft sheets are an almost must for us. Our master bed wasn't the most comfy, to be sure, so I purchased an 18$ foam pad at the local Walmart. It makes a world of difference. I have a very bad back and sleeping in a camper tends to stove me up. I'm hoping the somewhat thin pad will combat that. If we determine we need a thicker pad, I'll pick one up. The sheets on the bed were free b/c they were too big for my Memaw's bed. They are probably 1200 thread count. Just because we're camping doesn't mean we can't sleep in comfort. I surely will be taking all my 5 pillows I sleep with at home as well. That's right 5!
Just because, to most, we're roughing it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice some creature comforts. You're on vacation, not a battlefield. I've been told that camping in a camper isn't really camping. I disagree. It's as camping as I want to get. The camper doesn't have a tv in it, or a video game console, or dvd player or things of that nature. To us, its part of getting away, the disconnect part. Yes, on rainy days or at night when the kids won't settle down and I'm whopped and need some quiet, it would be easy to pop in a dvd to lure my heatherns to sleep. We take their hand held electronics for the trip there, and allow them to have them at night. I want my kids to enjoy their vacation, and totally taking daily "luxury" items from them just because we're camping doesn't seem nice.
My camper has a quiet air conditioner unit as well. It gets hot here in the South in summer. I'm hoping the ac keeps us nice and cool at night and mid day when it's 100 degrees. Why suffer if you don't have to. I take fans as well to keep some sort of air stirring outside as well. We already know the heater works like an oven if set on 75. For that, I'm thankful. It will still be cool on our March trip.
I also suggest taking foods you normally eat at home camping. Sure, there are c.g. only foods, like smore's and onions wrapped in foil cooked directly in the fire. If you don't eat cheap mayo at home, don't eat it camping. I sure don't. I take a squirt bottle of Hellman's mayo. I'll cheap out on some things like mustard and even ketchup. I won't skimp on taking things like cheese, butter, good deli meat or my Doritos. The dollar store has lots of smaller size items perfect for the tight spaces of a cooler or camper fridge. I made the real mistake of taking cheap coffee last Labor Day. I picked up a flavored package of coffee for $1 and figured if I didn't really like it, I'd be fine for a weekend. How truly wrong I was! The coffee was pure swill! My friends who came and met us on Saturday had to bring me real coffee! I'll never make that mistake again. You can use a hand me down coffee pot, or one you get at Goodwill, but make sure the coffee you brew is something you will drink at home. You get what you pay for, for sure! Lesson learned. I'll grab a bag of my favorite Community Coffee blend and not gripe at all.
I asked my husbands input on "man" items he thinks makes camping easier for man type jobs. Those being things like starting a fire, chopping wood, leveling the camper, and garbage duties. He says to not use cheap trash bags, ever, at home, the campground, ever! So we don't. he also suggest power tools. a heavy duty cordless drill will come in very handy for various uses. He also suggest a very sharp ax and even a chain saw. It's better to have the items and not need them, than to need it and not have it.
I've learned a lot about camping the past few years, what to take more of like bug spray, bottled water, and band aides and what you can take less of. You don't need a bottle of body wash for every family member or a million other little things that I've taken before. You learn what works for your family. It takes time. I'm sure after our first trip in the camper I will be removing some things and adding others. Remember, it's all about fun, relaxing, and enjoying yourself. Yes, camping is work, but it doesn't have to be a drudge. We divide up task like cooking and clean up. That way we all enjoy ourselves. It IS a vacation and just because you're at a campground and not a 5 star hotel, doesn't mean it can't be just as enjoyable.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Natchez Trace State Park, Tn. Our Favorite Place
Not new to camping, we know where our favorite place to camp in Tn is. Natchez Trace State Park, Wildersville,Tn is our go to getaway. It's about 2 hours from our home in West Tn. Close enough to go for a weekend, yet far enough to really feel like an escape. In the last 2 years we've spent 8 nights and 10 days there.
My husband had been suggesting we visit there for several years, as it was his and his buddies place to go camping. In 2012 we spent our vacation there, March 2013 my husband and I spent the night at the park inn, then Labor Day 2013 we camped there for the weekend. So far I've only camped at Cub Creek Lake c.g. My husband has camped at Pin Oak as well. Cub Lake, as it's commonly called, is a small c.g. and not paved. No sewer hook ups, tight fitting camp sites, but absolutely beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful. You truly feel like you're escaping the world there, even if the c.g. is fully booked. Cub Lake doesn't allow motor boats, has a large swim beach, and plenty of easily accessible lake front to wet a line. There's a foot bridge connecting the c.g. to the beach, and cabins to the beach as well. The bathhouse is always clean, and has three shower stalls. Take hand soap to wash your hands b/c none is provided. I always just take a small bar of hotel soap and leave it in there.
My husband had been suggesting we visit there for several years, as it was his and his buddies place to go camping. In 2012 we spent our vacation there, March 2013 my husband and I spent the night at the park inn, then Labor Day 2013 we camped there for the weekend. So far I've only camped at Cub Creek Lake c.g. My husband has camped at Pin Oak as well. Cub Lake, as it's commonly called, is a small c.g. and not paved. No sewer hook ups, tight fitting camp sites, but absolutely beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful. You truly feel like you're escaping the world there, even if the c.g. is fully booked. Cub Lake doesn't allow motor boats, has a large swim beach, and plenty of easily accessible lake front to wet a line. There's a foot bridge connecting the c.g. to the beach, and cabins to the beach as well. The bathhouse is always clean, and has three shower stalls. Take hand soap to wash your hands b/c none is provided. I always just take a small bar of hotel soap and leave it in there.
There are three c.g.'s at Natchez Trace. There's Cub Creek Lake, it is for small campers and even tents. There is a tent c.g. area there as well. There is water and electric hookups,but no sewer. I do not suggest taking a motor home, fifth wheel, or even large travel trailer. We already know we're too big to camp there anymore. There are maybe two sites that we could fit in, but getting in and out will be almost impossible.
There is the Wrangler c.g. too, if you have horses and love to trail ride, I totally recommend it. Then there is Pin Oak c.g. , it offers full hook ups. It's very large! We plan to be there for Labor Day weekend again, and since we already know it fills up fast, plan to book soon. The sites in the center loop near the boat ramp and swim beach don't have many trees. The sites along the outer rim do though. You can take a motor home, fifth wheel, or large tt and be totally comfortable there. We drive through it every trip, mostly to check out other campers and scout sites. Thanks to that scouting, we know exactly the spot we want for Labor day.
Our favorite thing to do there is ride in the truck on the miles of off road trails. Every site in the park could be booked full, along with cabins and inn, and you would never know it. We ride for hours and don't see a soul. The trails are well maintained, easy to navigate even in a big Ram. The maps, however, aren't the most reliable. They have been doing some major logging there, so some trails are now impassable or non existent.
The great thing about the park is that it's easy to get to, there's an exit right off the interstate. You'd never know it though. It's easy to run into town if you need something the minimalist camp store has. There is a great restaurant in the park if you don't feel like cooking too. We've never once had a bad meal there. It's attached to the Inn and visitors center. The inn rooms are adequate but nothing fancy. I won a free night stay last year. The hotel staff is so nice and helpful. The room was very clean, and the bed was comfortable.
We love Natchez Trace state park so much we even used Trace in our Rottweiler Axel's registered name. I can't wait to head there this year.
Friday, February 7, 2014
The Cost of Outfitting our Hornet
Today I made the second to last purchase to get us campground ready! Since we've always borrowed instead of owned, it was quite a bit to buy to get c.g. ready. Exactly what you need will depend on your own needs, but there's the basics that everyone needs. Since our purchase included the special sway hitch, we didn't have to buy that extra. I know they run a few hundred dollars.
Total to outfit our new rig I've probably spent $ 150.00. YES! It CAN be done that way.
Last summer I started a rubbermaid tub in my laundry room with camper items in it. I started with some stacking mixing bowls with lids at the local Walmart. As the late summer and winter progressed I started purchasing items along the way that I knew we would need for our camper. None of my items match each other either, like sheets and towels. I used items I already had on hand, and plan to purchase some newer items for my home. If you regularly use it at home, chances are you will want/need it while camping. It's perfectly ok to buy items of lesser quality as far as plastic plates, cutlery, and even a 29.99 set of pots and pans if you need them. Thankfully, for us, I was given several items that my family and friends were donating to Goodwill. I truly needed twin sheets! My house only had 4 total and I have 4 bunks. I found twin sheets in the package still from Walmart at my local Goodwill for $1.99 each. I have an extra set of queen sheets for the master bed, that don't fit b/c we have a deep mattress. They're perfect for the camper. I found a bag of 8 bath towels in my attic. When we moved here I bought new bath towels and just put the older kind of worn ones in a bag in the attic. Towels sometimes get fonkey camping, so these are perfect for the camper. I found pot holders for .25c at the dollar store on clearance. I don't care that one has a Christmas tree on it.
You will need sheets, towels, blankets, pots, iron skillets, pot holders, plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, kitchen knives, a dish drainer, dish towels,pillows, rags, table cloths, all toiletries {I totally simplify my beauty routine at the c.g. I use just bar soap and some 2 n 1 shampoo and conditioner. I for sure take my facial moisturizer, with an spf in it though} Everyone needs a tooth brush, dish soap, cutting boards, cleaner {I make my own with white vinegar and water}. I'm using hospital blankets for the bunk beds that I've aquired along the way. The quilt on the master bed is one we used to use all the time, but got a new one for our bed a couple years ago. It's just an extra I had laying around. You will need entertainment items as well, I have not yet purchased anything like that except a deck of cards and a board game. You have to customize your needs to suit your family. I don't care that nothing is matchy matchy. I went for practical for me.
The outdoor and technical items is where I've been most challenged in no clue what to buy or even what we need. Thankfully my fil is a wealth of information and you can find a ton of outfitting list in a simple google search. I bought a sewer hose, fil says you need at least 20 ft., I found it at Walmart for $29.99. You also need leveling blocks. Campsites are all different, and a level camper is a must. I bought Camco brand blocks from Amazon for 26$, along with wheel shocks for $2.99. I bought 4. Amazon has a ton of gear and on some items, like the leveling blocks , the best prices. I purchased a white rv water hose at my local Big Lots for 9$. You also need rv toilet paper. Some say you don't need the special paper, just septic safe, but b/c our rig is 8 years old, I'll stick with the rv paper. The cheap stuff is $2.50 for 4 rolls at Walmart. You also need toilet chemicals. I purchased some Camco brand that breaks down waste at Walmart today as well. It's $5.47 for a large bottle.
Total to outfit our new rig I've probably spent $ 150.00. YES! It CAN be done that way.
Last summer I started a rubbermaid tub in my laundry room with camper items in it. I started with some stacking mixing bowls with lids at the local Walmart. As the late summer and winter progressed I started purchasing items along the way that I knew we would need for our camper. None of my items match each other either, like sheets and towels. I used items I already had on hand, and plan to purchase some newer items for my home. If you regularly use it at home, chances are you will want/need it while camping. It's perfectly ok to buy items of lesser quality as far as plastic plates, cutlery, and even a 29.99 set of pots and pans if you need them. Thankfully, for us, I was given several items that my family and friends were donating to Goodwill. I truly needed twin sheets! My house only had 4 total and I have 4 bunks. I found twin sheets in the package still from Walmart at my local Goodwill for $1.99 each. I have an extra set of queen sheets for the master bed, that don't fit b/c we have a deep mattress. They're perfect for the camper. I found a bag of 8 bath towels in my attic. When we moved here I bought new bath towels and just put the older kind of worn ones in a bag in the attic. Towels sometimes get fonkey camping, so these are perfect for the camper. I found pot holders for .25c at the dollar store on clearance. I don't care that one has a Christmas tree on it.
You will need sheets, towels, blankets, pots, iron skillets, pot holders, plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, kitchen knives, a dish drainer, dish towels,pillows, rags, table cloths, all toiletries {I totally simplify my beauty routine at the c.g. I use just bar soap and some 2 n 1 shampoo and conditioner. I for sure take my facial moisturizer, with an spf in it though} Everyone needs a tooth brush, dish soap, cutting boards, cleaner {I make my own with white vinegar and water}. I'm using hospital blankets for the bunk beds that I've aquired along the way. The quilt on the master bed is one we used to use all the time, but got a new one for our bed a couple years ago. It's just an extra I had laying around. You will need entertainment items as well, I have not yet purchased anything like that except a deck of cards and a board game. You have to customize your needs to suit your family. I don't care that nothing is matchy matchy. I went for practical for me.
The outdoor and technical items is where I've been most challenged in no clue what to buy or even what we need. Thankfully my fil is a wealth of information and you can find a ton of outfitting list in a simple google search. I bought a sewer hose, fil says you need at least 20 ft., I found it at Walmart for $29.99. You also need leveling blocks. Campsites are all different, and a level camper is a must. I bought Camco brand blocks from Amazon for 26$, along with wheel shocks for $2.99. I bought 4. Amazon has a ton of gear and on some items, like the leveling blocks , the best prices. I purchased a white rv water hose at my local Big Lots for 9$. You also need rv toilet paper. Some say you don't need the special paper, just septic safe, but b/c our rig is 8 years old, I'll stick with the rv paper. The cheap stuff is $2.50 for 4 rolls at Walmart. You also need toilet chemicals. I purchased some Camco brand that breaks down waste at Walmart today as well. It's $5.47 for a large bottle.
A large rug is suggested, but not a need to tear out camping. It helps keep dirt and mud from getting inside. Our awning is 20 ft. long, and I plan to purchase a large piece of astroturf at my local Lowes. The rug size I really want is almost 60$, but for now I'm purchasing a 17$ small one. I also bought a set of string lights for the awning at Big Lots for 12$. String lights are handy to have b/c most c.g.'s aren't well lit.
Outfitting your rig can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. Since I'm the Frugal Happy Camper, I went the frugal route. I wouldn't just buy something, like a sewer hose, just because it's cheap. There's cheap and inexpensive. You DO get what you pay for.
I booked our first trip today and can't wait to get out there to test the "Mammoth" out!
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