Am I crazy? tent camping questions

[camelotcats]

I am planning a solo long-weekend trip to WDW in Oct 2008.

For some reason, I am absolutely jonesing to tent camp at FtW. I am really interested and excited in this. But I have some major concerns:

1. I have never camped before, except once with my parents when I was 12 in a camper....the rest of the family hated it, so we never camped again. I have good memories of the experience, though.
2. I would be flying in, so I would have to pack everything for the campsite to bring with me on a plane.
3. Uh, I would have to buy camping gear, as I currently have none, but I have family members who backpack, and they are willing to loan me a few things....ok, a tent and a sleeping bag.
4. I would be a solo female traveler....is it less safe to camp than to stay in a hotel? How does security in a tent work?
5. BTW, have I mentioned I've never been camping??

Am I crazy? Stupid? Is this a bad idea?

I really really want to do this. I've been lurking on the camping board for a while, and it looks and sounds like peope have so much fun at FtW, and I really want to try it. I might have a cance once or twice to camp before the trip, but we have little kids, and my DH is...well....not very outdoorsy...though he would be fine tent camping with just me, but we are intimidated about doing it with the kids.

I know you guys know what you're doing. Any advice? Please? It's ok if your advice is "try a different time"...I might not listen to you, but it would be nice to hear from someone other than my DH, who points out that I am a city-girl (OK, suburbs-girl), and he doesn't think I'd do so great camping....but what better time to experience it than when WDW is so close at hand?

Thanks in advance!

[clkelley]

...............

[merryweather20]

I'd also assemble every peice of gear you think you'll need, so you know whether or not you'll be comfortable taking it through the airport etc by yourself.

I agree with the above poster October is a great time to try it out :thumbsup2

[camelotcats]

No, you are not crazy, but please, please, borrow that tent ahead of time and go camping at least once before you head off to Disney!!

Deciding you also don't like camping while your at Disney World without a car is not a good thing, as there may not be any other resorts available.

October is a great time of year to go camping at WDW.

Not super super hot, but not super super cold either.

Will post more advice soon

Thank you! I saw in the pics that you have flown in and camped before! I would really appreciate any advice! Dh just announced he is buying me a tent (apparently BIL's is a hard one to carry/set up) and sleeping bag for Christmas. I booked with AAA today! Woohoo!!

I'd also assemble every peice of gear you think you'll need, so you know whether or not you'll be comfortable taking it through the airport etc by yourself.

I agree with the above poster October is a great time to try it out :thumbsup2


I will definitely try to set everything up ahead of time. I have some experience with EZ-Up tents at craft fairs. We are going to the poconos in July, so we might camp one night (it's close to home...2-3 hours). I'm also going to figure out how much I can carry, even with ME.

Thanks again!

[clkelley]

.................

[BigDaddyRog]

I wouldnt think it would be anymore dangerous to solo-camp as a female than as a male....personally, I'd be sure to introduce myself to the neighbors. Campers tend to keep an eye out for each other for the most part, if anyone heard any comotion...Im sure they'd come to check out the situation and make sure everything is OK.
You might want to look into the cost of shipping your larger, heavier gear ahead of time. I always see posts of people asking about the Forts shipping address.

[camelotcats]

I wouldnt think it would be anymore dangerous to solo-camp as a female than as a male....personally, I'd be sure to introduce myself to the neighbors. Campers tend to keep an eye out for each other for the most part, if anyone heard any comotion...Im sure they'd come to check out the situation and make sure everything is OK.
You might want to look into the cost of shipping your larger, heavier gear ahead of time. I always see posts of people asking about the Forts shipping address.

Thank you! I'll be sure to introduce myself.

I'm hoping that I can do everything pretty minimally and don't need to bring a lot. I'm meeting people, so I won't be eating much at the camp, just breakfast. I'll look into shipping costs. Thanks for the suggestion!

[camelotcats]

First off, thank you all for the support! I really appreciate it! I have booked a tent hook-up site for oct 17-20, 2008. I will be sure to use an airline that participates in resort check in. Dh wants to buy me supplies so he can convince me to camp more often. I am currently checking out all kinds of "camping for beginners" sites and trying to make a good wish list for supplies.

Carol: thank you SO SO SO SO much for the list. :love: I have a few questions, though if you don't mind?

Why do I need a shelter or screen house? I'm sure you're 100% right, i just want to know why, so I know what to look for when I buy one. Does it need to have screens or walls, or is the roof the important thing?

Are there clothes lines on the sites? (I know, probably a stupid question). If no, where would I hang the towels and washcloths? from the shelter? (Did I just answer my own question?)

Why a battery operated lamp for the shelter? is this just a power thing? Could I put up a string of Christmas lights instead? Also, how will I find the campsite at night? Will I leave a light on all day (I hate to waste electric like that)? bring a timer to turn them on at night? Carry a flashlight all day in the parks?

Along the same lines, are the walkways/roads well lit at night?

I will probably be going to a camping supply store when we go visit my In-Laws later in the year. Your list is great. Thank you so so much. I really am looking forward to any other advice you would like to give me. I'm really sorry if my questions seem silly.

Oh, and we're camping in the Poconos for a weekend this June to try it out. :) I'm very excited.

[clkelley]

............

[TomM]

You can easily fly and tent camp. I tend to camp simply, my wife and I backpack. About all you really need is a tent, (your might want a sheet of plastic to lay under your tent), sleeping bag, air mattress (Therma Rest make small self inflating mattresses) and a flashlight. You could take a small hot pot and a coffee press to make coffee (if you are a coffee drinker) or just purchase a refillable mug at FW.
If your tent has a vestibule, that will give you a little cover if it rains.
When flying somewhere to backpack, we just pack all our gear in a duffel bag. You won't have any trouble finding your campsite at night, the loops are well lite. If you want a little outside lighting, you could take some rope lights and just lay them on the ground, maybe take a couple stakes to fasten them down better. For camping at FW, I made a hanger for towels out of PVC pipe in an "F" shape only with three horizontal pipes; drove a large dowel rod into the ground to slid the "hanger" on. This would pack easily into a duffel.
You will love camping at FW in a tent. Packing light and simply will make getting to your campsite easier. Have a great trip. And oh yes, check to make sure your tent has the seams taped or sealed by the factory...if not you can seal the seams yourself.
Tom

[clkelley]

.............

[ntsammy5]

I can't add much here -- just look at the sticky packing list at the top of the forum. It might give you some ideas. Pack LIGHT. You might not bring everything you want but make sure you have everything you NEED!

Also, to reinforce what others have said. Put up your equipment a few times before you go. If you run into trouble getting stuff set up at FW ask for help. People always love to show off how much they know about camping.

I've been camping and backpacking for over 50 years and I still haven't gotten it right yet, so I'll keep on trying! You'll have a great time! My dream is to hike the AT sometime (complete not sections). Hopefully I'll do it one of these days.

[camelotcats]

WoW! thank you thank you thank you!!

Thank you Tom, thank you again Carol, thank you NTSammy5. I can not say thank you enough.

Carol, you solved my dilemma about how to figure out how to seal the tent. I actually HAVE both the 6 mil and the 2 mil sheeting in my house, as DH is an avid modeler and we use the 2 mil all the time for sprayin, and one time I accidentally bought the 6mil instead (online, not paying attention), adn we just kept the roll downstairs. I have LOTS of scotch guard. I have 2 toddlers, and I scotch guard their winter coats and boots every year.

I am usually a very spartan traveler, and I really appreciate the lists and ideas from people on what I will NEED. It's really helpful.

Also, thank you all for great tent ideas! I will look for one with a rainfly that covers the opening, a power port, and see about one with a vestibule, too. I'm SURE the day we get it, DH will have that puppy up in the back yard. :)

One last question (for NOW):

With the sand in the sites, will I want to be wearing sneakers all the time? I'm usually a hiking sandals person at WDW, but I HATE sand in my shoes. WOuld sneaks be a better choice?

Ok, again THANK YOU! I am getting more and more excited and less and less nervous. I really appreciate it. I agree with what a lot of other people have posted here: Campers are the nicest people.

[merryweather20]

I go camping all the time and have never heard of sealing a tent! All my girl guide experience has failed me!

But seriously is the sealing part necessary? I bought my tent new when I was fourteen and its been leak free for 13 years. The sealing is to prevent leaks... is this just for certain kinds of tents?

Also thanks for the cool list clkelly. I've always taken a car, so we're more "maybe we'll need it, lets throw it in just to be safe". I have always wanted to fly down and camp though :)

[ntsammy5]

But seriously is the sealing part necessary?

I used to do it but haven't sealed my last 3 tents. I haven't had a leaking problem at all. IMO it's personal preference.

As for sand, I usually wear crocs and/or sneakers at FW and have not had any problem with sand, but then again I was in my sister's RV not a tent.

[Mr Man]

OP,

I think you will have a blast tent camping. FW is very safe IMO. The list from Ckelley is excellent. The only thing I would add to it is a collapsable cooler (for tasty beverages at the campsite).

I tent camp once per month with the Tiger Cubs. I actually get more sleep camping than I do at home......

Have fun.

[clkelley]

I wear TEVA sandals all the time, not really a problem.

I've been tenting at Boy Scout camps and Ft. Wilderness for years, (having the tent set up for up to two weeks) and have just found the material sealer to be an extra bit of protection. If you have multiple rainstorms, eventually it's going to soak through.

[clkelley]

The only thing I would add to it is a collapsable cooler (for tasty beverages at the campsite).



The only problem I've found with a collapsible cooler is that I never used it!! Ice is $2.50 a bag at Ft. Wilderness, (and not frozen very hard, so it melts quickly), and unless you've got a LARGE collapsible cooler, you are going to be spending a fortune for a tiny amount of ice.

It's just less expensive to buy drinks out of the machine at the comfort station or at the trading post as you need them.

[camelotcats]

THank you again everyone for the tips, and especially to Carol for telling me how to seal a tent!

I'm very excited! I've already started a checklist. I am overly organized sometimes. :blush:

[BigDaddyRog]

Do they have Ice machines at the fort? Or do you HAVE to buy their overpriced ice bags?

[TheGreatGonzo]

There are ice machines at all the comfort stations located outdoors at the end of the buildings by the ladies restroom. It's $2.00 per bag - quarters only. There are change machines in the laundries and an ice bag dispencer on the side of the building near the machine. The bag says 7 pounds on it but it usually fills it to the top which probably gives you 8 or 9 pounds of ice - more than the bags at the campground stores. I've even had them put out so much ice at some locations it overflows the bag. At those ones I learned to take a small to medium sized trash bag so I wouldn't loose any ice. I'm sure they make a killing on the ice since the dispencer is also an ice making machine which makes the actual cost almost nothing.

[BigDaddyRog]

Thanks Gonzo.

[TomM]

You might not have to seal your tent. On most tents now the seams are taped at the factory...Eureka, North Face, Sierra Designs, so you don't have to worry about sealing the seams. However, I always seal the stitching on the corners. I have never sprayed a tent with protectant, you might want to check with the factory before you did that. I just retired a 15 year old Sierra Designs tent and never had any problem with leaking through the fabric. Eureka and LLBean make some great moderately priced tents the set up easily, weatherworthy and farily lightweight. There are some great backpacking tents that you could fly with easily....though they are small.
The finely crushed shell or stone or whatever it is in the campsites do stick to your shoes....I would just take off my shoes when going into the tent to keep from wearing the tent floor.
Tom

[camelotcats]

Thanks everyone!

DH showed me the tent and shelter he is thinking about getting me for my birthday in March. It may be an early present, lol. We have some air mattresses for company.

I hope you all had a great holiday! Thanks again!

-Angela

[PolynesianPixie]

Hi Angela,

I just found this thread~I've been camping at the Fort for the last week :goodvibes ! It's funny, I had to chuckle~I have been thinking of doing this exact same thing!!! I would LOVE a long weekend by myself in my favorite place on earth, what would be more relaxing (and cheaper) than pitching a tent? I'm with you, girl!

As far as safety goes? Maybe I'm naive, but I couldn't feel safer anywhere. The campground is well lit, but not enough to interfere with sleep. As for your shoe preference, the sand on the sites is a larger/heavier grain than beach sand so it won't stick and get into your shoes like regular sand. Sandals would be fine.

The only other tip I have for you is to request the 1500 loop. There are only 2 tent loops (2000 is the other one), and 1500 is a better location, being close to the Meadow Trading Post.

Have a wonderful time and let us all know how it went when you get back!

~Ami

[camelotcats]

Hi Angela,

I just found this thread~I've been camping at the Fort for the last week :goodvibes ! It's funny, I had to chuckle~I have been thinking of doing this exact same thing!!! I would LOVE a long weekend by myself in my favorite place on earth, what would be more relaxing (and cheaper) than pitching a tent? I'm with you, girl!

As far as safety goes? Maybe I'm naive, but I couldn't feel safer anywhere. The campground is well lit, but not enough to interfere with sleep. As for your shoe preference, the sand on the sites is a larger/heavier grain than beach sand so it won't stick and get into your shoes like regular sand. Sandals would be fine.

The only other tip I have for you is to request the 1500 loop. There are only 2 tent loops (2000 is the other one), and 1500 is a better location, being close to the Meadow Trading Post.

Have a wonderful time and let us all know how it went when you get back!

~Ami


HI!! ::wave: THanks for the advice! I'm very excited, I'm sure I won't be able to contain myself when I return! :yay:

[rebecca06261]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who's going to make this crazy little journey!! :cool1: I've solo-camped before but NEVER so far away from home, and of course, NOT Ft. Wilderness! YAY! You're so cool!:cheer2:

[camelotcats]

Hy everyone! THanks for all of the help so far. I have a nicewish list for my DH to choose presents for me from for the trip. BUT, I have another quick question (please):

I will be using Magical Express, as I am flying in. How, exactly, will this work? I've used ME for the resorts, but (Obviously) never camping. Do they drop your stuff off at the check-in building? At your site? DO you pick your bags up at baggage claim, since you're going to a campsite, or let them get them for you?

I'm just curious? I might just NOT use ME for my bags and carry them so I know I'll have my tent and stuff with me, unless someone tells me otherwise. THanks!!

[PolynesianPixie]

Hy everyone! THanks for all of the help so far. I have a nicewish list for my DH to choose presents for me from for the trip. BUT, I have another quick question (please):

I will be using Magical Express, as I am flying in. How, exactly, will this work? I've used ME for the resorts, but (Obviously) never camping. Do they drop your stuff off at the check-in building? At your site? DO you pick your bags up at baggage claim, since you're going to a campsite, or let them get them for you?

I'm just curious? I might just NOT use ME for my bags and carry them so I know I'll have my tent and stuff with me, unless someone tells me otherwise. THanks!!

It looks like there are 3 of us now planning solo camping trips! Is this a new wave for women?

Actually, I was wondering the same thing. It would be funny for them to drop all this off at a barren campsite:confused3 It could happen....

[clkelley]

I've used DME and tent camped before.

I arrived late at night (about 11:30 pm) so my situation may be different and this was back in 2005.

I let DME handle my bags, but it took me awhile to get to the resort. First I had to go to baggage claim and get my carryon as they gate checked it. (TSA opened my carefully packed bag after it went through the scanner, and I didn't have the time to repack it carefully again, so it was a bit "fat").

Then Ft. Wilderness was the last stop. After I had checked in and went to the restroom, I asked about my bags and the truck was just showing up. So they took me and my bags to my site in the van.

Other times when I've driven down, I had folks joining me that used DME. Sometimes they would leave the stuff at our site, and another time, they left a note at the site asking us to call and they brought the bags as soon as we called.

There was also a time that two little pink suitcases showed up on our picnic table that weren't ours. We called bell services and told them, and they came and picked them up sometime during the day.

So I'm saying "it depends"

There was also another DISer that flew and tent camped in the site across from me in October.

They said they arrived early that morning and were given their site number about 1pm. They came by the site and no luggage. The mom went to the comfort station and called and the luggage van showed up a few minutes later, and one piece was missing, it showed up about 45 minutes after that.

[camelotcats]

I've used DME and tent camped before.

I arrived late at night (about 11:30 pm) so my situation may be different and this was back in 2005.

I let DME handle my bags, but it took me awhile to get to the resort. First I had to go to baggage claim and get my carryon as they gate checked it. (TSA opened my carefully packed bag after it went through the scanner, and I didn't have the time to repack it carefully again, so it was a bit "fat").

Then Ft. Wilderness was the last stop. After I had checked in and went to the restroom, I asked about my bags and the truck was just showing up. So they took me and my bags to my site in the van.

Other times when I've driven down, I had folks joining me that used DME. Sometimes they would leave the stuff at our site, and another time, they left a note at the site asking us to call and they brought the bags as soon as we called.

There was also a time that two little pink suitcases showed up on our picnic table that weren't ours. We called bell services and told them, and they came and picked them up sometime during the day.

So I'm saying "it depends"

There was also another DISer that flew and tent camped in the site across from me in October.

They said they arrived early that morning and were given their site number about 1pm. They came by the site and no luggage. The mom went to the comfort station and called and the luggage van showed up a few minutes later, and one piece was missing, it showed up about 45 minutes after that.


Thank you Carol. What I'm worried about is, being an inexperienced camper (even aftr taking some practice trips), that the tent and stuff will arrive after dark, and I will need set up camp in the dark.

I think I'll probably just get my own luggage....

[10_Kyle_10]

Subscribing to this fantasically informational thread. Im looking for go back to the fort next November (late) December (early). This will be my first time camping at the fort all other trips we stayed in a pop up.

[BigDaddyRog]

I finally set my tent up in the back yard...it was a beautiful sunny day, a little windy, but nothing I couldnt handle by myself....it started raining about an hour later..I though GREAT...I can see if their are any leaks...next morning I found a couple of small puddles in two of the corners, and I could tell that the water seaped in from the floor seems...so I sealed the floor seems all the way around....started raining again shortly after I finished, but I think the sealer had enough time to dry, I HOPE!! Its STILL raining...I hope when I am able to go back out there the floor isnt like a kiddie pool.

KYLE, I noticed you had to evacuate in 91 to one of the other resorts...how did Disney handle that? Did they charge you, was there a discount? I'm asking because Im planning on September as my next trip, and ya just never know with hurricannes till the week before they hit, and even then its a only 50/50 chance, and I was wondering what I might expect if the worst does happen.

[ntsammy5]

Rog, Debbie was evacuated a few years ago and I don't think there was a charge. She'll probably be able to give you more details on that.

The tent sounds OK though. A few small leaks near the corners are normal.

[10_Kyle_10]

KYLE, I noticed you had to evacuate in 91 to one of the other resorts...how did Disney handle that? Did they charge you, was there a discount? I'm asking because Im planning on September as my next trip, and ya just never know with hurricannes till the week before they hit, and even then its a only 50/50 chance, and I was wondering what I might expect if the worst does happen.


Funny you noticed that not one other dis member has mentioned it or asked about it. Well heres the story...
We were at MK the before the storm hit. After a long day at the park we got back to the campground around 7pm'ish to find the fort extremely quite and dead, almost like a ghost town. Roughly 30mins (could have been more like an hour) we heard a truck with a couple cast members get out to talk to us. They told us the situation and explained that we needed to pack up the pop-up and drive in to the main parking lot. Keep in mind that it was a beautiful night and none of us could belive that a storm was about to make landfall the following day. We took an over night back as they explained we would more than likely be back in two days and off to the contempary. Having got the word late we clearly were one of the last families to get there because there wasnt an open spot on the floor. YES I SAID THE FLOOR, LOL! They opened all the conference rooms and had families stake out spots and this is where we got transfered to the GF. Here we found a spot and crashed for the night. They had tvs everwhere for people to watch what was going on just outside the resort. It was kinda cool from what I remember. People were happy and the mood was much better than you might think. In the morning we were "hook'ed up" with a great continental breakfast! I remember that they had Orange Juice. Milk, and other juices in those big blue water jugs and people formed lines to get a beverage. After a few more hours we were able to go back to the fort. Needless to say this was a once in a life time expierence that I will never forget! I have old video footage somewhere that hopefully I can find to give you guys a visual.

Any more questions about the situation ill gladly try and answer them.

[BigDaddyRog]

Is that normal...well, then good. I dont want to jinx myself by saying this....but my vacations have never been rained out, Ive never been stuck in a tent during rain...Im hoping my luck keeps running thru September, without a hurricane even brewing or a drop from the sky...but I probably just ensured that to happen by putting it in writing!

[BigDaddyRog]

THE FLOOR??? Not a room...did they offer cots or at least pillows and blankets, maybe a lounge chair from the pool since they told you to only bring an overnight bag?

[10_Kyle_10]

THE FLOOR??? Not a room...did they offer cots or at least pillows and blankets, maybe a lounge chair from the pool since they told you to only bring an overnight bag?

No I dont belive we got any compensation at all....im sure somewhere in staying at the fort they have the right to evac in case of emerency. The floor with a safe structure and roof is still better than a tent or pop-up when a hurricane is racing through your camp right? I think people were just happy to be safe knowing that indeed they had a roof and a place to seek for safety.

ps. we did get pillows, blankets, and food!

[BigDaddyRog]

Yeah....beats the heck outta dieing doesnt it.

[clkelley]

I don't know this from first hand knowledge, but during the hurricanes of 04, they moved folks from the Fort to Port Orleans, Carribbean Beach, and the All-Stars.

As far as I know, everyone was put into rooms. Of course, in 04 there was still some tourism downturn, so the rooms were not as booked. Also, it seemed there was a lot of notice on these hurricanes, and cancellations were plentiful.

[10_Kyle_10]

I don't know this from first hand knowledge, but during the hurricanes of 04, they moved folks from the Fort to Port Orleans, Carribbean Beach, and the All-Stars.

As far as I know, everyone was put into rooms. Of course, in 04 there was still some tourism downturn, so the rooms were not as booked. Also, it seemed there was a lot of notice on these hurricanes, and cancellations were plentiful.

Well like I said if I can dig up some of that old footage ill show you that this was indeed true.

[memorykeeper]

subscribing

[camelotcats]

Hey ALL!

I want to say thank you again for all of the help I got on this thread! I'm gotten a number of PMs from people telling me they are motivated to try camping at FtW just based on the helpfulness shown on this thread to me, and I REALLY appreciate it and wanted to let you all know.

Of course, now my DH wants to buy a t@b and go with me on a future trip. :thumbsup2 I give much credit for this to CLKelley. Thanks, Carol!!

[tungpo1]

I was there when the hurricane came through, I left I was not leaving my MH and cart sitting in the parking lot waiting to be destroyed so I was home in 3 1/2 hours:thumbsup2

[RustManFan]

Personally I wouldn't bother with a chair. There are the benches at the picnic table to sit at. Also, when I camped here we stayed 'til closing at the parks each night and after all the walking didn't spend much time sitting around anyway.

I would throw in a good length of rope for a clothesline....

[Forevryoung]

WOW

I was just thinking about trying this very thing!

Except:
1) I've never been camping

2) I would be driving down during my "last summer of freedom road trip" so I'll have a car (I'm graduating with my masters in May)

3) It will be JUNE!!!

Should I still attempt it???

[BigDaddyRog]

Congrats on your masters.......what the hell, ya aint getting any younger... live a little while you're still alive!!!!

[hoosiergirl]

This is such a GREAT thread! I'm a DVC member but we use to camp in a travel trailer when I was growing up. (Is that even a term any more--travel trailer?) Believe it or not, I'm wanting to do some camping in a tent but am too chicken to try anything else but FW--bathroom cleanliness and all... :snooty:

I think I'm getting nostalgic as I "grow up".

[ntsammy5]

I think I'm getting nostalgic as I "grow up".

I'm never going to grow up!

[memorykeeper]

We are camping there in April. This is my first time ever going camping. I'm very excited but I don't have a clue what to expect. This thread is great

[BigDaddyRog]

If you think this thread is great....wait till you get to the fort.
Everyone should camp at least ONCE in their lives, this country was founded by campers....the Native Americans? Campers, FULL TIME!!! Those who came over with C.Columbus....campers, although they were more like CABIN CAMPERS because instead of pitching their OWN tent, they just took the indians' tipis because ....well, they we now vacant since we killed all those pesky "savages"..who did they think they were, anyway??? Telling us how to grow corn, and sharing their land with us....they were just asking for it.
Ohhh....I mean camping is a great american family tradition!!! Grizzly Adams sure did like it, and Daniel Boone, and Davey Crocket, and Tonto...till that Lone Ranger abducted him and forced him into a life of slavery by having to save his butt all the time..and whose name was the title of the show??? Yep...of coarse it goes to the white man again!!!

[clkelley]

Personally I wouldn't bother with a chair. There are the benches at the picnic table to sit at. Also, when I camped here we stayed 'til closing at the parks each night and after all the walking didn't spend much time sitting around anyway.

I would throw in a good length of rope for a clothesline....

To each his own. I would never dream of camping without a good camp chair. Sitting at the picnic table without back support just doesn't do it for me. When I arrive at the camp, the first thing that gets opened is my chair and the last thing that gets packed is my chair. (I set up some, relax some, set up some, relax some, with appropriate beverage, of course).

[PolynesianPixie]

If you think this thread is great....wait till you get to the fort.
Everyone should camp at least ONCE in their lives, this country was founded by campers....the Native Americans? Campers, FULL TIME!!! Those who came over with C.Columbus....campers, although they were more like CABIN CAMPERS because instead of pitching their OWN tent, they just took the indians' tipis because ....well, they we now vacant since we killed all those pesky "savages"..who did they think they were, anyway??? Telling us how to grow corn, and sharing their land with us....they were just asking for it.
Ohhh....I mean camping is a great american family tradition!!! Grizzly Adams sure did like it, and Daniel Boone, and Davey Crocket, and Tonto...till that Lone Ranger abducted him and forced him into a life of slavery by having to save his butt all the time..and whose name was the title of the show??? Yep...of coarse it goes to the white man again!!!

need some soap with that box?:rotfl:






I mean, I'm with you and all. My own children are part Cherokee.

[BigDaddyRog]

To each his own. I would never dream of camping without a good camp chair. Sitting at the picnic table without back support just doesn't do it for me. When I arrive at the camp, the first thing that gets opened is my chair and the last thing that gets packed is my chair. (I set up some, relax some, set up some, relax some, with appropriate beverage, of course).

Heck...I was trying to figure a way to fold my lazyboy recliner to bring. I have a blowup coleman loveseat and chair...but they aint very comfortable....I saw a foldup with a foot rest at walmart...anybody have one of those? Its got a beer holder on both arms...thats ingenuity baby.

[BigDaddyRog]

need some soap with that box?:rotfl:


I mean, I'm with you and all. My own children are part Cherokee.
I didn't mean to come off like I'm against the white man, I'm as white as a white guy from New Orleans with a Spanish last name can get. I'm not at all a racist by any means, I'm an opportunist....I discriminate against ALL races, creeds, colors and sexual preferences, including my own, at any given chance!!!

[camelotcats]

Heck...I was trying to figure a way to fold my lazyboy recliner to bring. I have a blowup coleman loveseat and chair...but they aint very comfortable....I saw a foldup with a foot rest at walmart...anybody have one of those? Its got a beer holder on both arms...thats ingenuity baby.

I have a fold-up Eddie Bauer chair we bought a number of years ago for Jeep Jamborees. I was just planning on bringing that. It does have a beer holder, I believe. :rolleyes1

[camelotcats]

I didn't mean to come off like I'm against the white man, I'm as white as a white guy from New Orleans with a Spanish last name can get. I'm not at all a racist by any means, I'm an opportunist....I discriminate against ALL races, creeds, colors and sexual preferences, including my own, at any given chance!!!


What did they used to say on "In Living Color"? We're equal opportunity offenders? :hippie:

[ntsammy5]

When I arrive at the camp, the first thing that gets opened is my chair and the last thing that gets packed is my chair.

For me it's the beer cooler.....

[ntsammy5]

....I discriminate against ALL races, creeds, colors and sexual preferences, including my own, at any given chance!!!


Man you're really on a roll today! :lmao:

[PolynesianPixie]

I didn't mean to come off like I'm against the white man, I'm as white as a white guy from New Orleans with a Spanish last name can get. I'm not at all a racist by any means, I'm an opportunist....I discriminate against ALL races, creeds, colors and sexual preferences, including my own, at any given chance!!!

I know, I just had to pick on you. You were so passionate about the whole thing~I couldn't leave it alone! Believe me, I could not get any "whiter", myself. I am Dutch, Scottish and German and feel that "I" deserve to be the brunt of at least 90% of the American jokes. I'm not a man, so I don't deserve them all ;)

[LiteBrite]

Heck...I was trying to figure a way to fold my lazyboy recliner to bring. I have a blowup coleman loveseat and chair...but they aint very comfortable....I saw a foldup with a foot rest at walmart...anybody have one of those? Its got a beer holder on both arms...thats ingenuity baby.

I've got one of those foldup chairs with the built in footrest and the beverage holder in each arm. Love it! We take them to sit in to watch the movie, but the drawback is, we fall asleep about 10 minutes into it. :rotfl2:

[BigDaddyRog]

Well, thats all the testimony I need...Im gonna go get a couple today. And I better grab some brews to fill those holes in the arms up with.!!!

[clkelley]

Of course, now my DH wants to buy a t@b and go with me on a future trip. :thumbsup2 I give much credit for this to CLKelley. Thanks, Carol!!

T@Bs are Great!!!!

Check out that tabtrailers group on Yahoo!! Lots of great folks!!

[CottontailCurl]

WOW I was just thinking about trying this very thing! Except:1) I've never been camping
2) I would be driving down during my "last summer of freedom road trip" so I'll have a car (I'm graduating with my masters in May)
3) It will be JUNE!!!
Should I still attempt it???

Heck yeah! You're forever young, attempt everything!! When we were there last we met a young couple who were camping across America (from N. Cali, across the northern part of America, down the east coast and across the south). A 'last summer of freedom road trip' sounds like fun!

[Forevryoung]

Heck yeah! You're forever young, attempt everything!! When we were there last we met a young couple who were camping across America (from N. Cali, across the northern part of America, down the east coast and across the south). A 'last summer of freedom road trip' sounds like fun!

:rotfl2:

The more I think about it the more I believe it's worth it and I've been budgeting it out (tolls and gas are huge unknowns)

However, due to scheduling, I won't be able to get a summer job if I take the road trip... so do I really splurge and become financially irresponsible for a summer? :rotfl:

I'll be starting on Long Island, stopping to see friends in MD (night or two), stopping in NC (outside Raleigh for a week with friends), I want to see Savannah (another night), and make my way down to Disney. My parents have an empty condo in Sarasota if I wanted to spend some time at the beach after Disney before turning around and I can stay with the same friends on the way back in NC and MD.

Does anyone have a list of nice places to see along the way? Books or a good starting place? I'm "road trip clueless"!

[memorykeeper]

I've got one of those foldup chairs with the built in footrest and the beverage holder in each arm. Love it! We take them to sit in to watch the movie, but the drawback is, we fall asleep about 10 minutes into it. :rotfl2:

I found these chairs on clearance for 3.74 at Target today.

[camelotcats]

Hi Everyone! I got a lightweight tent and shelter! I also got a rolling duffle to pack everything in! I'm excited! Here's a pic of everything I got for my birthday last week:

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee143/asapien21/DSCN0785.jpg
That's a tent, shelter, fan/light, self-inflating foam pillow, and underneath everything, not showing is a 40' extension cord and alligator clothespins.


I already have a tarp, chair, air mattress, christmas lights, flashlight, LIME GREEN toiletries tote, towel, air mattress linens, power strip, wisk broom and dust pan, and rubber mallet....oh, and a bicycle lock and my craft show lock box for valuables (charging units, etc). Am I forgetting something important?? (I have a collapsible cooler, but I am basically using the tent as a hotel room)

Is the duffle bag OK for packing everything?? since I'll be alone, I am concerned about getting everything to my site and back out to check out.

I also have a question about the ground cloth....(Probably stupid)

I understand that it protects from seepage from underneath, but if the tarp sticks out from the tent, it will pick up the run-off, right?? Should I tuck it under the tent?

Also, are there good tie-down spikes for the fill at FW? Should I just use the ones that the tent came with, or should I buy special ones tht will work better?

Thanks again! This thread has been awesome!! I lurk on the whole camping board, and it is hysterical. You guys are really helpful!

[BigDaddyRog]

Definately tuck your groundcloth under!!! Ive wondered about the ground spikes as well...I think Im going to but the extra long galvanized ones just to be safe......ya know,Better to have and not need than vice versa!!

Looks like youre planning this out pretty well......I wish I was as organized...a have NO DOUBT that I will be making plenty of runs to walmart after we arrive, grabbing forgotten stuff and "didnt think about that" items!!!

[camelotcats]

Definately tuck your groundcloth under!!! Ive wondered about the ground spikes as well...I think Im going to but the extra long galvanized ones just to be safe......ya know,Better to have and not need than vice versa!!

Looks like youre planning this out pretty well......I wish I was as organized...a have NO DOUBT that I will be making plenty of runs to walmart after we arrive, grabbing forgotten stuff and "didnt think about that" items!!!

Thanks Rog! I'll look for those spikes.

I feel like I have to be organized. I have to travel quite a ways jus to get to a camping store! And I am flying in, so I'd have to hitch a ride (Hey there buddy....you headed to a walmart by any chance?? *wink wink*)

Well that and the whole Obsessive trip planner disease....:rolleyes1