First time tent campers!!

[JavaJackie]

Hey guys! We have stayed at the Fort many times in a pop up, travel trailer and at the cabins but this will be our first tent camping adventure! There are 7 of us. My hubby and me and our 5 kiddos.

Any advice I need? MUST have packing supplies? We are only staying 2 nights in October on our way to visit family a little farther south.... so its not a huge trip, but I am still a bit nervous about packing to camp for 7.

What would ya'll suggest for meals? We are not planning to eat anywhere but the campsite and maybe get snacks at Downtown Disney the day we leave.

Thanks!!

 

[mrsabbott]

I haven't ever camped at the Fort, but it's my understanding that charcoal grills are available at the sites. You can do the usual (burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, baked potatoes in foil) or you can make "hobo stew" on the grill (diced potatoes, baby carrots, onions, diced chicken, salt and pepper to taste or any seasonings you like, dotted with butter and wrapped in foil). It's one of our favorites! Sandwiches and chips are quick and easy meals. I also like taking zucchini and squash, seasoning salt, dotted with butter, wrapped in foil, and cooking it on the grill! YUM!

As for things to bring.. I can't live without the air mattress myself! And a way of inflating it (made that mistake not long ago.. LOL!) Also thinking that a tent fan might be a good idea! And extra batteries! Flashlights/lanterns. Since the campsites all have electricity, an extenstion cord would be a must! Chairs for the whole family. Laundry bag to keep dirty clothes in. Garbage bags!!

We are a family of 6 and are working on tent camping.. we're practicing in the backyard and will be taking a weekend trip next month. I've got a list a mile long of things to bring! I'm almost thinking a pop up would be easier, my list is so long! We'd need a trailer just to haul everything and we drive a Suburban!! Although, I tend to overpack and learn as I go. Tent camping is a relatively new thing for us. I'm working my way up to camping at the Fort one day!!

 

[PEC]

Everything MRSAbbott said with of cousre a tarp to lay on the ground so you do not track too much sand in the tent. We brought 2 fans in June and it was comfortable at night (we were at the parks all day). A cloths line is also a must. For wet towels if nothing else.

 

[WDGPCFR]

We have been tent campers for a while. My wife is one to pack for any occurrence so we tend to travel heavy. I bought a small trailer to pack all our stuff on. Since this is a stopover pack light. Remember there are department stores close by. If you are going to continue camping look at the Reserve America website. KOAs are usually nice too and kid friendly.