New to camping and help is needed

wendy522

Mouseketeer
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
179
I grew up camping and loved it, my husband has never been. We just purchased a used trailer and can't wait to take the kids. When I went I was young and the adults did all the work, so I am looking for all the help I can get. Please!!

I am looking for any help with packing lists and any food ideas. We live in North eastern Ohio and we are also looking for great location ideas, any activity ideas, an tips or secrets anyone has learned along the way.

Actually we would love to hear anything anyone might want to add in or just mention.

Thanks in advance to all those that help make our family begin camping as smoothly as possible.
 
Congratulations on the camper. You will love it. For your first couple of trips I suggest close to home and you are in a great place. I haven't been, my brother has and loved it, can't stop talking about it is Geneva on the lake.

Our only huge thing going from a tent to a 24' TT was the backing it in so I always try to get pull throughs. But DH is getting pretty good at it so we take anything.
 

My camping list: (not using a trailer)
tents---we bring 3 and use at least 2. 1 is small, and I put the food/coolers/kitchen stuff in there, near the picnic table/cook area I prefer to keep the area tidy, and if everything is in a tent, I dont' have to worry about it getting wet! we sleep in one and if there is room for the 3rd, ds likes to sleep in there (his tent, he earned it selling popcorn for the cub scouts)

Pop-up shade screen--ours has sides on it that we can raise or lower as needed for shade. I have another one that has screened sides, but not covers, but I don't use that one that often.

sleeping bags
pillows
air mattresses w/air pump (electric)
blankets
clothing
dirty clothes bags
toiletries
bug spray/sunscreen
baby wipes and hand wipes

small whisk broom/dustpan
camp stoves (I use 2, propane)
pots/pans (cast iron)
dishes/bowls (plastic from walmart--$1 per 4 pack)
mugs
water bottles (I like bobbles)
silverware/cooking utensils (old stuff)
3 large tubs (wash, rinse, sanitize)
hand towels, sponges
food packed in tubs and coolers (everything in ziplocs as well)
dish soap/hand soap
water jugs (I have 2 5 gallon w/spigots)
matches
water kettle/french press
metal sticks (can be used for hot dogs or marshmallows)
Camp table
Chairs (canvas folding)

flashlights (1 per person) + 2 extra
extra batteries
camera
lanterns (2 rechargable, 1 propane)+ stand

Fishing poles, gear, bait
camp stool (DS)

for near the fire:
sand bucket (got bucket @Firehouse subs for $2, sand from a neighbor)
shovel
water bucket (Firehouse bucket, filled when we make the fire)
wood (usually have to bring own)


We do all sorts of meals, ranging from bacon and eggs to chicken fajitas.

We don't bring the electronic toys when we go camping. DS can bring books, some toys (no legos! those are lost way too easy), outdoor stuff (balls, kites), etc.
 
Make your first trip close to home as you will have to run back home or to the local wally world for things you never thought to bring.
 
There's no pull-thrus at the Fort, so get some practice. When you get there, there will usually be someone around to help if you need it.
 
We've been considering doing the camping thing at Disney, but unsure how "camping" it actually is. When we camp...we camp. Would be great if it's like going to a state park, but if it's more luxury than that I think it would still be fun.
 
Define your "Camping". If you sit around a campfire at night, no. No campfires, but some types of fire boxes are allowed if not in a fire danger period. There are some hiking trails, but nothing very remote. There are activities; archery, swimming in two pools, fishing (catch and release), volleyball, tetherball and basketball areas, biking, boating (all rental boats), Segway tours, golf carts (rental of BYOGC), Water parade, fireworks from MK, etc. Lots of motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheel, popups, and tents.
 
You have a wonderful place right in your backyard - Maumee Bay State Park. We have camped there many times. The campground is very well maintained, and there are a ton of things to do, including a beautiful golf course. Maumee Bay is pretty close to the new Outdoor World in Perrysburg too.

Check out www.campingworld.com as well. If they don't have what you need, you probably didn't need it in the first place. :thumbsup2 A President's Club membership will pay off quickly.

The Mohican suggestion is a good one too, but it is notoriously difficult to get a reservation. Another area you might try which is close by is Geneva on the Lake. The campground there is very pretty, and the area is very nice. Hocking Hills is nice as well.

All that said, I'm partial to Maumee Bay. It is run by Xanterra; same folks who operate the National Parks. It is the newest of the "resort parks", great campsites, beautiful lodge (complete with restaurants and StarBucks), a great golf course, tennis courts, racquetball courts, well maintained paved bike paths, a beach on Lake Erie and one on a small man made lake. There are two pools, one inside one out. The outdoor pool is huge, with a great view of Lake Erie, pool side drinks and food, a diving tank, life guards. There is a kiddie pool as well and a hot tub, etc., etc., etc.,

Technically the pools are reserved for lodge and cabin guests but unlike other Ohio "resort parks" they don't go out of their way to restrict campers from using the lodge pools. Meaning they don't check. :rotfl: After all, the campers do help generate food and beverage revenue. ;)
 
Some advice in the "other" category :)

Electrical: You will want to buy adapters to accommodate the different amperage's. You won't often need one, except at home, and you definitely won't need an adapter for FW, but state parks and older private campgrounds can sometimes be a bit dicey. Don't worry so much about going up (30 to 50), but down (30 - 20) is a must. I would get a couple just to be on the safe side.

The location of hookups from campground to campground can be totally different. Some will be right next to the trailer and some not so much. Sooooo, there are some things to consider here.

You should consider 30 AMP extension cords, even for FW. I would get at least 50' worth. I have 2 - 25 foot cords because they are easier to manage in shorter lengths. They are expensive, but you can't run the air conditioner, etc. with extension cords you will find at Home Depot without burning them up (though I think they carry 30 AMP cords now too).

Another thing to think about is sewer hose. Typical lengths are 10', but depending on where your tanks are located you could wind up way short, even at FW. I have 2 - 10' hoses and a coupler to join them if necessary. Buying a 20' hose is possible, but when the run is short it is cumbersome to deal with a hose this long.

Same goes for water hoses. I keep a 10' for short runs and a 25' for longer runs. Also, a pressure regulator is necessary. Remember, the pipes in your trailer are not metal and can rupture if too much pressure is applied. A pressure regulator ensures this doesn't happen.

And don't forget the coax for the cable! Have one about 8' and one long cord - 15' or so, or 2 - 8 foot cables you can join together.

Check out www.campingworld.com. They have just about everything you might need. You can even call your local Camping World store and get some advice too.

Hope this helps!
 















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