We're Tent Camping - We Need YOUR Help!!!
A week from today, we are headed up to Muskegon State Park (in MI) to camp with a bunch of people from our church over the holiday weekend. We were originally going to be taking my grandpa's trailer (fully stocked sans food and personal items), but plans have changed, and now we are going to be tent camping.
We have a tent. It's an 8 person tent that we bought on clearance(?) at a Coleman Outlet a few months after we got married four years ago. We've never opened the box. I had thought about trying it out this weekend, but due to the rain in the forecast, I don't think that's probably going to be happening.
We have hot dog forks. An ABUNDANCE of hot forks. We were given a bunch by J's parents when they were in the process of down-sizing a few years ago. I think we've used them 2-3 times since we've lived here in Indiana.
We have an air mattress & pump. J & I will be sleeping on it. Jenny will probably sleep on a sleeping bag (we have one of those, I think), & David will be sleeping in the pack'n'play.
We have cornhole/yard toss/bags. Whatever you want to call it. We have card games.
What else do we need? What are good camping meals? What is a good way to keep milk, eggs, etc cold while tent camping? What dishes should we bring for cooking, eating, etc?
It's been a while since either of us has been camping (since before we were married), and neither of us has ever been "in charge" of the details around the trip. Usually we just showed up, helped carry stuff, and camped. We know how to build fires, cook over a fire, put up a tent, etc.
Two of the meals while we're there will be "group meals" (Saturday supper and Sunday lunch), but we're on our own for the rest of the meals. I'm thinking...
Breakfast: cereal, egg/sausage scramble (precooked - just reheat), coffee (I think I'm going to take our coffee maker), milk
Lunch: sandwiches (meat, jelly, PB), fruit, chips, juice, pop
Dinner: coney dogs (per J's request)
Snacks: stuff for s'mores (marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers), chips, cookies
Drinks: pop, milk, juice, water, coffee
I think I need a total of 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner (since we'll probably grab fast food on the way up Friday night). That's actually not as bad as I thought. Hmm... maybe writing it all down was a good idea!
Let's see... dishes? Cereal bowls (4), a pan for cooking/reheating over the fire, coffee mugs (2), cups for kids (2-4), pop cups (2), utensils (set of 3 + spoon for David), plates (4). Any suggestions on washing methods? Should I take two wash tubs (one to wash, one to rinse) or can I get away with a dish wand and a spigot?
Should we take a clothesline/rope to hang wet stuff? Is there usually a spot on the site for this? I can't remember. We have a TON of firewood out back in our yard. Is it ok to take with us rather than paying for firewood at the campground? I know you're not supposed to move wood due to the Ash Beetle or whatever it is, but I also don't want to have to pay jacked up prices due to supply/demand. I do plan to take my own kindling (newspaper) & lighters.
What would you say is the best way to pack for a tent vacation? Crates/totes or suitcases? I'm partial to open containers on longer trips, personally, but is that the best way to tent camp?
Okay, I think I've pondered "out loud" long enough. I'd love to hear any and all input you might be able to share with me over the next couple of days as I plan out my course of action. Thanks so much!! Also, you can feel free to email at ashleypichea(at)gmail(dot)com if you have lengthy responses that you'd rather not leave as a comment.
Labels: ashleypichea
posted by Ashley Pichea @ 10:36 AM
3 Comments:
are you going to PJ Hoffmaster?
You will need a clothesline, and there are plenty o' trees for hanging them on.
You can't move wood over county lines. period. and they will check your vehicle for it.
a lot of places sell it along the road, just look for the best price. we found some good ones up there that weren't too bad. it's unfortunate but you can't get around it.
most campground have strict rules about washing dishes in the spigots, you probably should plan on bringing a tub. also clorox wipes are AMAZING for camping. i use them constantly, especially with kids.
we bring outside stuff in crates etc. it's just easier, and we can keep it outside. food we keep in our vehicle. always.
if you have a tarp you can throw under the tent that helps tremendously with clean up. PNP is good, that's what we used. Someone suggested a down coat to use for a little one, maybe good for Jenny?
ICE ICE and more ICE for keeping things cold. a GOOD cooler. They sell ice at the campground, and again its' just one of those expenses of camping. I try to kind of guess and measure out what we need and pack it in smaller containers, it's just easier that way.
For ice, you can freeze water bottles, or if you have extra milk jugs you can freeze those as well to help cut down on ice you'll have to buy.
Levi is getting fussy so I gotta go for now, but I'm a wealth of camping info. :) FB me if you have any questions!
I don't know much about camping at all. The only thing that comes to mind is to doublecheck that all the parts are in the tent box before you get there, especially since you got it at the outlet store. I've had that happen with other items (not tents) where something vital was missing!
I hope you have a great time!! :-)
Hey Ashley! Yes you can hang a clothes line at PJ. Our method is KISS(Keep it simple sweetie)! We have found that keeps things easier with kids. We have pre made sloppy joes before going and then reheated in the microwave. We have one we bring with the camper you can come over and use anytime! Also if you take chicken and BBQ sauce wrap it in aluminum foil and cook for 20-30 mintues over the fire makes a really good meal. For lunches we do PBJ's or meat sandwhiches with chips, fruit cups. Breakfast cold cereal, packaged oatmeal (microwave), dounghnuts we even like getting frozen waffles (we have a toaster also). You can not take fire wood in the park but there is a place Todd and Kyle can show you where you can buy a wheel barrow full for $5. It has been nice wood in the past. We like to use cups and plates that you can throw away it makes it nice not having to do dishes all the time. We do have hot water for dish washing in the camper if you want hot water for that! Come on over neighbor!! We also have pots and pans if you do forget or need something! Please feel free to ask. We are looking forward to going!!! Five more days the kids are counting down. I may know of a plug in fridge you maybe able to use; it plugs into the car and then into the outlet. I will check on that one for you.
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