Here are some tips I've learned:

bring along fire starters to start your camp fire....also, if you can, try to bring your own wood. It is expensive at campgrounds.

do not forget a can opener !

we used to have 2 way radios to keep track of the kids..I guess you can still use them..

bikes are fun at campgrounds..buy a bike rack for your camper. You will not regret it

KOA's are nice to stop at...all spots are pull thru, the bathrooms clean

Many campgrounds have fishing..be sure to bring all your own equpment..campground stores can be expensive.

stock up on folding chairs and camping equipement at end of season sales or Target markdowns.

__________________
Live, Love, Laugh

Amen to the can opener!!! I forgot one......ONCE.

DO NOT store your food outside, even in plastic tubs. We camped one year and had a blast watching the reaction on the faces of the people who got up (at the crack of noon ) and were wondering where their donuts went. Um, did you NOT hear the raccoons going thru your stuff? And what's even more funny, the people did the same thing the very next night!

If you have a trailer with an awning, buy those clips that secure the awning to the awning frame. Makes it real nice when the winds gust.

Don't forget a broom/dustpan. I keep an electric handvac in the trailer but for those occasions we don't have electricity, I have a small broom/dustpan to keep the trailer clean.

Don't forget a tarp or two and some rope. We use the tarps to cover the wood at night (or when it rains). And speaking of wood (and I agree with cubmom2 to bring your own wood) bring a hatchet, to chop off little pieces for starting the fire.

Few more thoughts (I printed off my camping/packing list....LOL)

Don't forget ziplocs/tin foil/wax paper/plastic wrap. You never know when you'll need them. We also pack some latex gloves, dh uses them when he cleans out the poop tank, and I use them to keep my hands clean when I'm dealing with raw meat.

Don't forget garbage bags. Both kitchen size and the grocery store ones. We use the smaller ones for dh's recycleable cans/bottles. Keeps them seperate from the rest of the garbage since most campgrounds recycle.

Clothesline and clothespins are a must too. There is ALWAYS something wet that needs to be hung to dry.

__________________

Friends are like butt cheeks.
Crap might separate them,
But they always come back together.

Stock up your camper with everything you need for camping and keep it there. I do not ever have to really worry about packing the camper up with essentials for cooking or anything else, because it all stays right in there. All we have to do is really get ourselves packed and we are good to go.
I also keep clean sheets and blankets in there, so no need to go looking for those when we leave. I also keep ziplock baggies, Heavy Duty aluminum foil, paper towels, soaps, cleansers and one very important thing: Stick Ups, stocked in the camper at all times.

I have special board and card games that are only used for the camping trips, so they stay "special" and are kept in the camper.

A first aid kit is a must, along with a snake bite kit. We keep them in there at all times as well.

CROCK POT cooking is the best for camping! You can leave for the day and come back to the smell of dinner waiting for you! I keep an extra crock pot in the camper along with coffee pot and pots and pans.

I also bought an apron (has been one of the best things for me!) and mits.

Water toys for the kids. These are a huge hit when it is hot out. The biggest hit for our kids was the one year I stocked the camper full of water balloon launchers. That was fun.

Bean bags for those campfire nights.

Tiki torches and oil.

I bought a dutch oven for the campfire, but haven't used it that much, not as much as my crock pot. But it does make a very nice campfire cake recipe that is like a dump cake. Really that is all I use it for.

Look up the recipe for "eggs in a baggie". One of our favorite breakfasts when out camping.

Two words: Clothes Line

Arrive early. Give yourself plenty of time to set up camp before dark.

Freeze meat prior to departure. It will stay fresh longer.

Always bring extra fuel for stoves and lanterns.

Carry a roll of duct tape, it fixes anything!!

"eggs in a baggies" are great !!

__________________
Brenda

GO #24 JEFF GORDON

BABY WIPES!! They are the best for anything!

Brenda!
What are aggs in a baggie??

__________________

GO TONY!!!!!!!!!!! # 20!!!

I agree with Julie don't forget the baby wipes. They can be used for everything from butts to dishes.

Don't overpack. We usually end up wearing the same clothes almost every day.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

We don't have a camper we still tent camp when we go out fourwheeling. And then we don't stay in campgrounds, we wildcat camp. So no luxeries for us.

A great firestarter is the paper that you have run through the shredder at home. I've also heard the lint from the dryer will work but I haven't tried that one.

An empty bucket. I seem to find all kinds of uses for a bucket when we camp.

And my two words: Toilet paper.
If you forget the TP it can be very um uncomfortable stay.

__________________

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

If you have a trailer with an awning, buy those clips that secure the awning to the awning frame. Makes it real nice when the winds gust.

This is true !

another hint..try to buy every thing you need before you go. toilet deodorizer, clothes pins, etc .prices are highly marked up at the camp store.

roll of quarters for the laundry mat

a leash for the dog !

we buy those 3-M hooks for our camper to hang our keys, dog leash, etc.

We buy dollar tree replacement shower liners. work just as well as the ones you see at camping world and all

I've noticed a lot of campers bring a sign with their names on it and where they are from

extra adapters for the electric and water pressure..you never know what sort of hook up you'll find.

__________________
Live, Love, Laugh

Ya'll are going to laugh at some of mine but I swear by 'em!

Give DH a BBQ caddy with all his "stuff" in it. (foil, grill brush, Water squirt bottle for flare ups, long handled lighter, Gallon size ziplock baggie holds all the smaller spice bottles of seasonings he uses, grill knife/long fork etc, etc, etc.. you get the picture. But it is worth handing him ONE Caddy with all of it already together to sit by the grill than have him keep coming back to the camper door every few minutes asking for what he needs next.

Bathhouse Instructions: I hate for DH to have to stop his vacation to go dump the grey tank, so we are thoughtful and when we can we go down to the bathhouse to shower and clean up. Have everyone wear their swimsuit and watershoes to shower in. and DO NOT try and change into "dry clothes" until you get back to your own camper. I can not believe the number of people that lug HUGE backpacks with ALL these dry clothes (even socks ----) down to the bathhouse only to have them soaked by the time they're done and the struggle to keep it all dry... NO WAY!!!---- the floors are always wet and it's hard to dress kids and yourself while it's so humid from a hot shower. Save yourself the grief!

Clothes Line- Hint Hint.. Dollar General sells a pet runner that is a steel cord covered by plastic with swival snap hooks on both ends. makes an Awesome clothes line that doesn't require tying a knot and won't swag as much in the middle.


Campground Brochures - Get a three ring binder and a package of page protectors, Every campground you go, get the Brochure, do a drive through and grade every campsite out beside the site number with a A, A+, B, B-, C, D, F etc. That way, when you make your ressies for next season you know if you can't get your "BEST SITE" you can say yes to another A or B+ site. KEEP IT IN THE CAMPER. Also in visiting with other campers we compare notes of where they've stayed and why they enjoyed or didn't like it. VERY helpful if you suddenly find your favorite campsite booked up already and you want to do a quick weekend somewhere.

If you want a bidet in your camper, use that little squirt bottle most of us were given at the hospital after we had a baby. It was supposed to be "easy" on the stiches of an epsiotomy. Well it's perfect as a quicky bidet.
Did I just give myself away? I can't stand having to use "thin" toilet tissue while camping. Yikes...

Also, put current pictures of your pet, your kids, and your kids' bikes or toys that will be "out" around your campsite. If pets get loose, or things go missing, far easier to show a picture to the park rangers.

I've to run for now but I'll probably come back with more later.

X

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Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

CLOTHS PINS!!!!!!!!!! lord the things these come in handy for would fill a book!!!
dont forget to lock the fridge. ( I wont go into the mess that it makes if you forget and happen to have a couple doz. of eggs in there when you pull out)
safety pins... if the cloths pins wont fix it, the safety pin will!

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·´`·.(*·.¸(`·.¸ ¸.·´)¸.·*).·´`·
«·´¨*·.¸¸. Jo ¸¸.·*¨`·»
«·´`·.(¸.·´(¸.·* *·.¸)`·.¸).·´`·»


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Great Post !!
We are going on our very 1st camp out next weekend (9 yo DS Cub Scouts )This the 1st camp out our family has ever done.( We have been married for 13 years )As a child, My mother always took me and my brother on camping trips every single year. But this will make the 1st time for me camping in nearly 20 years !!, Needless to say we needed everything and Boy the sales I found !!...


2 Tents ( 7 person 3 room wal-mart mis priced should have been 89.00 they marked them 20.00 !! Yahoo !! grabbed 2 for the camping trip, went back 2 days later to get 2 more for the boy's that didn't have a tent and was told they had priced them wrong and they are now 89.00 , should had never been marked 20.00 to start with.)

Coleman's road trip grill( Clearance out from 179.00 to 59.00)
Coleman's griddle ( clearance from 49.00 to 25.00 )
coleman's 2 burner cooker ( had this already from Hurricane Ivan )
Coleman's fold up table ( clearaned from 79.00 to 35.00 )
Coleman's tent fans ( 3 ) (Clearance from 19.99 each to 7.00 )
coleman's camp coffee pot 9 clearance from 45.00 to 20.00 )
coleman's camp kitchen ( Love this !! clearance from 109.00 to 40.00 )
2 Queen size Coleman's air-beds
7 coleman's Lantern's ( 3 hand cranked recharged batteries, 1 Family,2 solar,1 Am/Fm Weather )(All of them were clearance from 49.00-20.00 to 15.00 -3.00)
shower house/ bathroom ( Clearance from 59.00 to 25.00 )
Portable potty ( Hubby is getting this Thur his supplier reg 125.00 discount 60.00 )
BBQ Set
Homemade 1st Aid Kit ( I put the normal stuff Plus, Aspirin, Eye drops, Rolaids,Orajel,Lip balm,sting relief, burn relief )
Homemade Emergency Kit ( Sewing kit , thread( Multi color), Velcro strips ( double sided sticky tape),Safety Pins, Buttons,Grey tape(duct tape), Black electrical tape,Super Glue,Tool Kit,Nails,Hammer, Scissors,Rope, Extra Tarp,Emergency Heat Blanket,Poncho's, )
Coleman's storage tote( for the griddle and you can store food or cooking gear in top )
screen tent ( clearance from 60.00 to 15.00 )
Hatchet
water poof matches
coleman's compact table (clearance from 49.00 to 8.00 )
egg carrier
ice chest
pots, plates, drinking totes( with lid and flip out spout )Silverware
paper plates, paper towels,dish soap,bleach,Handy wipes,clean up wipes w/bleach,
toilet paper,throw away eating ware, bowls, cups
Salt, Pepper, cooking oil,spices,mayo,ketsup,mustard,pickles,(all in plastic containers)What ever you will use look for plastic containers types.
flashlights
batteries ( LOTS AND LOTS of Batteries )
Plastic water containers ( I got the 5 Gal sizes 3 of them ) they are all fold-able.
glow sticks
propane portable or tank( we have both , but only taking the portable bottles)
Clothes pins
Cable with 2 hoop ends
wet/dry storage bags
Sand Buckets
7 in 1 outside games
fishing rods
fishing poles
pre made fishing strings
tackle
Artificial bait
FISHING LICENSE ( REMEMBER THIS !! Most states require you to have it )




I still need to get mine and DH a bed ( Looking into the Cot style beds but so far no luck with finding a queen.
If you are using a Tent I highly suggest you upgrade your tent stakes to the better ones with pull out knobs.Or either buy a extra set of tent spikes in case one breaks or you have high winds. Also Please even if your tent says it's water proof make sure you use Seam Sealer( Can't tell you how many times as a child the only place the tent leaked was at the seams ).
I know the list I posted seems really long and it is, But I packed everything in Duffel Bags or totes after doing this it's cut in half to what it would of been just out or still in the boxes.I also got a storage tote for the trunk of the van, Neat little thing this is, It has 4 totes that can be jammed pack with stuff from clothing to cook ware to blankets/ towels,,, You just place it in the truck it's neatly stores all your gear or what nots. I'm so excited as the family to finally to get to do a camping trip !! I have been wanting to go for so long, I even told DH last Year I'm buying a RV just as soon as the last 4 CC are paid off Hope this will happen this year ...

Have Fun everyone and HAPPY CAMPING/RV'ING

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MyCoupons Is #1 for Holiday Shopping

Scrambled Egg Baggies

2-3 Eggs per person
grated cheese
diced onion
bell pepper
salt
pepper
Salsa

Equipment Needed:
FREEZER grade small baggie per person
permanent marker such as a sharpie
Large pot with hot (not boiling) water

Each person needs to put their name on a baggie with the sharpie.

Break eggs into baggie and add what ever else you like in scrambled eggs.

Seal baggie and have each person "massage" the eggs with their fingers so that the mixture resembles what you would normally scramble in a pan.

Place the baggies in the hot water for about 4-5 minutes. The length of time depends on how many bags are in the water and how hot the water is.

After the eggs are done you can either eat out of the baggie or put the eggs on a plate.

__________________
Brenda

GO #24 JEFF GORDON

Remember that you can put just about anything into these bags with your eggs.
Meats should be cooked tho!
Boil the bags for about 13 minutes.
They come out looking like omelets.

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Square dancing is friendship set to music!

We are doing the eggs Memorial Day weekend!! CANT WAIT to try them!

Another thing to remember to bring is febreeze!! Just in case you get that musty smell.

When we pack up the tent and sleeping bags for the season we put fabric softner sheets inside everything. That way they smell good as new in the spring when we use them again!

__________________

GO TONY!!!!!!!!!!! # 20!!!

For the eggs in the baggie, what we use is the quart size freezer bags. I found the ones that are "yellow and blue make green" lol are the best to use (not the zipper kind, if they make those in freezer style).

We cook until they feel set (sometimes takes more than even 13 mins for us) but that is because we usually put the following in ours:

Shredded cheese
Mushrooms
Salt
Pepper

I am not sure if I ever tried to use meats in them, but they are always always awesome no matter how you make them and what you put into them. I did find that if I used too much cheese, they were runny and didnt' set well.

But yes, yiou can put whatever you want into them! Be creative and let the kids have fun. Mine usually just plop right out of the baggie when turned over on the plate, and look JUST like an omelet.

Yum!