Camping Must/Nice-To Haves

[kmo_ii]

Hello All!

My wife and I are new to camping, just purchased our first TT, and I was wondering what are the 'must haves' or 'nice to haves' for camping trips? What are things that we can purchase to make camping more fun and enjoyable for us and our kiddos (2 boys, 5 and 3; and a 6 month old baby girl). We are planning our first weekend trip to Camp Whitewater at White Lake, NC.

Thanks and we look forward to your responses!

Ken

[Maladjusted]

A good quality, large entry mat to place by the stairs.

[bradnailer]

I don't camp without my 10' * 10' canopy. We camp where there are picnic tables so I put the canopy over the table and a table cloth on the table. Honestly, we don't spend much time in the trailer during the day but more time outside under the canopy playing games, doing crafts and such.

Good bag chairs are handy and easy to store.

[mga60tw]

must haves: extra sewage hose, extra water hose, extra power cord and tv cable. Many places you will need the extra length of all the above.

[kmo_ii]

Thanks All! Maladjusted, works out that they gave us a nice big outdoor rug. So that's a plus. Also, mga60tw, since they had bought a couple a rv's, they had extra start kits that they gave us as well, so we have extra unused hoses and hookups. Bradnailer, sounds like we will be canopy shopping this weekend!

[PyrateSilly]

Here's a weird suggestion, Sheet Straps (Set of 4) - Bed Bath & Beyond bedsheet straps/suspenders. They are to keep the table cloth down on the table so that it does not fly off with the least little bit of wind. We got 2 sets at Kmart for (I think) about $5 apiece.

[vsheetz]

Comfy outside chairs and small fold-up tables to hold your drinks while you relax.

[Ramblin]

1) Red solo cups, and something tasty to put into them.
2) High limit VISA card.
3) Somebody to take you to WalMart to buy the stuff you forgot (and a rotisserie chicken).



Oh.... and

[JohnWW]

Clothesline and pins. Stuff happens and drying out becomes necessary.

[cavedvr]

Bug spray, suntan lotion, firewood and something to start it with, and finally, SMORES

[RVThere]

Small plastic bucket loader, bulldozer, dump truck, etc. toys that are 'special' just for the camper.

My 3 boys would sit for hours in the dirt of the campground building roads, mini construction sites, excavations, etc.

[sprint180]

ok I don't know what these are called but a organizer thing that holds paper plates , napkins, forks, spoons, knives. I take mine out and usually leave it out depending on the weather, grab it at night and take it in. and I have some old Tupperware plastic tv trays that come in handy to set your drinks or plates on while your lounging

[Sweetbriar]

Good to have -
A good size cooler for drinks and such. You'll find the fridge a bit small and will fill up quick.

Folding chairs for everyone.

Being a family with children as many indoor activities you can think of incase of bad weather. Play Stations, X-Box, board games, movies,,,

Outdoor cooking materials. Dutch Ovens, a good grill that is easy to store, welder's gloves and such. Don't forget something to cook marsh mellows and hot dogs over an open fire. Also an electric or propane hot plate to cook outside. I have yet to fry anything in the coach. Don't want to clean grease off the walls. A charcoal starter chimney is also a must.

I carry a cement mixing tub I got a Lowes. Use it to stand in and rise off sandy feet. Also stood in it to shower and wash the dog after a skunk encounter.

My few must haves -
First Aid kit.
Weather warning radio.
Cell phone and charger.
At least $100 in cash.
Not less than 1/2 tank of fuel.

[damdannyboy]

Two of these put togethera must!