|
|
02-28-2016, 05:37 AM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 3,722
|
Several intersting points above.
We take an early then a late season long trip but over most of the summer, leave our 5er at a small CG. That CG has a 'community' fire at least 2x a week, weather permitting plus most of us know each other so there are campfire groups most evenings. When we travel, we pretty much hang out inside after a full day of doing touristy things though there have been and will be exceptions. A CG we visited on a Nova Scotia trip a couple years back, one of the seasonal folks there had a guitar and sang very nicely and we did sing-a-long. Another CG in SD last year had us folks around a campfire too. Then there are some NY State campsites - and some very long friendships made when there were kids
Some of the reason, IMO, you don't see groups often mingle is that people seem to be reluctant to intrude on anothers peaceful enjoyment of a campfire if they don't know each other - at least from chatting during the day.
Then there are the loud, alcohol fueled groups and our, at least ours, reluctance to attend, but that's for another thread
__________________
Dave W
2011 Ford F250 6.7 Lariat CCLB, Gone but not forgotten
2014 Montana High Country 343RL (sold it!)
|
|
|
|
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
02-28-2016, 11:24 AM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: MI
Posts: 4,733
|
We are coming up on our first year of owning a MH and live in MI. Have camped as much as we could and had a campfire almost every night if it wasn't raining. Lot of dog walkers and some made friends and stopped by for a pet each time.
Others came by, said hello and kept going. I don't think we watched an hour of TV the whole summer. Love coffee outside, sunrises and sunsets and the fresh air. Like reading and that is easily done at the beach or outside under my awning.
I work inside and the last thing I want to do is sit inside. I probably take 3 to 5 walks a day because I love the outside. That's the whole point of owning this MH. Travel and be outside.
I retire in 17 months and I sure hope I keep up with my present attitude about being inside. Hopefully we meet up in the future and share a campfire or two, a drink and maybe some pie or something. I just know I will not be in Michigan in winter because I want to be outside.
__________________
Retired January 4th, 2018 Lynne & Jerry RVM 105
04 WBGO Itasca Sunova (Miss May) Blue Ox Tow Bar
15 Equinox (Noxi) 18 RAD Mini e-bike, 04 Tracker
|
|
|
02-28-2016, 11:31 AM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Carolina Campers
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Winston Salem, NC
Posts: 3,452
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by sgtjoe
We are in our 60's and enjoy hanging out with other folks, but can't find a RV park where the OLD folks stay up after dark. Currently where we are no one comes out after it gets dark. We have a camp fire to hang out around. Is there somewhere out there we can have fun after dark?
|
Joe, as you walk or ride around the park during the day, stop and talk to the neighbors and let them know that you are having a BBQ at 8:00 PM at your camp sight. Tell them that you want to invite them to come and feel free to bring a dish to add to the table. You would be surprised at the number of folks that show up....
|
|
|
02-28-2016, 11:34 AM
|
#18
|
Member
Forest River Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Jefferson City Missouri
Posts: 38
|
I agree with IC2 above. Lots of interesting comments.
In our case, while we would absolutely LOVE to sit out around a campfire and socialize, DW has asthma and bad allergies and cannot tolerate most smoke from wood fires. While we usually just retire to the inside of the MH when she has problems, in the past we have been forced to cut a weekend short and go home due to all of the fires in the campground. Its kind of frustrating, but we understand that a campfire is a major part of camping. We just wish we could enjoy it more with everyone else.
When we camp with a group and have use of a meeting room or clubhouse at the campground, we usually stay up playing cards or dominoes, or eating sugary treats of one kind or another. Sometimes adult beverages are even consumed!
We are generally not ready to retire early, especially if we can find someone else to stay up or stay out having fun and socializing.
__________________
Marc and Ronette Applegate
2015 Coachmen Mirada 35LS w/Banks Power, 2008 Saturn Vue toad with RVibrake2;
I just point the MH where she tells me, and I have fun when she tells me I'm having fun!
|
|
|
02-29-2016, 04:53 AM
|
#19
|
Moderator Emeritus
Nor'easters Club Fleetwood Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: NH
Posts: 5,099
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lifemember
Around dusk I pull out the banjo or guitar and sit by the campfire.
|
My banjo is sometimes in the coach but rarely take it out but you may have something there. Just haven't heard many playing at night, but enjoy playing.
__________________
Bruce & Nancy
FMCA F280542
2004 Bounder 35E
US Navy Vet.
|
|
|
02-29-2016, 06:03 AM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 3,722
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruce C
My banjo is sometimes in the coach but rarely take it out but you may have something there. Just haven't heard many playing at night, but enjoy playing.
|
If you pull it out and start strummin' - probably mid to late afternoon, you will for sure attract folks in the evening. If you can sing, that will help as well. I don't play a guitar or banjo and my singing is best described as something a tomcat might warble to his lady love, so am doubly 'blessed'. Now, pull out some bagpipes and start them up around dark --------
__________________
Dave W
2011 Ford F250 6.7 Lariat CCLB, Gone but not forgotten
2014 Montana High Country 343RL (sold it!)
|
|
|
02-29-2016, 06:22 AM
|
#21
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Northeastern Nebraska
Posts: 969
|
I have not stayed in many privately owned campgrounds. The ones I have been to make you be quiet after 9 or 10. Thats about when It gets dark.
I also thought that it would be different. You see on TV at campgrounds everyone is very friendly. The 2 times I stayed at Double J in Springfield ILL I never seen either neighbor. And a creepy guy kept cutting through our site. I say Hi he put his head down and kept on truckin.
__________________
06 forest river Cardinal 34 TS towed by 03 freightliner Columbia HDT 435 hp 60 series Detroit, 10 speed, 3:55 gears with full locker. 260 inch wheel base. I am a Father, Farmer, and A Trucker.
|
|
|
02-29-2016, 06:56 AM
|
#22
|
Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Grass Lake, MI
Posts: 75
|
It's been tough for us as well. In Michigan, we have a fire ring that is fueled frequently, for my wife and I too enjoy...okay...and our dogs too.
This is our first winter in Florida at an RV Resort and I have to tell you, THE SIDEWALKS AND STREETS ROLL UP AT DUSK. There are occasional events that may go into the wee hours...say nine O'clock, but very infrequent. And campfires...(have to have an off the ground fire ring/container) can't remember the last one I saw burning here. We have our rocking chairs and rug setup too enjoy and have many wavers and nodders, but not too many stoppers and sitters. Fortunately, we have good neighbors that have made the stay very enjoyable and we both plan to come back to the same sites next year for another go round.
I do miss the campfires and I'm hoping for more of the campground setting this summer when we get back home, where we can enjoy the camping experience vs. the RV Life.
Maybe we'll have to look into buying on of those campfire pots for next winter.
__________________
Tom n Terri
Ty & Gavin (our rescued boys)
2008 Gulfstream Independence 8367, Triton V10-Ford F53 Chassis
|
|
|
02-29-2016, 08:13 AM
|
#23
|
Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Posts: 2,231
|
We don't full-time, and our longer trips are generally travelling every few days. We have found that RV parks (and especially RV resorts) are full of lots of long term campers rather than travelers. The folks treat the park and their RV as their home (as they should), and generally stay inside more. Note we do the same thing when at home! We find more of the type of campers you call "fun" at public campgrounds or campgrounds that cater to vacationers. We only cook outside or sit outside in the evening if there is an enjoyable view and a roomy site, and that also generally needs a public campground (though there are a few exceptions).
|
|
|
03-01-2016, 05:22 AM
|
#24
|
Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,724
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Indy Glenn
Not sure where you are but if possible, check out a state park here in Indiana.
We set up an outdoor kitchen, with a propane stove & grill, electric griddle, and of course our wood fire. So we cook and eat outside........come see us....
I too like to sit out at night by a fire and sip on Old #7 or Old #7 "Fire" in the cooler weather. Now and again - a S'more can be found being made.
Morning coffee - an old occupational mandate was getting up and out early - nothing like a cup of joe next to a fire........nothing like the smell of bacon on an open fire...
Indiana State Parks have a pretty lively bunch - yes - there are the dog walkers (us), bike riders (us), walkers (us), camp site visitors (me).........
When can I expect you at our camp site????????
g
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TnT612
It's been tough for us as well. In Michigan, we have a fire ring that is fueled frequently, for my wife and I too enjoy...okay...and our dogs too.
This is our first winter in Florida at an RV Resort and I have to tell you, THE SIDEWALKS AND STREETS ROLL UP AT DUSK. There are occasional events that may go into the wee hours...say nine O'clock, but very infrequent. And campfires...(have to have an off the ground fire ring/container) can't remember the last one I saw burning here. We have our rocking chairs and rug setup too enjoy and have many wavers and nodders, but not too many stoppers and sitters. Fortunately, we have good neighbors that have made the stay very enjoyable and we both plan to come back to the same sites next year for another go round............
|
Your post hit home as "Next Year" (December 2016) we head to FLA to winter for the first time ourselves............I know it will be different than the summer camping we do..........and like you - we hope we get great neighbors.....
We will be in LaBelle.........when can I expect you??? lol
g
__________________
Glenn & Angie - my Guardian Angel plus "Haddington & Sophie The Airedales".
2017 Newmar Canyon Star 40', FMCA - Retired Army Sergeant Major
|
|
|
03-01-2016, 06:24 PM
|
#25
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 807
|
We have two trailers on seasonal sites in a campground and the evening begins with "golf cart tours". Several of the seasonals play guitar and often someone will ride by and announce "We will be at Eddie and Joanne's tonight" or "We will be at Dave and Virginia's tonight." We both sing, so we typically show up at some point and belt out a few tunes.
We also have a class B that we camp in once or twice during the season - usually with a group we connected to over the Internet or for a special event. During the off season, we will camp in the B 3 or 4 times as well. I am very gregarious and tend to walk around and say "hi" to everyone. I will strike up a conversation and sometimes end up sharing a beer and a campfire with folks I have never met and sometimes don't.
I enjoy it when I meet new people and hear new stories, but I don't depend on it for my weekend fun. I set out an extra chair and say hi to everyone who walks by...some people sit a spell and some people look at me like I have three heads. That's life, I guess.
__________________
**********
2022 Gulf Stream Envision 21QBS pulled by a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
|
|
|
03-01-2016, 07:15 PM
|
#26
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 163
|
Last winter when we went to FL for 2 months, we traveled around and stayed at a mixture of RV parks and Public parks. We enjoyed both but there is a big difference depending on where you go. At the COE park we met lots of fellow RV'ers and almost everyone was outside both during the day and at night. One couple organized a Super Bowl potluck and we all became friends. It was awesome. At the RV parks, people were friendly but more standoffish. Most were there for longer stays and we were only there for a few days. They had established friends although they tried to be inclusive. It's harder to get to know people when your RVing is so different. Next winter when we return we are looking to stay in public campgrounds as much as possible. Here's the kicker, my husband and I own a private campground so you would think we'd be inclined to stay in private parks. The public parks actually feel more like our campground then the RV Parks.
|
|
|
03-03-2016, 06:19 AM
|
#27
|
Senior Member
Damon Owners Club Vintage RV Owners Club Oklahoma Boomers Club
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Bartlesville Oklahoma
Posts: 1,300
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrebele
Last winter when we went to FL for 2 months, we traveled around and stayed at a mixture of RV parks and Public parks. We enjoyed both but there is a big difference depending on where you go. At the COE park we met lots of fellow RV'ers and almost everyone was outside both during the day and at night. One couple organized a Super Bowl potluck and we all became friends. It was awesome. At the RV parks, people were friendly but more standoffish. Most were there for longer stays and we were only there for a few days. They had established friends although they tried to be inclusive. It's harder to get to know people when your RVing is so different. Next winter when we return we are looking to stay in public campgrounds as much as possible. Here's the kicker, my husband and I own a private campground so you would think we'd be inclined to stay in private parks. The public parks actually feel more like our campground then the RV Parks.
|
I mostly stay at the COE's they do have a different feel to them. I like the fact that everyone is not on top of each other and the layout have a better design for the campsite. (the ones I have stayed at so far) I use the private parks when I am traveling and only staying for a night or two. I have found some 'great Private parks' but the big kicker for me is, I get a 50% discount at the COE.
__________________
1996 Damon DayBreak 454 P37 Chassis
|
|
|
03-03-2016, 06:49 AM
|
#28
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: MacGregor, Manitoba
Posts: 59
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lifemember
I mostly stay at the COE's...,I get a 50% discount at the COE.
|
Please excuse my ignorance on this, but what does "COE" stand for? Thanks!
__________________
David & Marion, MacGregor, Manitoba
2015 Ram 2500 CC, SRW, Cummins
2002 Titanium 29e34RL
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|