First camping trip

[CindyLou82]

DH and I are taking are two little girls, 3 and 2, to Fall Creek Falls in two weeks. WE have had our American Eagle Coach for not quite a month now. We are staying 3 nights there. I love Fall Creek Falls. What are some recommendations on the essentials? What can't you leave home without? We have never staying overnight in the coach so this will be a first. Its only two hours from home so not terribly far from the stick house. Thanks for your input!

[jsmart]

Camping has always meant kids and grandkids for us. We finally bought a 28' class C after having a TT on a beach lot for 20+ years. Our first camping trip was with our 2yo granddaughter and two of our older ( 9 & 12 yo)grandsons. We had a wonderful time and then went out and bought (what we should have bought the first time) a 32' class A with 2 slides. What a difference. DW always has the plan B, and plan C stuff stashed away (she pulls toys out of cupboards I didn't know we had). Any way, happy camping to all, I love reading these posts, I've learned way too much already, seems like when I retire, I'll be a full time MH mechanic.

[John_Wayne]

Each child gets a whistle and if they get lost to stay put and blow there whistle till some one finds them.

[CindyLou82]

Rickyrocket wrote:
HIDE THE BATHROOM SINK STOPPER !!!my 2 daughters were playing while the wife and I were outside,they decided to wash Barbies & left the water running.....:S

I could totally see my two doing this! Yikes!

[SacsTC]

CindyLou82 wrote:
Thanks all! We have done some short trips so I have snacks and first aid kit stored. And 31 bags with toys and coloring books. Our campsite has 50amp service which is great for our big coach. I believe we have 3 batteries. Camping in the drive way is a fantastic idea!

As long as you have electric hookups, (50 amp) as stated, you don't need batteries.....Have fun!! Be normal, (all they need) at 3 & 2 years. They are just watching and learning from you./

[tahiti16]

Remember no matter what you forget it is only a weekend, except possible medicines. Anything REALLY needed can either be bought from the store or possibly borrowed from a friendly neighbor.

It's camping and a weekend getaway doesn't have to go perfect according to plan! :B

It seldom does!

[Rickyrocket]

HIDE THE BATHROOM SINK STOPPER !!!my 2 daughters were playing while the wife and I were outside,they decided to wash Barbies & left the water running.....:S

[DesertSpooners]

Pack light and then have a trial run at home in the form of a slumber party. It is a lot easier to get a favorite toy or the right coffee filters if they are just a few feet away. Wishing you a wonderful camping trip!

[Mommalu]

Extra paper towels & TP. Tub of wipes, lg beach towels work wonders when it rains to dry things or put wet/muddy things on like shoes. Rug for outside the coach to catch some of the dirt. Swiffer mop to push dirt aside until time for a better cleaning. A sense of humor, most everything is humorous at a later date.
Bring a notebook to log the events and who said/did what. Enjoy!!

[CindyLou82]

Thanks all! We have done some short trips so I have snacks and first aid kit stored. And 31 bags with toys and coloring books. Our campsite has 50amp service which is great for our big coach. I believe we have 3 batteries. Camping in the drive way is a fantastic idea!

[DougE]

Pick up the largest general use first aid kit from Walmart. Add some Neosporin and gauze pads to it, plus anything else typical for your family that's not in the pack. Also get a roll of the sticky stretch wrap (usually used after a blood test) at the farm supply store (originally used on horses).

[Valkyriebush]

Bring your camera and take lot's of videos and photo's to cherish for years! Also have ERS insurance just in case.

[Hawk7]

Congrats on your new Coach. When we purchased our first Hybrid RV back in July, I downloaded several packing lists. I spent an entire day in it parked in our driveway packing everything on those lists. Some of it was overkill. You will realize what works for you after a few trips out. After packing the essentials like a first aid kit,clothes, cookware, silverware, food and bathing supplies.. pack the kids favorite things like toys, blankets, and movies etc. From one mom to another, keeping them entertained while you set up is essential. I planned out our meals for our 2 and 3 day trips and then made a list of what I needed to prepare those meals and made sure I had everything I needed. Try not to stress about having everything.. if you forget something there is always a Wal-Mart or grocery store near. Keep pen and paper in your rig and write down things you know you will need for future trips. This time of year.. pack shorts, long pants and jackets but most of all have fun!

[Eycom]

Hmmm... from a grandfather's perspective: food, diapers, a lot of patience, and the dream that one day, maybe one day... you'll be able to send the youngins home with your kids.:) Oh... and another "must have" might be an adult beverage... strictly for medicinal purposes, you understand.:B

[RoyB]

Just remember they probably have a camp store and of course there will always be a WALMART and a LOWES close by.

Some folks like to camp out in the back yard a couple of times to really figure what what you might need...

Just go enjoy your self. You will see what others bring along and decide from that what you all want to bring with you.

I end up going overboard as I have the room and like to cover all of the bases called having PLAN Bs. For us this is great but for others its probably a waste of precious storage space...

The dire necessities are being able to hook-up to utilities if the camp site has that available. Water hose and cable TV connections are high on the list.

Most camp sites have pedestals for 30AMP and 20AMP connections - some have 50AMP connections.

If you are camping off the power grid you will find out real quick just one battery will be a bummer. Especially if you have to run your propane furnace any.

Your new trailer will have all of the modern day appliances and you will want to run them. Its not like the old camping days where you can survive with flashlights and candles. You can still do that but there you sit looking at the modern appliances sitting there idle.

You can go overboard rather fast here haha...

Roy Ken