campermom

You girls could keep it really simple and have sandwiches, salads, cereal, ...cold stuff. Prep time is shorter, clean up easier, more time to do...nothing! We have a camp stove, bring a fry pan and stock pot. Anything that you make by boiling water is great, like instant potatoes, couscous, past. We usually have frozen ravioli and a bag o salad the first night.

You may want to reconsider changing your site. Breaking camp for Sunday sounds like a pain in the neck. If they had a cancellation for a shelter upon arrival, upgrade, if not, you may prefer the privacy of a tent.

There are many sections of the river which are neat to explore. In new Garner, the area around the dam, and then about 500 yards downstream is interesting. Someone has a virtual pool in the river behind their house.

At Old G, the rock beach area is nice with rope swings. The area below the dam has some deep holes and rope swings. Make sure you stop at Academy to buy river shoes. Crocs and flipflops will come off and float away.

You girls should be just fine. If you are somewhere and get the "Willies", follow your instinct. Generally campers are great folks who value their time outdoors and respect nature and fellow campers.

There are lists on this site of what you should bring but here is another one.

Tent, sleeping bag, mattress or pad, 2 towels, 2 flashlights or a flashlight and a lantern, extra batteries, tennis shoes, river shoes, flip flops, clothes and swim suit, extension cord and box fan for inside the tent, small bar of soap at the water faucet, sunscreen, bug spray, dominoes, cards, cooler for food and drinks, ( 2 coolers is better, 1 for each), camp stove, fry pan, pot with lid, plates, utensils, can opener, spatula, tongs, large spoon, foil if cooking over fire, trash bags ( 3, one for each day, take out before bedtime), food for meals, snacks, water, drinks, camera.

If you plan to go camping often, store these items together, in a clear tote, then the items will always be packed and ready for the next trip.

If something goes wrong, look on the bright side, it will make for a great camping story! Have a blast!

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