QuestionMark

Howdy everyone...

Newbie here. I've had the camping bug for a few years now and figured I'd give it a shot. We're relative newcomers to the Houston area but I've been scouting out a few places for our first 'night' out. My wife is on board, and our 4 year old son is certainly excited about camping. Here's what I've got (or done) so far. What am I missing??

1. Got a tent..nothing to fancy. A middle of the road Coleman that should work for a night or two (we'll pick our weather this time). Didn't want to pay too much in case we didn't like the experience.

1a. I also bought seam sealant and will do that to the tent, as well as set it up in the backyard once or twice before we leave the house.

2. I've got two tarps -- one to put under the tent (with no exposes tarp edges) and one to put on the floor inside the tent. (I've been doing my lurking/homework here and on other sites).

3. A nice coleman battery powered lantern and assorted flashlights.

4. Folding chairs for each of us to use while at camp.

5. Air mattresses and rechargable pump.

6. We'll eat out of the cooler and dry items for the first trip. Maybe grill up some hotdogs on the fire. I wanted to keep the food/cooking to a minimum for this first adventure.

I'll start making lists of the usual things such as blankets, clothes, plates, cups, toilet paper, etc. But what else from an "ah-ha!" perspective should I try and remember? I don't want to invest a lot of money at this point, but if its something that will make a difference between being comfortable and being miserable, I'll jump on it. We're going to a state park or something, preferably during the week when its not as crowded.

Thanks for any input!

Mark

Shannon

Here are some useful threads, and I'm sure our regulars here will chime in with additional insights/suggestions. Have a terrific time!

• Camping List
• Questions from a first time Texas camper
• Camping With Kiddos

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ploddinTod

Mark,

The Camping Nanny told me that you have been a very, very good student in researching the subject. Good job.

One thing you might add are an emergency space blanket or two. They add a lot of extra insulation in case your sleeping system (bags or blankets) is less than you hoped for.

Of course, take them with you on your day hikes as part of your 10 essentials.

Enjoy your trip and post back to let us know how it went.

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PloddinTod

rockhill

Sounds like you covered the main items. You did not mention if you were hiking in to a primitive spot or just using a "drive up" tent site at the park. That would make a difference on what you might want or need. We started with an old canvas tent, canvas cots and a coleman stove. We started adding stuff after every trip. Not sure the stuff we added was really necessary or not. Even at the most basic level we had fun. If you hit a rainy spell that tent will seem to shrink and lead to a less than enjoyable time. On the other hand if you have great weather you will not remember the size of the tent, just the size of the wide open country and sky. Don't fret too much on what you might have forgot, just go and enjoy the moment!

QuestionMark

Thanks. It's a 5 person Coleman. It's not bad. I set it up in the backyard for the first time today. Though it is a lot smaller inside that I would've thought. Luckily its just 2.5 people so we should be ok. If we really get into this we'll upgrade.

We'll be doing drive-up camping (car camping?) the first time. Where the car will be right next to the site. So there won't be any backpacking involved, etc.

Here's a few questions, mostly newbie ones:

1. Gotta have coffee...what's the simpliest way to perform that feat? A small propone stove with a little percolator?

2. Do most/some/none of the state parks have hot water in the showers? Is there much in the way of privacy?

I'm sure I'll think of some more...Thanks again!

Mark

campermom

Showers have hot water and curtains ( some even have doors ). We usually clean up at night so the sleeping bags stay fresher longer.

Coffee, make friends with the folks parked next door in the rv, bring your own cup. Sometimes the HQ or store has some. If you aren't bringing a stove, you could bring the coffee maker from home, you are getting an electric site right?

Tent size does matter. I've got one from wal mart, it was about 50 and I can easily stand up to get dressed in the center of it. There are 2 doors and a fabric divider to make it a 2-room tent. We could put 2 QS air mattresses and gear inside. I can put it up alone in 10 minutes.

Since you are in Houston, and have a kiddo, I'd reccommend Brazos Bend. Their Nature center is wonderful. We visited it twice daily on our trip last March. Search thru here for the report ( I don't know how to do that link thingie).

Have fun and post a report once you've returned. I think you'll be hooked.

Shannon

Awesome observatory at Brazos Bend, as well. We had a wonderful time attending their nighttime "star party"... fun for ALL ages!

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- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com

Purchases in the Wild Texas Gear Shop support our continued operation. Thank you!

DayTripper

Since you will have a child along, you should consider some sort of first aid supplies.

We take a Coleman 2-burner stove for cooking. It uses the 16.4 oz. propane cylinders. We also have a lantern that uses the same fuel source. For coffee, we use a percolater. The more stained it gets, the better the coffee.

You might consider a table-cloth with clips for the picnic table provided at nearly every park. Although it isn't necessary for eating and cooking, if you play dominos, cards, or other games, it certainly helps.

Enjoy your trip.

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DayTripper

Turn Key

Beyond a doubt, if your camping without "electric" where you can use your "Mr. Coffee" type pot, the next best thing is a Coffee Press. Makes great coffee and all you need is fresh grounds of your choice and boiling water. Wouldn't make coffee any other way, sans electricity. Here's a site to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. It happens to be the one we carry in the trailer but there are other models to be had.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_k/...o.x=17&Go.y=11

A state park would be a very good choice for a first outting. Haven't been there in many years but I remember Galveston Island SP being very nice.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f...rks/galveston/

If you don't mind going a bit further and north, I was just at Rusk SP last week. Didn't camp but it looked pretty nice. Would give you the opportunity to ride the Texas State Railroad. It's not "The Silverton" (What is:rolleyes:?) but it is a very nice ride for the price and the kiddos will love it. Will be putting up a review of our trip there in a week or two. Have another site:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f...and_palestine/

Looks to me like your plans are forming up well. Take it slow, don't try to do everything the first trip and above all else, HAVE FUN!

Happy Camping!

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4everfrio

Welcome to the great outdoors!!!
If you are planning a winter trip, consider getting some of the disposable hand warmers. Before you go to bed, open the package and shake it up real good. Then put one in the bottom of every bag. You will be suprised how much warmer the bag will be. They come in many different sizes and can be picked up a Walmart or most any outdoor store.
Best wishes. The memories you make will last forever.
~~~~4everfrio~~~~

4everfrio

Duh, hand warmers in the sleeping bag.
My mind is going.

campermom

Electric blanket is my first choice for winter camping comfort. If you can't do that, just get your body temperature up right before you jump in the sack. A long hot shower or stroll around the camp loop will warm you up. The sleeping bag will maintain the temperature better if you start out warm. Another trick, lay on the sleeping bag with your warm clothes on. Just as you arse heats up a seat at the office, so will your body on the bed.

Dominos are nice. There are many easy games for the kids, they won't be ruined with rain or split drinks, and they don't blow away.

Good thread with tons of advice. Isn't the internet great?!

HappyCamper

You've got plenty of good suggestions. Also, consider getting a few large plastic bins to organize your stuff. They come in handy when packing up and if/when it rains.

Our kids love Lake Texana. They have a great wildlife presentation and the kids get to handle the baby gators, snakes, and other critters under the watchful eye of the park ranger. Lake Texana is a little over an hour south of Houston.

Have fun and happy camping.

QuestionMark

Alrighty...we're gonna do it. Tomorrow night will be our first night under the tent. I'll report back and let everyone know how it went.

Quick question -- should a campfire at the site, even if its quickly dying down, be extinquished before going to sleep? I imagine just pouring water on it is the best way, right?

Thanks

Mark

happybooker1

REmember do not go to bed in the same clothes you wore all day. Even underwear. YOu will be much warmer. The clothes you wear during the day absorb all the sweat from your body & cool you off at night. Even if you don't think you sweat you do!

Don't forget the marshmallows!!