Camping (1 Viewer)

[In The Zone]

Some long overdue trips. 

We spent four nights @ Mistletoe State Park in Appling, Georgia last October. Very relaxing. Great kayaking on Clarks Hill Lake which is part of the Savanah River lake system. Will definitely go back as it's roughly only an hour and a half from the house. 

Mistletoe State Park

 

[moleculo]

the Moleculo family is getting back into camping.  I practically grew up in a tent but after I moved to Florida I didn't really get to do much - too hot, no mountains.  After we moved to the Carolinas, my kids were too small and it was a pain in the butt keeping them in check, and we just got out of it.

But, we spent Memorial day weekend at a local state park and my wife (definitely an indoor cat) said it wasn't terrible.  So, we have a few more trips planned for July, including a full week along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

I have been using the bin/tote system for a while.  It was much easier with my truck than it is car camping.    Now I bought a  new 4Runner, I get to reorganize everything again and probably buy some new totes that fit better.

When I said the last trip wasn't terrible, we did have one incident.  It rained on the last day at like 5:00AM.  My tent leaked like a damn civ.  I had just sealed all of the seams too.  The fabric lost all waterproofing ability whatsoever.  Water just dripped right thru the fly.  The tent was about 20 years old and too small for our family so I didn't even bring it home.  It ended up in the campground dumpster.  So - new tent for me!

 

[flapgreen]

Steve 

 

[Jaysus]

So - new tent for me!

I got a new car camping tent a little while back during an REI sale... being able to stand in it was a priority, I wound up going big and went all out with a mud room extension to make it even bigger - lol.  Used it for the first time a few weeks back and with just my son and I it felt like we were in a mansion. Good times. 

 

[moleculo]

I got a new car camping tent a little while back during an REI sale... being able to stand in it was a priority, I wound up going big and went all out with a mud room extension to make it even bigger - lol.  Used it for the first time a few weeks back and with just my son and I it felt like we were in a mansion. Good times. 

yeah.  for car camping, might as well get the biggest tent that seems reasonable.  I ended up with this one: Kelty Body 6.  I like the fly coming all the way down on all sides below the windows and coming away from the door, leaving a place I can keep shoes dry.  77' high at the middle is waay taller than anyone in my family.  

I will probably get a small pop-up eventually. 

Or maybe a RTT - some of those look pretty cool.  I thought they are pretty silly when they first became popular but the ones that have a hard shell, open up in like 60 seconds and allow you to store bedding inside - I can see the appeal.  

 

[SFBayDuck]

Buddy of mine bought a 28' Class C Winnebago last Fall, and as he doesn't have RV parking and we do it's stored at my place.  He and his family will probably use it 2-4 times a year, and we have it listed on Outdoorsy for rentals.  I can use it whenever he's not or it's not rented.  If we actually rent it enough to cover his basic costs, we'll split anything above and beyond that.

Seemed like a hell of a deal but we've had it since October and are finally using it this weekend for the first time, just to go out to a friend's property where he's having a weekend long party/pig roast.  We have 4 rentals set up in July, so I'm glad we're using it now so we can figure out how everything works.  I'm a little concerned already about planning our lives around being here to turn it over between rentals, and in fact for our first rental in a couple of weeks I'll be out of town on business and my wife will have to do the checkout routine.  But we'll see how it goes this summer, and hopefully we start to use it more ourselves.  

 

[Rustoleum]

I got a new car camping tent a little while back during an REI sale... being able to stand in it was a priority, I wound up going big and went all out with a mud room extension to make it even bigger - lol.  Used it for the first time a few weeks back and with just my son and I it felt like we were in a mansion. Good times. 

Buddy of mine got one that basically just clips into a tailgate party- type pop up canopy. Can do 2 cots, 2 Rubbermaid totes, and still have plenty of room, plus standing at full height throughout. 
 

 

[In The Zone]

The first trip of 2022 took us to Short Stay in Moncks Corner, SC on the banks of Lake Moultrie. This was a quick weekend trip with friends. We didn't see any gators but they are present in this area of SC. Was hoping to see one while out in the kayak. 

Short Stay

 

[AAABatteries]

Buddy of mine bought a 28' Class C Winnebago last Fall, and as he doesn't have RV parking and we do it's stored at my place.  He and his family will probably use it 2-4 times a year, and we have it listed on Outdoorsy for rentals.  I can use it whenever he's not or it's not rented.  If we actually rent it enough to cover his basic costs, we'll split anything above and beyond that.

Seemed like a hell of a deal but we've had it since October and are finally using it this weekend for the first time, just to go out to a friend's property where he's having a weekend long party/pig roast.  We have 4 rentals set up in July, so I'm glad we're using it now so we can figure out how everything works.  I'm a little concerned already about planning our lives around being here to turn it over between rentals, and in fact for our first rental in a couple of weeks I'll be out of town on business and my wife will have to do the checkout routine.  But we'll see how it goes this summer, and hopefully we start to use it more ourselves.  

Could you get a lockbox and instructions and not have to deal with it?  

 

[SFBayDuck]

Could you get a lockbox and instructions and not have to deal with it?  

I guess it'll depend on how experienced the renters are, but what I've seen is that most renters aren't (I know I wasn't when I rented one a few years back).  And they all have their little quirks it seems, in terms of operating things, I know I spent a bunch of time this weekend figuring things out.  It's not quite as simple as an AirBnB apartment or house!

 

[moleculo]

Just got back from a 3 day trip near Boone, NC.  It was supposed to be a 5-day trip but we cut it short.  We had a ton of rain Monday night - like an inch of rain total.  That kind of sucked in a tent.  We mostly stayed dry, but everything was wet and muddy.

overall, the trip was not conducive to my plan to convince my wife we should be camping more.  The fire was hard to start & keep going (due to humidity and dense eastern hardwood), we had troubles with the Coleman stove, the air mattress was not what I needed with my torn rotator cuff, mud everywhere, hard to sleep with sticks falling anytime the wind blew all night, etc.  I know most of these issues go away with a camper, but right now she would rather just Airbnb it.

 

[In The Zone]

Back in late June the wife and I drove our Class C 2021 Entegra Odyssey from SC to Port St Lucie, Florida and traded it in on a Class A Jayco. Spent the night @Tomoka State Park just outside of Ormond Beach. 3 miles from the campground my wife clipped a tree and pretty much destroyed the awning. We were up since 9pm the night before.

Next day we drove to Hunting Island State Park on the coast of SC and spent 5 nights over the July 4th weekend. We put 45 miles on the ebikes. What a magical place. Can't wait to go back. Saw all kinds of wildlife including deer,gators, raccoons, osprey, and a couple of bald eagles.

If you're are anywhere in the southeast and love to camp I highly recommend this place. You better book early though. This place is hard to get into.

Hunting Island State Park

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

Just now getting into camping with my son. So far it's just car camping on cub scout camp grounds but eventually looking to do some long weekends on or near historic sites with him.

 

[Manster]

Just got back from a 3 day trip near Boone, NC. It was supposed to be a 5-day trip but we cut it short. We had a ton of rain Monday night - like an inch of rain total. That kind of sucked in a tent. We mostly stayed dry, but everything was wet and muddy.

overall, the trip was not conducive to my plan to convince my wife we should be camping more. The fire was hard to start & keep going (due to humidity and dense eastern hardwood), we had troubles with the Coleman stove, the air mattress was not what I needed with my torn rotator cuff, mud everywhere, hard to sleep with sticks falling anytime the wind blew all night, etc. I know most of these issues go away with a camper, but right now she would rather just Airbnb it.

Dude you need a trailer. We got a little 20 footer back in '14 and never looked back. Having a bed, heater, and a bathroom is pretty sweet......we camp year-round. Tent camping in ****ty weather sucks big time!

 

[moleculo]

Just got back from a 3 day trip near Boone, NC. It was supposed to be a 5-day trip but we cut it short. We had a ton of rain Monday night - like an inch of rain total. That kind of sucked in a tent. We mostly stayed dry, but everything was wet and muddy.

overall, the trip was not conducive to my plan to convince my wife we should be camping more. The fire was hard to start & keep going (due to humidity and dense eastern hardwood), we had troubles with the Coleman stove, the air mattress was not what I needed with my torn rotator cuff, mud everywhere, hard to sleep with sticks falling anytime the wind blew all night, etc. I know most of these issues go away with a camper, but right now she would rather just Airbnb it.

Dude you need a trailer. We got a little 20 footer back in '14 and never looked back. Having a bed, heater, and a bathroom is pretty sweet......we camp year-round. Tent camping in ****ty weather sucks big time!

I do. I really do. Maybe this summer I can talk myself into getting one.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

Is this the thread to discuss travel trailers also?

Been thinking about getting a small trailer. Something under 4000lbs ideally. I have a full-size Ford truck now, but it is getting long in the tooth (2008 model with over 100k miles) and been looking more and more at the Tacoma so want something that I can pull in mountains with a Tacoma.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Is this the thread to discuss travel trailers also?

Been thinking about getting a small trailer. Something under 4000lbs ideally. I have a full-size Ford truck now, but it is getting long in the tooth (2008 model with over 100k miles) and been looking more and more at the Tacoma so want something that I can pull in mountains with a Tacoma.

Whatever you think you can tow, cut it in half. Hitch weight is likely your real limiting factor

 

[MTskibum]

Is this the thread to discuss travel trailers also?

Been thinking about getting a small trailer. Something under 4000lbs ideally. I have a full-size Ford truck now, but it is getting long in the tooth (2008 model with over 100k miles) and been looking more and more at the Tacoma so want something that I can pull in mountains with a Tacoma.

I drive a 2022 Tacoma and I have done extensive towing, although I have only done a single ~100 mile tow of a 5,000 pound boat with my tacoma.

The tacoma would be fine if you are talking eastern mountains or places with lower traffic in the west. I would have no problem towing a ~6000 pound camper up the bighorn mountains in Wyoming. However, I would not want to tow a 6,000 pound camper up i70 west of denver. I think the Tacoma would be too stressful towing in a high trafficked mountain area.

The problem is that it is slightly under powered, it is naturally aspirated, it has rear drum breaks, and it has the absolute worst gearing you could imagine.

The below article only matters if you are towing at high elevation in the rockies, but because of how turbocharging compresses the air you can get as much oxygen in a turbo engine at elevation compared to sea level, where as the tacoma is making 90 less HP as you are going over some of the high mountain passes in Colorado.

https://www.garrettmotion.com/news/...at-elevation-counteracting-lower-air-density/


They are redesigning the tacoma next year and putting a turbo engine in it. I also believe they are changing to rear disc breaks. They may solve all of these problems next year. The other thing Tacoma's have going for them is their crazy resale value and reliability. If you are a more relaxed driving and towing in situations where you are not surrounded by traffic it would make a good vehicle.

 

[MTskibum]

As for camping we booked a late september trip to Garner state park. It is my favorite park within a 5 hour drive of the houston area. The water is crystal clear in the river and that time of year it will still be warm enough to swim.

Camping is too crowded in Texas during the summer. I was spoiled living in Wyoming as a kid.

Garner State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

tpwd.texas.gov

 

[matttyl]

Is this the thread to discuss travel trailers also?

Been thinking about getting a small trailer. Something under 4000lbs ideally. I have a full-size Ford truck now, but it is getting long in the tooth (2008 model with over 100k miles) and been looking more and more at the Tacoma so want something that I can pull in mountains with a Tacoma.

Any chance on keeping the ford as a backup/tow vehicle? I ask because I have a 5k pound travel trailer and we bought a Tahoe to tow it. But towing is only 5% of the Tahoes miles, so the vast majority of the time I’m getting 16 mpg with that gas guzzler as a daily driver.

Anyway, friends had tacomas and used them for towing, and both upgraded to full size trucks as they didn’t like towing with the smaller Tacomas. If you go pretty small (top out at 4K pounds) and get a weight distribution hitch that helps with sway, you should be ok. I have a blue ox wdh and love it.

 

[SFBayDuck]

Buddy of mine bought a 28' Class C Winnebago last Fall, and as he doesn't have RV parking and we do it's stored at my place. He and his family will probably use it 2-4 times a year, and we have it listed on Outdoorsy for rentals. I can use it whenever he's not or it's not rented. If we actually rent it enough to cover his basic costs, we'll split anything above and beyond that.

Seemed like a hell of a deal but we've had it since October and are finally using it this weekend for the first time, just to go out to a friend's property where he's having a weekend long party/pig roast. We have 4 rentals set up in July, so I'm glad we're using it now so we can figure out how everything works. I'm a little concerned already about planning our lives around being here to turn it over between rentals, and in fact for our first rental in a couple of weeks I'll be out of town on business and my wife will have to do the checkout routine. But we'll see how it goes this summer, and hopefully we start to use it more ourselves.

Could you get a lockbox and instructions and not have to deal with it?

I guess it'll depend on how experienced the renters are, but what I've seen is that most renters aren't (I know I wasn't when I rented one a few years back). And they all have their little quirks it seems, in terms of operating things, I know I spent a bunch of time this weekend figuring things out. It's not quite as simple as an AirBnB apartment or house!

Forgot about this thread...we ended up having my buddy sell the RV last fall after our last booked rental. We only ended up using it once, mostly because we have access to a family cabin at the beach and it's so much easier to just head over there for an open week or long weekend. Our whole July last summer was scheduled around the 5 rentals we ended up having, meaning we couldn't go anywhere. Most people decided to just pay the $40 and have me dump the tanks, which wasn't the most fun thing ever even with a sewage hookup here at the house. And we had a couple of issues - batteries were fine until they weren't (during an off-grid rental), and the fridge broke during one rental. Constant calls, emails, texts were not what I wanted to be doing during my summer. Loved the idea, but just didn't work out.

Of course now I'm trying to figure out what to do for a couple of camping trips this summer. We had so many rentals last summer because there are very few RVs available here in Eugene, and both my upcoming trips are within 60-90 minutes. At 50 I'm feeling too old to be sleeping on the ground in a tent, and my lady sure isn't down with that. I love the idea of one of those A-frame pop-ups. Rooftop tents seem cool, but I would have to buy a ramp to get the 60-lb pup up there at night. And while we have an old Frontier pickup that can tow 6,500 pounds, I'd love something light enough for our new Outback (3,500 lb capacity) to tow since it's so much nicer to drive.

I'll probably end up in a tent with just me and the dog for this summer's trips, but I'd love to find a cost-effective solution for 2-3 trips a year for the next 5-10 years.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

Is this the thread to discuss travel trailers also?

Been thinking about getting a small trailer. Something under 4000lbs ideally. I have a full-size Ford truck now, but it is getting long in the tooth (2008 model with over 100k miles) and been looking more and more at the Tacoma so want something that I can pull in mountains with a Tacoma.

Any chance on keeping the ford as a backup/tow vehicle? I ask because I have a 5k pound travel trailer and we bought a Tahoe to tow it. But towing is only 5% of the Tahoes miles, so the vast majority of the time I’m getting 16 mpg with that gas guzzler as a daily driver.

Anyway, friends had tacomas and used them for towing, and both upgraded to full size trucks as they didn’t like towing with the smaller Tacomas. If you go pretty small (top out at 4K pounds) and get a weight distribution hitch that helps with sway, you should be ok. I have a blue ox wdh and love it.

Have considered keeping the Ford, but part of the reason I'm looking at trailers and not motorhomes is the insurance. Will keep thinking.

I'm fine having a full-size truck and have had for a long time. Problem is the wife will not drive a full-size truck but she's comfortable driving a Tacoma (or similar). She travels to some backwoods places for work and she needs to use a truck from time to time.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

Is this the thread to discuss travel trailers also?

Been thinking about getting a small trailer. Something under 4000lbs ideally. I have a full-size Ford truck now, but it is getting long in the tooth (2008 model with over 100k miles) and been looking more and more at the Tacoma so want something that I can pull in mountains with a Tacoma.

Whatever you think you can tow, cut it in half. Hitch weight is likely your real limiting factor

Well Tacoma's are rated for 6800 lb. So, I already cut it a bunch. For the record I'm thinking 4000lb fully loaded. There are some decent options for trailers in the 2500-3000lb dry weight range. They are small, but would work.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

They are redesigning the tacoma next year and putting a turbo engine in it. I also believe they are changing to rear disc breaks. They may solve all of these problems next year. The other thing Tacoma's have going for them is their crazy resale value and reliability. If you are a more relaxed driving and towing in situations where you are not surrounded by traffic it would make a good vehicle.

This is very good information. Thank you. I could put off the new truck a year or more and just get a small trailer for the Ford now.

Edit: And for me the mountains would mean the Rockies, so definitely appreciate the other information. Also, I hate I-70 outside Denver without towing anything. Can't imagine it with an underpowered truck pulling a trailer.

 

[MTskibum]

Is this the thread to discuss travel trailers also?

Been thinking about getting a small trailer. Something under 4000lbs ideally. I have a full-size Ford truck now, but it is getting long in the tooth (2008 model with over 100k miles) and been looking more and more at the Tacoma so want something that I can pull in mountains with a Tacoma.

Whatever you think you can tow, cut it in half. Hitch weight is likely your real limiting factor

Well Tacoma's are rated for 6800 lb. So, I already cut it a bunch. For the record I'm thinking 4000lb fully loaded. There are some decent options for trailers in the 2500-3000lb dry weight range. They are small, but would work.

I think you would be fine up to 5k dry weight and possibly above that. But it depends where you are towing.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Is this the thread to discuss travel trailers also?

Been thinking about getting a small trailer. Something under 4000lbs ideally. I have a full-size Ford truck now, but it is getting long in the tooth (2008 model with over 100k miles) and been looking more and more at the Tacoma so want something that I can pull in mountains with a Tacoma.

Whatever you think you can tow, cut it in half. Hitch weight is likely your real limiting factor

Well Tacoma's are rated for 6800 lb. So, I already cut it a bunch. For the record I'm thinking 4000lb fully loaded. There are some decent options for trailers in the 2500-3000lb dry weight range. They are small, but would work.

That size would probably work well

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Is this the thread to discuss travel trailers also?

Been thinking about getting a small trailer. Something under 4000lbs ideally. I have a full-size Ford truck now, but it is getting long in the tooth (2008 model with over 100k miles) and been looking more and more at the Tacoma so want something that I can pull in mountains with a Tacoma.

Whatever you think you can tow, cut it in half. Hitch weight is likely your real limiting factor

Well Tacoma's are rated for 6800 lb. So, I already cut it a bunch. For the record I'm thinking 4000lb fully loaded. There are some decent options for trailers in the 2500-3000lb dry weight range. They are small, but would work.

I think you would be fine up to 5k dry weight and possibly above that. But it depends where you are towing.

I wouldn't tow much more than that in my f150.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Is this the thread to discuss travel trailers also?

Been thinking about getting a small trailer. Something under 4000lbs ideally. I have a full-size Ford truck now, but it is getting long in the tooth (2008 model with over 100k miles) and been looking more and more at the Tacoma so want something that I can pull in mountains with a Tacoma.

Whatever you think you can tow, cut it in half. Hitch weight is likely your real limiting factor

Well Tacoma's are rated for 6800 lb. So, I already cut it a bunch. For the record I'm thinking 4000lb fully loaded. There are some decent options for trailers in the 2500-3000lb dry weight range. They are small, but would work.

Add, be sure to check payload capacity. Again this is your real limiter

 

[Drunken knight]

We are about to go camping with 2 other families this weekend near lake tahoe (about 20 of us). I am so cooked at work that i was debating not going... just relaxing at home for several days with no obligations.

I know i will have fun once everything is set up. the "leader" for this trip has a great camping kitchen arrangement and each family is tasked with a breakfast and dinner. looking forward to floating on the lake with adult beverages in hand

 

[Drunken knight]

Wonderful trip. A little too cold to get in the lake, but everything else was pretty chill. We all got a pontoon for a day….

Saw a couple of eagles fishing.
Our dog wondered off, giving us a scare.
Decent food for camping. Many, many snacking options

For kicks and simplicity I brought up some cut water mai tai (in a can). Not terrible. So we ware now keeping these around and doctoring….

I am smoking some tri tip and mixed one of these with some sparkling water and guava juice. Very good…. And I am becoming a lightweight

 

[urbanhack]

We are about to go camping with 2 other families this weekend near lake tahoe (about 20 of us). I am so cooked at work that i was debating not going... just relaxing at home for several days with no obligations.

I know i will have fun once everything is set up. the "leader" for this trip has a great camping kitchen arrangement and each family is tasked with a breakfast and dinner. looking forward to floating on the lake with adult beverages in hand

Doing something similar this weekend. One of my good friends down in Bend has a camp site on Cultus lake for 3 weeks every summer. His wife is a professional chef, so there is a kitchen and tons of great food. The camp site is in the corner and is huge, so I usually come down and drop a tent and camp for a few nights. The water on that lake is amazingly clear and crisp and we are off the grid. This will be my 4th year going. Can't wait.

 

[General Malaise]

Two camping trips in the books so far; just out on the coast, nothing too crazy. Sure is nice to be able to drive 90 minutes from my house and have 25 degrees of heat relief upon arrival at our site. Nothing like slipping on a sweatshirt in July. Ahhhhhh.

Going to try an alternative to S'mores next trip out. Anybody try there hand at Campfire Cones? Not a big S'more guy and usually just help the kids make 'em but by god, this Campfire Cone might be what brings me to Ozempic at summer's end.

 

[massraider]

Anybody try there hand at Campfire Cones?

Those look cool. I think I missed them last time I was at PrincessPinkyGirl.com

 

[General Malaise]

Anybody try there hand at Campfire Cones?

Those look cool. I think I missed them last time I was at PrincessPinkyGirl.com

 

[-fish-]

Two camping trips in the books so far; just out on the coast, nothing too crazy. Sure is nice to be able to drive 90 minutes from my house and have 25 degrees of heat relief upon arrival at our site. Nothing like slipping on a sweatshirt in July. Ahhhhhh.

Going to try an alternative to S'mores next trip out. Anybody try there hand at Campfire Cones? Not a big S'more guy and usually just help the kids make 'em but by god, this Campfire Cone might be what brings me to Ozempic at summer's end.

Nothing like a molten banana chunk right out of the fire.

 

[General Malaise]

Two camping trips in the books so far; just out on the coast, nothing too crazy. Sure is nice to be able to drive 90 minutes from my house and have 25 degrees of heat relief upon arrival at our site. Nothing like slipping on a sweatshirt in July. Ahhhhhh.

Going to try an alternative to S'mores next trip out. Anybody try there hand at Campfire Cones? Not a big S'more guy and usually just help the kids make 'em but by god, this Campfire Cone might be what brings me to Ozempic at summer's end.

Nothing like a molten banana chunk right out of the fire.

I was hoping the melted Rollo's would tamp down the heat!

 

[Brony]

I've never had luck with campfire cones. Seem like they take forever for marshmallows and chocolate get hot enough to melt without burning the cone. Yet I still ate the hell out of 'em.

Trying to find a window for stargazing camping trip with my daughter. All of the tent campsites around here fill up so quick and most are non-refundable. I have a reservation for this weekend at a dark skys campsite (new moon this Saturday). 2 night minimum for the reservation and I'm hoping that either Fri or Sat night is clear enough.

 

[Dezbelief]

Anybody try there hand at Campfire Cones?

We do smoreos, an oreo with a melted marshmallow in the middle.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Would love to go camping but it's brutal in South Florida right now and it takes 8+ hours just to get out of this state. #sadface

 

[shuke]

Going to try an alternative to S'mores next trip out. Anybody try there hand at Campfire Cones? Not a big S'more guy and usually just help the kids make 'em but by god, this Campfire Cone might be what brings me to Ozempic at summer's end.

Another option is to bake apples in foil that are cored and filled in the center. Just cinnamon and sugar works, or brown sugar/oats/butter, or chocolate, whatever. But these will come out at about 9000 degrees F.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Always loved camping and usually with a tent, but picked up a gently used 25ft pull behind camper last summer and have I ever been missing out, this is the way. I'm all for roughing it and still do at times for hunting trips, but i got used to the campground RV life real quick and absolutely love it. I'm not sure what i expected from other people, but 99 out of 100 people I've met at campgrounds have been very cool.

Finally uncovered it and got it dewinterized this past weekend and have the first trip of the year planned for Copper Harbor, Michigan in about a month. Very much looking forward to this and the food, drinks, snacks, "relaxation", that goes with it. It's really got our wheels turning about the possibility of traveling in a bigger unit in early retirement and spending the winters in warmer climates while seeing other parts of the country.