Camping tips

1976B.L.Johns. said:

I have to pipe up on one of the most important morning beverages...........COFFEE!!!

Here is something my Dad passed on to me many years ago, a tip which you can experiment with at home before one goes on an adventure.

If you do not have a coffee pot in order to cut down on weight, but two pots, try this. (I use nesting camp cook kits)

Put your ground coffee and water in a covered pot before bed-time.
In the A.M , gently pour the dark water into the second container. The grounds should stay at the bottom of the over-night pot. Heat, drink and enjoy your "Hobo Coffee".

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This is one of the finest shooting tips I've seen. Because everybody knows that to shoot well requires a steady and constant infusion of caffeine levels. It should also help you survive a bear attack in the night. Instead of waking up to the usual raw terror of a bear nearby that you can't quite locate in the dark, your feeling will be killing rage--the proper attitude for beginning a fight--as you think, "He's going to dump my coffee in the dirt if I don't get him first."

I can't thank you enough.

I i were going to pack an 8 man tent, air mattress because I can’t sleep on the ground and a hundred pounds of other gear just because someone else wanted to go camping. I would rent a cabin at some remote location.

They are all around the country and all you have to bring is food and clothing.

Not exactly “camping” or “roughing it” but it doesn’t sound like what she (or you) really want to do anyway.

One thing is for certain is that neither of you will have any fun if she doesn’t. Communication is how you figure out exactly what she wants, not asking us.

Might google cabins within a reasonable drive around where you live while she is around see if any of them are of interest.

I am more of a minimalist when it comes to camping because I have to load and unload before and load and unload after, everything. Not counting setup and tear down. Add to that that some women like things like running warm water and actual places to go to the bathroom.

You don’t have to sleep in a tent to be outdoors and in nature, just the two of you.

My wife and I are at a "comfortable tent camping" level, and we used to do it a lot, not as much anymore. Used to go about 20 times a year, now maybe 2. We'll probably pick it up again once my daughter moves out. With your information provided, I will give some specific tips that fit us well, which focused on easier setup/teardown and comfort. On some trips we would set up in a new campsite every day as we went from 1 state to another. Note that some of these tips cost more money than you may want to spend. Most of these tips do not apply if you are hiking to a campsite.

-Get an instant tent at least 8x10. That will give you enough space to set up a decent sized air mattress (you have to leave space around the mattress - if it touches the tent fabric, the tent will leak) and have space for changing/playing cards/ whatever if it rains. Once you use the Instant tents a couple times you can set them up in 5 minutes with 2 people and take them down and pack them in 15.
Something like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Instant-13-x-9-Cabin-Camping-Tent-Sleeps-8/42120623 The more "square" the better. If you buy a Coleman, you have to buy the fly separately, and they are needed. A tarp can be used as well, but lashing it down can take as much time as assembling the tent, and it's more to carry.

-Get a "tall" airbed with a built-in pump. We use something like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Intex-Du...ed-with-Built-In-Electric-Pump-Queen/55536358 The tall airbed will not transfer temperature from the ground as much, and if it gets a slow leak, you won't be as likely to wake up resting on the ground in the morning. Air mattress/cot combinations work well too, but if your tent has a bottom it can cause leaks, and the double bed and larger cots tent to break more, especially if you use the bed for more than sleeping in.

-Lodge cast iron skillets are pre-seasoned and you can use a deep skillet to cook darn near anything. But learn how to season one anyway, a well-seasoned pan is good for the kitchen too, and your great grandchildren can use it if you hand it down. I have one from the 1920's that is used every day at home.

-Try to find a campsite with A/C or bring an inverter or generator. It pumps up the mattress, charges stuff, and fix many problems for couples camping. My wife brings her Keurig for coffee...you can cheat once in awhile. And it's not much bigger than a percolator.

-Buy cheap plastic plates, utensils from Walmart and put your cooking stuff in a plastic bin. When you get to the site, use the storage bin to wash dishes in. When you are done, put them all back in the bin for storage.

-Bring tarps. Lots of Tarps. They will temporarily fix many leaks.

-Set up the tent in your yard before you go and spray it down. Let it dry, then do it again. New tents may need a wet/dry cycle to make them waterproof. It should not leak the second time. If it does, use some of this: https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Waterproof-Sealant-Adhesive/dp/B000OR5PHW?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_5 95% of the time it will leak on a seam, usually at the top. Buy some of the seam sealer even if it doesn't leak. It has to go on a dry tent, but still bring it.

-Bring flip flops, especially for her. The showers can be nasty on the feet, and it's good not to have to put shoes on for a bathroom trip.

For you camp-out duck hunters: Pluck & gut the duck, remove the feet & head and cut off the tail portion in front of the anus, season with Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning. Wrap a clean rock about the size of the duck's cavity in tin foil to keep it clean, place it in the the fire until very hot and then carefully insert the hot rock (minus the foil) into the ducks cavity. Wrap the duck with tin foil and bury it in the dirt near the edge of the coals. Do the same with whole potatoes and peeled onions but put them in the edge of the coals. Go hunting or fishing for a couple-three hours and return to unwrap and eat your roast duck with veggies.
It's really good.

.., just doing a state park camping trip. Below is some of the things I am kind of thinking about but need some advice.
Probably going to duplicate some answers from other replies, but first, check the state park regs, and see if there are any regs specific only to that park where you're going...,

1) I have a eureka 8 man tent that is in about 70% good condition. The only concern and issue I have ever had with this tent is the floor is made of polyester and gets wet. Thoughts on spraying a couple coatings of waterproofing on it? Tarp underneath? I'm also looking at a cabin style tent so we have room to stand and get dressed. Not sure what to get though.
Tarp underneath.

2) I cant sleep on the ground and usually do a cheap air mattress. Anyone use the higher air mattresses that sit say 3ft off the ground? I'm afraid they will sink through the night.
You do get what you pay for. For the durability and weight capacity of an air mattress, you can spend less and get a pair of camp cots. https://www.cabelas.com/product/CAB...V1eDICh1h9QUBEAQYBCABEgLlOfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

3) Should I spring for cast iron pots and pans or will normal ones work for cooking on an open fire? Also, don't you have to season the cast iron pans or something like that before use?
Cast iron is way to much weight. If you had four mules, and conastoga wagon, and wanted stuff that would last long enough for your great grandkids to use it...cast iron is the stuff. (except for a Dutch Oven, then you have to have iron). You want a plain coffee pot https://www.webstaurantstore.com/64-oz-stainless-steel-coffee-server/92246565.html?htm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9LjR8NOb4gIVAZ-fCh2orQYQEAQYAiABEgKgQ_D_BwE

And you will want an outdoor cooking set https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/st...VgUwNCh12pwF8EAQYAyABEgKuuPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

And a folding grate https://www.homedepot.com/p/Camp-Chef-Lumberjack-Steel-16-in-x-24-in-Over-Fire-Grill-OFG24/204843818?cm_mmc=Shopping|G|Base|D28I|28-22_BBQ+GRILL|NA|PLA|General|Fixed|71700000041074675|58700004918395900|92700042616569210&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-4Xpr9eb4gIVkVENCh2a4QIaEAQYAiABEgKs3_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#product_description

4) She loves coffee and cant go without it in the morning. Any tips on making coffee on the fire?
Take the coffee pot above and toss in one (1) Maxwellhouse filter pack, when the water comes to a boil. You get boiled "cowboy" coffee, but don't have to worry about the grounds.


5) I also don't want to spend a fortune on this stuff above or on a fire grate to cook on. I thought about rigging something up with rebar to sit pots on.
Total for the above is less than $55.00 (I don't know what they'd charge you for shipping).

Last but not least, women don't like to crap or pee in the woods. IF you want her to like camping, figure out the best way for her have a clean, dry, warm place to "do her business" and she will be interested in going along again.

LD

^^^
Good tips and a Plus 10 on those coffee filter packs. Been using them camping for years.

There are two surefire activities where a person can find out if they are compatible with their "significant other", camping is one of them ...
(Hanging wallpaper is the other. )

ohihunter2014 said:

Although not really hunting related its close because I will use this as a scouting and fishing trip.

The GF wants to go camping and the only camping I ever did was backwoods deer hunting stuff where we didn't take a bunch of stuff and pretty much roughed it. I haven't done this in probably 5yrs or so and not really sure how to go about just doing a state park camping trip. Below is some of the things I am kind of thinking about but need some advice.

1) I have a eureka 8 man tent that is in about 70% good condition. The only concern and issue I have ever had with this tent is the floor is made of polyester and gets wet. Thoughts on spraying a couple coatings of waterproofing on it? Tarp underneath? I'm also looking at a cabin style tent so we have room to stand and get dressed. Not sure what to get though.

2) I cant sleep on the ground and usually do a cheap air mattress. Anyone use the higher air mattresses that sit say 3ft off the ground? I'm afraid they will sink through the night.

3) Should I spring for cast iron pots and pans or will normal ones work for cooking on an open fire? Also, don't you have to season the cast iron pans or something like that before use?

4) She loves coffee and cant go without it in the morning. Any tips on making coffee on the fire?

5) I also don't want to spend a fortune on this stuff above or on a fire grate to cook on. I thought about rigging something up with rebar to sit pots on.

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Take a bale of straw with you to throw down and spread under the tent area and in front of the door.

ohihunter2014 said:

I figured before I buy a new tent and a bunch of stuff I'll take her for a close to home state park trip and see what happens and if she doesn't like it then we will try cabin.

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^^^This.

She's never been, and even tho it sounds like fun, it might not be her cup of tea. So, I'd suggest using what you have and making due. Iffin' she and you both enjoy it, then you can invest on better equipment. Sounds like she may have quite a bit already. As for coffee. They make some damn fine instant coffee nowadays. Starbucks VIA is pretty dang good, especially compared to camp/hobo/cowboy coffee. Eliminates the need for a coffee pot and for a weekend camping trip it will suffice. Even smells like fresh brewed when you pour the hot water into the cup. You can use the extra water you warmed up for coffee for the instant oatmeal or Bob's Red Mill for breakfast. Both are a just as hood as having eggs especially with a big scoop of strawberry preserves mixed in.. I've found that cold canned coffee drinks will quench my need for that morning cup of Joe too, iffin I don't need to warm up. Take enough snacks in case it rains and you can't cook outdoors over the fire. Iffin' you're at a state park, odds are if need be, you can go out for a good supper. Camping doesn't mean you need to be miserable. Just as important as coffee for me, is a good evening nightcap. Some folks like beer, some like wine, I prefer a good whisky that can be drank neat or just over one cube of ice. Bailey's is a good one too.......

Armored farmer rule of thumb when it comes to camping with the mrs......
Two nights in the Sheraton or Hilton per night of camping in the wild.
....just saying.

Armored farmer said:

Armored farmer rule of thumb when it comes to camping with the mrs......
Two nights in the Sheraton or Hilton per night of camping in the wild.
....just saying.

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Maxxhavoc rule of thumb, if the missus wants to try something new that may turn into fun for me, go all out. If it's her idea, she's more likely to want to do it later...especially if you say "you were right, hon...this was fun!"

Our ratio for our 3 week Canada trip was 10 days camping, 1 night hotel, 10 days camping. We went from Niagara Falls to east of Montreal and never stayed in the same campground more than 2 nights in a row. We ate out several times, saw the sights, but it was about 75 in the day, 50 at night. With an 8 year old.

The funniest time in the trip was after we left a beans can in a campsite at Mont Tremblant. A 'coon was crazy for it and ran off when we came back. I closed it in the garbage in the car. About 2am, said coon came back and was growling and rubbing at the tent. I woke up to a screaming daughter who said "a wolf is outside and it's trying to get us." I said, "it's just a raccoon, go back to sleep." She said "OK", and curled up and went to sleep. Coon still scuffing against the tent. She was asleep in 2 minutes, and that darned coon kept me awake at least 2 more hours.

To be honest, though, both of us grew up camping. Me in a pup tent for hunting, her in a Revolutionary war camp with re-enactors "up north." We still use the Dutch Oven her mom used to cook camp stew in 40 years ago.

Oh man, I think she's biting off more than she can chew...for the both of you. Anyone whose built up a camping repitour knows roughing it sucks. And I say that coming from canoeing the boundary waters, which is awesome and roughing it is a must, but it's not for the faint of heart.

Just setting up a tent can be a nightmare alone. Rod lost or broke? Too bad. Mosquitoes nailing you the entire time your trying to make your tent more tolerable, too bad.

Wake up soaked because the news said good weather, but your camping so it becomes bad weather nine times out of ten.

Im not trying to turn you off, but the first time out camping, I wouldn't be tenting or roughing it. I did it with my fiance when I was 20. She had never been, but i had been camping my whole life. I got so tired of the compliants, we didn't make it one night. Your wife may have thicker skin.

Even a little pop up camper on Craigslist for $1600 will make her first time out more enjoyable.

As far as cooking, I never ever use aluminum to cook with. Unless it's a hobo dinner in aluminum foil thrown in the campfire. My little Smokey charcoal grill, pans from the kitchen. Cast iron if i want to use the firepit, bring a can of cooking spray.

We have always just ate the fish we caught and brought brats and buns. Eggs for breakfast. OJ for fruit and screwdrivers. My only other advice than pick up a camper or rent a cabin first, is bring your bug spray. And it helps to make a big list a week or two ahead of leaving. People are surprised the small stuff they've left behind.

I did it with my fiance when I was 20.

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That’s another angle. I too remember in college taking the GF to the lake and camping with friends. Lots of kids wouldn’t know the difference between the Waldorf Astoria and a good camp except you can actually talk with them vs at them and they even look at you vs some device.

Just out of curiosity what age are the campers in the OP?

ohihunter2014 said:

Although not really hunting related its close because I will use this as a scouting and fishing trip.

The GF wants to go camping and the only camping I ever did was backwoods deer hunting stuff where we didn't take a bunch of stuff and pretty much roughed it. I haven't done this in probably 5yrs or so and not really sure how to go about just doing a state park camping trip. Below is some of the things I am kind of thinking about but need some advice.
It's summer. You're car camping. So is everyone else. Reserve your campsite in advance if possible. Take toilet seat protectors for the outhouse and you'll be her hero. Lawn chairs around the campfire are more comfortable than sitting on a log.

1) I have a eureka 8 man tent that is in about 70% good condition. The only concern and issue I have ever had with this tent is the floor is made of polyester and gets wet. Thoughts on spraying a couple coatings of waterproofing on it? Tarp underneath? I'm also looking at a cabin style tent so we have room to stand and get dressed. Not sure what to get though.
Thats a BIG tent! If you want to stand up and change clothes look for a Miner's teepee style. Stake the corners and one pole and you're done!

2) I cant sleep on the ground and usually do a cheap air mattress. Anyone use the higher air mattresses that sit say 3ft off the ground? I'm afraid they will sink through the night.
Try a cots. You're car camping right?

3) Should I spring for cast iron pots and pans or will normal ones work for cooking on an open fire? Also, don't you have to season the cast iron pans or something like that before use?
Stainless steel or enamelware works just fine so long as the handles are made of materiel that won't melt(avoid plastic). A cast iron skillet and dutch oven can make some tasty meals of course. If you want, a 10" skillet will fry up eggs, potatoes o'brien, sausage, bacon, pancakes--- a most useful bit of iron. They do need to be seasoned and you do need to know how to take care of it---maybe the next camp out unless you've money burning a hole in your pocket. OTOH a cheap grill basket is handy for steaks, burgers, 'dogs veggies & fish over a fire

4) She loves coffee and cant go without it in the morning. Any tips on making coffee on the fire?
Coffee percolator or coffee boiler if you like to nuance coffee grounds to the bottom of the boiler---cold water will do it but a percolator is easy if you're not up to the task (and a cup of coffee grounds first thing in the morning ain't a way to keep friends) Just set it on the grill and let 'er perk, just like in town.

5) I also don't want to spend a fortune on this stuff above or on a fire grate to cook on. I thought about rigging something up with rebar to sit pots on.
You can certainly make a fire grate out of rebar. Pretty decent fire grates can be found cheap though. Check out Wally World

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Don't forget the mosquito repellent and sun screen and you'll probably do just fine.

i have camped quite a bit, all these tips are good. my # one rule is never let anyone else pitch your tent. back when i was in JR bassmasters we would camp on tournament weekends, one week i was late to getting up to lake. are club president put the tent up, i got there late and i went to sleep tournament started at 6am. it was raining and when i got up about 3am. i was floating in 6'' of water, he pitched the tent in the only low spot around. i had a vary bad morning, tho won the jr. tournament.

ohihunter2014 said:

31

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That’s still “young” in a lot of books. Old enough I might start with a low buck weekend trip first to test the waters, so to speak. Together, you two can iron out the details from the short trip for longer ones.

You can practice camp cooking in your backyard or even with a charcoal grill. Will give you guys something to do together during the week to fine tune your trip too.







Digging a hole and pooping in it, is a good start though. You guys will learn more about each other in 2-3 days than you would in months of going to dinner and a movie.

Armored farmer said:

Armored farmer rule of thumb when it comes to camping with the mrs......
Two nights in the Sheraton or Hilton per night of camping in the wild.
....just saying.

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My SOs idea of camping is a hotel room with a view of a city park. I was a city boy who learned my camping chops with the BSA and found I kinda liked roughing it primitive style. Sleeping bag and tarp only, that kind of thing. Been trying to get her to do an overnighter the last 17 years, but she's not backing down, lol.

RedlegRick said:

My SOs idea of camping is a hotel room with a view of a city park. I was a city boy who learned my camping chops with the BSA and found I kinda liked roughing it primitive style. Sleeping bag and tarp only, that kind of thing. Been trying to get her to do an overnighter the last 17 years, but she's not backing down, lol.

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In all fairness to Mrs farmer, she has been on many horse camps back in our trail riding days. We had a slide in camper and pulled a two horse trailer. Then there was a stretch of five or six years that we spent a week every summer in a remote Canadian wilderness cabin. No electricity or running water. We had three boys along too. She is pretty good camper, just not much on tents.

My Mrs. doesn't camp with me, but my daughter did when she was a kid. The reason may be this ....,

Wifle's idea of camping:


What I mean when I say I'm "going camping" :


LD

maxxhavoc said:

To be honest, though, both of us grew up camping. Me in a pup tent for hunting, her in a Revolutionary war camp with re-enactors "up north." We still use the Dutch Oven her mom used to cook camp stew in 40 years ago.

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I did civil war reenactments for 10 years, canvas a frame tent with no floor. No modern emenities. I participated in 20 events per year for those 10 years.

Got camping and firearms at the same time and went into at least 2 battles per trip. The best ones were national events on anniversary weekends where as many as 30,000 participants in large scale battles.

stillquietvoice said:

I did civil war reenactments for 10 years, canvas a frame tent with no floor. No modern emenities. I participated in 20 events per year for those 10 years.

Got camping and firearms at the same time and went into at least 2 battles per trip. The best ones were national events on anniversary weekends where as many as 30,000 participants in large scale battles.

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Ol' maco Jim and I do a little of that too.
We try to have at least one BP hunting/ primitive camp per year.