Camping 101: Things to keep in the (pop up) camper!

Today I am sharing with you the must haves in our little pop up!

Since our little camper isn't a cool one that you can easily store everything in without having to take it out before collapsing it, I have to be creative with storage.

I hate the idea of packing everything every time we go on an adventure.  Packing just isn't fun for this girl.  To keep myself semi organized and semi sane I keep some items in the camper so I don't run the chance of forgetting them.  (Seriously, who likes having to make a store run for something you forgot?)



Most of the items in this post are readily available to you at your local Dollar Tree - one thing I love about camping - its inexpensive! *Denotes Dollar Tree items.

Toiletries



I love the plastic storage shoe boxes (Dollar Tree).  I keep one in our camper strictly for toiletries.  Always kept in the camper is:

1.  Toothpaste
2.  Toothbrushes
3.  Body wash
4.  Shampoo
5.  Comb

Along with these items I keep:

1.  Band aids
2.  Neosporin
3.  Sunblock
4.  Bug Spray (OFF)

All of these items are available at Dollar Tree.  You can pack a box or two to keep in your camper/camping pack too and spend a very minimal amount of money.  Don't you love it?

Cooking



Our pop up doesn't have a kitchen.  When we camp we grill!  A few items stay in a storage compartment inside the pop up.

1.  Spatula*
2.  Aluminum Foil*
3.  Paper plates*
4.  Disposable cutlery*
5.  Charcoal
6.  Coffee maker
7.  Coffee filters*
8.  The grill (a suitcase style)

Yes, I have to have my morning coffee!!!  I tried to buy the premade pods of coffee for a traditional maker but its too weak for me, bring on the trucker coffee!

Paper & Plastics



I would hate to think I had forgot these staples:

1.  Trash bags - yes for trash but also for dirty clothes and towels.*
2.  Ziplock bags - for food and other smaller items that you need to keep up with.*
3.  A roll of paper towels*
4.  Newspaper - just in case you need it for your campfire!

Linens



I purchased a medium size plastic storage tote for our camping linens.  Since we have a pop up camper we have two "beds".  In the warm months you don't need more than a flat and fitted sheet on each bed (hello Southern summers).  In the tote I keep:

1.  Bed sheets - one queen and one king size.
2.  Pillows for the beds
3.  Towels for bathing
4.  Beach towels

I keep these items stored in the tote and wash them after a trip, repack, and store in the camper.

We also have four sleeping bags that are stored in a compartment in the pop up.  In the cooler camping months we snuggle up in them but often they are just a comforter for our beds.

I keep a smaller fleece blanket for the evenings by the camp fire.  It never fails to amaze me how it can be 95 degrees during the day but by sun down you're chilly and wanting a blanket!

Cleaning



Even though I am cleaning freak I chill out during camping.  So, no, you won't see a vacuum listed (but how cool would that be!)...

I really only keep one cleaning item in the camper and that is a Lysol style cleaning wipe (I like Sam's brand). These do the work I need for the pop up.  I can wipe down the camper with them and take care of messes too.  Baby wipes are also very powerful cleaning wipes.  You would be very amazed at how much "work" they can do.

Other things to keep in the camper....



Musty smells can happen!  I keep a Renuzit cone* in the camper to keep it smelling fresh.

Books and magazines!  I really love to read when we camp so I try to bring a book.  This year I'm hitting up Goodwill for books to store in the camper for my daughter and I.  Old magazines are great to throw in there too.

A deck of cards* for the evenings when you can't think of anything to do!  Throw in a couple board games too.

A radio...music makes life better!

An extra phone charger...because you need to be able to call out if necessary.

Camping 101: Where ya going?

We've looked at pop up camping and different campers; now lets look at where we need to camp!

First Camping Adventure!



I guess it is safe to say I am old school.  I think your first adventure should entail a few things including:

1.  A tent
2.  A sleeping bag
3.  Your own backyard

Yes, I believe in taking things in baby steps.  Why not let your first experience be small steps away from your actual every day dwelling!  C'mon you have to agree there is safety knowing that your bathroom is just a few feet away.

It is also a great idea to camp in your own backyard if you have children that want to try it out.

My daughter wanted to camp so badly before we got our pop-up.  The wonderful husband went to his dad's house and got an old tent out and set it up for the two of them in our backyard.  We had a little campfire and sat around it in pajamas.  When it was time to turn in those two went to the tent (and this mama went inside with the 1 year old).

They had a blast sleeping outdoors and a lifelong camper was born!

Mountain Camping!



As many of you are aware, I live in North Carolina.  This state is pretty awesome geographically.  Since I'm pretty close to the dead center of the state I can enjoy a quick trip to the mountains or a little longer trip (around 3.5 hours) to the beach.

I highly suggest if you are a tent camper or pop up camper (and lets go ahead and throw in those hybrids too) you take your "shell" and head to higher elevations!  There are a few reasons for this.

1.  Cooler temperatures - smaller camping vessels can get hot quickly, take advantage of the cooler mountain climate.

2.  Lower humidity - there is nothing worse than being sticky hot in a tent.  Let's not mention rain.

3.  Fabulous camping - The NC mountains have some awesome camping spots.  You can visit State and National Parks and camp or you can find some amazing private campgrounds.  I almost feel like the mountains and camping are a natural fit.  They are beautiful regions, filled with awesome art by mother nature, and are begging you to chill out in their beauty.

Nantahala
South Mountains State Park
Julian Price Memorial Park

Water Camping



One thing I can tell you is every camp ground I have ever stepped foot on offered one thing:  water.  No not drinking water, I mean c'mon isn't that a given at most places?  I mean water to play in!

Whether you're on a mountain river or stream or headed to the ocean - you can find water on nearly every camp ground in NC (at least!).

These days its very common for camp grounds to have water parks.  Yes, I said water parks.  I don't know about you but I am a sucker for a water slide.  If you have kids who love the water then do I really need to say anymore?

Badin Lake Camping
Lake Norman State Park
Lake Gaston

Beach Camping



I was the kid who didn't like the idea of camping at the beach.  When I got to college I didn't care what I stayed in when I went to the beach, I just wanted to be there.

I think the biggest drawback of camping at the beach for me is the sand issue.  I really hate sand.  I really hate sand in my house let alone my camper!  However, after a couple trips camping at the beach in college, a first pregnancy camping trip to the beach, and last year's beach camping trip I can tell you I'm over the whole sand issue.

That is if you have a cement pad for your camper to park on.

If you choose to go beach camping make sure you have a broom, dustpan, and vacuum cleaner that does bare floors.  It will make your trip a lot less um...grainy!

Just like the mountains, beaches along the NC and SC coast have great campgrounds - public and private for you to check out.  Here are a few that caught my fancy when researching for you!

NC Coastal Camping
Popular SC Coast Campground - Huntington Beach

Camping 101: Camper Shopping

This year we upped our vehicles.  Yes, its true.  We now own all vehicles made in the 2000's and not the 1990s.  Watch out!

Our camper...well its still a good ole early 90's model.  We hope to upgrade next year.  Until then we're doing a lot of research and window shopping.

When I was prepping my next camping post I thought, why not share our finds on the blog!

So without further ado:

Oh the campers you can buy:

1) Pop Up

This is what we have now.  I think it is interesting how you really don't see many of these around camper lots anymore!  We're too cool for them as we become techies and have a burning desire for television sets in the woods.  I mean, that's just my guess.

I think everyone should start out in a tent and work their way up.  Find just how "rough" you want to go.  For me the pop up is as rough as I care to go!!!



This video is showing you all about the 2014 Clipper Camping Trailer (About $8,000.00 *brand new*).  These campers are similar to our old girl.  They have sleepers on each end and storage and a mini kitchenette in the common area.  If you're asking about the potty....no can do on this model.  That is why you camp where there is a bath house!

2.  Travel Trailers

This is our next camper.  Alright, maybe not this one in the video but similar to it.  I don't need all the techie stuff but with two small kids I do need more space to cook and store stuff.  I also need that important space for the kids to have their down time (nap time) without being disturbed.

This camper is super nice.





3)  Fifth Wheels

I really did not want to show you a Fifth Wheel.  I {personally} think these are wastes of space.  BUT I want you to get some good info from my blog. Therefore, my duty is to give you a brief intro to this style of camper.

The reason I do not like the fifth wheel is because you're losing space where you hitch the camper to your truck.  I am not for losing space.

I have camped in Fifth Wheel Campers and they are pretty comfy!  However, I think you should go for a travel trailer if you find one in your budget.

Here's a video from Cedar Creek on their Fifth Wheel Camper Silverback:




4)  Hybrids

These are pretty nifty.  Take a travel trailer and throw a pop out wing or two on and you have a hybrid camper.  These campers are very popular.  You get a bathroom in your pop up/travel trailer and you get more space inside!  These hybrids can be more geared towards the average family's price range for a camper as well.  Oh and I have yet to hear anyone who has one of these complain about them.

Here's a video from Jayco on their Jayco Jay Feather Lite.



These are four choices available in your area!  You can always go bigger or smaller.  Take a look around the internet for more information about all the styles of campers available.  If you can visit a camper sales lot to see them first hand.

Happy Camping!  See you next time!

Videos courtesy of Jayco & Cedar Creek Camper Manufacturers.  This post is not sponsored by any listed or unlisted camping manufacturer, dealer, or store.  However, if anyone does want to sponsor me by giving me a free camper to high light on the blog then we need to speak ASAP!