Let's Go Camping! Part 2

Here's part 2 of my car-camping suggestions.

Other essentials:

• Rain gear: Even if you don't think it's going to rain, bring it anyway.


• Bug spray: Essential. We also like to bring an area fogger and fog around our dining/campfire area in the evening. If you are a bug-o-phobe, either get over it or consider alternative recreation. Expect them to show particular interest in your evening lanterns.


• Sunscreen/Hats: I mean, really, you're outside all weekend.


• If going in the cooler months, make sure to check evening temperatures and pack accordingly. You may need an extra blanket or two.


• First aid kit
  

Making your site more liveable

• Camp chairs: Most sites have a picnic table, but it’s not comfortable for long-term relaxation. We bring a couple of collapsible chairs and set them up around the campfire at night.


• Dining canopy: After experiencing a couple of campouts with rain and not-shady sites, we purchased a canopy. That way, you can get out of the sun or keep dry in the rain without having to hole up in your tent.


• Bring a small, portable cooler that you can take along on hikes/excursions to keep sodas and lunch cold.


• La Toilette: At most sites, you will share a bathroom facility with the other sites nearby. They’re very basic with toilets, a sink, and a couple of showers. You’ll need to bring your own toiletries and towels (they usually provide toilet paper, but we have an emergency stash). I have a plastic caddy I use to transport my necessaries to the facilities for my morning shower. Prime-time at the showers is 8:00-9:00am, so get there early. We find a couple of trees to run a clothesline at the site to dry towels, swimsuits, etc.
  

Other useful tips:

• We have all our gear in a series of about 5-6 bags and plastic bins. We simply make a quick check, throw it all in the truck, and we’re ready to go. We developed this after several frustrating trips where we had to search all over the garage for this and that, then ending up in the back of beyond missing something as basic as chair.


• We usually go places after breakfast and return for dinner. After packing the food in the truck, we put lanterns, the Coleman stove, chairs, etc., in the tent and close it up. No, you cannot lock a tent. In 25 years of camping, no one has ever “messed” with our stuff. It’s kind of a “camping code.” Having said that, I wouldn’t leave the family jewels in there, either.


• Most sites have a fire ring, and some campsites sell firewood. We usually bring a bundle of our own and some charcoal. During a burn-ban, they’ll usually allow charcoal fires. I am looking forward to the lifting of the burn ban….nothing better in this world than an evening around the campfire.


• It’s a cliché, but when you depart, make absolutely certain the campfire is completely out and leave the site cleaner than you found it.

Next on Alamo A La Carte: our Columbus-Day-weekend trip to Galveston!