Seasonal Camping - Checklist before going home

I don't know about you, but leaving my camper on site was a rough adjustment.  I was accustomed  to having it at home and accessing it whenever I wanted.  Leave something in the camper, no problem, just go out and get it.  With a seasonal site, I don't have that luxury.  It was tough at first, but overtime with my checklist, we have leaving and not forgetting to a science.  Oh, the kids may forget something, but they will remember to double check the next time!

Leaving the Camper to Go Home Checklist

1. Dishes washed
2. Floors swept/mopped if needed
3. Hot water heater off
4. Check fridge for items that need to go home and place in ice chest  
5. Laundry taken to van and any clean clothes needed to go home 
6. Bathroom cleaned and trash removed
7. Beds made or linens removed to be washed at home (depends upon stay)
8. Garbage taken out
9. All electronics/chargers unplugged
10. Fans turned off (including ceiling fan)
11.  A/C or furnace turned off *
12. Shades down and check that windows are closed. (add vents if not covered)
13. Black tank dumped and black tank flushed ** Then empty gray tank.
14. Awning in 
15. Outside gear put away ***
16. After black tank has been flushed, close the valve.  Go inside and add the black tank chemical with water to the toilet and flush. ****
17. Check and make sure all storage compartments are closed and locked.
18. Lock the door on the way out.
19. Turn off water at the spigot.
20. Make sure dogs and leashes are in the van!

* Some people like to set their A/C to a higher temp and leave it until they return.  I have only done this a couple of times when we would be back in a couple days and it was going to be super hot.  I will have the A/C set to 80F.  The amount of electric it uses to keep it at 80F wasn't anymore than if we came in and tried to get the rig cool and comfortable when it was over 90F.  It was much easier to cool from 80F to 72F.  If the weather was going to turn out exceptionally cold with a freeze, we would leave the furnace turned to 50.  This way the pipes were protected.  We have only done this once on purpose and once on accident our first year.  Didn't have the check list and well, he thought I turned it off and I thought he did. 

** I use the black tank flush every time we get ready to leave.  Keeping the black tank clean keeps odors away and avoids the poo/tp pyramid that many have experienced.  It took two years to convince my dad to do this.  He was having issues and after I cleaned his tank very well, he finally realized it was much easier to spend another five to ten minutes running water at the end of camp.  !!!Remember to never leave your black tank open during your stay at camp!!! 

***This happens to be the hubs' and the boy's job.  (Sometimes hubs doesn't come up to camp.)  Our first year, it drove me crazy with him trying to help do the inside things and tanks.  It upset my methodical rhythm and surely I would forget something.  So, I assign him the outside chores and carrying things I place on the landing to the van.  Once we established the routine things hummed right along. 

**** I hold down the foot pedal and count to 30 slowly to make sure enough water is in the holding tank to keep any residue from sticking to the bottom of the tank.  Taking care of the black tank happens to be a thankless job that no one really seems to care about until there is a problem.  

I hope this checklist helps you out and makes life at a seasonal camp a little easier.  We go to enjoy and relax, not take care of issues due to an unkept camper. By myself, it takes about 40 minutes to complete my checklist tasks.  The reward is opening up a nice, clean, and organized camper each trip. 

Seasonal Camping - Check List for Going to Camp

If you are like me, you will think 'I will remember that'.  Then you don't.  I know there is a Wally World near our camper, but I don't want to have to run out every trip up to the camp.  So, I created a list on my phone of what I need to take to camp.

1.  Clothing

I keep a closet inventory on my phone for my clothes, hubs clothes and A-Man's clothes.  Egee never leaves clothes at camp. I always update the list after I pack up any clothes I'm taking back to the house from the camper. I try to leave at least 1 pair of socks and undies for each of us in the camper and a shirt and shorts.  Some trips I may leave more, if we are coming right back in a couple of days.  So, having an updated list is important for my sanity.

2.  What is in the fridge/freezer and pantry?

We keep the fridge on all season.  No sense taking everything home and bringing it back in a few days. I make note of the meats I have left in the freezer, so I don't bring extra.  I have a list of items needed for the fridge that we are almost out.  Even if I'm not going to bring groceries from home, it comes in handy when heading to the grocery at camp.

3.  What are we out of in general?

This list is for the we used the last or next to the last and have extras at home to bring instead of         running to the store to replace.  We stock up on batteries at Costco and it is much cheaper than         having to buy them at Wally World.  Toilet paper and paper towels are also a Costco bulk        purchase that we have at home to bring up.  We buy the huge pack of paper plates there as well         and it will go on the list when needed.

4.  Measurements

When thinking about storage ideas or toying around with replacing window coverings in the rv at home, you need measurements!  I keep a list of window and cabinet measurements on my phone.  I have found it handy.

I hope these give you a few ideas to create your own organized lists for your camping needs.

Camping Season Has Begun!

Our season typically begins April 1st.  This year it was delayed due to Covid-19.  Ugh!  A five month wait was bad enough, but facing an unknown in opening was hard.  The tentative date was April 15th and then moved to May 1st.  April 27th came and the county board okayed that camping season could begin without having a fourteen day quarantine.  YAY!

I had the rv techs come out before our arrival to remove the cover and reseal any spots that needed it.  I began the packing process of linens, clothes, and other items we brought home that needed to go back.  Checking everything and making sure nothing was missing.  Of course, this activity excited our pups.  They love to go camping as much as I do!  It was like waiting for Christmas morning.

Up the mountain we rode to the campsite.  We stopped for fresh strawberries.  What is spring time without the sweet tasting goodness of local strawberries?

Finally, we arrived.  Things were going to be different for this season.  Unfortunately, our campground owner passed in March.  His son was going to run things now.  We will surely miss Dan, but Justin has been trained well by his dad.  We signed papers stating we understood the Covid-19 rules.  Then drove on to our site.

Setting up camp for the season is a thrill.  Do we set up just like last year or change it around a bit?  Do we need to keep x or toss it?  How did this stuff get disorganized?  How can I organize it better?  Did we use this at all last year?  Well, that doesn't work....put it on the list for another.  We need to really tackle this project this year.  Where did all these stink bugs come from?!

After a few days of relaxing and organizing, camp feels cozy and relaxing.  It is better to spend a few days doing the dirty work in order to spend months relaxing.

Stained the steps and landing finally!  It has only been on the to-do list for two years!

Moved the patio rug down a bit and put up the new canopy.

Replaced the old table and seat coverings this year.

Lucy enjoyed her play time in the big field and a swim in the creek.

Finally put up the shelf I've had sitting around for a year!  Now my EOs have a space.  My daughter made the sign for me last year.

Can't wait to get back up to my happy place and relax!

A Whimsical Touch

Behind our camper is a large tree stump.  It can be seen out the back window in our living area.  I wanted to do a fairy garden display on it and began my search.

While browsing at Big Lots, I stumbled upon a cute gnome camping set.  This was it!  I splurged and bought it.

I also, bought Gorilla glue to attach the pieces to the stump.  I didn't want them blown into the creek.

I think it turned out cute and magical.

I added a little solar light to a hook so the little gnome campground can be seen at night.  I love looking over and seeing this little display!

Stove Covers for the RV

Our stoves in the Conquest and Zinger did not come with a cover.  Counter space is precious in an RV. Adding a foot or two of counter space makes life much better in the kitchen!  I am frugal and when pricing a stove cover I was shocked at the price.  I didn't want to spend fifty plus dollars on a cover.  So, I thought what could I use that could serve a dual purpose.  I came up with a cutting board stove cover!

First, I measured the stove top.  Then I headed to Wally World in search of a heavy duty plastic cutting board.  I had one in the house I used often and wanted a similar one for the trailer.  They had just what I needed.

Next, I got it home and applied four small Velcro pieces to the back and added a grip shelf liner.  This made it where the cutting board did not slide around on the stove when towing.  It also keeps it from sliding around when bumped.

In the Conquest, I didn't have sink covers.  When I used the stove, I put the cutting board cover over the sink and expanded my counter space.  In the Zinger, I have sink covers.  I can still place it over the sink or on the table.  It doesn't really get in the way.

Once the stove is cleaned and cool, I simply place the cutting board cover on it.  Then I put an absorbent dish mat on top of the board.  I picked up a small dish drainer at Wally World and place it on top.  Since the sink and stove are beside one another, it makes washing and drying easy.

When the dish drainer isn't being used, I store the potatoes and onions or other produce in it.

So, I have a frugal, multi purpose solution to many issues facing a travel trailer kitchen.  Counter space added, cutting board for veggies, dish drying station, and produce storage all in one!

For more mods in our Zinger see:  Kitchen Organization in the RV, RV Mods Part 2, and Making the Zinger 28bh Our Own

Eight Benefits of Having a Seasonal Campsite

We decided to opt for a seasonal campsite this year.  This will be a new experience for us and we are hoping that it proves enjoyable.  So, what is the draw for a seasonal campsite versus pulling the trailer to different campsites during the season?

#1 - More Camping!

We are hoping to use the trailer more and camp more often.  Hubs needs to get away and relax from the stresses of owning a small business.  The trailer is already set up on a site and ready to enjoy.  No towing, backing, leveling, hooking up, unpacking, and packing to contend with before or after.

#2 - Never-mind the Weather!

What is the weather going to be like next weekend?  Rainy weekends aren't a problem anymore.  We don't have to set up camp in the rain or take down camp in the rain.  Everything is already there and stays.  We can just open the door and listen to the pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof.  Long relaxing naps and peaceful relaxation.

#3 -  No Reservations!

No need to worry about making reservations.  We typically do not camp on the holidays of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.  Usually, the campgrounds are full and three night stays are mandatory.  We aren't always able to stay three nights.  Now, it doesn't matter.

#4 - Save on Gas!

When we find a campground we enjoy, we tend to go there several times during the camping season.  The campground we chose to seasonal camp is one we fell in love with last year.  We were planning on spending several weekends here this year. (Before we went with a seasonal option.)  Now, we don't have to tow the trailer back and forth and hour and half each way.

#5 -  I don't have to wait!

I don't have to wait on hubs to tow us to the campground. If the kids and I want to camp during the week, we can. I know, I could learn how to tow the trailer.  I just find it nerve wracking going up the windy mountain roads.  I am going to learn how, but just take it easy with straight, wide, roads first!

#6 - Feels more like Home!

We can day trip around the area the trailer is parked.  There are many things we want to see and explore in the area.  Now, we have extra time to do these things.  Or, we can just take long naps at the trailer! 

#7 - It's easier to Unplug!

We play card and board games, read, walk, swim, fish, watch the campfire, talk, listen to Egee play the ukulele, etc.  The television in the trailer only picks up the local PBS station, so it's never on.  We have dvds to watch if the weather is bad.  The kids tend to use their phones at night when we are all in our beds.  That's okay with us.  The majority of the day was electronic free.

#8 -We get to meet new people each trip!

We are meeting our seasonal neighbors and folks just traveling through.  It is always fun to talk to fellow campers.  Everyone has been nice and friendly.

We are excited to see how this season works for us.  I am expecting to have a wonderful time and come back season after season.  We shall see!

Kitchen organization in the RV

The camping bug is biting and the warm winter weather isn't helping.  I'm ready to pack up and camp!  However, I am trying to fight the urge and with that I am constantly trying to think of better ways to organize the RV.  I go out and sit in it and ponder how to make more efficient use of our space.  Then I go and look at Pinterest boards for inspiration.  The hubs just shakes his head.  I know I am obsessed and he lets me be.  His job is to tow the trailer to whatever destination I pick.  He doesn't really get into the fundamentals and complexities of organizing.

So, I have been streamlining what we use in the kitchen.  When we began camping I purchased the cheap summer plastic plates from Wally World.  They are thin, but held well for breakfast and sandwiches.  The downside was I had to wash plates after every meal.  Bummer!  Last spring we went on a week camp-out with home school friends and I purchased a large package of heavy duty paper plates.  Great time saver, no dishes to wash after meals, and they made great fire starters for the evening campfire.  The large package lasted all camping season and I didn't use the thin dishes at all.  I plan on doing the same thing this year, so out with the thin plastic dishes!

I have a drawer that I keep all the cooking spoons, spatulas, etc.  Everything fits if it is arranged just so.  However, after looking at various Pinterest boards and thinking about function in the kitchen, I decided to hang my cooking implements.  I just love command strip hooks.  I have had much success using these in the RV.  The big white thing is a plastic cutting board with foam gripper on the underside.  I was to cheap to buy a stove cover in our last RV and used this to add counter space and functionality of a cutting surface when needed.  I transferred it into our new RV for the same reasons.  I have a super absorbent dish drying mat that I put on it and a small dish drainer when I wash dishes.  I works out great.

In that same drawer, I had a set of measuring cups.  I hung my measuring cups in my house cabinets and love the convenience.  I decided to do the same in the RV.  The cups are nested with two per hook.  They are out of the way, yet handy when needed.  The spatulas and BBQ brush found a home next to the measuring cups, as well.

Grilling utensils use to be housed in the cabinet with my plates and serving platters.  (I still keep a heavy duty set of melamine plates for our dinners in the RV.  It is nice to eat an evening meal on actual plates.) The grilling tongs and spatula often get in the way of the plates, so I decided to hang them in the lower cabinet under the sink.  They were just short enough to fit perfectly!

I know these weren't big changes, but being able to free up a kitchen drawer is nice.  Not sure what I will do with the drawer space.  I'm thinking of letting the hubs have it for his K-cups.  We shall see.

Enjoying the Camping Life

We just can't get enough of camping on the weekends!  Time seems to slow down and relaxation is a must when in the great outdoors.  Just our little family went up to Orchard Lake this go around.  We haven't been by ourselves this camping season, so it felt a little strange.  We had a great time and enjoyed each others company.  If you have a chance, check out Orchard Lake.  The kids will have a great time.  Oh, so will you!

The Frugal Way to Stock Your Travel Trailer

Camping can get quite expensive when you sit down and think about all the items needed.  Oh, there are some that rough it quite well and only need a back pack, sleeping bag, small tent.  However, most of us like a few luxuries on our excursions.  Especially those of us that have decided to take the plunge into the RV side of camping.  So, how can you reduce the cost of the items you need for your travel trailer?  Here are some of the ways I frugally stocked our travel trailer:

1.  Pots and Pans:   Scour your kitchen cabinets.  Do you have duplicates?  You don't need every size of pot or pan.  One large pot with a lid, one small pot, and a large skillet are typically what is mostly used.   Timing was everything when we purchased our first travel trailer.  I had received new pots and pans for Christmas and hadn't donated my old set.  They were sitting in a box, in the garage, and I had forgotten to load them into the SUV.  The set fit the camping criteria for us.  1) They weren't in bad condition.  2) They were light weight.  3) They didn't cost much.

If you don't have duplicates, consider looking in consignment stores or thrift stores to stock these items.  A good scrubbing and run through the dishwasher will put less of a dent in the wallet.  Many campers prefer cast iron cookware.  That is fine if you don't mind the added weight and you are going to be cooking over a campfire.  

2.  Electric Skillet, Hot plate, Instapot are three items that I use every single time we camp.  I had two electric skillets in the house and never used both at the same time.  I put the smaller skillet in the RV.  I stumbled upon a never used double burner electric hot plate at the local thrift store.  It was an older model and never used.  I picked it up for $11!  The Instapot is another favorite of mine in the house and in the RV.  I was taking mine from the house and into the RV each time we left on a trip.  My sister had bought one and decided she didn't like it.  So, she gave it to me and I now have one for RV!

I know I got lucky with the Instapot and most won't be that lucky.  Slow cookers are just as good and can be picked up at consignment sales for just a few dollars.  They are well worth the investment.

3.  Plates, bowls, silverware, cups:  I didn't have extra sets sitting around in my cabinets of these items.  During the summer months when all the stores have their summer themed plates, cups, etc. out and marked low, I picked up great deals to stock the RV.  Also, look for dorm specials at the big box stores.  Plates for $1 or less, cups $1 or less, bulk silverware.  So, if you don't have extra sets around the house, this is a good option.  Just don't go overboard on dishes.  Consider one plate, one bowl, and one cup per person.  If you typically bring a guest or two, buy for them.  I keep six plates, bowls, and cups in our cupboards.

Paper plates and disposable cups are great options, too.  Quite frankly when I don't want to be doing dishes all weekend, I opt for paper plates.  We typically go to Costco and buy the large package of disposable paper plates.  They last almost all camping season for us. 

4.  Serving utensils and knives:  I hunted through my kitchen drawers for duplicates and found a few.  Next, I took a long hard look at what I really needed for our typical camping meals.  Space is always dictating practicality. So, 1 slotted spoon, 1 solid spoon, 1 pasta spoon, 1 slotted spatula, 1 solid spatula, small set of nesting measuring cups, tongs, and 2 spreading spatulas.  I bought a set of knives that came with a knife block.  I am not crazy about the knives, but they work okay for now.  I will probably replace a couple of the knives, but still use the block for storage convenience.

5.  Can opener, knife sharpener, and bottle opener!  Don't forget these!  We have a manual can opener that gets the job done very well.  The bottle opener keeps the hubs happy!  The knife sharpener is an item not often thought about until the knife is dull and of course you have nothing to use to sharpen it with!  I bought a very small one that easily fits in the utensil drawer.

6.  Towels and wash cloths:  Again, I got lucky and had received new towels and wash cloths for Christmas. The old towels and wash cloths weren't in super bad condition.  There were a couple that were fraying. However, for camping use they were a great fit! I have one towel per person and two wash cloths per person in the RV.  This works out fine for a weekend trip.  On week long excursions, I typically do a load of laundry mid week and wash the towels and wash cloths.

If you need these items, consider replacing the towels in your home with the new towels and wash cloths.  You might as well treat yourself!

6.  Linens:  You probably have an extra set or two around the house.  We had sets that I had bought for our blow up mattresses when we tent camped.  When we upgraded to our new RV the queen sets still worked.  The twin sets were too small for the kids new bunks.  I needed full size sheet sets.  Unfortunately, I didn't have any in the house.  I lucked out and our local Camping World had just put full size sets on clearance.  I purchased the sets for $14 each!  They even match the interior of the camper.

Ask family members or friends if they have extra sets they don't use, shop the clearance section, or look at thrift stores for linens.

7.  Entertainment:  My kids don't tend to play board games at home, but while camping they love it.  I just put several of the games into the camper.  I keep an eye out while shopping and if I find a good buy on a fun game I will purchase it.  I just bought an outdoor bean bag toss, ladder toss, washer toss combo game on clearance for $10 (regular $20).  It folds compact and is light weight.  Don't go overboard with the games, just a few and you can always trade them out for different ones after a few trips.

8.  Fans:  You can never have enough fans!  We had a box fan for our tent.  It is now in the RV.  I love this fan!  It circulates the air well and doesn't take up tons of space.  It fits on the dinette table perfectly.  We purchased on clearance a table top rotating fan.  We use it outside mostly.  I have a small box fan that is perfect for our bedroom.  My mom gave it to me since she didn't use it.  The kids needed small fans for their bunks in our new RV.  We bought the fans on sale and saved a few dollars.  I looked everywhere to find the clip fans cheaper, but didn't have much luck.

9.  Chairs:  Sitting around the campfire is nicer if you aren't on the ground.  Luckily, most camp chairs can be purchased relatively cheap.  However, the cheaper the seat the comfort level isn't always the best.  If you don't have extra lawn chairs to take with you, pick up each family member a $5 camp chair at Academy.  This will get you off the ground and enjoying the campfire.  That is what we did.  We have upgraded to the Zero Gravity recliners for the hubs and myself. My parents surprised us one Christmas with these.

These are just some of the major needs for camping in your travel trailer.  I didn't mention all the necessities and will post later about sewer hoses, chocks, leveling blocks, etc.  Camping in the travel trailer doesn't have to be expensive, if you use your creativity.  Always begin 'shopping' in your house for items you need.  Ask family and friends if they have the item.  They may give it to you or sell it cheap.  Next, look at thrift and consignment stores for items.  Then move to the box stores.  Shop the sales and clearance sections.  Never pay full price!  If you have to pay full price, make sure it is a need that you just can't wait on for camping and don't have the item to place in the RV from home and take out again when you return.  Lastly, put those items you would love to have on your birthday or Christmas list.  Feel like a kid again opening up the present and finding something exciting to use for camping!  Stocking the RV doesn't have to cost a fortune if you take your time and assess your true needs.