Taking Advantage of Black Friday For Camping Equipment

Black Friday sales are a great way to shop for the camper in your life, or even to replenish your own camping items. The sales are definitely hard to beat! Sporting goods stores are in on the action, too, and there are some hard to beat deals out there.  And just think, hitting Black Friday sales at the sporting goods stores will be hubby-friendly shopping!

Thankfully, we now have the Internet to find the best of the best sales and map out where we want to hit first. Often, there are early bird sales, or sales limited to the first so many people through the door. Keep your eye open for sale ads, you just may find a special on the tent of your dreams you just can't walk away from.

Black Friday has something to offer for everybody, the camper included. BlackFriday.info lists several different stores, including sporting goods and outdoor oriented stores, and has coupons for many different sites. This is just one of many places that has gathered sneak peeks for shoppers.

Many people overlook the advantages of shopping for camping equipment throughout the winter. I have bought a substantial amount of my camp equipment this way, saving boatloads in the process. This is the first year I'm really looking hard on Black Friday for camp stuff, and I'm really excited about it!

What Do You Look For In a Campground?

One thing I like to do in the camping off season is scope out potential campgrounds I'd like to check out. I love the water, and really love the beach. So I often look for campgrounds near beaches I'd like to visit. State Parks have proven invaluable in my experiences so far.

I've camped at Carolina Beach State Park in Carolina Beach, NC, and also at the Myrtle Beach State Park campground. There were pros and cons either way. At Myrtle Beach, the campground was ocean front, a huge plus! And they had a general store stocked with all kinds of camping items. The downfall was the tent camping sites were tiny, and the one I got was right beside the shower house, so I heard the screen door slam and toilets flush all night. Not so great.

Carolina Beach State Park is hands down my favorite. The sites are large, and there's a path that leads to a central shower house. Just far enough away to keep it quiet and still have privacy at your camp site. I've often encountered squirrels and deer first thing in the morning on the paths, I love it! The only con is it is not ocean front. It's a very short drive to the beach, but it is outside the campground, so you have to be back in before 10 or so before they lock the gate.

There are other state park campgrounds in NC I've checked out online, and they look great. Especially some in the Cape Hatteras area. They seem more primitive, and that's okay with me, too. I've also camped right on the beach in the north end of Carolina Beach. It was really roughing it, and I'm not sure I could last more than a couple days there, but really enjoyed myself on the trip I took. 

The bottom line is, take your time to research the campground before you set out. Have a plan B if you arrive and it's not what you are looking for. I found tons of reviews of the places I've visited online, and all were very helpful. On the other hand, sometimes it's just fun to pack up and go, camping where ever you see fit!

Organizing and Storing Camp Equipment

It's that time of year. Unless you like cold weather camping, it's time to put away camping equipment for the season. This is a perfect opportunity to go through your camp equipment and make any necessary repairs, take inventory, and clean it up for storage.

I have several big plastic bins I keep my camping stuff stored in. Each according to type. So most of my camp cookware is stored in one, ropes and such in a bag placed in another container, and personal care items in another.

This is also a good time to take stock and have a list of items you'd like to buy or replace over the winter. Winter time is an excellent time to find camping items on sale, making it the perfect time to buy. Make a quick list of things to watch for and regularly scan sales and eBay.

Tents should ideally be cleaned and aired out before storage. Any tears or waterproofing should be fixed at this time. I've found placing them in a loosely covered trash bag, but not sealed, seems to keep mildew at bay. 

Although I always get that little twinge of sadness when packing my camping stuff away for the season, I can't wait to find new bargains over the winter and start planning for camping trips the following year.

Camp Shower Privacy

I really like camping at a campground with a shower house. That reduces a ton of what I need to pack for hygeine. Most of the campgrounds I have been at have had meticulously clean shower houses, which is great! That leaves one tiny little detail: privacy!

I picked up a little tip one year while camping at the Carolina Beach State Park campground. It was one of my first trips there, actually. A kind woman noticed I was trying to hold a beach towel up so my young daughter could shower without being gawked at. She was on her last day and gave me such a cheap gift that forever changed my camp shower house routine.

A cheapie plastic table cloth and duct tape.

Yep, you read that right. It was one of those lightbulb moments, and I almost felt foolish for not thinking of it myself! She was on her last day, so she passed the torch, or the tablecloth in this case, on to myself. Finally, no more tired arms as my daughter washed the shampoo out of her hair! No more self conscious worrying about how big my butt looked! It was as if the heavens opened and the angels sang!

Simply tape the corners up over the shower opening, and when finished, loop the ends of the tape back onto itself. This also gives you stronger corners, and you just tape right on top of them the next time. Brilliant!

So always packed away in my camping equipment you will find a disposable plastic table cloth. Usually with duct tape on two of the corners. There are tons of other uses for these at the campsite, the original intended use would be the obvious first choice. Covering things you don't want to get damp during a brief rain is another. They are also very thin, so they pack away to almost nothing. I fold mine up several times and leave it in a Ziploc bag.

For those camping without a shower house, and using a shower in a bag or just needing a changing station, you can also tape them up to a tree or tie them to a car, you may need a little creativity and rope to achieve this, but the size is just right if you can manage it.

I'm always for finding cheap, easy, and lightweight fixes for making every day life easier while camping!

Cooking an Omelete While Camping

Breakfast while camping has infinite possibilities, many more than you may think. Even if you cannot cook an Omelete at home on the stove, it's incredibly easy to whip up this tasty treat at camp. Of course, this Omelete recipe can also be done at home, too. It's so easy you may find yourself wondering why you didn't think to do this sooner!

Things you will need:

• Eggs, 2-3 for each Omelete, or a carton of egg mixture
• Filling ingredients (see below for suggestions)
• Stock pot
• Ziploc bags, the sandwich size
• Water
• Tongs
  

1. Prepare your campfire early and let the coals burn down to a medium heat to medium high heat. You can just as easily make this recipe with a camp stove, just use medium - high heat.
2. Fill stock pot with about four inches of water, leaving a couple of inches room at the top.
3. Scramble eggs, or use a mixture in a carton, such as Egg Beaters. I strongly suggest the cartons for ease of storage.
4. Chop your filler ingredients (see below for suggestions.)
5. Place about two inches of egg mixture into each Ziploc bag, followed by a handful or so of fillers.
6. Remove as much air as possible from each baggie, and zip closed.
7. Place each bag into boiling water, you can cook several of these at the same time.
8. Let boil for five minutes or so. You can check for doneness by gently squeezing the middle part of each baggie watching for juices to run clear. If egg mixture is leaking out, let cook a few more minutes.
9. Gently remove Omeletes from the pot, let cool for a minute and open. They should come out of the bags easily. Watch for steam as you do this.

Voila! Easy Omeletes right at the campsite! Who knew it could be so easy?


Some suggestions for recipes: 

• Diced ham, onions, cheddar cheese, and green peppers for a Western Omelete.
• Spinach, feta cheese, and sliced red onion.
• Sliced mushrooms, montery jack cheese
• Cheese, cheese and more cheese!

The possibilities are endless with this easy Omelete recipe. They're not the most beautiful creations, but they sure are tasty. And leave very little mess to clean up, the best of both worlds!

Make Your Own Fire Starters

Fire starters can be invaluable in camping, especially during damp or rainy weather. But did you know you can make these yourself? Having a set of these handy waterproof fire starters on hand, you will be able to build a camp fire regardless of the weather.

Things you will need:

• Paper Egg Crate
• Dryer Lint
• Parrafin or old candles
  
• Double Boiler, or two different sizes pots.

Gather dryer lint for several loads of laundry, you are going to need enough to fill the egg crate.

Stuff the lint into the egg crate, filling to the top of each. Pack each compartment tightly with lint. 

Heat water in your double boiler, or use a bigger pan with a couple inches of water inside. Place inner unit (or smaller pot) inside as water starts to boil. Put parrafin or old candle wax inside the smaller chamber. Break up wax into smaller pieces to quicken this process.

When wax is melted (you can also use old candles, just light and wait for wax to melt), carefully pour into each compartment in the egg crate, saturating each blob of dryer lint. You will want to do this on a cookie sheet or other safe surface, as some wax will leak out.  

Let the wax cool and harden, and simply break apart or cut the different compartments apart. Voila! Waterproof fire starters, and you even recycled, to boot! Store these waterproof fire starters in an airtight water resistant container away from heat. 

When ready to use, set up your campfire and place a couple of these inside and at the bottom. Simply light with a lighter or match and you are all set. Don't forget to pack the marshmallows!

No More Bulky Towels

Packing towels for a camping trip can take up a lot of room. Not to mention, they dry slowly, often leaving a camper having to lug around a damp, bulky towel. 

MSR has the answer to this problem. The MSR Packtowl is lightweight, antimicrobial, and dries very quickly. It even has a strap to ease in hanging and drying. The material is ultra-soft, and softens up with each use.

The price is okay, not fantastic, but it could be worse. It's worth every penny, though, as it's ease of use is sure to please. The Packtowl folds up to almost nothing, even for the largest bath sheet size. Drying time is only minutes, as opposed to bulky terry cloth towels taking an hour or more to dry. 

Plus the absorbency! Holy cow, these could soak up any mess or spill you could imagine at a campsite. The versatility these have for a camper is astounding. There is room in any backpack for a set of Packtowls, and the car camper is also going to appreciate having more room for storage of camping equipment. 

Scout around for the best price, pick up a set or two for your camping equipment stash, and be ready to be impressed. This is another one of those items you will like so much it will be hard to pack away. I have to admit, I have one hanging in my bathroom at the moment, and another one handy for spills in the kitchen. I have yet to have a stain or tear on mine, and I've given them quite a workout in the past couple of years.

Caring For Cast Iron Camp Cookware

Cast iron camp cookware is so versatile, you may find yourself bringing it out of storage and using it year round. I love mine, and rarely is it ever packed away. But from time to time, it may need a little extra care, especially if it has been stored.

Inspect your cast iron camp cookware regularly, any sign of rust and it should be stripped clean, scoured, and re-seasoned. Let soak briefly in hot, soapy water to loosen up the seasoning, and use a scouring pad (such as Brillo) to scrub off the rust. Dry with a towel. You will need to season almost immediately to prevent the return of rust.

Seasoning cast iron cookware isn't as difficult as it looks. Starting with clean pots and pans, rub the entire surface with your choice of bacon fat, lard or Crisco, or even vegetable oil. Some say vegetable oil won't give great results, but seasoning twice in a row with veg oil works just fine.

After coating thoroughly with fat or oil, place your cast iron cookware into an oven at about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Let this cook for a couple hours. If you notice a lot of fat building up inside the pans, empty it out about halfway through. A little bit of smoke coming off your cookware during this process is normal.

Cast iron cooking items will have a greyish color when it is new or has been recently stripped. With years of use, your cookware will turn darker and darker, giving the black look so many people associate with cast iron.

Proper use and storage will ensure your cast iron camp cookware will withstand the test of time. Rinse out your pots and pans immediately after use, scraping any burned on bits if necessary. Only use dishwashing liquid if necessary. Dry in a well ventilated area, putting pots and pans in the oven for about 20 minutes as it cools down after dinner isn't a bad idea, either.

Store your cookware without lids, so moisture does not accumulate inside and possibly cause rust. Not to mention, this avoids any musty odors becoming trapped.

Cast iron camp cookware is a fantastic investment, with just a little care it is sure to outlast many other types of camp cookware. 

Beach Camping

What could be better than waking up at dawn to watch the sun rise over the ocean, the gentle sound of the waves waking you from a wonderful night's slumber? Beach camping is extreme fun, but it can present extreme challenges as well. With a little planning, your beach camp excursion will be a good time, and problems can be avoided.

Depending on the beach, and the season, the challenges will be different for each trip. Before setting out on your beach camping trip, do your homework and find which problems you may encounter. Some things to take into consideration include, but are not limited to: weather, lack of shade, availability of fresh water, laws and regulations for your beach of choice, restroom facilities or lack thereof, availability of ice and food, wind, and the high tide marks.

Some beaches have camping areas, and others are more remote and simply allow it, as opposed to catering to camper's needs. For the beginner, beach camping at a state park or commercial campground is probably the best idea. Most of these will have restroom facilities (not all do) and access to fresh water and ice. Do check with the campgrounds rules for fires, how close to the water line you can set up camp, swimming or fishing, and any other concerns you may have. 

Beach camping in areas with little to no shade can become extremely hot in summer months. Keep this in mind, as tarps or shade shelters can help alleviate this concern. Heat exhaustion is a real concern for the summer months. A quick dip in the water is a good way to avoid this, but may not always work. Keep hydrated, and a watchful eye for symptoms of campers getting too hot. 

Ice will melt faster in a hot camping environment, so extra care should be given to coolers in this setting. Burying your cooler half way with sand, and covering with several blankets and shade given to the whole thing will help with melting times. Having a large cooler packed with bags of ice and a small block of dry ice will help reduce trips for more ice. Dry ice will cool a little too well, so food and beverages should be kept in a smaller cooler and ice added to that as needed. 

No shower house? No problem! As long as you have access to clean water, a shower in a bag will help provide necessary hygiene. These are designed to be laid out in the sun, and within an hour or so will heat up to a shower temperature. Then they are hung and the nozzle opened for a refreshing shower. Shower stalls can also be purchased for the modest, and they set up just like a tent. This is especially important in salt water beach camping to remove salt from a dip in the ocean.

Watch for updates on camping equipment related to beach camping, as this is one of my favorite ways to camp! 

What's For Dinner?

Camp cooking does not have to be limited to hot dogs roasted over a camp fire. Most recipes created at home can be cooked to perfection at the campsite. Some need a little improvising, others only need the right cookware.

Cast iron cookware always does good at the campsite, but can be heavy and bulky for transport. Good for car camping, not so good for backpacking. A cast iron skillet is naturally non-stick, and extremely versatile in camp cooking. Cast iron dutch ovens are the perfect way to bake almost anything. A close eye is all that is needed, and a little practice doesn't hurt. 

Foil packs are another fantastic way to whip up a gourmet meal at the campsite. Simply cut meats into one inch chunks, marinate, and throw in a few chopped veggies. Seal up tight, and place over a campfire grate, and flip every ten minutes or so. Most meats will be cooked through in roughly 20 minutes, a little longer for bigger packs or larger pieces. Voila! A sumptuous meal with very little effort. Not bad, eh?

Lightweight cookware will always work well with camp stoves. These will work just like your stove top at home. Couldn't be easier! Propane bottles can be bought in small enough sizes to not take up too much room, and are easy to transport. One propane bottle can give hours upon hours of cooking time. Most camp stoves fold up to about the size of a briefcase, and clean up easily.

Look for updates and more in-depth reviews of camp stoves, camp cookware, and recipes in the near future!

Camping Mama Starts Anew

Camping is one of Mother Nature's fabulous gifts to us. The crisp, fresh air, the serenade of crickets alongside a camp fire, and the moonlight shining down on us. All gifts from above to delight out senses! Not to mention, it's an affordable way to create family memories, and relax and unwind.

I am often surprised at how people who haven't been exposed to camping view the experience. Many people are not aware of the advancements in camping equipment throughout the years. There is no need to rough it, unless you choose to do so. We will examine various camp equipment in this blog, and discover new techniques for camp cooking and activities to enhance the camping experience.

There are many different types of campsites to choose from in this day and age. Choosing the campsite or campground that best suits your needs will give the best the best experience for your camping vacation. But which campsite does the beginner choose? Which does an experienced hiker choose? These are things to take into consideration when planning a camping vacation, and we will cover various ways to make the best decision for you.

All in all, a little education goes a long way in the camping experience. Finding the best camping equipment for your needs doesn't have to be a frustrating process, we will walk you through new technology and techniques. So pull up a seat and get ready for the experience of a lifetime!