Sunshine Camper

I know you all will think I'm crazy for keeping this list but here it goes.

10- This is an extremely helpful website- http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/Tips/Tips_and_Advice.htm

BEDDING & BATH (SLEEPING)

Bedding- sheets (we use sheets because it’s usually too hot for sleeping bags) -blankets- (we use old down comforters-it’s lightweight)

-Pillows!!

-Extra blankets-winter/spring months -I keep these stored in the camper in plastic Ziploc XL bags or the clear zip up kind found @ Wal-Mart in the ironing board section (store with a used dryer sheet to keep the bedding from smelling musty)

-Mattress foam thingies (looks like an egg crate) on the beds-these do make a difference.

Bath and Beach Towels- I bought the cheap Wal-Mart bath towels (keep in the trailer/RV) and we have Beach/Pool towels (Wal-Mart $6) that we keep in the trailer too.

TOILETRIES/SHOWERS: CLOTHES

1) Shampoo/conditioner

2) Deodorant

3) Hairbrush

4) Toothbrush

5) Toothpaste

6) Soap

7) Clothes –seasonal (bathing suit or jacket)

*Flip Flops for showers and pool-this prevents foot fungus

9) Toiletries bag-2 options I’ve seen the shower bags found at Bed, Bath and Beyond use a 20% off coupon they’re $7ish. See below-ladies only- (I got the men’s at Target for $4) You can use the $1 caddy baskets with handle but they are cumbersome. Gal size Ziploc bag works too.

10) Mesh bag (beach type bag or grocery-reusable) for carrying your clothes to and from your campsite to the Comfort Station/Bathroom. ***You place your towel and clothes to the showers in the mesh bag (or reusable grocery bag)-so you aren’t taking lots of cumbersome duffle bags into the bathroom. There might be a line of people to shower and this saves time. Wal-Mart’s bags are $.50-most stores have them and are usually $.99. I saw a family with a different color for each family member. Mom had a red Target bag, Dad had a Publix green bag, blue Wal-Mart for the son and the daughter had a black Publix bag.

11) Long trips-use a garbage bag to place dirty cloths in or buy a folding hamper-while unpacking the dirty laundry is gathered already

12) I suggest keeping your bath towels (wet) hooked or hung in the trailer. They should dry faster in the air conditioning vs. outside in the summer months. Pool/beach towels can be kept outside to dry in the sun.

13) I’ve never tried this (my kids are too old for this idea) but read it and thought it was a great tip for young children. Purchase a small blow up pool under $5-$10 for the kids. Place in the campground shower while the water is filling it up the kids can sit in it and wash up. It’s like a mini inexpensive tub. They aren’t on the floor of the shower they’re in the pool.

COOKING/KITCHEN- FOOD

**Do not buy kitchen tools in the camping section. Buy in the kitchen section because it’s cheaper. You can use what you have in your kitchen-we have bought what we need separately since we go so often AND we don’t want to forget something like a can opener. Cooking for camping is the same items you would need if you were cooking at home. **Once you’ve finished cooking your meal-before eating, heat up water in your kettle to do dishes (tent camping tip).

1) Cooking kettle (like a teakettle) for heating water (to do dishes) or hot chocolate

2) Plastic tools-spatula, spoons, tongs etc.-cooking utensils (you will use) TIP: TENT camping-I’ve seen campers use those plastic 5 drawer storage carts (with wheels) for storing the tools, Ziploc bags, aluminum foil etc. They keep it next to the “food prep table” in a screened porch.

3) Napkins-Paper Towels (at least 2 rolls)

4) Dish strainer for drying dishes-these are cheap

5) Skillet, & 3 size cooking pots with lids (small, medium and large)-the large is a must for us-we cook spaghetti a lot

6) Measuring cup-this has come in handy.

7) *Can opener/Scissors-a MUST (the most forgotten items camping)

*Always keep baking soda on hand-(girl scout tip)-in case of a fire use baking soda on the fire to put it out.

9) Keep baking soda in your (RV) fridge while not in use-keep it fresh smelling

10) Knives-utility, paring, chef

11) Ziploc bags in different sizes for storing -qt. and gal sizes

12) Plates, plastic ware, cups, bowls (disposable or plastic)-I bought plastic bowls, plates, plastic ware ($1 Store or after summer sale)

13) Tablecloth (for picnic table) along with clips to hold it down (Camping section Wal-Mart, the red and white checkerboard kind-it holds up better than any of the others I’ve bought-it’s like $2) - the clips keep the tablecloth from flying away. Holidays-you can use a decorated tablecloth to represent a certain holiday. TIP: I also wash the tablecloths after a trip in the washer (with the towels)-just don’t put them in the dryer.

14) Aluminum foil-non-stick Reynolds wrap for cooking-no generic-believe me the generic sticks to the grill and the food

15) Dish soap-small for cleaning dishes (refill it when I get home)

16) Sponge for dishes the ones for the grill in the camping section-Wal-Mart

17) Potholders

18) Dish towels (at least 2-3)-for drying dishes

19) Wet ones (generic) (you don’t have a sink close by-it’s great for quick hand washing) Great when you have little ones. You can also use baby wipes.

20) Clorox Wipes are great quick clean ups…like wiping down the tablecloth because it’s out with the dirt all day. *Don’t confuse Clorox wipes with wet ones.

21) Pam-non-stick spray-the grill personal gas grill

22) Mixing bowl-to mix food or use for cut up fruit or chips-etc.

23) Hand mixer-small $6-$8-Wmart (mashed potatoes)-I know not real camping

24) Coffeemaker –if you drink coffee

25) Colander-for pasta

26) Spices-salt, pepper, etc. (your favorites)-$1 @ Wal-mart in camping section-or the S/P. -note the salt will get hard if you don’t put rice in it (we live in FL).

27) Toaster-$10 at Wal-Mart

28) Peeler- for potatoes or apples

29) Cutting Board

30) **Crock-pot is great for having your dinner cook all day then come back and eat-love this! MANY campers use this-us included (Our trip to DC-I set the crock pot each day for our dinner). It was great knowing I didn’t have to cook when I got back from walking all day.)

31) *Disposable containers-Glad ware is great for storing leftovers to heat up again later. These are great for storing butter, hotdogs, etc. in coolers from getting soggy. (if you don’t have a fridge)

32) Portable grill (Coleman) for pancakes, steak, chicken, anything-we LOVE ours

33) Microwave (we had one in our pop-up)

34) RV-Tip: Narrow trashcan inside trailer-found at Wal-Mart. Use kitchen size bags.

35) RV-Tip: Cleaners-Fantastic is recommended on our counters, a small bottle of bleach for just about anything, Windex-we have glass mirrors

36) RV-Tip: Hand soap for kitchen and bathroom

37) Caddy for plates, napkins, plastic ware-this way it’s all together and you don’t have to make bunch of trips getting stuff on the table. It’s a Pampered Chef item-I have one for home and the trailer. $16.50…very useful! I refill it after every trip or if we’re on a long trip refill when needed. I just grab this and place on table for meals.

FOOD-*

***Anything you would normally eat. You can pre make meals and freeze them-saving time and money. Pack non-perishable foods in paper grocery bags or reusable-then when you empty a bag-compact the bag for more room. Freeze bottled water then place in cooler to help with keeping the food or drinks cold.

Cereal

Water-gallon for cooking-unless you have a water purifier (we buy our gallon water in a 6 pk. Box at Costco)-we store in our bathtub in the trailer-in case one leaks.

Bottled water

Fruit

Instant oatmeal

Popcorn (microwave?)

Hot chocolate mix

Tea if you’re a tea drinker

Coffee-if you’re a coffee drinker

Sandwich meats

Ketchup

Mustard

Mayo

Butter-squeeze and stick

Mac n cheese-always a favorite

Bacon/sausage

Pancakes

Creamer if you like coffee

Sugar

Salt & pepper –$1 camping section Wal-Mart

Spices-your favorites for cooking

Soup-great for camping-maybe a stew

Grill meat-steak, salmon, pork chops, chicken, ribs- to name a few

Eggs

Bread-sandwiches for lunch

Milk

Syrup

Smores -marshmallows, graham crackers, Hershey chocolate (it’s not camping without these)

Roast hot dogs

Spices

Onion

Spaghetti sauce and noodles

Salad & dressing

Baked potatoes

Baked Beans

Rice

Bagels

Cooking Spray (like Pam) and liquid too

CROCK POT

**Planning Meals- We (I who are we kidding-lol) pre-plan our meals each trip. I purchase what we need before we leave for the campgrounds. We plug in the fridge 2 days before we leave so it’s nice and cold. The day of leaving or the day before I purchase the perishables and place them into the fridge in the trailer. If we are gone on a long trip and stopping a night or 2 before arriving. I will only buy groceries for the days on the road. Then once at our destination I will get all the groceries. This is for space in fridge and in case the fridge breaks and the food doesn’t spoil for whatever reason.

GEAR/ SUPPLIES- SHELTER

1) Garbage bags (we generally use one a day for trash) 30 gallon or higher

2) Flashlights-at least one heavy duty (for the bathroom in the evenings)-it gets dark out there

3) Compactable trashcan (I got mine at camping world for $10) and love it. I hold the trash bag up with clothespins. ***Remember to keep the trash in your car at night or take it to the dumpster-the animals will find it if you forget.

4) Off spray (bug spray)-you’ll be sorry if you don’t bring this at least one bottle (Avon’s Skin So Soft works great-but expensive)

5) Off buckets for around the campsite for bugs-these are nice at least 2-found in the summer seasonal section at Wal-Mart if not garden section)

6) Firewood and charcoal for cooking and lighter fluid-*firewood found at the camp host site or the campgrounds camp store, ranger station

7) Matches or we suggest aim n flame-

Chairs folding-one for each family member at Wal-Mart or Sports Authority-Coleman brand

9) Skewers for roasting hot dogs or marshmallows over the fire camping aisle at Wal-mart (4 for $1.88)

10) Sunscreen-of course we live in FL

11) Ant spray killer (always comes in handy)-we live in FL

12) Fly swatter-we live in FL (you would be surprise how often you use this)-Bee’s & Flies

13) Batteries on hand for everything battery- D’s, AAA and AA

14) Clothespins to hang towels to dry or for hanging string lights or clipping a bag of chips.

**15) Folding table to cook on which frees up the picnic table-all sites have grills (pits) and picnic tables-our RV came with a utility table

16) Electrical cord (outdoor kind)-for plugging in a fan (yes we have a fan for summer months) or TV

17) Cooler--these aren’t cheap so I suggest Wal-Mart (COLEMAN makes a great insolated cooler $30-$45 depending on the size)-you can pack perishable food in one (if you don’t have a fridge) and drinks in another.

18) Quarters for buying ice or doing laundry-*Disney’s Ft. Wilderness-We go through $25 in a week @ Disney in the summer months. Lots of ice and wash towels at least once if staying for a week.

19) I keep laundry detergent on hand just in case something HAS to be washed. Long trips it’s needed or pool/beach towels on a week at Disney.

20) Duraflame logs (generic) -only to be used to keep warm not for cooking. We use them as a fire starter. Found in camping section at Wal-mart

21) Ponchos-disposable (Wal-Mart $.88 a piece)-especially in the summer months you’ll need them.

22) FIRST AID KIT-a given! (Wal-Mart camping section)

23) Cell Phone chargers for your cell phone

24) Adult and Kids Tylenol

25) BIKES!-to ride around the campgrounds and with a bike lock found at Wal-Mart-learned the hard way!!!!!

26) Bike helmets-goes with above (maybe a bike pump)

27) Keys (extra set to trailer)-RV

28) Tools like hammer/mallet just in case-for tent stakes and a camp shovel

29) Broom-small dust buster for cleaning trailer.

30) Rug at the door of the trailer/tent-keeps dirt out

31) Rope to hang the towels or I bought a double hook Iron rod (for hanging plants at WM then purchased these

I bought 2 -one on each hook. Beach towels go on one and swim suits on the other. Some campgrounds you aren’t allowed to tie rope or anything to trees. Camping World has the white hook thing.

32) Lights-battery Coleman (tent) lantern or propane gas on picnic table). DO NOT USE propane light in your tent-Carbon monoxide poisoning. I’ve seen people plug in a utility light as well.

33) A canopy for sitting out of the sun-enclosed (Wal-mart-EZ-Up the screen is separate) –one of the best items we’ve bought. We place the picnic table under this along with the double plant hook for drying our pool/beach towels

34) *Old towels or rags for drying the picnic table or electrical cord if it’s wet for packing up to go home.

35) Bug zapper-Lowe’s-it’s $44 and keeps the bug’s away-we hang it from our awning

Stinger

Ultra Zapper

Iem #: 69710 Model: UVB45

$45.97

36) Toilet paper (you don’t need to use the RV kind in the RV section of Wal-mart as long as what you buy is biodegradable)-we use Scotts

37) FREEZER PACKS- bought 3 of these at Wal-Mart. Cooler/camping section. I use them in our (RV) fridge to keep it extra cold especially in the summer months.

38) Shoe Rack-white found at Wal-mart in the iron/laundry section $3-$4). Keep outside trailer to hold shoes and flip flops to dry.

39) Cable cord (50 ft. or more)-for Disney to receive cable to your TV

40) propane for stoves and grills

RV-

1) Leveling blocks (Camping World)-leveling your RV-these go under your wheels if need-also use under your jacks.

2) Wheel blocks-orange (2pk) Wal-Mart-so your RV doesn’t roll away from you once detached from the car-these go at the wheels

3) Hose for water hook up-Wal-Mart too

4) Propane for cooking-Wal-Mart

5) Outside lights on the awning (optional but nice to have)

-*If you have a gray (sink and shower water) and black tank (the toilet water)-toilet paper-deodorizer for grey and blank tank-Wal-mart-liquid not powder (we’ve tried both and liquid seemed to work MUCH better than powder)-you can always use Calgon-it’s much cheaper and does the job. I pour gray liquid deodorizer down all the sinks and the tub/shower-then rinse it with hot water after tanks have been emptied.

6) Outdoor carpet/Rug found at Camping World-also a cheap green floor mat found at Wal-Mart $4-$6)-it’s great for getting the sand off your feet/shoes. Cuts down on the dirt and sand in the RV

7) Clean Machine Step mats-2 they wrap around the 2 steps into your trailer. Color to match your TT-this greatly helps keep dirt out and most importantly you don’t slip when the steps are wet.

General Info. Lessons Learned:

1) **I keep a Camping Folder (mine is a 5 pocket plastic) of all the campgrounds (maps) past and present to remember the good sites (so we get the right size site too)-shade is a must. Don’t forget to print the confirmation email for your site, maps, tickets for any theme parks etc.-keep in folder.

2) **Keep all food stored in a car locked or the RV especially at night. Raccoons will get your food and trash your site. -Ft. Desoto and Anastasia are famous for this. Not drinks-they don’t want drinks.

3) Remember once you’ve bought the camping “equipment” it’s free the second trip out. It’s an investment at first but it’s nice to know you’re taking your bed and your things on your trips.

4) Read www.disboards.com camping section for newbie camping info. “Camping Disney World”-great advice on that board-even pictures of camp set ups. A picture is truly worth a 1000 words!

5) Camp close to home first trip-see what you might need after one day-then go to Wal-mart and pick up the things you might need. Not everyone camps the same.

6) Make sure gas (propane tanks in RV) is turned off before leaving campsite.

7) Make sure wheel blocks are under the wheels on the RV before unhooking from the vehicle

Info website- http://www.rv.net/

9) The book “Next Exit” (found at Borders or Cracker Barrel) is a good book to find what’s ahead to pull your RV in for food or gas

10) Ft. Wilderness info- http://home.hiwaay.net/~jlspence/faq_fw.htm

11) Another website for good info http://home.gwi.net/~spectrum/list.html

12) Check break lights before leaving the campgrounds and home-RV

13) Make sure antenna is down before leaving-RV

14) Make sure the RV is level when you park it at the campground.

15) Make sure electrical cord is unplugged before pulling out of campsite or home-RV.

16) Always check tire pressure before leaving for a trip-helps with mileage and a blow out- RV.

17) Never keep food stored in your RV while not in use.

See I told you I was crazy....but it helps others getting started so I keep it-it helps me. :)

Enjoy your rv.

It's driving me crazy! She told me to ask when we arrive and that its the Recreational people who will post it in the system July 1. I asked how will everyone register a lot of golf carts etc. on July 1st if that's when the info will come out and if the parade is July 2nd? She had no answer. She told me to ask when checking in. That doesn't help me much. Oh well, I'll tell the kids to "roll with it". Thanks... I think you'll know more about Halloween since its at the end of the month. The Ft. changes schedules on the 1st. Good luck on the Halloween activities! :)

We leave 6/30 for the Ft. and I'm trying to find out when the parade will be held. I called the Ft. and they told me they won't know until 7/1. That doesn't help me prepare if the parade is on Saturday. I need to decorate. Will the Meadows Pool activities take place on the 4th or Saturday? or all weekend. Last year there were watermelon relays and the kids want to do that again. I'm trying to plan-does anyone have any info? Parade and activities Saturday, Sunday or Monday? We are heading out today to find decorations. Thanks-I know you guys will have the scoop. :)

Bring a fan in the late spring, summer and early fall months. We have a portable one IN the TT and a full size one OUTSIDE the TT. It makes a long day outside more relaxing.

If they ever bring back FTW logo merchandise get a shirt for the whole family. My kids are almost grown out of their t-shirts (I need more). We pick a day to wear them as a family. Its so much fun and the pictures are great. SO come on Disney-this Mom needs new shirts! :)

When we camp for a week or more or at Thanksgiving-I purchase food before we leave home (25 mins. away). We make a grocery run to Walmart (off of SR 535) about at the half way point of the week. Then of course, dh has to go to Camping World which is just a hop skip and a jump from there. WM is one stop shopping-especially down by Disney.

Crock pot, coleman grill, (outdoor and indoor stove)-love this. My outdoor caddy for my plasticware, napkins and plates. I just grab and take it all with me if we eat inside or outside.

Oops, sorry guys-we camped the week after New Years-the kids didn't have to go back to school until the 10th of Jan. We took FULL advantage of the Ft. with the rest of the kids in our county doing the same thing. It was like we had the ft. to ourselves. The management at the snack bar-which I was surprised it was open since the holidays were over-said we couldn't use our brown FTW mugs for refills anymore. We were bummed-but it was on our last day there.

Anybody have any insight on this matter?

We've just camped for a week without going to the parks. We live here though. I have 2 kids 13 and 11 and hubby isn't a fan of crowds. We enjoy the Ft., DTD, the resorts and so much more. So much to do.

1) Walking the trail to WL (seeing many deer) and then hoping the boat back to the Ft.

2) Seeing how many old Ft. W. railroad tracks we can find from years gone by.

3) Hayride at 9:30p to watch the fireworks

4) watching the fireworks from Clementines beach

5) Take-out from TE and eating it at the beach

6) Seeing the horses at the stables

7) playing soccer in the field by the meadows pool next to the volleyball net

LOOPING!

9) renting a sea-ray

10) horseback riding-my kids favorite

Sorry I couldn't just pick ONE.