Have you ever ventured into the world of tent camping? Regardless of your chosen campsite, it's an exhilarating journey into the unknown. Our friends and I embarked on our first camping trip a couple of weeks ago, and the lessons we learned were as thrilling as the experience itself. I'm here to share our tent camping outdoor adventure with you.
Our destination was beach camping, a first for most of us. After extensive research, we settled on the Oregon Inlet Campground on the Outer Banks in NC. This decision was based on several factors: the location's beauty, shower bathroom facilities (a must for our group), and easy beach access. We recommend considering these factors when choosing your campsite.
That was the easy part. The rest of the planning was more challenging since the group consisted of four families ( around 22 people). I will share the process, what we learned from the experience, and what to do and not do.
Planning meals proved to be quite difficult since we only had a grill or a propane stove. Keeping perishable food and beverages cold was particularly challenging, especially during hot summer days. Nevertheless, we persisted, and the feeling of achievement was unmatched.
-Prepare a menu for each day and every meal you will prepare, including snacks. This will save you time and prevent food waste. Preferably, choose items that don't require refrigeration.
Preparation is key. Bring as many coolers as possible, filled to the brim with ice. Divide the contents at the campsite, especially when camping in groups. For a family, one cooler is for refrigerated items, and the rest is for ice as a backup. Not every campsite is near stores, so it's better to be over-prepared than underprepared.
An easy-to-set tent will save you much time and hassle, especially after a long day of outdoor activities. Essential tools, like a rubber hammer for securing tent pegs and a sand mat for keeping the sand out of your tent, are also necessary. My tent's many windows provided a refreshing breeze that kept us cool all night, and we even got to see shooting stars without stepping out of the tent. These items can enhance your camping experience.
-A converter was a lifesaver for charging phone power banks, rechargeable fans, lamps, and the air mattress pump. We opted for rechargeable stuff, but you can also use battery-operated fans and lights. Just don't forget to turn on your vehicle frequently; it will drain the battery, and you'll end up with a dead battery ( been there, done that 😅).
- Foldable propane stoves are an excellent choice for easy and quick meal cooking, and for coffee lovers like me, a stovetop coffee maker 🙌
Even with bathroom facilities, the walk to it can be quite a distance. Carrying your toiletries and finding a place to put them while using the facilities can be inconvenient. A shower caddy, a portable bag with compartments for your toiletries, is a great solution. It keeps all your stuff in one place, making it easy to carry and store. And don't forget your rubber flip-flops; you don't want to shower barefoot in a public shower😳. These are essential items to pack for your camping trip.
- A canopy and weights to hold it; it can get pretty windy at the beach. Beach chairs and a foldable table will make your experience comfortable and convenient.
Last, bring an open mind, forget about the comforts of home, enjoy the experience, make memories with your family, and have fun. Believe me when I say that you will laugh about all the shenanigans that happen when you go camping.
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