Toaster Ovens in the Campground

December 30, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Toaster-Ovens are one of those appliances that are useful in a multitude of ways. Choosing one with a small profile that also offers a wide area for toast provides you with just about any type of toasting and warming you need in a jif.

You can toast morning bagels, English muffins, or regular bread. Top them with cinnamon and sugar, peanut butter and jelly, butter, and honey, or cream cheese. In the oven section you can make quick grilled cheese sandwiches, or add ham, roast beef, or your lunch meat of choice. Use it to cook up some bacon or sausage to go with the fried egg you have going.

It’s very useful for reheating food, too. Yesterday’s fried potatoes will crisp up beautifully in the toaster-oven. You can make sweet potato fries or potato pancakes in a very short period of time. If there are any burgers or hotdogs left over they will warm right up in the oven and be ready for lunch in no time. Or put the leftover chicken in for just a few minutes and it’s ready as well.

The toaster-oven comes in handy when the grill and all your extra burners are full or when one person in your group has a special diet or doesn’t want to eat what is on the day’s menu. We hope all your meals are easy and satisfying as you’re camping with your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you around the campground.

Things to Love About Camping

December 14, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Of course, we think camping is the best thing on earth and we hope you do too but there are some people out there who may wonder what the big deal is about camping. So, we thought we’d share the benefits we see every day and maybe give you a little insight into how camping can change you, and change your whole look on life if you give it a good, solid try.

It’s not so much about taking a vacation and staying in a campground for a week or two. It’s much more about what happens while you are here. Even though we have WiFi, and campers come with lots of electronics, there still is less time spent on them than at home. And more importantly, more time is spent connecting with the people you are camping with.

We see it all the time. People begin to relax as soon as they arrive. The laughter begins and they start chiding their friends. Practical jokes start being played on each other and family meals are eaten together. Kids teach parents about a new app and grandparents teach kids an old card game. Everyone helps clean up after dinner and they all gather together around the fire at night.

It’s these simple things that change people through camping. You can stop writing appointments in your calendar and checking your watch. If you want to sit with your neighbor and talk about the first car you had in high school, you can. If you’d rather take your teen horseback riding you can do that too. That’s the best part of camping. The fact that you can spend your day the way you want and spend it with the people you want to spend it with.

If you haven’t tried it we hope you will. We would love to meet you. We have lots of suggestions for things to help you wind down or gear up – whichever suits you.

Items for Your Camping Checklist

December 5, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

A camping checklist is most helpful when it has everything you’ll need to be comfortable. You should always put together a list and go through it more than once just to make sure you’re good to go. There’s nothing worse than showing up to a campsite only to realize you need something!

Don’t forget to bring ample toilet paper and other bathroom items like toothpaste. There are going to always be things that are specific to the people that are going on the trip so make sure everyone adds what they need to the list. You don’t want to only bring items that are for you and have to run out to get some for everyone else because you forgot. Try going to the store with everyone when stocking up, if possible, and make them bring their own lists along. Take along extras of everything you can just in case.

Do you have enough clothing to last you? What about medications, have you gone to the doctor to get extras if you’re going to be going on vacation for a while? There are some things you just can’t get while you’re out camping, because they are personalized items. You need to make sure you have glasses, if those are a part of your wardrobe, and get extras of them on board too. You never know when something will break or when a disaster will happen that causes you any number of issues like losing some of your supplies.

When you put together a camping checklist, you will have a better time. It’s easy to make sure you have what you need and that you are prepared to enjoy yourself. All it takes is you following the above tips and making them work for you.

Pop-Ups for New Campers

November 17, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Many people begin their camping journey by starting out with a pop-up camper. It can a good place to start as you learn the ropes of the camping life. Pop-ups are easy on the budget and simpler to maintain than a motorhome, fifth wheel, or trailer. It can launch you into a great way of life while requiring less of your time and money.

Image Source: General RV

They work well for a young family of four people or so. With two fold outs there is sleeping space for parents and a couple of kids. Pop-up campers like that they are up off the ground, unlike they would be in a tent, and have more storage and appliances on-board. You’ll probably have a small dining area in which the seat can also convert to a bed, a small fridge, cooktop and sink. This makes things very convenient, particularly for people with young families. We see plenty of couples who arrive with a pop-up, too. So there are benefits to all kinds of camping families.

The higher priced pop-ups can even include a cassette toilet and shower. These days, they even come with slides for added interior space. Another nice aspect of a pop-up is protection from rain and cool temps. The sides are heavy canvas and will protect you from the wind while the solid roof keep the rain from leaking through. Pop-up campers are efficient and light weight. They are much easier to tow, back up, and park than a full size RV. They are easier to set up than a tent. And when not in use, you can keep your pop-up stocked with non-perishables which reduces the packing you’ll do before departing on your next camping trip.

They can also be rented, which is a good option for campers who’d like to try before they buy. You get to experience what it’s like to camp in one and get a feel for features you’d like in the one you plan to buy. We think you’ll enjoy camping in a pop-up and we look forward to seeing you around the campground this summer. Be sure to make your reservation soon and we’ll see you when you get here.

Tips for Happy Family Camping

November 10, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Camping is possibly one of the most effective means for families to take pleasure in each other’s company, away from the schedules of every day life. It does require some planning and preparation, but every minute you invest with your family members will be worth the effort. If you keep it simple and bring along the basics, you’ll have a wonderful time outdoors and you will not miss out on any of the activity at home. You and your family can enjoy a memorable experience of camping together while everyone is still living at home and hasn’t gone off to college or started families of their own.

Some tips to help you make it the best camping trip ever:

Depending on whether you are planning on camping in a tent, an RV, or a cabin, your camping list will be unique. Take each person’s preferences into consideration when you make your decision. Modern dome-style tents can easily accommodate 3 to 4 people, with bigger ones being able to fit as many as 8. Due to the fact that you only have to connect a couple of pieces, dome camping tents can be set up very quickly and then you’re off to play in the campground. If you do utilize a tent make sure you spray it with some rain-resistant spray to stop leaking in the event it rains. A tarp underneath the tent provides additional security from moisture and sticks or stones.

RVs and cabins provide more comfort and protection from the weather. They are roomier but come with their own set of work to maintain. You can sleep in a soft bed, it’s easier to cook inside, and there is room to store supplies. You’ll probably have a fridge and a heater as well. Some people prefer them while others would rather camp in a tent. Camping is a very individual issue depending on people’s preferences and experiences.

Pack lighter than you may think necessary. A four-day trip, for instance, requires just a few sets of garments. You’ll most likely need just a jacket, a sweatshirt, 3 or 4 shirts, a set of trousers as well as shorts, socks, underclothing, and also an extra pair of shoes or sandals. Bring along a pair of trekking boots if you intend on hiking any trails. You’ll be packing for every member of the family so keeping a list of what has been packed and what is still needed will help keep you organized.

Prepare your food. Obviously you can bring coolers along but we recommend bringing foods like nuts, bread, and cookies, anything that does not need refrigeration. Kids will want to eat all the treats at once so stretching them out over your trip will keep them from getting a tummy ache. Keep your food choices simple. Hamburgers and hotdogs are camping favorites. Much of what you plan to bring can be prepared ahead of time and placed in food-safe containers. It will save you time for more play and less work while you are here.

It’s a great time to bring out the board games, a deck of cards, or lawn games you know the kids might like. Pack any favorite toys, especially the ones your kids like to sleep with. It will help comfort them at night if they feel a little anxious when the lights go out. Add extra batteries to your list and more flashlights than you think you’ll need. They tend to get lost or used for fun after dark. It’s good to have a schedule but be prepared for that schedule to go out the window from time to time. Kids may sleep later than you expect or want to swim longer than you’d planned. You can zig when they zag and enjoy the lack of a planned schedule for the day.

Either way, the best part is being together. Your kids will be talking about the trip many years from now when they consider camping with their own little ones. Let yourself enjoy the chaos and take lots of photos. There is plenty of time to get back to a normal routine once you are home. We hope your trip is memorable and that you come back to camp with us many times over the coming years. We look forward to seeing you and watching you have an absolutely wonderful time camping with your family.

Keep Your Camping Gear Mildew Free

November 3, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Humidity is one of the most common problems campers run into when they pull their camping gear out of storage in the spring. Often it was slightly damp when it was packed away and those nasty little microbes had the whole winter to grow and prosper on your gear. There are some steps you can take to avoid this problem.

Spread everything out or hang it up for a sufficient amount of time to allow it to completely dry out. You can use the warm afternoon sun to speed this process up or a room in your home that isn’t used at the time. Make sure all the seams are good and dry before you fold it up for storage.

RVers sometimes use a dehumidifier to keep things dry. It’s another helpful preventative. If you do find mildew on your camping gear you can attempt to clean it up a few ways. Try a mild mix of bleach and water in a spray bottle. Then scrub the area with a stiff brush. Let it dry well through and check it to see if you got all the mold. If not, try another application.

You can pack your gear with commercial packets of absorbent material as well. This will draw in any moisture that has gone undetected by you. We hope all your camping trips are fun and memorable and you don’t have to spend time cleaning up your camping gear. Happy camping, we look forward to seeing you around the campground.

Camping Journals Are Fun to Look Back On

October 27, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Lots of campers have their own way of documenting their camping trips for further reflection through the years. Some keep scrapbooks, others take lots of video, and some like to keep a camping journal. This can be a notebook of your choosing and can contain any type of details you deem to be important.

It can be fun to track how many miles you’ve driven, who was camping, any hiking you did, or area events you attended. It’s heart warming to look back on what you’ve written and experience fond memories come flooding back of a special trip with special people.

Some keep a day by day journal and others document each trip as a whole. It’s fun to note the age, height, and interests of each of the kids. You can then compare the details as each year passes. Make sure to write down fun stories about the family pets too. They, unfortunately are gone too soon and this can be a way of remembering them.

Some might choose a handsome moleskin journal while others are content with a spiral bound notebook. Maybe you’d like to make quick sketches in it as well. That’s the beauty of a camping journal. It’s an extension of your personality and contains all the things you find to be most important in your life.

You might like to keep yours stored in with your camping gear so it is only available for camping trips. Others like to use their journal at home in order to write about all aspects of their lives. We hope all your camping adventures are worthy of documenting and that you have a wonderful time each time you visit us. We look forward to seeing you around the campground for many years to come.

Avoiding the Heat While Camping

October 20, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Campers spend a lot of time in a warm environment when they are camping. Whether you are cooking something on the grill, enjoying time around a campfire, or spending time basking in the sun. Some of these activities can lead to a burn. Whether it’s a burn from the stove or sunburn across your shoulders it hurts and most people want to get things healed up quickly.

To avoid burns from fire, coals, or steam you should consider bringing along a pair (or two) of heat resistant gloves. Wear them when you add wood to your campfire or are taking food off the grill. They are made to protect you from high temperatures and can save a camping trip.

Use a poker or folding shovel when manipulating your campfire. They are made to withstand the high temps and offer a lengthy handle which keeps your limbs further from the fire. Sunscreen should be worn even on cool and overcast days. We tend to overdue the sun while on vacation and a sunburn can really take the fun out a camping trip. Be sure to reapply often and after each swim. It will protect your skin for hours. Check that the kids are covered, too.

Choose light colored clothing which will reflect the sun instead of absorbing it. Wear non-flammable clothing if you’re going to be around 4th of July fireworks or sparklers. And drink plenty of water while you’re adventuring during the day. You’ll be burning off more than you realize so staying hydrated will help to protect you from heat exhaustion.

Tips for Leveling Your RV

October 13, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

There are as many ways to level your rig as there are RV models and RV owners. Some people have a system figured out and go through their routine religiously. Others might appreciate a few tips so this information is for you.

The video below is a helpful walk through to give you an idea of one way to level your rig. The man is using Anderson Levelers. Other things to consider are:

Wood is a common material to use and it works best in sand or dirt. You can use longer pieces to span a soft area. Plastic may sink into the aggregate. Wood, however, can decay and splinter so you’ll end up replacing it more often. Plastic blocks will last a very long time and they are most useful when the grass or gravel is wet. Plastic is more expensive so be sure to check the recommended weight level. You wouldn’t want them to crack or break.

Check out the video below to see how a plastic leveler can be used in your circumstance.

Easy Tips For Keeping Things From Rattling in Your RV

September 22, 2018 by Strait Web Solutions

Have you ever taken a trip in your RV only to have the stress of hearing all of your belongings twist and turn throughout the vehicle after rolling over even the smallest pothole? This can be an incredible annoyance at the surface level, and a major setback if food or other important items end up ruined. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of handy ways to better equip yourself to keep things from rattling in your RV! Be sure to do the following:

Use Fridge Protection Bars & Plastic Containers
This is absolutely essential if you’re planning on keeping your RV’s refrigerator stocked. Adjustable bars can be placed right in front of the door of the fridge to offer another layer of protection should it happen to burst open after hitting a pothole or rolling over one of those frustratingly high speed bumps. You should also store any refrigerated food in sealed plastic containers and use plastic bottles as much as possible to avoid broken kitchenware and spills.

Line Your Cabinets
You can also keep things from rattling around in your cabinet space by using shelf liners. The friction alone will help keep everything in place. There are several options made especially with RV travel in mind, but any generic vinyl material should do the trick. You should be able to find entire rolls at any department or home improvement store. Simply cut the size you need and you’re all set!

Towels & Pillows
Finally, you might also have a problem with your luggage or cookware rattling around. Try storing any travel bags or luggage alongside pillows or blankets and they’ll likely stay put. Noisy, loose cookware can also be fixed by using hand towels or even paper towels to separate and hold them in place. (Be sure to use your shelf liner if you aren’t hanging them.)

With that in mind, you should be well prepared to keep things from rattling around the RV while you drive. Next time you hit the road, you’ll be able to do so in peace! Have fun!