camping tips

I wouldn't call myself a seasoned camper. But with our purchase earlier in the year of a camper trailer we have been on a record (for us) three trips this year, and I'm anticipating a few more before the end of summer.

We debated back and forth and waited for a long time before taking the plunge to buy our camper trailer. Though quite a substantial amount for us, we felt it justified by it's ease of use and easy towing. No more being restricted to expensive hotels and motels. Our camper can go virtually anywhere the 4wd can.  For us it feels like our home away from home.

I thought I would also share a few tips on camping/caravanning. These work for us and perhaps some may work for you.

• Don't pack too many clothes. Bring easy mix and match comfortable outfits for everyone. I  lived last week in two pairs of leggings, two tops and a cardi.
• Bring a jar filled with some washing powder for if you need to do laundry. I secretly enjoy doing my laundry while away. Depending on where you are you may need pegs and hanging line (we have a mini clothes line). Caravan parks have a laundry and most towns have a laundromat.

• We have fitted out our camper with op shop finds. Enamel ware plates, cups, vintage cutlery and basic utensils. Colourful old tablecloths, teatowels and towels. Vintage wool blankets and sheets. We keep them packed away in the camper ready for the next trip.
• For cooking you can't go past cast iron. They are amazing to cook on. We purchased our big frypan at a camping store and a few pots at the op shop. I also use one big stainless steel pot for boiling water for pasta, rice etc. Next on the list will be a Dutch oven. And a whistling kettle.

• I keep an old picnic basket fully equipped for picnic lunches on the go. Cutlery, plates, cups, napkins and a thermos. Fill small glass jars with coffee, tea and sugar. I like to pack jam and pickles from home if possible, some bread, butter and cheese. Sometimes leftovers. 

• We use a three burner gas cooker and can fit two pots at the same time so we've recently enjoyed pastas with sauce, polenta and rice. You don't need to forgo delicious food while camping. In fact it seems to taste better cooked outdoors.

• If possible try and seek out some local food while away. Look out for markets, farms and specialty shops. You only need a few quality ingredients to make a delicious meal. We discovered a sourdough bakery, local olives, eggs, honey and a huge wholefoods store while away. A meal of fish and chips is always on our list when by the ocean.

• Keep a supply of pantry basics. With olive oil, tinned tomatoes and pasta you can whip up the quickest meal. Toast with those old camping basics of baked beans and creamed corn are handy too.

• I like to bring a few books and some knitting.

• We had a lot of fun watching the colourful birds that visited our camping site. Next time a bird watching book would be quite handy.

• For those using cloth nappies on holidays (I do), you will likely need about 2 or 3 days worth of nappies. I bring the nappy bucket and wash about every 3 days.

And above all - relax and have fun!