Tuesday, October 11, 2011

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!

    21 comments:

    1. gorgeous... I am so eager to get away camping - the weather looks good for you! xx

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    2. In NZ we used to camp at least 4-6 times a year...we have not been once in Australia. I still remember our very first camping trip when Tegan was a bub...we had gone to the river for the day and ended up deciding to spend the night. We made a make shift tent with our gazebo and a few tarps and even though it hosed down that night we stayed completely dry. Needless to say we purchased tents quick smart :)

      We use much the same tips that you do Tania and yep, we even camped when our babes were in cloth naps to without too much drama.

      x

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    3. That camper trailer looks excellent and it's ease would inspire more trips away. Lots of water bottles are good, and a bucket, and a wash hand spot so no one gets a tummy bug, and a tarp for shade and to keep all those extra thingss dry. We bought one of those cheap cylinder cookers last camping trip and it worked really well - good for a short break as they take up much less space. I love a rechargeable lantern too. Camping is sooo good.

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    4. Awesome tips! We are keen to get into more camping, and are considering a camper trailer... an easy, already packed, ready to go solution!

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    5. I have just found your lovely Blog, its always nice to read along with someone kinda local ( I am country vic.
      We LOVE camping too, its so good for everyone involved, to slow down and breathe. We are currently planning our after christmas get away, this time it will be with extended family aswell, even more precious, and so exciting!

      I look forward to following your bog :)

      Cheers Jacq

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    6. I do love getting away in a tent and just enjoying the peace and quiet.
      Great tips

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    7. ooooh jealous! We really want a camper decked out with vintage wares! I think they are such a good investment - camping is the BEST family holiday!

      For now we can borrow my Dad's which is nice, but hopefully one day we'll have our own :)
      Great family camping tips - and I agree about food tasting so much better cooked outdoors/camping!
      x

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    8. sounds and looks like you really enjoyed it. i look forward to doing the same with my family this summer. we always love it. though we have been thinking about buying a caravan. i just don't want to be restricted with it. see how we go. your camper trailer looks like a good idea! xo.

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    9. I just loved reading your blog....I love camping and we certainly don't do enough of it. My kids are all growing up and not so keen anymore although I am doing my best to go camping in Victoria over Christmas time so your post was well timed....thanks - really enjoyed it ♥Jo

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    10. Lovely, looks like such a nice time away, lovely memories created for the children. We used to enjoy camping a lot but as our family grew it has become almost impossible, I am hoping that as the little ones get older we will start again, I would love to deck out an old & large caravan one day... :) BTW those prawns are mouthwatering...

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    11. Oh I love camping and would love a camping trailer!! I love the simplicity of being out in the open. Our children love it too, such a good healthy way to holiday.

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    12. Your photos are, as always, gorgeous.. those prawns yesterday had me salivating at 9 am. You look like you had a fantastic time and ate really well. We would love a caravan but the camper trailer looks like a very mobile easy option and thanks for all the tips on how you make it all work, with a baby even! melx

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    13. Your little camping excursion sounds delightful and South Coast NSW is a beautiful place to do it in, isn't it!
      I'm impressed with your cloth nappying - I must admit I always succumbed to disposables when we had babes on camp!

      Funny you should post about camping tips - I've just done a post on our Very Basic Camping Plan!!!

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    14. Gidday, thanks for these tips. Have not camped yet with young one, but itching to get back out there. Interesting about the camp trailer, can't decide between it or a van. We have always been a tent and swag couple pre baby.

      Happy travels

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    15. You look very organised! Our camping trips seem so hectic and stressful but the outside life is fun :)

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    16. Firstly, great effort to use cloth while you're away! We bail every holiday and use disposables... but maybe I'm just being a wimp! I am also very keen to know more about your camper trailer... we have been looking into getting one now that we have a family... we love camping and got very jealous of some great set-ups down at the prom this year. We've been camping twice with Nella and think it's time to reinvigorate our equipment! Heading back to the prom before Christmas and can't wait. Would love to hear more! Lucy

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    17. Firstly, great effort to use cloth while you're away! We bail every holiday and use disposables... but maybe I'm just being a wimp! I am also very keen to know more about your camper trailer... we have been looking into getting one now that we have a family... we love camping and got very jealous of some great set-ups down at the prom this year. We've been camping twice with Nella and think it's time to reinvigorate our equipment! Heading back to the prom before Christmas and can't wait. Would love to hear more! Lucy

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    18. Great camping tips Tanya. I must say I'm not the best camper, but Mr good likes it so we've had a few extended camping trips. Sadly we haven't been since having the girls and we'd definitely need to upgrade our tent, not to mention our car in order to fit it all in. The camper trailer looks wonderful - perhaps that's the way to go with kids. Oh and what a superwoman you are to do cloth nappies while camping. Good on you!

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    19. I am a fairly avid camper. In Montana nearly everyone is it seems. I am glad you are having so much fun on your adventures! Many more to come!

      I thinking knitting in the forest, by a campfire, is like heaven.

      I also think that everything tastes better in the woods. Also, I am usually hungrier and a bit colder. Thus even the fairly simple pasta with sauce become all that much more amazing. Or when Matt makes fried eggplant it seems like a miracle.

      Happy camping!

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    20. Just did a "camping" search on your site to find this post... packing to go to the prom tomorrow and my head is spinning with everything I need! Just packed the nappies - first time I'm braving cloth nappies while camping thanks to your inspiration! Merry Christmas, Lucy xo

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    21. I love this post, so many amazing tips! :)

      Camping Info

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