Kmart has donated a ton of camping gear for my latest reader giveaway. Camping is one of my favorite frugal vacations – did you know there are many places you can camp for free?!
To win, do two things. Join my BargainBabe.com Facebook page and leave a comment answering this question: How do you get ready for the great outdoors?
The contest ends Tuesday, July 27 at 9 a.m. PST.
One winner will take home:
- A $50 Kmart gift card
- A Northwest Territory 18×10 Dome tent, above, that sleeps 8 and has a rear storage locker with flap (orig. $230)
- Two Northwest Territory Big Boy Mesh Chairs, which each have two drink holders (orig. $27 each)
- Two Northwest Territory Hot Hood Sleeping Bags, which each come with a fleece pillow (orig. $25 each)
- A 4D LED Rugged Rechargeable Battery Lantern, right, that has a “lifetime” bulb that never needs to be replaced. The lantern has three settings and includes a 6V XPS rechargeable cartridge, 120v adapter for home, and a 12v adapter for car or boat (orig. $40)
- A Coleman Perfectflow portable grill with a 11,000-BTU tube burner and a 200-square inch cooking surface (orig. $70)
The camping gear will be shipped directly to the winner. Colors may vary.
July 20th, 2010 at 9:31 am
the first thing i do is check the weather and go from there. i try to bring at least one favorite food for each family member as well.
July 20th, 2010 at 9:47 am
I joined your facebook page., I start off by making lists for everything we could possibly need. I start the planning and packing pretty early so nothing is left behind.
July 20th, 2010 at 9:49 am
I have a standard list on the computer of things I need to take when I camp. I print it out and add/delete as necessary for the specific trip.
I also do a detailed meal plan to make sure we are not taking way to much food.
July 20th, 2010 at 9:52 am
We love camping and do it several times a yr since our kids love it. I have all my cooking pans in plastic bins labeled, cooking stuff (pantry items)in another bin and so on. The most important thing to me is making a menu for each meal and day we are going to be camping, that way I dont buy thing I dont need and stay on top of the items I do need. After every trip we do an inventory list of the items that need to be replaced.
July 20th, 2010 at 9:54 am
We keep all our gear in one place. My husband packs this while I cover all the camping food items we have on a list.
July 20th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Thanks for all the great info Julia, I’ve been a follower for a long time!
When we get ready to go camping we start about a week before, gathering the things we are taking with us. We lay them all out to make sure they are ready to go. This, usually, keeps us from forgetting important items, like several bottles of bug spray…
July 20th, 2010 at 10:21 am
I just became your friend on facebook thanks! We recently took our 2 little girls camping for the first time. Although we had a great time, I’m glad it was for only 1 night because we realized we didn’t bring half of what we needed! Now we have a list of things to purchase before our next trip (maybe 2 nights this time =) If I won all this it would be amazing!!! Thank you for the chance!
July 20th, 2010 at 10:25 am
We love the outdoors. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have been a part of our lives and now are a part of our children’s. We have our camping box packed at all times. Picking a site is a family affair. we spend a week during research. We need new supplies. Your readers are so cool to donate this package.
I am your friend on facebook and I get your daily news letter.
Thank you. GOod luck in the new city
July 20th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Lists! And tubs! I love them! We have them loaded with our most treasured camping needs.
My family loves to camp and we are actually pretty good at it.
The food & fun…..make great forever memories!
Oh I added you as a FB friend!
July 20th, 2010 at 10:42 am
Lists of supplies and groceries you update with each trip is essential. Also having seperate kitchen supplies in a plastic container in the garage makes things easier so you do not have to go searching in your kitchen before each trip.
July 20th, 2010 at 10:44 am
We keep all our camping/outdoor gear ready to go inside our emergency kit (water, food, etc.). It saves time getting out the door for a weekend getaway and keeps us prepared in case of a major disaster.
July 20th, 2010 at 10:53 am
I’m not from a family of campers, unless you count camping in the back yard. I’m in love with the idea of camping, but just haven’t talked my husband into it yet. But when we go fishing, I must have bug spray, if I don’t I won’t have a good time in the great outdoors.
July 20th, 2010 at 11:12 am
we keep all of our camping gear in bins ready to go so we just load up the car, pack the cooler and head out!
July 20th, 2010 at 11:17 am
We usually start with emergency kit and then go through the check list we made before head.
Joined your FB page@tcarolinep JessieKatie S.
July 20th, 2010 at 11:21 am
I’m already a fan of your Facebook page (Carmen S.). One of the FIRST things I do to get ready for the great outdoors is apply sunscreen and bug spray. Without those two things, it’s apt to be miserable with sunburn and bug bites everywhere!
July 20th, 2010 at 11:22 am
To get ready for the outdoors, I had three children. Now we have enough people for the family camping trips that I didn’t get to do as a child!
July 20th, 2010 at 11:39 am
My family loves to camp but hasn’t in quite some time. We used to camp almost every weekend when our first child was born; since then, life has gotten a little away from us and with another two children, a little busier. We have been planning on going camping but through many moves and life changes we are missing some of our camping gear. This would be just the ticket to get us back to the outdoors and slow things down before our oldest finishes high school and doesn’t want to hang out with mom and dad anymore.
July 20th, 2010 at 11:57 am
To get ready for the great outdoors-the whole family gets involved in making the lists. As the day draws closer, everyone’s anticipation and excitement becomes bigger and better. We make check lists at least a month in advance and The check list reminds you what to bring, and where to pack it. When you are getting ready to go, you can easily see what errands you need to run in order to pick up those last few items. With each trip your experience grows and the lists changes. Every trip is a little different, so make notes on your check list about what camping gear you used, what you didn’t, and what you wished you had taken. This lets you plan to make your next camping trip even better! WE love camping and a chance to be out with nature and exploring all good things the earth has to offer!
July 20th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
I joined the Facebook page.
Getting ready for the outdoors takes a lot of planning! I always have to make a huge list of supplies. With an almost 3 year old and an 18 month old, there has to be plenty of food and snacks, diapers, and extra clothes for when they get wet and dirty. Add in the fact that we live in Alaska, and that throws in a whole new set of issues. We have to prepare for bears that are either just curious or dangerous, moose with their babies, swarms of mosquitoes, the ever threatening downpour of rain, and the real possibility of it being in the 40′s in the middle of July! Whew! I’m tired just thinking about it. But you can’t get better camping! We’re hoping to get more gear this summer so our boys can enjoy our wonderful surroundings.
July 20th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
We don’t spend a lot of time in the great outdoors. When we do, we make sure that everyone brings at least one comfort item that they just absolutely need….the next on the list is sunscreen and bug spray and favorite foods.
Am going to miss you like crazy Julia!
July 20th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
How do you get ready for the great outdoors? I get ready by getting all my friends together to go outside! Camping, recreation, the beach, etc… are all 10 times better w/a quality group of friends to enjoy it with you!
July 20th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
How do you get ready for the great outdoors. Make sure that everything is centrally located so when the urge to camp or hike hits it is easy to get ready. If it is a hike or day trip we keep everything in a backpack like bug spray, first aid kit, trail mix, wipes etc. For longer over night trips there is a shelf unit in the garage that is where all the camping gear is kept. My husband is in charge of food and I am in charge of clothes that way the tasks are broken up and not overwhelming.
madonnacramer@msn.com
July 20th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
The biggest thing I do to get ready for the great outdoors is put on sunscreen and my favorite pair of hiking shoes. To get ready for camping, I print out my directions, trip reservations, and my dogs’ current shot records. Then, I make a list of all the stuff i need to bring with me and check it off as I pack. Luckily, I keep all of my camping gear together, so it makes packing pretty easy.
July 20th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
I like to get the kids excited by telling them some options of what we can do and have them decide on some activities, so that its their decision in helping us plan our trip. They usual can’t wait and talk about the trip for days before and even after. I like hearing them tell their friends all about our trips together.
July 20th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
I pack insect repellent, and leave the cell phone at home.
July 20th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Joined your Facebook page. I’ve never been camping, but the first thing I’d do is check the weather!
July 20th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
How do I prepare for a camping trip? Pretty easy for me. Check the weather to know what clothes and camping equipment I’ll need and make sure nobody brings any phones, radios or other electronic instruments. When I go camping I look forward to my time away from the city and the peace and quiet of the wilderness.
July 20th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
For me, camping is about relaxing so I bring the minimum, no tent -works in California is you stay away from the Sierras- dried food from the local grocery and books from the library. Also some matches and small stove.
July 20th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Just joined the page! I always do a gear check first, then hit Craigslist to fill in any gaps. With a growing family (our two year old will go with us on her first camping trip this fall!) it’s more important than ever to be prepared!
July 20th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
research + be prepared! for example, look up weather, print out maps if needed, have enough water/food ready, bring some medicine for in-case moments.
July 20th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Great giveaway! I am already a fan of your FB page. I do a lot of research on the web regarding essential supplies, weather, terrain, how to deal with bears etc. Unlike others though, I can’t get away from my cell phone. I feel “safer” knowing that the rest of the world is a phone call away.
July 20th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
I liked you on facebook and left a message there also. Thanks!
Getting ready for the great outdoors means making sure equipemnt is all in working order ….fresh batteries, fuel ….lots of insect repellant, sunscreen, supplies, garbage bags, ziplocs, and food.
July 20th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
I liked you on facebook and left a message there also. Thanks!
Getting ready for the great outdoors means making sure equipment is all in working order ….fresh batteries, fuel ….lots of insect repellent, sunscreen, supplies, garbage bags, ziplocs, and food.
July 20th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Fan of/Like BargainBabe.com on FaceBook.
I had to laugh when I read your question…I don’t do any of the work to get ready for the outdoors–my husband does it all. Well, I guess I do put the food together (that’s probably to ensure I get what I want). Great prize package! Thanks for the giveaway.
July 20th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
What a great giveaway, and a great way remind us to join your facebook group! I’m glad to see so many people also make lists…my family usually laughs when the old ones come out! The most important thing we do is to unpack and check the tent! Especially if we haven’t been out in a while!
July 21st, 2010 at 12:19 am
The 3 most important things to remember are bug spray, sunscreen, and first aid kit. If you have packed adequetly and brought enough food…you will always have fun!!!
July 21st, 2010 at 2:47 am
My guy is an Eagle Scout and he LOVES getting ready to go camping. He is adorable with his lists and he has always made sure we are prepared for anything. I put up my first tent recently and it was so fun, and easier than I thought. So to answer your question, I follow the list and check the weather and prepare for the great outdoors!
July 21st, 2010 at 4:25 am
I’m always ready for the great outdoors!
July 21st, 2010 at 8:43 am
I’m a prospective Eagle scout and I’ve been camping for years. My sleeping bag and tent are in my closet for easy access. I always have an idea of what i’ll need for any length of time whether 2 nights, 3 nights, or a whole week at camp. I always keep a copy of my scout medical form handy too.
July 21st, 2010 at 10:38 am
Bug spray, first aid, water and a pocket knife! lol And then of course all the other supplies, food, beer, tent etc =)
July 21st, 2010 at 11:16 am
We have all of our camping gear in plastic tubs with lids, all ready to go. We just have to bring the drinks, food, and toys (buckets if we are going to the beach or bikes if there are trails). I highly suggest arriving with plenty of time to pitch a tent, as doing it in the dark is quite an experience!
July 21st, 2010 at 5:18 pm
i joined your facebook! It is my job when we are heading out to make sure we have all the food we need! so i makes lists and go shopping and make sure each person has some of their own favorite snacks!
July 21st, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Lists and more lists! There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of nowhere without that ONE thing you need!
July 21st, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Joined FB page! I just went camping a couple of weeks ago and here are some of my tips:
1. Reserve a campsite as far ahead in advance, esp. if it is in a popular place. (We wanted to go camping in Yosemite last minute but most of the good campsites were taken so we had to opt for one that wasn’t the greatest)
2. Bring enough blankets! Sounds silly, but our last camping trip we were freezing at night even though it was 100 degrees during the day..it gets chilly even on summer nights!)
3. Baby wipes…they saved my butt. It’s a quick way to feel fresh and wipe the dirt off!
4. Make a list of everything you will need and check it off as you pack it in your car.
5. Citronella Candles to keep the bugs away is a good idea!
6. Bring cards…card games are always fun to play when you don’t have much to do!
Hope these tips helped!
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:43 am
I’m a facebook fan
WHAT don’t I do? Two nights before I make a list of all the camping items we need then the day before I gather them and place them in the car. The night before I package all the food in little baggies and place them in the fridge that way its ready for the next morning to place in the cooler.
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:09 am
I’m not posting here to enter your contest but more to mention that for anyone who is interested in saving money then contests like this can be a great way to do so.
I did an experiment last year where I spent an hour or so a day entering contests on blogs (there are sites which list hundreds of them) and won a surprising amount of free swag.
In the space of a few months I won $100 in cash, 2 camcorders, a Nintendo Wii and more.
Why not take the time to enter some contests like this one – you’ll be surprised what your chances really are!
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:23 am
[...] To enter, go here. [...]
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:48 am
If I know early enough, I make lists of what we need and start on getting it all together the day before. But quite often, going camping with my boyfriend is a last minute thing. I throw the stuff in the car and hope I didn’t forget anything.
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:50 am
It depends on the time of year…but first check the weather so I can pack supplies accordingly!
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:52 am
I prepare for my camping trips by calling all of my friends to borrow their gear! Please hook me up with my own gear both for my and my friends’ sake!
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:53 am
I joined your page. I always get prepared for every potential problem. I am the compleatly overpacked camper…:)
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:01 am
We get ready for camping by always being prepared. We have prepacked tubs, so we can just walk out the door, if we decide to go last minute.
Camping is one of our favorite things…we would love to win this prize.
I am already a facebook fan!
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:06 am
Lists and more lists! I never want to forget the essentials. I always make a food list so I can purchase ahead of time.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:09 am
I’m already a fb fan
I haven’t been camping since starting a family, but I can’t wait to make it a tradition!
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:26 am
Everything starts with a list! Checking the weather is also important.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:31 am
We start by applying the bug spray!
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:40 am
We head over to our cabin in the beautiful Methow Valley in WA state. The cabin is outfitted with just about everything we need so all we have to do is show up. A river and a national forest are within walking distance. Time at the cabin wouldn’t be complete without taking our two dogs, Quincy and Andy.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:46 am
We start by buying a lot of skin so soft. I use it on everyone and the dogs.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:54 am
Joined your page.
Preplanning is most important when preparing a camping trip. This is especially true if you’re going to an out of the way place where it’s not convenient or maybe even possible to go buy something you forgot. Make a list and check it twice. Forgetting the sleeping bag pad can turn your otherwise cozy night sleep into a challenging endurance. Bring more water than you think you will need. The great outdoors can make you thirstier than usual.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:06 am
The first thing I determine is whether the campsite has electricity so I can bring my coffee maker, a lamp, and a fan (to drown out noise). That’s the only way to camp!
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:19 am
I always check the weather first. Then, I check my equipment and make sure it is in camping shape. Set up your tent and let it air out.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:35 am
We keep our gear in the garage, ready to go, and we watch Weather.com to see what’s ahead for south Texas. If we want to go camping, and there’s no hurricane in sight, we grab our toothbrushes and go!!!
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:44 am
I liked your Facebook!
I always check the weather first! My dad is a meteorologist, so it’s habit. Then I’d have to say that I make a list of everything I’ll need so I can check it off as we pack everything up.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:22 pm
My favorite thing about camping is the food so that is where I start. I get all of the cast iron, lump charcoal, and fishing poles ready! YUM!
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Camping was something my husband and I did with the kids until my husband passed away 11 years ago. I guess you could say I am stuck in a rut. My sons now 15 and 21 love to camp and winning this would bring back so much joy that has not been had for some time now. Thank you for the opportunity.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
I joined the Facebook page.
I enjoy being outdoors and one of the first things I always grab is sunscreen and mosquitoe repellant. I usually grab a hat, my camera and my fishing pole (and fishing liscence). If I am going with my Girl Scout troop, I follow the camping lists. I usually pack water and snacks and a jacket.
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I get ready by making sure I have a camera, binoculars, and bear spray! Montana is the best place for camping!
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
I joined the Facebook page! We love to camp, but haven’t been in years b/c we don’t have the equipment! To prep, we always made sure we had tons of bug spray, matches, and a campfire grill…
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Bring the family and friends and hope for the best !!! Ohhh and food !!
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:26 pm
I prepare a summer bag. Inside the bag I put my essentials: bug repellant, chapstick, night glow sticks, an extra pair of socks, some dried fruit and nuts, water cleaning tablets, compass, binoculars, first aid kit, radio with batteries, etc. Than I am ready!
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:37 pm
I have a list of things to bring when we camp, I made a list a few years back. We love to camp and our twins ask us every summer when are we going camping?
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Check the weather and plan for every contingency I can think of.
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:01 pm
I don’t DO Facebook,(I already spend too much time on the computer) so I really wish that, if possible, you could keep the contests either on here or direct us to a website. Thanks, and good luck to all on the contest.
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:23 pm
I make a list of items that need to be brought with us and check them off as they are packed. I usually start making this list two weeks in advance. Just when I think I have everything listed, I think of something else to add. Thanks for the giveaway!!
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:37 pm
First, i make a LIST of everything i think i will need. then i go to the garage and unearth all the needed supplies. a big ice chest full of foods for easy to prepare meals, first aid kit with all the possibly needed essentials, Baby whipes, Games (Cards, triominos, scattergories) etc. Sunscreen and flashlight a MUST! throw our cares out the window, and relax and enjoy nature!
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Joined your Facebook. When camping I make lists and have most of them packed away in the garage. Bug spray and sunscreen are musts!
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I take plenty of food, have a first aid kit on hand, bug spray, and comfortable clothes, my favorite book and the love of my life close to me. I love camping out.
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:52 pm
I get ready for the outdoors by first checking the extended weather forecast so I know what weather related gear & clothing I might need. Coleman has a great camping cookbook & meal planner app. The app makes grocery and gear lists based on your campfire meal selections. I also make pen and paper lists of everything I think I’lll need to enjoy my outdoor adventure.
I also posted on facebook – wasn’t sure where to post
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Guess it really depends what we plan on doing outdoors, but no matter what, sunscreen & bugspray are always at the top of the list. I also couldn’t forget my iPhone, as I use that to check the weather, go geocaching, and also acts as a compass if we somehow get lost.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:16 am
I plan a few days ahead of time and just hope I didn’t forget anything. We don’t get to camp very often but it is a lot of fun when we do.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:50 am
Our camping boxes are always packed, so getting ready involves evaluating what we need for food and clothing, then packing it into backpacks and/or the car. Love to get out with my family!
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:05 am
I first check the weather and then my favorite sites at my favorite campground. If it’s available, my family and I start pulling our camping gear out, cleaning it up and making sure we have all the pieces. We’ve gone so much that we have a separate tupperware box with utensils, dishes, etc. Plus we have our master list that we follow.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:29 pm
We have a list of all the items we want to take with us. Be sure to have a first aid kit and let someone know where you’re going and when to expect you back.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:37 pm
In preparing for any trip especially a camping trip, I check the weather using weather.com. As a AAA member, I check for any maps or other supplements for where I plan to camp or explore. I use a list of camping supplies and try to store the supplies in a separate area for convenience.
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:30 pm
I wait until someone else plans the whole camping trip, then if I’m invited…I pack my own personal stuff and just join in!
July 24th, 2010 at 2:14 am
[...] Recipe Contest (ends July 26) 8. Chief Family Officer – Dove Men+Care (ends July 29) 9. Bargain Babe – Camping Gear (ends July 27) 10. Passion for Savings – Good Earth Dinner Kit (ends [...]
July 24th, 2010 at 6:03 am
I have to load up on the bug spray. This year we fought with both the flies and the mosquitos.
July 24th, 2010 at 8:05 am
The first thing that we do, if stock up on the junkfood
July 24th, 2010 at 9:50 am
I start by taking a nice long shower…because it will be a few days before I get another one! In the shower I start making my mental list of everything I need to pack/take with me…anything left behind…well, we don’t need it!
July 24th, 2010 at 11:16 am
Cooler, bug spray, suntan lotion….all a must. I look at weather and start packing:)
July 24th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
We get ready for the outdoors by buying lots of good snacks! Mmmmm….s’mores!
July 24th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
wee going on are first camping adventure in two weeks- can’t waity!!
July 24th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
I joined your facebook page. When the weather starts to get nice, we get our camper out and start putting together supplies. Bug spray, dishes, and planning lots of food.
July 24th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
I like to plan plan plan, my meals, our activities , list of things we need to bring etc That way once we are all set up we can just kick back and relax knowing we are well prepared!
July 24th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
I joined facebook. The first thing I do to get ready for the great outdoors is grab the sunscreen and keep it handy! Thanks!
July 24th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
The first thing we do is anticipate the great fun and joy we will have on our camping trip! Then we break out the to-do list and prepare to go on our trip. Then we happily pack our things, We make sure everything is secure on the homefront, re-check that our car is ready and off we go!
July 24th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
I liked you on Facebook.
I usually pack the food and clothes and my husband does the rest. We had fun with the metal detector on our last camping trip.
July 25th, 2010 at 6:36 am
To be honest, I have only been camping once in my life, over 30 years ago. My kids and husband have never been camping and I feel like we are all missing out.
I think if we were to go, I would make a list of all the possible things we would need and borrow as much of the equipment/utensils as possible. I would definitely bring some playing cards and some other things to entertain my few kids. I would also get some advice from a few of my friends who are avid campers and take it from there.
July 25th, 2010 at 8:40 am
I get ready for the great outdoors by packing plenty of sunblock, water and bug spray! Gotta stay sun safe, bug free and hydrated!
July 25th, 2010 at 8:49 am
FB fan!
I stock up on sunscreen and bug spray. And try to remember to shave my legs.
July 25th, 2010 at 9:57 am
I liked you on Facebook! We get ready for the great outdoors by applying lots of sunscreen. We live in Florida, so this is a MUST all year round!
July 25th, 2010 at 10:24 am
Im usually a tag along…don’t have anything of my own but bum off of others for a tent, ect.! but i always remember to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and the puppy!
July 25th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I already follow you on Facebook. We’re lucky in that we upgraded to a camping trailer, so we’re pretty much always prepared to go at a moment’s notice…just have to make sure we still have binoculars, bug spray, etc. as we do plenty of birdwatching and hiking. We foolishly sold most of our “primitive” camping equipment years ago, which leaves us empty-handed for those back country places that trailers can’t go!
July 25th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
I check the weather, pack up the fishing poles, bathing suits and bug spray. Then we drive to the nearest park but we don’t have any camping gear so we always head home in the evening. I joined you on Facebook.
July 25th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Check list, check list, check list. We’ve got one for summer camping, one for wet weather camping, one for beach camping. Nothing worse that being 3 hours from home, and need something.
July 25th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Just joined your Facebook page. I start with a list of everything I want/need to take.
July 25th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
I am fb fan-Julie L
I appreciate all the tips that I have read above as we are camping “newbies”-one ting we have learned though is make lists of what needs to be taken, etc…we also learned to start “packing”getting things around a week in advance
July 26th, 2010 at 10:28 am
We love camping! With our family of 5 kids, the youngest being 3 years old, we just started camping this year. My husband and I about a week before the trip start making a list of everything we need as far as food, etc… Then we divide and conquer. He starts packing the boys, and I’m in charge of packing the girls. The most important thing we have discovered is to CHECK THE WEATHER for where you are going. We went to Yosemite in June thinking it would be warm at night and I was so cold! Fortunately my parents had come too and brought extra blankets. Just make a list and check it before you drive away!
July 26th, 2010 at 11:00 am
I start out by making a list of the things I will need ( a few weeks before the trip). A few days before leaving, I start gathering stuff together, going over my list several times so I don’t forget important things like matches and a can opener.
July 26th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
just became a bargainbabe facebook fan… i pack snacks, clothes, flashlight and lots of bugspray lol
July 26th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
i check to see if the camp grounds are available. then i check weather and i start on my list! from supplies/gear to food to toiletries, and not to forget my dog supplies for Max!
My most favorite thing to do is to time how fast i can pitch the tent!
July 26th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
My family has never been camping, actually, so I’m not sure what we would do. My kids are 2 and 4, so being able to go out camping would be a fun, new experience for them. I’m sure we would prepare by bringing our favorite picnic treats like s’mores supplies and home made trail or chex mix. Aside from that I’m sure everyone would get together their favorite pillow and blanket and we would be sure to bring our dog along.
July 26th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
I am a FB fan and we make our reservations, check the weather forecast, make a list for all supllies, and be sure to check all before we leave!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 6:53 am
The first thing I do is make a check list to make sure we don’t leave anything behind and then we waterproof the tent just in case it rains
July 27th, 2010 at 6:54 am
I just became a fan or Bargain Babe on Facebook.
Thank you
July 27th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
My first step in getting ready for the great outdoors is to decide where our adventure should begin! With so many awesome places to see your only constraint is time! Checking into free camping sites would be the next step along with any interesting sights and things to do along the way.