Camping 101 - A Guide for Leisure Travelers New to Camping

(July 15, 2020) A recent KOA survey found that leisure travelers who have never camped before, are now considering camping as a way to spend more time out doors following various government-mandated "Stay Home" orders, it's an easier way to practice social distancing, and it's a safer, less expensive form of recreational travel. 

For those of you who are trying it out... welcome!  Here are a few basic tips as you explore this adventure:

1. Pack your essentials.  As you prepare for your trip, in addition to food, clothing and shelter, the essentials that are necessary for an enjoyable camping experience include bug spray, matches, clothing that takes into account changing daytime and nighttime temperatures or changing weather.  Our campground has a General Store and is well stocked with many items, but generally speaking, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and pack them before you come.
2. Arrive during the day light.  This gives you time to set up and get settled in.  It also ensures that you won’t be disturbing your neighbors.
3. Don’t be nervous, just ask for help.  Whether you’re still learning or on your very first camping trip, everyone was in your shoes at some point. As owners and staff, we’re here to help provide an exceptional experience, which means, we’re happy to lend a hand such as escorting you to your site, helping you get your RV in position, or provide suggestions of new gear you might consider getting. Once at the campground, you’ll find that you’re a part of a culture where campers help one another.  You might even strike up a conversation with a total stranger, find that you share something in common, and perhaps make some new, life-long friends.
4. Be flexible and reasonable, remembering that you'll be social distancing with others.   While you may have come with an idea of getting away from it all, a campground is a community with other people, so don’t be easily annoyed by children or other people nearby.  With 40 acres on-site, there's plenty of room for everybody. Similarly, while clear skies and sunshine may be ideal camping weather, it is not the campground owner’s fault if it literally rains on your parade.  If things don’t go completely according to your plan, it’s not because the world is out to get you. Be flexible knowing there are may facets to an outdoor adventure, some of which are not in our control.  Taking everything in stride will make your camping trip more enjoyable for yourself, those you came with, and others.  
5. Respect your neighbors and observe quiet hours. Everyone has come to a campground to enjoy time with their family and friends.  No-one made their plans dreaming of listening to the loud music, conversation or laughter of the people in the site next to them. So be courteous at all times. From 11pm-8am, Quiet Hours are in effect and means music is off, lights are low and voices are soft.  If anything can be heard off your site during these hours, you’re not being quiet and likely keeping someone awake.
6. Don’t cut through other campsites.  You wouldn’t dream of walking into your neighbor’s house back home and traipsing through their living room, but that’s what you’re doing if you cut through someone else’s campsite.  Unless you know your neighbor, just walk along the road or through what clearly is an empty site.  This rule generally works both ways, and ensures that you won’t have intruders going through your site either.
7. Be a good pet parent. Data reveals that one-third of campers, bring a furry friend.  If this applies to you, don’t leave them unattended and be sure to pick up after them when they do their “duty.” Nobody wants to pick it up for you, find it on their site as they are getting set up, or step in it while they are walking around the park.
8. Practice fire safety. Campfires and camping go together as naturally as peanut butter and jelly. Each site is provided with a fire ring for your enjoyment as you gather around to share stories, cook dinner, or make the world’s best s’more!  Do not move the fire ring, but leave it where you found it. This helps avoid injury and creating multiple burn spots at the site. Never leave an open fire unattended and keep children and flammable materials or liquids at a safe distance.
9. Take time to kick back and relax.  There is no better way to restore your soul than to spend some time in nature.  Considering the birds of the air, the trees around and the stars above, will help renew your mind with a clear understanding that we’re part of something much bigger than just ourselves. You can also enjoy our peaceful, well-maintained grounds, and our amenities such as clean, modern restrooms, a safe, family-friendly environment, Wi-Fi and pizza and wood deliveries right to your site. Time with loved ones or friends will round off the experience and provide you with deeper relationships and cherished memories.
10. Leave your site better than you found it.  Your site will have been prepared for your arrival, welcoming you to a clean and orderly space.  This includes, no litter, garbage and in a condition that allows you to enjoy your stay. When you’re done, it should be your goal to leave no trace of the time you spent there, making it easier for the staff to get it ready for the next arriving guest.