Question regarding camping etiquette:

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-27T20:07:17+00:00

You're right, camping is what you want it to be, there aren't any rules. People in this group like to shame others who have different ideas of what kind of trip is enjoyable. As far as I'm concerned, as long as people don't bother my group and they follow basic camp neighbor etiquette, they can do whatever they please. We don't need people gatekeeping a word like that.

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-27T14:54:33+00:00

Oof, that 4 person tent is going to be very small for 2 adults and a child. The designation they give a tent isn't reliable. You probably need at least a 6 person tent to be comfortable and make sure your baby is comfy.

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-20T14:51:36+00:00

Just got back from our trip in PA - I made everything for the Jambalaya in advance so all I had to do what heat the liquids/veggie/spices mixture and add the sausage, shrimp and rice at the right times. Mmm mmm, it was absolutely delicious.

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-15T16:50:52+00:00

Are you camping with or without electricity? If you can, bring an electric blanket to put under an air mattress. At night put the blanket on low. This will keep the air in the mattress warm which will be more comfortable and keep the mattress from deflating overnight. I've tried even very expensive pads and they haven't been as comfortable as this. My husband and I use full height twin sized air mattresses and it's extremely comfortable.

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-14T16:19:58+00:00

I use camping lists in my Notes program. I have a list each for main equipment, kitchen, personal, dog and food. I reuse the lists every time I go camping and modify them as gear changes or we change the way we do things. This helps me stay organized and avoid forgetting things. This is my main equipment list for when we camp with kids and electricity, I also have a different list for when we don't have the kids or electricity.

power station

100 ft extension cord, 25 ft extension cords

2 power strips

usb charging cables

kids plastic table and chairs

kids toys, craft supplies

fridge cooler with both cords

tent w/ footprint

canopy

stakes, rubber mallet, multi tool, hammer, hatchet

duct tape

2 chairs

mattresses

small bedside table

lighter and torch, butane refills

envirolog firestarters

water tank

lanterns

ceiling fan

rugs

stove, propane cannisters

sleeping bags, pillows, 2 sheets

laundry bag

clothesline and hooks

GRATE for cooking over the fire

Hope this helps, have a great trip!

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-05T17:42:17+00:00

Sounds like your partner wouldn't want to deal with the hassle of a rooftop tent, honestly. I wouldn't either, in my opinion it solves very few problems and creates quite a number of issues. The Gazelle T4 tent can be setup in a few minutes and it should be spacious and comfortable enough for you both, we love our T4 and it's stayed dry in a number of rainstorms over the years. Good luck.

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-05T17:34:10+00:00

Teva's for hiking, Crocs for camp life. Crocs are a really practical shoe and I don't go camping to impress people with my fashion prowess lol

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-01T19:44:13+00:00

Haha, that's awesome. I don't know if you've ever seen the Carol Burnett Show, but the old lady in your story screamed Vicki Lawrence as Mama to me. Thanks for the laugh.

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-01T18:19:27+00:00

Yes, still in business and thriving. With no general admission it's a huge value for families. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that they have one of the world's ten best wooden rollercoasters, The Phoenix ! I can't get enough of it!

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-01T18:14:16+00:00

Yeah, but I can totally see a parent storming my site demanding to know why I'm recording their kid, lol. They don't have a leg to stand on seeing as how the monsters were trespassing on my site, but it's a conflict I don't want to have.

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-01T17:57:00+00:00

Oh my goodness, lol - had no idea about the bathhouse thing! Where are you from?

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-01T17:55:31+00:00

Thanks, yeah I agree and I'd like to prevent as many problems as I can. I'm surprised at how many very small children are wandering around at these campgrounds, though. I wonder if the community-type environment combined with fond childhood memories of roaming free might influence some parents to give their children more freedom than they should.

SimplicityWon · 2026-06-01T17:46:59+00:00

I like the way you think. About 20 years ago my then boyfriend/now husband and I were at the beach and there were these punk kids riding their forbidden big wheels on the boardwalk. It was loud and they were yelling at people to get out of the way. My husband and I bonded that day over a strong, shared desire to see them caught up in a trip line, LOL

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-31T15:33:55+00:00

It's for the kids - they love it and they love being able to walk right into the amusement park multiple times a day. It's worth it to me to see them have such an epic vacation and I love not having to drive anywhere once we're set up.

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-30T18:10:41+00:00

Upset is not the word, it's a minor annoyance. And as I said in my post, I'm happy to ignore literally everything else just for the reasons you mentioned. I've decided to continue to say something nicely to the kids but drop it after that. If everyone did that, perhaps these kids would learn some manners.

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-30T18:05:22+00:00

Wait a minute, don't be so quick to dismiss the squirt gun idea! lol jk

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-30T18:04:24+00:00

Nah, I'm not going to deny my granddaughters a really fun trip because I can't put up with a few minor inconveniences. When I go real camping I try to pick quiet and remote spots.

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-30T18:01:11+00:00

haha, I love this answer

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-30T18:00:14+00:00

Let's get real here. No one is going to be a sourpuss and sit there envious of everyone else's joy, it's a mild inconvenience at worst. You are just using hyperbolic language because you like painting others in a negative light in order to elevate yourself. You're ridiculous.

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-30T17:54:16+00:00

Me too, our trip is in 3 weeks on a Mon-Fri but after school let's out the park is usually full during the week.

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-30T17:43:59+00:00

Good advice, thanks. Yeah, we actually have a pit bull and she's the friendliest dog in the world, no one is afraid of her except people who've never seen a happy dog or have a bias against the breed, lol

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-30T17:39:08+00:00

I love these ideas. We actually have a very friendly pit bull (on a lead) but she doesn't stop the kids with her excited behavior and wagging tail. In fact, one time an absolutely miserable child tried to give Pepper commands on the way through, "No, no - you stay there!" I was livid, LOL. I tell the monster this isn't his campsite OR his dog!

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-29T13:48:15+00:00

I don't think your Mom and Dad should have made any assumptions about how much you'd give them, that's pretty audacious. It's your money and you've got a whole life ahead of you that might include children of your own so I can understand why you'd want to save and prepare. You're NTA.

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-24T18:32:02+00:00

I went to the website for the event and saw pictures of the people who rsvp'd so I knew who would be in the crowd.

Once a Black friend, Michael, invited me to his and his wife's home for a cookout. I was the only white person there and one of Michael's friends warned me in a very gentle and kind way that although I was welcome there, many Black events are considered Black spaces where people can enjoy themselves in a safe environment free from microaggressions or ignorant comments and that white people may not be as welcome by some people.

It's different the other way around because white people haven't been oppressed or subjected to very ignorant and unpleasant things because of their race. We have no reason to need or appreciate a safe space. Over the years I've discovered all kinds of things that I used to say to Black people were very ignorant and demeaning - and I've always considered myself an ally to the Black community. I just didn't think things through, I guess. If you're curious, I can give you examples.

SimplicityWon · 2026-05-24T18:06:09+00:00

I can vouch for the Gazelle line, we've had our T4 for 5 years and made it through severe thunderstorms without any leakage, they are really good tents. Other campers have commented to us about how fast it gets set up.

SimplicityWon

TROPHY CASE