S'mores is a camping tradition for us and many families.  I cannot wait for that first campfire of the camping season!

Are you getting ready for the first camping trip of the year?  Me too!  As I'm writing this, we are two weeks away from our first trip of the year.  Our January trip was canceled.  And, while we were disappointed, I'm not looking back.  I'm looking forward - to camping fun!  I have a checklist to help you develop a system for seasonal prep.

Pros and Cons of Taking an RV Factory Tour

We took a factory tour at Grand Design in Middlebury, Indiana, last November and really enjoyed it!

In the US, many of the RV's that we buy are all manufactured in one corner of Northern Indiana. Elkhart and Middlebury, Indiana are both homes to big RV names.  Many RV manufacturers offer tours.  It is an opportunity to learn about a brand and product on location.  We took a tour at Grand Design in November of last year, and it was a great experience.  But, this may not be the right thing for everyone.  We are glad we took advantage of this opportunity, and feel this will help us when we move from a pop-up camper to a travel trailer.

What Inspired Our Family To Start Camping

Our home away from home is cozy and comfortable and makes it a welcome place to rest at the end of the day.

Ask every person you know that camps what inspired them to start camping.  You will get a different answer from each one.  Many times, those answers are uncomplicated and unselfish.  You may even find unexpected responses.   For my husband and I, we have both similar and different reasons as to why we enjoy this hobby.  I even asked our son when writing this piece because it is important for me to always remember why we are on this journey together.

Stop Before You Modify Your Pop Up

Before you start to modify your pop up camper, think about how you want your camper to function at the campground.  Can you live with those changes permanently?

Nearly once a week, I see a question in social media groups asking about pop up camper modifications.  People poll for advice about what they should or should not remove from the interior of a pop-up camper.  Everyone has their own opinion and experience with these renovations.  And, I have my own thoughts.  If you are about to gut a pop-up camper, stop before you get started and really think through to that first camping trip.  How do you want your camper to function?

New LED Interior Lights for Your RV

Green Long Life LED Lights provide plenty of interior light for RV's.

While everything inside of our pop up camper worked, our interior lights did not.  I just bought a cute lamp at Kirkland's and let it go for two years.  Lamps can clutter your counter space and add to what your storage gear between trips.  Working overhead lamps eliminate both of these unnecessary extras in a small space.  I have found the perfect interior lighting for your pop up camper.

Spruce Up for Spring - 3 Safety Updates

The Tundra fire extinguisher is small and light but the perfect size for a pop-up camper.

This is the part of winter where I am dreaming of spring.  I can almost see it and smell it.  Tonight while getting ready for bed, our son asked me when we were going camping.  We all know it is going to be time to go soon.  And, I'm doing a few last minute things to get us ready to go.  This means tackling some important safety updates.