Are you a first-time camper, or are you a seasoned traveler? Have you decided to live half the year in the southern states and the other half in the north? Perhaps you'll travel from state to state, hitting them all within a year, or you've decided you want the best of both worlds and spend your retirement in one place.
If you're new, I'm sure you've been learning from books and seasoned campers by taking advantage of recommended gear, how to pack, and what kinds of sites work best for you and your camper. The year 2025 promises to be a year of new beginnings by allowing you to take what you learned in the past and then define what you want in your upcoming camping life based on your current knowledge. So much affects our camping life, especially if you're retired. The economy, the current governments, and the current housing all affect how and when we decide to leap into the idea of living in an RV.
So, whether you're experienced or a beginner, let's take a look and reexamine with a fresh mindset and ask ourselves:
Where or what did you enjoy the most in 2024?
What worked for you?
What didn't work for you?
Did you cross off anything on your bucket list?
We all know excitement, prosperity, and contentment don't just come our way. We make it happen by giving out what we want to receive. So, between Christmas and New Year's is an excellent time to daydream about what you want to add to your bucket list for camping expeditions. So get paper and pencil and jot down what your New Year's Resolutions are – both beginners and experienced – to help you get started:
1. MAKE A PLAN BUT ALLOW FOR THE UNEXPECTED
When you make advance plans for your campground reservations, you can lock in the perfect site you want at your favorite campground or state park.
Advance planning allows you to make a list of what equipment and clothing you'll need if your trip involves chilly weather and helps you secure the best deals on gear and accommodations. This forethought can often save you money and avoid stress and disappointment later on.
Making a plan is a powerful tool that empowers you to be more proactive when booking your campsite at your favorite campgrounds or RV parks. It's turning your dreams into camping realities.
Even with preplanning, leave room for last-minute changes, such as changing your meal plan or taking a side trip down a nature-filled rustic road. Remember, magical experiences often happen when you least expect them, whether on a well-planned journey or having a spontaneous adventure.
2. EXPLORE NEW PLACES AND ATTEMPT NEW THINGS
Do you feel you’ve fallen into a rut and want to escape? If you’re happy, don’t worry about changing anything, but if you’re not satisfied, attempting something different and new can turn standard camping practices into something fun and magical.
For example, do you return year after year, never deviating from what you know? If so, consider changing your campsite to another area of the RV park, so you have new neighbors and mix up your normal routine. You might find that you now have a new favorite site!
“Attempting new things” can be something big, such as where to go explore or where to eat. While you have your favorite eateries and meal plan recipes, move out of your comfort zone and explore different nationality dishes, swim with the manatees, or explore the local flea market.
3. FIND A CAMPING GROUP THAT FITS YOU
Make the most of your stay in the campground by seeking out like-minded residents to camp with and talk with about everything from camping to music to the various activities you’d like to experience.
It’s soothing to sit around a fire at night with people and enjoy the crackling of a fire and the easy conversation of interesting people.
5. TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR CAMPING SUPPLIES
Make sure you have a camping checklist. It’s easy to forget something you need after arriving at your destination. You can create your own, or you can search online for a variety of lists that can be adapted to your needs.
Winter can seem like it will never end, but it does with the flowers of spring and then the warming heat of summer. It’s comforting to know your multi-tool knives are sharpened, you have spare batteries for lanterns, you have laundry bags packed, and you’re all set for a rainy day.
An excellent inventory checklist ensures that you’ve packed all your gear that will be needed during your stay. Thus, you won’t have to run to a store after you’ve arrived to pick up a raincoat, an umbrella, or a heavy sweater for a few cold nights in Florida.
6. CAMPING WITH FRIENDS
Do you have good friends or family that you like to camp with? Why not invite them to camp with you in the same campground? That way, you’ll be able to capture special moments that you’ve shared. Just give them ample time to plan dates that work for both of you and then decide on a trip that everyone will enjoy.
A tool that will make planning easier is Google Docs, which uses the spreadsheet feature so everyone can access the plans and share their lists for packing and groceries.
7. START NEW TRADITIONS
Because it only takes one trip to fall in love with camping, the more you camp, the more you’ll tweak and learn new hacks to implement and improve your camping experience. To add to the experience, competition with your partner or friends creates excitement. Who will catch the largest fish, sing the most songs by the fire, or leave a toy duck on a vehicle? Will you come up with something unique to surprise and create a game everyone can play anytime?
Some little action or game might stick; voila, you have a tradition.
So, no matter how you camp – cabin, tent, RV; whether you want peace, adventure, or extreme sports, make your camping experience yours. How do you see your camping tradition?
8. SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE
Don’t fret over bad camping trips or stress about camping preparation and execution; just take it easy and do one thing at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to hit the road and enjoy the getaway or live permanently in your camper at your favorite campground.
Even if you live in a campground or RV park and experience the best of both worlds, don’t let the little things overwhelm you. It’s supposed to be fun, and slow and steady wins a lifetime of memorable experiences.
9. ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFESTYLE
Camping accumulates memories you can share with your family, friends, and social media. You can share your stories, photos, recipes you’ve collected, and what works and what doesn’t. Remember, laughter is the best medicine as it changes your experience and exercises your internal organs. Enjoy your life to its fullest. You’ll be glad you did.
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