USVI-On-Line

Ok, so I have never been camping (real camping) before. I am talking in a tent, near a river, no running water (other than said river) camping. Capital C Camping.

What should I NOT forget? We are going with a very large group who routinely go and know what they are doing. We have tents, cots, sleeping bags, food, etc.

I am mostly worried about the non-shower aspect of the camping experience.

Anything that will make my life a little easier or more pleasant?

I am taking copious amounts of alcohol.

From the description, I assume this will be "car camping". The leaders of the large group should provide you with a list of the things they are bringing. Work with the group leads to work out the menu. We assign breakfast, lunch, or dinner to a different couple or family - it makes it interesting if you have a "theme" meal.

What you may need:
Tevas or river shoes (or tennis shoes you can get wet)
Pair of socks for hiking
Extra socks*optional
Swimsuit
Small towel
Fleece (warm) jacket
Waterproof jacket or poncho

Synthetic shirt (long sleeve)
t-shirt
quick drying long pants for hiking and sun protection
shorts-synthetic is best
Sun hat+/ball cap/visor
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Sunglasses (with strap)
Pocket knife
Head lamp or flashlight w/extra batteries
Light sleeping bag—we throw in a sheet in case it’s really hot
Sleeping pad
Tent and tarp to sleep on—we usually don’t use a tent, just sleep out on a tarp under the stars (bring fairly small tents)
Personal medications etc.
Toiletries – toothbrush, hand lotion, biodegradable soap
2 one-liter water bottles
Your own cup for coffee/tea
Snack food (powerbars/candy)
A good thin book or a magazine or two
Chair for lounging

BRING WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DRINK: coffee, tea, soda, beer, lemonade, etc. (Ask if someone is bringing milk for cereal or cream for coffee)

CHECK WITH THE GROUP LEAD:

toilet paper and hand sanitizer - is there a toilet or outhouse?
dish soap
mosquito repellent
bowls, plates, silverware, cooking stuff
stoves
breakfast, lunch, dinner

Baby wipes are great for a little clean up, make sure you have a good flashlight, a rug for out side the tent door to keep as much diry out as possible and a good aditude

For icky hair, I recc. bandanas and baseball hats and hair elastics.

I'm sure you can wash/rinse off in the river with a washcloth but probably no soap- just water.

To wash your face (I hae having an oily face after a day or so of camping), there are some great face wipes you can find in the cosmetics dept.

If the group you are going with do this all the time, I'd tap into their expertise and ask what they bring, what the bathing situation is like (if you can use soap in the river, if so, what kind), etc.

I'd be concerned about going potty. DO they have porta-potty or are you diggin a hole?

small washcloth and towel in a ziplock bag.

extra underwear for am and pm change.

agree baby wipes or body wipes.

lightweight clothing that dries easily...cotton isn't as good as the newer fibers.

rain coat or poncho, even if rain isn't forecast.

chapstick and lotion. it drives me crazy if I forget that...I can't sleep!

extra flat sheet to go on top of your sleeping bag if it is too hot.

something to tie back hair, especially at campfire.

first aid kit.

clothesline and clothespins would be nice.

and if you can fit it, bring a real size pillow. camp pillows suck.

sorry, just read all the way through Gromits post and I listed mostly the same stuff.

Thanks All! Most of that we had covered but some valuable info!

This whole camping BS is a lot of work! I am a little excited and a little scared. I am pretty sure I'll survive. The camp leaders are actually pretty organized with a whole spreadsheet and all that went to every family and then we filled in what we'd bring for the group. Everyone brings their own meats to grill, but otherwise communal.

So.....I have marinated filets and chicken and am making a few sides to share, and snakcs and carrots and dip and smores fixings for an army!

Hubby is the outdoorsman in the family and is in charge of all things tent/shelter related!

Really the only thing I am worried about is the lack of a shower!

And coffee. Or lack there of. I am tempted to bring my senseo as we have a regular plug in our car. I am afraid people would make fun of me But do I really care!!! No I don't!

Should I do a trip report? lol...

Trip report? From the perspective of a non-camper? OH YES PLEASE!

Memorize you Starwood rewards number, a good camper must be prepared!

aroobagirl wrote:Memorize you Starwood rewards number, a good camper must be prepared!

Is it wrong that I have been on orbitz to find the nearest hotel? More for the SHOWER than the bed!

"Sir do you rent rooms by the hour. I promise I just want a shower. I won't touch the bed!"

I bet you'll get your coffee. Camp stoves make great coffee!

I freak out if I can't shower every 24 hours, which is why I have not returned to my camping-off-the-grid roots...

Depending on where you are, there may be developed campgrounds or sportman's clubs (the type of place that caters to the hunter/fisher type) in the area that have coin-op showers. My mom still tent camps and she will scout out places ahead of time that have coin-op showers.

There are solar showers that you can hang in a tree that would give you enough water for a navy-type shower. Any camping or sports store would sell them.

I would definately take the coffee maker!

Pia wrote:Can't wait for this trip report

Good luck girlfriend - your gonna need it

Pia - Les' recipe for Skeeters may just save my life on this trip. I made an entire gallon and froze them to take. I am debating whether I will share them or not!

There is DEFINITELY NO SHOWER. It is on a friend's property in the middle of nowhere! Yikes.

Gromit has taken to calling it deliverance camp

It will be fine. I'll be fine. It will be JUST FINE!