Carry a ThermosI never go anywhere without my thermos. I bought it for $1 at a thrift store, it holds a quart and has a handle. It's so much better than a plastic water bottle because it's so refreshing to have really COLD water in the summer's heat on errands, or working in the garden, and nice HOT tea on a cold winter's day.
Marking Pans, Dishes and Utensils For Group Picnics Or CampingWhen we go picnicking/camping with other families, we usually mix cooking and eating utensil together for eating and dishwashing. Saves on water and fuel.
Makeshift BackpackTo make a temporary backpack for carrying your lunch on a short hike, bringing home trailside treasures, or transporting other light objects, just close the waist of a long-sleeved sweater or jacket with pins or string. Knot the sleeve ends together to form a strap.
Foggy Swimming Goggles Remedy?How do I keep my kids goggles from getting foggy?
Storing a 5th Wheel Trailer?I am new at camping. I have a 5th wheel trailer and want to know any winterizing or cleaning tips to prepare it for winter. It will be stored until May '06.
A Flag or Marker For Your TentWhen you are camping all the tents look alike to a kid. So that they always know where their tent is, attach a flag type identifier on the tent as high as you can.
Inexpensive Camping BowlAn empty plastic soda bottle, cut off to a convenient height, will work as a camp bowl. You may want to sandpaper the cut to smooth the edge.
Inexpensive Fire GrillGrills from old ovens or barbecues can be used for fire grills. Don't use refrigerator shelves as they will release toxic gasses when heated.
Kayaking Tips?We just purchased a couple of used kayaks. Does anyone have any kayaking tips? They are sea kayaks, they will be used in lakes and in the Puget Sound (near Seattle).
Hanging Paper Towels on a Boat, Camper or RVOn our boat we use a stretchy "bungee" cord to hang up our paper towel roll (you put the cord through the roll). You could do the same in your camper or RV - or anywhere else, for that matter!
Finding Night Crawlers for FishingMy Fiance and I love to go fishing, and I usually use night crawlers as bait. But instead of buying them several times throughout the year, we catch them. . .
RC Car Battery QuestionFor remote control batteries, mine is 6.0 volt. Can i replace it with a drycell 9.0 volt? Would the the RC car work?
Homemade Camping Picnic TableWe found a pattern for a picnic table constructed from 1 piece of 3/4 inch plywood. It will seat 4-6 people and is small enough to fit in the back of a SUV.
Baby Wipe Clean Up When CampingAfter a day of camping, spraying bug spray, and using sunscreen give your self a quick bath using baby wipes before you hop into your sleeping bag. Save the baby wipes and they can be used to wipe up the tent floor before you pack it away.
Bring Baking Soda on Camping TripsTake a box of baking soda with you on a canoe trip/camping. You can use it to clean your hair, as under arm deodorant, to brush your teeth, rinse your mouth or as a soap in the shower. You can also sprinkle it in your shoes at night or in your damp suitcase.
Bringing Electronic Devices When CampingIf you are bringing electronic devices or flashlights, remove the batteries before packing and store them in a ziplock bag. That way if something accidentally gets flipped on, you won't run down your batteries.
Taking Foods to PicnicsWhen I take brownies or cookies to a picnic, I put several paper
plates together and wrap them in foil, then I put the goodies on
top. At cleanup time, I don't have to worry about transporting a
dish home, and it is easy enough to take apart if someone else
wants to take something messy, and needs a extra plate and some
foil to cover it.
Burgers for CampingWhen camping I always put my ground beef into a one quart ziploc bag and press flat before we go. When we're ready to cook burgers I
just score the bag with the spatula, cut the bag open and I have patties all made up. Sometimes you have to push the sides in so they'll hold together, but it sure saves your hands from getting greasy.
Food for the Family Camping TripNo camping trip is complete without an old, green Coleman stove. This propane-powered stove has kept generations of campers well fed in the most adverse weather conditions. Because they are so common and virtually indestructible, it should be quite easy to find a used one in a second hand shop or the classified section of your local paper.
Wet Wipes for a Cookout Cool DownWet Wipes for a Cookout Cool Down. At a cookout, picnic, or other hot weather gathering, toss a package of wet wipes in the cooler with the ice and drinks (I bought a plastic pop-up dispenser for a dollar). . .
Is it financially practical to get a fishing license? Is it financially practical to get a fishing license? We live about seven miles from the Snake River. The license costs $25.75 this coming year. We don't mind catching what other people call "trash fish."
Homemade Waterproofing Spray for a Tent?I was wondering if anyone has/knows of a homemade recipe for a spray to waterproof our tent? I hope I explained that right. We bought a new tent and want to spray it with something to insure waterproofing it in case of rain.
Keeping Spiders Out of a Boat?I am just wondering if there is way to keep spiders out of my boat? I don't want to use chemicals because of worry with human and pet contact.
1998 Coleman Niagra Pop-up Camper?We just bought a 1998 Coleman Niagra pop up camper. The dinette table is missing. No big deal, but i think it was used to make the extra bed. Does anyone have pics of their camper with the extra bed in use so that I could get an idea of what I might use to make the bed workable.
Save Juice Cartons for Camping IceIf you like to camp, rinse well and save empty quart and half-gallon cardboard orange juice cartons. Fill with water an inch from the top and freeze.
Easy Premade Grilling PacketsTake foil, cut it in about 6x6 inches. Make a hamburger patty, add the seasoning you like, add thick slices of potato, onion, carrots. Put another layer of foil on this, fold all sides over a couple times to seal tight and freeze.
Pack Away Camping Supplies TogetherI place all the little things for camping in marked totes and keep them packed so that I am not trying to hunt everything down when needed. This also keeps me from paying for things again when they can not be located.
Plastic Plates For CampingTo save money and the environment, I purchased "picnic" plates from the Dollar Tree. They are made of thin plastic, making them easy/light to pack.
Tips For Car-Camping Or BackpackingIf you're like me, you're going camping/hiking with friends/family this summer (or wishing that you'd be able to). Here's a few tips for your summer car-camping and backpacking trips:
Cook Two Things In The Same WaterWhether you camp or not, here is a great way to cook two items in the same water. I tried this and it was perfect!
Keep Cooler Odor Free with Baking SodaAnother great way to keep camping cooler fresh and odor free between uses is to wash and dry, then sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of baking soda inside before closing the lid.
Camping Advice for Cooking, Set-Up and MoreI look forward to camping each year. Although I now camp in a Pop-up camper, when my children were little, my husband and I would take them Tent camping. Cooking over a campfire can be one of the most challenging things you will ever do.
Tips for Packing a PicnicSpring is here and it is a beautiful time for a picnic. Bring several bottles of water for drinking and one to wash up if you are hiking with no place to wash up. Napkins or some moist wipes.
Suggestions For Good British Authors?I am a big fan of British authors. Mysteries are the genre I most enjoy. PD James, Elizabeth George, Martha Grimes, Margery Allingham and of course Agatha all write books that I devour! I don't like romance to be part of the story. Does anyone have suggestions for additional authors? Thanks!
Be a Workamper to Cut Camping CostsA fun way to cut your vacation costs is to be a workamper. What that means is that you go to a campground and help them with whatever they need help with. In exchange, they let you stay and use the park for free.
Disposable Camping ToothpasteWhen I go backpacking and don't have one of those tiny travel tubes of toothpaste, I'll make my own so I don't have to cart the large tube of toothpaste with me.
Finding a Fold Up Bicycle?I had not heard of a fold up bicycle before. Where can one look to find them?
Use Freezer Baskets In CoolersI bought some freezer baskets at a garage sale to use in my upright freezer. I had a couple left over and thought of a great idea for them. I cut the corners off and then I folded the ends up and I use them in my coolers for camping.
Recycled Camping LanternsOur Cub Scout Pack is involved in Fall Camping. We made lanterns out of recycled plastic peanut butter jars. We used modge podge and affixed the Scout Promise to the outside. We used glow sticks to light their way. Loads of fun in the tent or outside after dark.
Campgrounds in Saskatchewan?Has anyone been to a nice campground in Saskatchewan lately? We usually go to La Ronge but I would like to try something new. We like quiet, secluded campgrounds. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks.
Campfire Foiled Chicken DinnerThis is a favorite summer meal.
Keeping Dough Ball on the Hook?I just recently started fishing, and I need suggestions on how to keep a doughball on the hook. I like to experiment with lots of different things: chicken livers, shrimp, cat food, tuna, etc. I use flour, bread crumbs, and I even tried mixing an egg in.
Designing a Portable Camp Kitchen for the Tent Camper?I like to tent camp and I like to cook. I have been thinking about a portable camp kitchen where all your essential stuff is self contained. The commercial ones are so expensive and I don't really care for fancy, just functional.
Girls Campout Ideas?I am looking for ideas for a girls campout.
Prevent Backpack From Slipping When PackingTo help your Scout (Boy Scout or Girl Scout) keep his/her external frame backpack from sliding all over the floor while packing it, get a set of rubber chair-leg covers or crutch covers to put on the bottom of the "legs" of the pack.
Join a Local Bird Watching GroupI recently signed up online with a group called BirdYak through the Audubon society. They get together and go on outings to various areas around here to watch and identify the many species of birds that live here year round and those who migrate through the area too.
Wildlife: Speckled TroutMy son caught this speck last October! With all this oil drama going on, we're all wondering what this year's catch will be like? If there is even a catch!
Check Unused Campsites for Fire WoodOnce we arrive and get our assigned campsite, my husband begins to unload and the kids and I go to nearby deserted (checked out) campsites and look for leftover firewood.
Camping HamburgersPlace a tablespoon of catchup on a piece of foil large enough to make into a bundle. Place a hamburger patty on top of catchup, then a slice of onion, some diced carrots and diced potato, salt and pepper.
Foil Pocket MealWhen camping in the summer, it is too hot to fire up the oven to cook when in a camper. I like to put my meat and veggies in a foil pocket and cook them over an outside grill.
Use Film Canisters for SpicesWhen camping, place spices in empty film canisters. Once you get the campsite set up, poke holes in the lids for shaker tops if desired. Film canisters are also good for storing fish hooks, etc.
Print Topographical Maps as Alternative to GPSIf you like to hike, camp, or do outdoorsy things, but don't want to spend a lot of money on an expensive GPS system, you might want to try printing out a free topographic map online. AnyplaceAmerica.com has maps of the US that you can sort by city, county, or by feature.
Bring Eye Wash CampingBring lots of eye wash when going camping! If you get something in your eyes, there really isn't anyway to rinse out the debris in the middle of nowhere.
Making a Folding Camp End Table?How do I make a folding camp end table?
Camping in the RainThis is a page on camping in the rain. Without the proper gear or preparation, camping in the rain can be miserable. Knowing the right gear to bring can make a rainy camping trip a fun get away.
Buying a TentThis is a page to buying a tent. Purchasing a good tent is an important part of getting the most out of your camping adventures.
Using June Bugs for Fishing Bait?Are June bugs good for fishing with as bait?
Learning to Ride a HorseThis is a page about learning to ride a horse. Whether you want to ride horses competitively or for fun it is important to learn to ride them properly. This will ensure not just your safety but the horse's as well.
Organizing Camping SuppliesThis is a page about organizing camping supplies. When you go camping, you need to bring all sorts of supplies that you take for granted when you are at home; like equipment for cooking and cleaning, first aid, sleeping and more.
Breaking in a Baseball GloveWhen you first get a new leather glove, it can be very stiff and hard to use. Here are tips to softening and breaking it in for use on the baseball diamond or just to play catch.
Saving Money on Tennis BallsThis is a page about saving money on tennis balls. Whether you play tennis regularly or just like to have tennis balls for your dog or kids, their cost can really add up. Here are some ways to find tennis balls at discounted prices.
Tent Camping TipsThis is a page about tent camping tips. Tent camping is a very different experience than motor-home or trailer camping. This more primitive camping choice can be made even more enjoyable by incorporating a few important camping tips.
More Frugal Camping TipsCamping can be an inexpensive and fun way to travel and spend time with family and friends. Check out all the money saving tips and tricks that have been sent in by our active members.
Boat Friendly Recipes?This page contains boat friendly recipes. Your ability to cook on a boat can be limited. Finding recipes that use the resources you have and are easy to prepare while on the water is helpful.
Buying a Used Boat?This is a page about buying a used boat. Boats are an expensive investment. One way to save money is to buy a used boat. You can still get a good boat without paying full price.
Fishing Tips and PhotosThis is a page about fishing tips and photos. Knowing the local tips and tricks will get you the best results when fishing.
Cleaning a FishThis is a page about cleaning a fish. If you are going to eat the fish you catch, you will need to clean it first.
Cleaning a Saltwater Boat?This is a page about cleaning a saltwater boat. Boats that are utilized in salt water need to be cleaned regularly.
Buying an Environmentally Friendly BoatThis is a page about buying an environmentally friendly boat. Owning a boat can be fun and you don't have to harm the environment to use it if you shop carefully.
Saving Money on FishingThis is a page about saving money on fishing. Fishing is a fun hobby for many people. However, it can get expensive if you are not careful to watch how much you are spending.
Cleaning a Pontoon Boat?This is a page about cleaning a pontoon boat. Pontoon boats are great for enjoying a day out on the lake. As with any boat periodic cleaning will keep your boat looking nice for many years.
Removing Mold from Boat SeatsIt is not uncommon for boat seats to develop mold. There are things you can do to not only remove the mold but prevent it too. This is a page about removing mold from boat seats.
Homemade Water GunsThis is a page about making homemade water guns. Water guns are a great toy to play with on hot summer days. You don't have to buy expensive ones at the store, look around your house for cheaper alternatives.
Learning How to BowlThis is a page about learning how to bowl. Bowling is a favorite sport and hobby of many people. Learning the basics correctly will greatly improve your scores, make the game much more fun, and competitive.
Use Wet Wipes Instead Of Toilet Paper When CampingWe go camping in our travel trailer almost every weekend during the summer at a place where it is parked in a remote area with no water hook-ups.
Picnic Tips and TricksThis is a page about picnic tips and tricks. Whether it's an outing with the whole family or a romantic meal in the countryside, picnic are a fun frugal outing that everyone will enjoy.
Beach Tips And TricksThis is a page about beach tips and tricks. These helpful ideas for enjoying sand and surf will keep you frolicking in even the hottest weather.
Fishing (Murphysboro, IL)This was my granddaughter, Natalie's, first time fishing and her daddy captured this shot. So cute! Natalie is almost 3 years old.
Camping Cooking TipsThere are many ways to make simple, delicious meals on your adventure. This page contains camping cooking tips.
Starting A CampfireThis page is about starting a campfire. Whether your fire is for cooking or heat, getting your campfire established quickly makes your camping experience more enjoyable.
Tips For Forgotten Camping ItemsIf you forgot the filters for your coffee pot, tear off a piece of paper towel or use a paper napkin in the bottom of the basket. Add the grounds, and water and go ahead with your normal coffee routine.
Visiting State ParksThis page is about visiting state parks. There are many interesting state parks to visit for the day or for camping.
Single Use Salve Packs for CampingIf you are camping and going to be hiking or even just traveling, these will come in handy. Place a straw over the opening of the ointment and squeeze a small amount of it, about one quarter of an inch.
Washing Clothes While CampingThis is a page about washing clothes while camping. When on an extended camping trip, in particular, it is often necessary to wash your clothes at your campsite.
Camping with ChildrenThis is a page about camping with children. Camping can be a fun family activity, however, camping with children does require some extra planning and considerations.
Frugal Romantic Vacation Ideas?This page contains frugal romantic vacation ideas. It does not have to be expensive to have a meaningful, intimate get away.
Camping With PetsThis page is about camping with pets. When bringing your pets with you on a camping trip, there are a number of things to keep in mind to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Saving Money on Theme ParksThis is a page about saving money on theme parks. While they are undoubtedly a fun destination, theme parks can be very expensive for the family to visit.
Keeping Bugs and Flies Away From Your PicnicThis page is about keeping bugs and flies away from your picnic. Eating a meal outside is most enjoyable when insect pests can be deterred from your food.
Camping at National ParksThis is a page about camping at national parks. Some of the most beautiful places for camping, in our country, are protected as part of the National Park system.
Steering a CanoeCanoeing is fun and a great way to explore hidden byways. First, you need to be proficient in steering. This is a page about steering a canoe.
Paddling a Canoe AloneThis is a page about paddling a canoe alone. It is not necessary to have a partner to enjoy canoeing. You can easily learn the technique needed to paddle a canoe alone.
Keeping Snow Out of BootsThis is a page about keeping snow out of boots. Even when wearing snow boots, you can get snow down inside them making your feet cold and wet.
Campout Ideas for Girls?This is a page about campout ideas for girls. Having a campout is great fun, whether it is in the back yard or a campground.
Using a CanoeThis page is about using a canoe. It's important to understand water safety before learning to use a canoe.
Camping Dessert IdeasEnjoy your camping trip even more with fun fire side treats. This page contains camping dessert ideas.
Preparing for Campouts?This page is about preparing for campouts. When you can anticipate everything you may need, it helps make your adventure a success.
Planning a Backyard CampoutCreate a summer night to remember in your own backyard camping with the kids. This page is about planning a backyard campout.
Having a Backyard CampfireThis page is about having a backyard campfire. Be sure to follow all your local burning ordinances when planning a recreational fire in your yard.
Ice Fishing Tips and PhotosThis is a page about ice fishing tips and photos. Ice fishing is a popular winter sport in northern climes.
Cleaning Sand Off SkinThis is a page about cleaning sand off skin. A fun day at the beach generally ends with you trying to clean the sand off your skin.
