Comments on: The Simple Dollar Weekly Roundup: Camping Edition

By: DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad

DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:44:48 +0000

Did you make smores? We did that the other night in the backyard.

By: RM

RM — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:12 +0000

I’m going to go ahead and agree with some of the other commenters – I was really hoping for an article on frugal camping!

We take two young daughters camping. In Texas we do have a State Parks pass that makes camping really cheap and enjoyable, and encourages us to check out our awesome state parks. I am always interested in easy, cheap supplies (I tend to overdo it in the packing arena) I want to have our stuff paired down so I can just throw it in the trunk and GO!

By: Leah

Leah — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:34:44 +0000

I agree with #9 — I was hoping for a frugal camping article. I’m going camping next week with my boyfriend. We’re hitting Duluth and Grand Marais so that I can still see fireworks and we both get nature time.

So far, all we do to be frugal is bring our own food and try to cook stuff. I’m weaning him off freeze-dried meals, and we’ve gotten to the point where our only prepared things are those dry soups in a bag.

Beyond that, we just try not to have gear lust. But we’re both still building up our gear; he’d always been camping with his family, and I rented gear in college (from my college), which was significantly cheaper than buying my own. So we’re still spending a lot to do the camping thing, but we’re getting some as gifts and trying to balance cost, practicality, and equipment lifespan.

By: George

George — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:24:42 +0000

Keeping tax records forever CAN be a useful tool, instead of clutter… provided one actually looks at the information.

For instance, when you complain about how much your tax bill is, compare the % to previous years. Maybe you’re making more, maybe you’re making less, but the % may have changed, too.

There’s also tidbits in there about how our tax laws have changed and how that’s played into your actions. Have you taken advantage of all the opportunities when they come up?

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:34:37 +0000

Katie, in Texas we essentially have had a burn ban in effect all year long because it is so dry. The state parks are great about letting you know when it is safe and not safe to burn. It kind of stinks when you have to cook your marshmallows in the bbq rather than over an open flame… but a smore is a smore! ;)

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:34:12 +0000

Dream, in Texas we essentially have had a burn ban in effect all year long because it is so dry. The state parks are great about letting you know when it is safe and not safe to burn. It kind of stinks when you have to cook your marshmallows in the bbq rather than over an open flame… but a smore is a smore! ;)

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:41:58 +0000

if you’re by a river, it’s humid, and the fire is contained in a ring, you should probably be ok :) if you’re in a dry environment, that’s a TOTALLY different story

By: dream

dream — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:46:12 +0000

Camping IS a wonderful thing. We would go often when we were kids and I had almost forgotten about those trips. Thanks for the reminder and keep taking your kids….those are some of my fondest memories.

By: jc

jc — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:35:36 +0000

strictly speaking, no it’s not safe to leave a fire going, not even smoldering, especially in hot, dry conditions where the wind might pick up. fires must be put out with water before calling it a night.

on the other hand, my family of origin has almost never properly observed this ritual in years of camping, and we’ve never managed to start a forest fire yet. your mileage may vary.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:10:47 +0000

@ Steve: “Is it safe to fall asleep with the fire still going?”

From his wording, I gatherd that his CHILDREN fell asleep in front of the fire, not him.

In either case, Stephanie is correct.

By: Steven@HundredGoals.com

Steven@HundredGoals.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:16:40 +0000

Camping is great! I’ve been on a cross-country camping adventure for the past 2 weeks with another 2 weeks ahead. Check out my blog to read updates about my adventures! Once I return home I intend to write some great articles about how I can afford to travel for such a long time on a tight budget.

Glad your kids had a fun time! I loved camping when I was younger and still enjoy it just as much today as a young adult.

By: Sandy E.

Sandy E. — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:26:42 +0000

There’s a new website called DiscoverAmerica.com — launched to help people vacation in their own State – it has an activity finder listing museums, festivals and parks. It also has links, such as camping and fishing, etc. I discovered some things in my hometown that I wasn’t aware of – even gave times and dates for farmers markets, and other free activities.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:17:57 +0000

Steve, any state park I have ever been to has contained fire rings. This provides a measure of safety. Our ancestors fell asleep by the fire numerous times. I personally wouldn’t advise falling asleep when a fire is at full peak, but a slow burning fire that gives off some warmth and provides a wonderful glow is an amazing thing. It is so relaxing that you may find keeping sleep away to be difficult.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:11:47 +0000

Oh Trent, I got so excited thinking that you might have written articles on frugal camping (thus combining two of my favorite things in life)! Once I read this entry I was so disappointed. Please consider writing about the outdoors more and how to do it on the ultra-cheap! =)

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:08:17 +0000

Is it safe to fall asleep with the fire still going?

By: Ann

Ann — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:19:39 +0000

Also LOVE camping. We did move up to a self-contained camper a few years back, so it’s even more enjoyable and can go more often, usually from mid April through mid October. Our favorite – Winhall Brook Campground in Vermont. It’s an Army Corps of Engineer facility- no rec hall, no swimming pool, no campground store. Just a couple of rivers with a beach area, an outdoor family movie on Saturday courtesy of the rangers (weather permitting), and some great trails for walking/hiking. It’s also the kids’ favorite place to go camping; they enjoy making their own fun there!

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:10:42 +0000

It was really humid as it was anywhere in Illinois right now. :(

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:00:02 +0000

I live in La Crosse, so I’m plenty used to humidity. I’ll check it out though, thanks!

By: Candace

Candace — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:48:30 +0000

Nothing made me appreciate my dishwasher more than a week of camping! Does anyone have any suggestions for making camping with 3 dogs easier? Only one of the 3 actually listens.

By: MLR

MLR — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:36:36 +0000

I LOVE camping. Especially if you find a campsite on the water (just make sure to bring bug spray!).

Nothing better than kicking back on a campsite after a long week. Did you get to kayak and/or hike with your kids?

And of course, thanks for including my article! After having a conversation with my friend (mentioned in the article), I sorted through my own documents and realized I had a good bit of clutter I wasn’t aware of. Feels good to shred it and be done with it!