How to Plan a Camping Trip:

For a Family of Four

foxhillrvpark.com

Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................v Campsite Amenities: ......................................................................................v Safety Tips .....................................................................................................v Chapter 1: Preparation .......................................................................................3 Basic Materials Needed: ................................................................................3 Planning guidelines ........................................................................................3 Chapter 2: Scheduling .......................................................................................7 Day 1: Friday..................................................................................................7 Day 2: Saturday ..............................................................................................8 Day 3: Sunday ................................................................................................9 Chapter 3: Troubleshooting.............................................................................13 Severe Weather ............................................................................................13 Tornado Warning ....................................................................................13 Rain .........................................................................................................13 Extreme Wind .........................................................................................13 Hail ..........................................................................................................13 Wild Animals ...............................................................................................13 First Aid .......................................................................................................13 Appendix A: Map ............................................................................................17 Appendix B: Recipes .......................................................................................19 Cooking ingredients .....................................................................................19 How to Use a Dutch Oven ...........................................................................19 Dutch-Oven Peach Cobbler .........................................................................20 Pie on a Stick................................................................................................21 Smores ........................................................................................................21 Campfire MacnCheese ..............................................................................22 Dutch Oven Pancakes ..................................................................................23 iii

How to Plan a Camping Trip Chucky Tortilla Soup with Black Beans......................................................24 Appendix C: Detailed Checklist......................................................................25 Shelter...........................................................................................................25 Bedding ........................................................................................................25 Cooking ........................................................................................................25 Clothes..........................................................................................................25 Personal ........................................................................................................26 Miscellaneous ...............................................................................................26 Index ................................................................................................................27

iv

Introduction

Introduction
This manual will aid a family of four plan a camping trip to Lake Ray Roberts in Valley View, Texas. A camping trip is a fun and affordable way to have a weekend of relaxation and serenity. A first time camper will not know the basics. These instructions will break down everything to ensure an easy, hassle free weekend.

Campsite Amenities:
o o o o Picnic table Fire ring Water nearby Restrooms nearby o o o o Outdoor grill Tent pad Lantern post Showers

Safety Tips
Tell someone your plans. Give details of where you are going and when you expect to return. Provide contact and vehicle information that can be used to contact you.

Dont post travel plans online, as this may draw the attention of unsavory characters.

smart-hiking-and-camping-tips.com

Chapter 1: Preparation

Chapter 1: Preparation
Basic Materials Needed:
o o o o o o o o o Tent Sleeping Bags Lantern Flashlights Tarps Sunscreen Bug Spray First aid kit Lawn Rake o o o o o o o o o Food (Non-perishable preferred) Clothes (accordingly) Toiletries Propane Stove Cooler Ice Radio Pillows Dutch Oven

For a more detailed checklist refer to Appendix C.

Planning guidelines
There are many things to take into consideration when planning a camping trip. The following steps serve as a guideline to aid you in planning your families camping trip.

1. Pick a date
Preferred camping weather occurs during the month of April with average temperatures ranging from 52 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also check the local weather predictions as well when planning to avoid any possible storms.

Weather conditions are subject to change at any time

birdsontheblog.co.uk

How to Plan a Camping Trip

2. Pick a location (Ray Roberts Lake State Park)

Texas is home to over 100 state parks, camping at any of these locations would be great! This manual highlights Ray Roberts Lake State Park, but the topics covered in this manual are applicable to other camping locations as well.

3. Figure out price

Lake Ray Roberts is $15 a night per campsite; entry is $7 an adult, children 12 and under are free.

4. Plan a menu
There are many meal options while camping. Coolers allow for items to be held for a longer period of time. A Dutch oven is a traditional way to prepare and make camping recipes.

5. Plan activities Weather permitting, the park offers everything ranging from boating to hiking. Plans can be made on a day to day basis. 6. Pack
There is a basic list of supplies you will need as well as detailed checklists in Appendix C that can be used as reference while you pack

tpwd.state.tx.us t; tacticalip.com

mbogroen-sneek.nl

Chapter 2: Scheduling

Chapter 2: Scheduling
This chapter gives a schedule that you can use as the basis for you families schedule, or you can use this schedule for your families camping weekend. When scheduling, make sure you leave time for travel so that when deadlines must be adhered to you can meet them easily.

Day 1: Friday
Campsite Arrival

1. Arrive at the campground at 6 p.m. on the Friday of your camping weekend. 2. Check in at the Johnson Branch Headquarters for your campsite and to pay the entrance fee of $7 per adult. a. Children under the age of 12 are free. 3. Drive and park at your reserved campsite. 4. Clear the tent pad of sticks, rocks, and leaves.
Be careful! There may be glass and other objects that could harm you. It would be best to use a lawn rake for this activity.

5. Set up the tent a. Please look to your tent's instruction manual for a guide to set up the tent.

6. Unpack the car and organize your items to your preference. 7. Eat dinner a. Sample recipes can be found in Appendix B. 8. Clean up before preparing for bed.
Safety first! Make sure the propane is turned off and the fire, if you made one, is put out!

outdoorthing.com

How to Plan a Camping Trip

Day 2: Saturday
1. Breakfast from 8AM to 9AM a. Sample recipes can be found in Appendix B. Extinguish or turn off all cooking equipment Clean up the mess and secure all dishes and equipment 2. Prepare for the biking trail a. Prepare and pack lunches and plenty of water b. Refer to the map in Appendix A to locate the start of the trail. 3. Bike to the start of the trail and proceed to bike the trail. Be sure to remain hydrated while biking Remember to wear your helmet 4. After you have finished biking the trail, bike to the closest playground. a. Refer to the map in Appendix A for its location. 5. Spend the afternoon at the playground. a. Start with lunch to regain your energy. b. Clean up thoroughly and dispose of trash 6. After you are done at the playground, bike back to your campsite. Remember to wear your helmet Be sure to remain hydrated while biking 7. Prepare dinner and eat a. Sample recipes can be found in Appendix B Extinguish or turn off all cooking equipment Clean up the mess and secure all dishes and equipment 8. Enjoy each others company and have a fun night! 9. Before bed make sure that your campsite is clean and that any fires are completely extinguished.

Chapter 2: Scheduling

Day 3: Sunday
Ending the Trip

1. Eat breakfast at 8am a. Sample recipes are located in Appendix B. 2. Prepare a packed lunch for your trip to the lake. 3. Pack up your things at the campsite. a. Remember to make sure you did not leave anything behind. 4. Clean up the campsite a. Please make sure trash goes in the proper receptacle. 5. Drive to the lake and enjoy the morning there.
Please make sure to watch your children!

6. Eat your packed lunch at 12 p.m. 7. Clean up and pack up at 1 p.m. 8. Drive to the Johnson Branch Unit Headquarters for 2 p.m. checkout.
Please remember to check out by 2 p.m.! If not you will be responsible for paying for another day!

9. Drive home.

upload.wikimedia.org

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting
Severe Weather
Tornado Warning
Find the bathroom closest to your campsite and take cover. These are the parks weather safe buildings.

Rain
Make sure you have a rain cover for the tent, and plenty of ponchos or rain coats. Be sure to cover the tent properly. You may also consider a waterproof spray to apply to the tent before going on the trip.

Extreme Wind
Be sure your tent is securely staked down, and all loose items are put away.

Hail
Cover all items that could be damaged under a stable roof, most likely, you will need to pack everything back into the car as quickly as possible.

Wild Animals
To help prevent animals from making their way into your campsite, make sure all food is properly stored away or hung out of their reach to keep from attracting them.

First Aid In Case of Emergency, Dial 911

For minor injuries, follow the directions listed on the lid of your first aid kit. For major injuries that are not emergencies, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. 13

Appendices & Index

Appendix A

Appendix A: Map

tpwd.state.tx.us

17

Appendix B

Appendix B: Recipes
Cooking ingredients
Tart firm apples cinnamon Pancake mix Eggs Elbow macaroni Parmesan Cheese Salt and Pepper Baking powder Graham crackers Marshmallows Frozen peaches; thawed Sugar Butter Whipped Cream Shredded cheddar cheese Milk All- purpose flour Vegetable oil Hershey milk chocolate bars

How to Use a Dutch Oven

1. Prepare the fire. If you have a campfire going, move any large pieces of still-burning wood to the side and level out your hot coals to fit the size of the dutch oven. If the campground doesn't allow wood fires, burn 50 charcoal briquettes till they're mostly gray, 10 to 15 minutes, and spread into an even layer the size of the dutch oven. 2. Set up the oven. For many recipes, you just set the dutch oven on top of the hot coals ("bottom heat cooking"). But there are times when you'll need to heat both the top and bottom of the oven. Just scrape about half the coals to the side and arrange the rest in a circle the size of the dutch oven's outer edge. Set the oven on top of the circle of coals, then pile the rest of the coals on top of the lid. 3. Start cooking. Lift the dutch-oven lid occasionally to check the food and temperature. To decrease the heat, scrape away some fuel. To increase the heat, or to cook longer than 45 minutes, add 6 to 10 new briquettes or more wood embers (from that still-burning wood you moved to the side of your fire pit) every 30 minute
19

How to Plan a Camping Trip

Dutch-Oven Peach Cobbler

Serves 6 Ingredients 2 pounds frozen peaches, thawed 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 3/4 cup sugar, divided 1 cup pancake mix 1/4 cup butter, cut into 1/8-in. pieces 1 large egg Sweetened whipped cream

Preparation

1. Prepare fire as directed above. Mix peaches, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup sugar in a 4- to 6-qt. cast-iron camp dutch oven. 2. Stir pancake mix, butter, egg, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup water in a medium bowl to make a thick and chunky batter. Drop 4 evenly spaced heaping spoonfuls over peaches. Cover. 3. Arrange coals for top and bottom heat cooking and cook, checking every 10 minutes, until batter is puffed, firm, and starting to brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve portions with whipped cream.

20

myrecipes.com

Appendix B

Pie on a Stick
Ingredients Tart, firm apples 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon How to make it

1. Before heading out for your hike or camping trip, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a wide-mouth container. 2. By the campfire, each person skewers a tart, firm unpeeled apple on a sharpened stick. Slowly rotate the apples close to the hot embers until the skins blacken and began to split. 3. Remove the skins with a fork, roll their still-skewered apples in the cinnamon sugar until they're well coated. Slide onto a paper plate or eat right off the stick.

Smores
Ingredients Marshmallows Hersheys Chocolate bars (or any flat chocolate) Graham crackers
How to make it

1. Break one graham cracker in half, and place a portion of the chocolate on one half of the cracker. 2. Skewer a marshmallow on the end of a stick and hold it over a fire until cooked to your preference 3. Slide the marshmallow onto the graham cracker with the chocolate, and put the other half of the cracker on top, making a sandwich 4. Push firmly until the pieces stick together forming the melted marshmallow and enjoy!
spoonful.com, eachpointcounts.blogspot.com

21

How to Plan a Camping Trip

Campfire MacnCheese
What you'll need
Per Serving

1 (4 3/8-inch) disposable aluminum pie pan 1/2 cup cooked elbow macaroni 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar 1 tablespoon Parmesan 1 tablespoon milk 1/2 tablespoon butter Salt and pepper to taste 12- by 16-inch piece of foil How to make it 1. Combine all the ingredients in the pan. Then seal it in foil (a double layer if you're cooking over an open flame) as shown, folding over the extra foil at the top to make a sturdy handle to poke a stick or tongs through. 2. Hold the packet over a campfire or set it directly on a grill to melt the cheese, about 7 minutes. Let the pack cool briefly, then open it carefully. Stir the mac and cheese before eating it

22

spoonful.com

Appendix B

Dutch Oven Pancakes

Makes 12-16 pancakes depending on the size

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 1/2 cups milk 2 tablespoons melted butter Vegetable oil Instructions: Pour flour, baking powder, and salt into a zip-loc and mix it very well. In a separate bowl, mix egg and milk. Pour flour mixture into bowl, stirring only until smooth. Blend in melted butter.

How to make it 1. Place dutch oven lid upside down over coals - place two pieces of wood parallel on the coals and rest the lid on them to leave air space under lid. 2. Pour some vegetable oil on the paper towel and wipe the lid to cover it in a thin film of oil. 3. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter in the center of the griddle. 4. Cook until brown and dry around edges with bubbles on top. Flip over and brown the other side.

campingdude.com

23

How to Plan a Camping Trip

Chucky Tortilla Soup with Black Beans

Serves 4-6 Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 5 garlic cloves, minced (or grated) 2 teaspoons chili powder 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green chilies 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained 4-6 cups low sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth) 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 10 ounces frozen corn Coarse salt and ground pepper 1 cup crushed tortilla chips, plus more for serving(optional) 1tablespoon fresh lime juice How to make it 1. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and chili powder and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). 2. Add tomatoes (with juice), beans, broth, spinach and corn; season with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Bring soup to a broil; reduce to a simmer. Add tortilla chips, cook until softened (about 2 minutes). 4. Remove from heat and stir lime juice. Serve soup with lime wedges and more chips.

24

alidaskitchen.com

Appendix C

Appendix C: Detailed Checklist

Shelter
Tent Extra stakes Mat for tent entrance Dust pan/brush Ground cloth/tarp Shade tarp and rope Axe or hammer

Bedding
Sleeping Bag Sheets/blankets Pillow Air mattress/cot Cooler/Ice Matches/Lighter Fire starters/newspaper Tablecloth/thumb tacks/clips (Paper) Plates and bowls Measuring cups Heavy duty aluminum foil Paper towels Cooking oil/Pam spray Shoes/Boots Jeans/Pants & belt Shorts T-shirts Socks (Pack extra) Hat Bandana Air pump Repair kit for air mattress Utility bags for storage

Cooking
Stove with fuel/propane Charcoal/Firewood Dutch Oven Large water jug & water bucket Silverware/Plastic silverware Trash bags Dish soap Clothes pins

Clothes

Underwear Sweatshirt/Jacket Sleepwear Rain gear Swim suit & towel Laundry bag

25

How to Plan a Camping Trip

Personal
Shower shoes/flip flops Towels/washcloth Soap, shampoo & conditioner Tooth brush & tooth paste Deodorant Comb/brush Sunscreen/Chapstick Lantern & flashlights Extra batteries & bulbs Compass Bug repellant/candles Whistle Water filters Camera (Memory cards) Sunglasses Tissues First aid kit Tissues Park map/guidebooks Lantern pole or hanger Bungee cords/straps Duct tape/electrical tape Reservation information

Feminine products Toilet paper Shower bag Other personal items Medications (Pack extra) Razor Books/magazines Candles Maps/directions Miscellaneous tools Backpack Fishing gear (License, bait) Radio Camping chairs Collapsible drying rack Pocket knife Plastic grocery bags Binoculars Rope/clothes line Canteen/water bottle Cards/games/toys Notepad & pen Reservation Confirmation

Miscellaneous

26

Index

Index
Campfire MacnCheese, 25 Chucky Tortilla Soup with Black Beans, 27 Dutch Oven Pancakes, 26 Dutch-Oven Peach Cobbler, 22 Extreme Wind, 15 Hail, 15 Pie on a Stick, 23 Preferred camping weather, 5 Rain, 15 Smores, 23 Tent, v, 5, 29 Tornado Warning, 15

27