New Campers

New to Camping? Welcome — You’re Going to Love It Here

If you’re new to camping, let’s get one thing out of the way right now:

You don’t need to know everything.

You don’t need the perfect setup.

And you definitely don’t need to feel like you’re “doing it wrong.” Everyone starts somewhere — even the campers who look like they’ve got it all figured out.

Camping Isn’t a Test (There Are No Grades)

Camping isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, settling in, and letting the experience meet you where you are.

You might forget something.

You might need help backing in.

You might burn the first pancake.

That’s not failure — that’s camping.

And the best part? Campgrounds are full of people who remember exactly what that felt like.

Campers Are Usually Happy to Help

One of the first things new campers notice is how helpful everyone is.

If you look confused, someone will ask if you need a hand.

If something won’t work, someone nearby has probably fixed that same thing before.

If you have a question, you’re never the only one who’s had it. This isn’t a place where people judge. It’s a place where people help — often before you even ask.

You Don’t Need Fancy Gear to Belong

It doesn’t matter if you’re:

  • In a tent
  • In a camper
  • In an RV you borrowed from a friend

Camping isn’t about what you bring — it’s about being here.

Some campers have been upgrading for years. Others are on their first trip. Everyone belongs around the same campfire.

Slow Down — You’re Doing It Right

One of the hardest adjustments for new campers is realizing… there’s nothing you need to rush.

You don’t have to fill every minute.

You don’t need a packed itinerary.

You’re allowed to sit, watch, and relax.

If you feel yourself slowing down, that means it’s working.

It’s Okay to Be Quiet (Or Social — Your Choice)

Some people come to camping to socialize.

Some come for peace and quiet.

Most people float somewhere in between.

There’s no pressure either way. A wave and a smile go a long way. Conversations happen naturally, not on a schedule.

You get to choose your comfort level.

Cold River Campground: A Place That Welcomes You In

At Cold River Campground, we love welcoming campers who are new to it all.

There’s no expectation to “know the ropes.” Just settle in, enjoy the wooded setting, and ask if you need anything. Help is close by — whether that’s from staff or a friendly neighbor.

Camping should feel comfortable, not intimidating.

You’ll Learn As You Go (Everyone Does)

Every trip teaches you something:

  • What you’ll pack differently next time
  • What worked better than expected
  • What made the trip memorable

Before long, you’ll be the one offering advice — or a spare lighter — to someone else who’s just starting out.

Welcome to Camping

Camping isn’t about being an expert.

It’s about fresh air, quiet moments, shared smiles, and realizing you don’t need much to feel good.

So take a breath.

Set up at your own pace.

And welcome — you belong here!

New Camper Tips: A Few Helpful Things to Know Before You Settle In

If you’re new to camping, welcome again — and don’t worry, you don’t need to memorize anything before you arrive.

That said, a few gentle tips can make your first camping experience smoother, more comfortable, and a lot more enjoyable. Think of this as friendly advice, not instructions.

  1. Don’t Rush Setup

One of the most common new-camper mistakes is trying to get everything done immediately.

There’s no timer.

No one’s watching.

And nothing needs to be perfect.

Take your time setting up. Breathe. Get the basics done first, then fill in the details later. Camping works best when you move a little slower than normal life.

  1. Bring Fewer Things Than You Think You Need

Everyone overpacks the first time — it’s practically a tradition.

You don’t need:

  • Every kitchen gadget
  • Multiple backup plans for every scenario
  • An answer for every “what if”

Most campgrounds are close enough to stores, and other campers are famously resourceful. If you forgot something, you’ll figure it out.

  1. Ask Questions Early (It’s Encouraged)

If you’re unsure about hookups, fire rules, quiet hours, or where something is — ask.

Campground staff would much rather answer a simple question than have you feel unsure. And fellow campers are often happy to help too.

There’s no such thing as a “new camper question.” Everyone started somewhere.

  1. Fires Are Great — When They’re Simple

You don’t need a roaring bonfire to enjoy a campfire.

Start small.

Use dry wood.

Keep it manageable.

A quiet fire is often better than a big one, especially for relaxing evenings. And if you’ve never built one before? That’s okay. Someone nearby probably has.

  1. Keep Food Simple and Flexible

Camping meals don’t need to be impressive.

Easy meals = less stress = more time to enjoy being outside.

Plan for:

  • A few reliable favorites
  • Simple breakfasts
  • One or two fun “camp meals”

And remember: everything tastes better outside anyway.

  1. Respect the Space — Yours and Everyone Else’s

Campgrounds work best when everyone gives each other a little room.

That usually means:

  • Keeping music low
  • Watching noise late at night
  • Giving neighboring sites space

A friendly wave goes a long way. Courtesy is the real campground currency.

  1. Weather Happens — Roll With It

Rain happens. Wind happens. Cold mornings happen. That doesn’t mean the trip is ruined. Some of the best camping memories come from unexpected weather — as long as you stay flexible. Extra layers, a sense of humor, and a hot drink solve most things.

  1. Don’t Try to Do Everything

You don’t need to explore every trail, attend every event, or stay busy all day.

Some of the best camping moments are simply sitting with coffee, watching the light change or just listening to the woods.

If you’re relaxing, you’re doing it right.

  1. You’ll Learn Fast — Promise

By the end of your first trip, you’ll already know:

  • What you’d pack differently
  • What worked great
  • What you’ll laugh about later

Camping has a way of teaching gently.

  1. Enjoy Being New

There’s something special about your first few camping trips. Everything feels fresh. Every sound is new. Every small success feels big. Don’t rush past that stage. Enjoy it.

Camping Gets Easier — and Better

Camping doesn’t ask you to be an expert. It rewards curiosity, patience, and a willingness to slow down. And before you know it, you’ll be the one offering a tip, a smile, or a helping hand to someone else who’s new.

Welcome to camping — you’re doing just fine.

5 Things to Know Before You Buy Your First Camper

So, you’ve decided to buy a camper. That’s exciting — and we’re big fans of that decision. RVing opens the door to more time outdoors, more flexibility, and a whole lot of great memories. Before you head out to look at your first rig, here are five important things to think through.

  1. Create a “Must-Have” List

It’s easy to fall in love with a camper on the lot. It’s shiny. It smells new. The price seems right. But before you start shopping, sit down and ask yourself: What do we truly need?

  • Do you need a full bathroom, or would a smaller setup work?
  • Is a full-sized refrigerator important?
  • Do you need dedicated sleeping space for kids?
  • Is counter space a priority?

Sometimes a camper checks most of the boxes but misses one important item — and that one missing feature becomes something you wish you had every single trip.

Camping is supposed to be relaxing. Starting out already planning your “next camper” isn’t the goal. Stay true to your must-haves.

  1. Be Realistic About How You’ll Use It

Think about how you’ll actually use your camper — not just how you imagine using it.

Are you heading out with kids and dogs? You’ll want practical sleeping space. Are your kids older? They may not camp with you as often and are fine taking the couch when they visit. Are you camping with other camping buddies? You may need a comfortable gathering area for rainy days. Is a layout with good kitchen space or a roomy dinette more important then hauling your toys in the camper?

Getting advice from experienced campers is incredibly helpful. When we first started shopping, we thought we needed a camper that slept nine. After talking with more experienced RVers, we realized our older kids didn’t want to sleep inside with us. What we really needed was a layout that allowed us to cook comfortably and gather together when the weather turned.

The right layout depends on your real habits, not the brochure version of camping.

  1. Buy With the Long Term in Mind

Campers depreciate — often faster than people expect. It’s tempting to think you’ll trade in a few years, but the reality is that many RV owners are “upside down” on their loan for much of the financing term.

If you’re financing, understand:

  • How long your loan is
  • How depreciation affects resale value
  • What your realistic ownership plan looks like

Buying a camper you plan to enjoy for years often makes more financial sense than constantly upgrading.

  1. Know Your Tow Vehicle

Before you even start shopping, know your towing capacity. Do not rely solely on a dealership’s quick lookup. Look up your vehicle’s:

  • Tow rating
  • Payload capacity
  • Hitch rating
  • Gross combined weight rating (GCWR)

Then do the math. Your camper’s “dry weight” is not the weight you’ll tow once it’s loaded with water, gear, propane, and supplies. Getting this wrong can mean safety issues, expensive upgrades, or even needing a different vehicle.

A little research up front saves major headaches later.

  1. Consider the Age of the Camper

Buying used can be a smart way to enter the RV world — especially since new campers depreciate quickly.

However, keep a few things in mind:

  • Some seasonal campgrounds and RV resorts require rigs to be under 10 years old.
  • Financing terms are often better for campers under 5 years old.

Hiring an independent RV inspector is well worth the investment. An inspection can identify water damage, structural issues, roof problems, and other hidden concerns before you take it down the road.

Final Thoughts

Buying a camper should be fun. It’s the beginning of something that can become one of your favorite hobbies.

  • Take the time to think through what you truly need.
  • Talk to experienced campers.
  • Ask questions to experienced campers.
  • Do the math.

The goal isn’t just to buy a camper — it’s to buy one that fits your life and makes camping easier and more enjoyable for years to come.

What to Look for in a Seasonal Campsite

Seasonal camping is one of the easiest ways to enjoy more time outdoors without constantly packing up and starting over. Instead of booking weekend stays, you lease a campsite for an extended period and make it your home base for the season.

Seasonal options vary by campground. Some offer shorter terms like a spring season (April through early summer), while others offer traditional seasonal stays lasting 4–6 months or even a full year.

Before committing, it’s worth taking a little time to make sure the site — and the campground — are the right fit for you. Here are a few important things to consider.

Deposits & Terms

Most campgrounds require a deposit to reserve a seasonal site for the upcoming season with the expectation that the site is fully paid off before the season begins. In high-demand parks, you may even encounter deposits required to join a waiting list — though that’s less common.

Be sure to ask:

  • Is the deposit refundable?
  • Is it applied to your seasonal fees?
  • What is the cancellation policy?

Clear answers up front prevent misunderstandings later.

Atmosphere

Every campground has its own personality. Some are quiet and family-focused. Others are social and lively. Some feel tucked away in nature, while others are closer to town or in more developed settings.

Before committing to a seasonal site:

  • Stay a night or two as a short-term guest.
  • Read reviews and pay attention to how management responds.
  • Walk the campground and talk to campers.

Your seasonal neighbors will become familiar faces. Most campers are happy to share what they love — and what they’d change. A quick conversation can tell you more than a brochure ever will.

Site Layout & Condition

Not every site works for every rig.

Take time to look closely at available sites and ask yourself:

  • Does the site comfortably fit your RV?
  • Is there room for slides and awnings?
  • Will toy haulers have space to unload?
  • Does the site drain well after heavy rain?

If possible, visit after a storm to see how water moves through the area and look for uneven ground that can pool water. Also check the condition of electric hookups, sewer connection access, water connections and access panels. Look around for dead or leaning trees. Ask the campground if they will remove them before you move in.

It’s also helpful to ask current campers if they’ve experienced issues with utilities — and how responsive management has been.

Location Within the Campground

Where your site is located can be just as important as the site itself. If you have small children, being close to a busy main road may not be ideal. If you prefer quiet evenings, consider how close the site is to gathering areas, band nights, or transient sites with weekend turnover.

If you enjoy predictability and routine, being surrounded by other seasonal campers may feel more comfortable than being near short-term guests.

Nearby Activities & Conveniences

Since you’ll be spending extended time in the area, think beyond just the campsite.

Does the campground offer or sit near activities you enjoy such as beaches, hiking, fishing, skiing, games, cookouts, social events? Are everyday conveniences nearby, like grocery store, pharmacy, banks and restaurants.

Some campgrounds may not have the biggest lake or the fanciest pool, but they offer strong community activities and attentive staff — and that often makes the biggest difference.

Staff & Management

Good management can truly shape your seasonal experience.

Consider:

  • Do they answer the phone?
  • Do they take time to answer questions?
  • Are bathrooms and common areas well maintained?
  • What are gate hours?
  • How do they handle guest access?
  • How do they respond to noise concerns?

At the end of the day, camping is about people. Friendly, responsive staff and respectful neighbors create the kind of environment that keeps seasonal campers returning year after year.

Seasonal camping is about making things easier — more time relaxing, less time setting up and tearing down. With a little research and thoughtful planning, you can find a site that feels like a true summer home.

If you’re considering going seasonal, take your time, ask questions, and choose the campground that fits your style and priorities best.

What We Wish We Knew Before Our First Camping Trip

Looking back, our first camping trip went… fine.

Nothing caught on fire (that wasn’t supposed to).

Nothing broke beyond repair.

And we went home smiling.

But there are definitely a few things we wish someone had told us ahead of time.

You Don’t Need to Know Everything Before You Arrive

We spent way too much time researching and not nearly enough time relaxing. Camping isn’t something you master before you go — it’s something you learn by doing. Every camper figures things out along the way, usually through a mix of trial, error, and friendly advice from neighbors. It’s okay to arrive not knowing exactly what you’re doing. That’s normal.

Setup Always Takes Longer Than You Think

No matter how prepared you feel, setup takes longer the first time. Things don’t unfold the way you imagined. Something will be upside down. Something will be missing. And something will need adjusting twice. That’s not a sign you’re doing it wrong — it’s just part of the process. Slow down. Take breaks. There’s no prize for finishing first.

You’ll Overpack — and That’s Fine

First trips come with a strong urge to bring everything. Extra clothes. Extra tools. Extra “just in case” items. By the end of the trip, you’ll realize you used about half of it — and that’s okay. Overpacking is how you learn what actually matters. Next time, you’ll pack smarter.

Campfires Are Better When They’re Simple

We thought we needed a big, impressive fire. What we really needed was a small, steady one that let us sit, talk, and relax. Campfires aren’t about size — they’re about atmosphere. Less wood, more calm.

Food Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy

We tried to cook like we were hosting a cooking show. Camping meals work best when they’re easy, familiar, and flexible. Simple food means more time to enjoy being outside and less time cleaning up. And somehow, everything tastes better anyway.

Weather Will Surprise You (Every Time)

No matter how carefully you check the forecast, the weather will do something unexpected. Cold nights. Warm afternoons. A little rain. Once we stopped fighting it and started working with it — extra layers, a good attitude — everything felt easier.

Everyone Around You Was New Once Too

This might be the biggest thing we wish we knew. That confident camper across the way? They were new once. The person giving advice? They learned the hard way too. Campgrounds aren’t full of experts judging beginners. They’re full of people who remember being beginners and are usually happy to help.

You Don’t Need to Fill the Schedule

We thought we needed to “do” camping. Turns out, sitting quietly was often the best part. There’s no requirement to stay busy. Some of the best moments happen when you’re doing very little at all.

By the End of the Trip, You’ll Feel Different

Something changes over a few days outdoors.

You sleep better.

You breathe easier.

You feel more present.

Even with the small challenges, camping has a way of leaving you lighter than when you arrived.

Our Biggest Takeaway

We wish we knew that camping wasn’t about getting it right. It was about showing up, slowing down, and letting the experience unfold. And if we could tell our first-trip selves one thing, it would be this: Relax. You’re doing better than you think.