Spring is here! Despite cold mornings spring is definitely here! And... you guessed it! It is CAMPING time!
We had initially made reservations at Johnson Shut Ins state park. We had planned to leave Thursday, work remotely in the park with the nature around us and enjoy the park earlier than usual. Look at my crew all ready to experience nature
Nice right? Not really.. we left our house, drove 2 hours, filled up our fresh water tank and we get to our site… NO SIGNAL… not a lick.
We went to the visitor center thinking… it is a popular spot… them cellular companies must have invested in the area right? NOPE…. we do not even have signal to make a phone call. We like getting away from it all but not that much. We’d still like to be able to connect to the internet if we need to, look for directions and such. Most importantly we would want our family to be able to contact us if needed.
So, we decided to come home, drive the same 2 hours and regroup. This my friend is the 1st reason why you need a shakedown before camping. Despite the best laid plans, it does not always pan out. Granted we could have researched the coverage in the area but thinking it is popular we would get a signal.
So we had not completely abandoned camping, we decided instead to look for somewhere closer, enter Meramec State Park. It is close to home, about an hour away and according to our research it does have coverage, without completely unpacked, we left Friday for camping. Georgia is understandably skeptical of this new endeavor.
What's special about Meramec State Park?
Meramec State Park boasts a smorgasbord of activities for every thrill-seeker.
Miles of hiking. Lace up your hiking boots because this park has 7 hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty providing everyone with miles of scenic trails that weave through the Ozark splendor.
Missouri state park fishing. If hiking is not your thing Missouri state park has fishing opportunities! Cast a line into the Meramec River and tempt a trophy bass or catfish.
Meramec River Canoeing. For those that wants to be right in the water, glide down the tranquil waters on a kayak or canoe , soaking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Meramec State Park Cave Tours. If that was not enough Meramec State Park has cave tours! Delve into the heart of the earth by exploring the park's captivating caves. For a touch of history, visit the park's historical sites or take in breathtaking panoramic views from scenic overlooks.
Missouri state park camping. Of course we would be remiss if I did not mention the parks camping offerings. The park offers basic, electric, electric & water as well as full hook up campsites. Again for varying levels of campers. Best part is you can reserve it 12 months in advance. Look at this wonderful campsite. It was mostly level. It was not cramp. We had a picnic table and fire ring
State Park Playgrounds. The park also provides essential amenities like bathhouses and playgrounds which Meramec State Park camping with kids an enjoyable experience for both adults and kids
Reasons shakedown camping trip at the start of the season:
Testing out your appliance Not that appliances breakdown during winter but there are certainly factors for appliances to breakdown during storage. In this case... our coffee maker broke. Luckily we were 15 minute away from Schnucks and we were able to go there pretty easily and bought some instant coffee
Checking your supplies We've all been there: the mad scramble to remember everything right before you leave. A shakedown trip lets you see how your packing list translates to reality. Did you overpack on bug spray and underestimate the amount of firewood you'll need? Did you forget that camp chair that makes all the difference? Use this trial run to refine your packing list and ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. We have keep constantly supplies in our RV but sometimes you lose track of things. You won't find out until you actually need it
Practice Makes Perfect If you've been camping for a while, you get to know the ins and outs of camping but even a month of not being able to camp you forget things. Doing a shakedown lets you practice that muscle memory on setting up camp, knowing where stuff is etc. A shakedown trip allows you to practice these skills in a relaxed setting. You can experiment with different campfires techniques, figure out the best way to organize your cooler, and learn from your mistakes without the pressure of a looming multi-day adventure.
Gear Up and Gear Check: Let's be honest, tents get tangled, zippers get sticky, and who remembers exactly how that fancy new camp stove works? A shakedown trip is the perfect opportunity to unpack all your gear, set up camp, and reacquaint yourself with everything you'll need. Did your sheets need washing? Did you pack extra sheets? Is your sleeping bag or mattress still as comfy as you remember? Did you forget any crucial lantern parts? A shakedown trip lets you troubleshoot these issues before you're miles from civilization, fumbling with a leaky water bladder in the dark.
Bonus Reason: Discover Hidden Gems (Close to Home)! Shakedown trips aren't just about functionality, they can be a fun little adventure too! By choosing a campsite closer to home, you have the chance to explore hidden gems you might otherwise miss. Maybe there's a charming state park you've never visited, or a scenic lake with a campground you haven't tried. A shakedown trip lets you experience a new place without a long drive, making it a perfect opportunity to support local businesses and discover some backyard wilderness you never knew existed. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and hit the road for a shakedown trip that's both practical and full of potential adventure!
So, before you embark on your epic camping adventure, consider a shakedown camping trip. It'll save you stress, ensure your gear is up to snuff, and make your main camping trip an unforgettable success!
We also hoped that we had convinced you to visit Meramec State Park for camping. Have you been?
TTYL
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