Our First Camping Trip With a Grandchild

We decided on basically, the spur of the moment to take our Grandson Dylan camping with us at Crystal Springs campground on Ouachita Lake in Arkansas.

We left about noon on Saturday for the 2-hour drive.

We were also trying out the truck camper and we were hoping to take the party barge out as well.

Well camping with a 15 month old is an experience.

He was pretty good, but he is a hand full.

We arrived at the campground about 3:30. There are no reservations available until May 1^st at which time there are about ½ the sites reservable.

The campground was pretty full with all the choice lakeside spots taken, but we were able to find a fairly nice spot that was mostly level.

The campground is run by the corps of engineers and is well kept and clean. There is a launch ramp and many people pull their boats up to the bank next to their campsites.

Lake Ouachita is a large lake with very clear water (it is the clearest in Arkansas). Lots of good fishing, and many islands for picnics and camping.

There are several campgrounds around the lake and 2 – 3 marinas.

The first thing I noticed was the fact that we were the only truck camper in the campground. Kathy mused that maybe we should get a travel trailer. I feel I will resist that because most of the camping we are going to do is chasing lighthouses and I don’t want to pull a trailer through small towns etc.

We will certainly want a larger TC as we found our 8’5” quite small, especially with the grandson and all his paraphernalia.
Storage is somewhat limited as well. But the camper is comfortable and snug for two. It is going to be a good starter.

The weather was foggy and cool on Sunday with a wind so we didn’t get to go out on the boat.

However, we had a good trial run and all worked well.
The truck handles the load very well with no undo bucking or sway etc.
The modified XM satellite antenna worked very well. I got a magnetic antenna from Circuit City for $39 and put it in the back center of the hood.
I ran the wire through the firewall and replaced the OEM antenna behind the glove box.
The reception is good with the camper on and only going N to NE down hill in trees do you get an occasional hiccough in the signal and when it comes time to replace the truck then all I have to do is restore the original. It is so inconspicuous, that I use it all the time.

We also now have a list of mods we plan to make to the camper before we leave for our 10-day lighthouse trip around Lake Michigan the end of April.

I think I am going to like this truck camping and I believe Kathy will as well.

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