Camper's First Night

After a quick stop at Mars Cheese Castle (Yes, it's actually a castle. Full of cheese.) for cheese curds and New Glarus beer, we pulled into Bong Recreation Area for our first camper trip. From Chicago, head north to Wisconsin, turn left at Mars, and go about 7 miles down the road. About 45 minutes away, it's one of the closest places to go camping and one of my favorite sites for a quick trip.

Bong was originally set to be an air base for WWII (which is why it is named after Richard Bong- a jet fighter pilot), but the plans were abandoned just before the concrete was poured. Now it's 4,500 acres of prairie land, wetlands, and woodlands with 40 miles of trails, over 200 campsites, several fishing holes, and a beach. It also has plenty of electric sites, just what we needed for our one night test.

The camper was easier to set up than expected. We took video and notes of the process, but ended up not needing them. The steps were pretty logical- lock wheels, set stabilizer bars, pull out beds and lock with poles, use crank to raise the roof, and secure the canvas by zipping all the zippers and velcroing all the velcro. Plug camper into the outlet just as you would any other appliance. Done.

Interior and exterior lights flip off and on with a switch. The camper even has several plugs for anything else you need- christmas lights, phone charger, blender (camping margaritas, anyone?)

When we got the camper, the original owners included all the contents as well. We spent a good hour or two rooting through all the storage spaces, taking stock of what we had and organizing. When we were buying the camper, we were so focused on it that we didn't realize how much other stuff came with it. From cookware and silverware to vintage (and super cute!) plates and bowls to other tools like a hatchet and rope, it had everything we needed.

We were surprised to find the refrigerator is not electric, but propane. Hooked up to the propane tank, it kicks on once you ignite the pilot light (obviously you only want to do this when you're stopped and not while on the road). It took several hours to get cool and only had enough room for our beverages (see Mars Cheese Castle), but it chilled our champagne enough in time for our toast.

Now was time for the real test- sleeping. Surrounded by three windows, it was nice and breezy, and the bed was surprisingly roomy, bigger and more comfortable than an air mattress. Even after 25 years, the cushion of the mattresses and couches still had a lot of support. Definitely something I could sleep on night after night. Our non-camping bulldog even seemed to like it. She usually paces the tent all night when when we bring her camping, but in the camper, she slept soundly and all we could hear at night was her bulldog snore of approval.

All in all, it was more than I expected it would be. It was smooth to tow, pretty easy set up and take down, and a different camping experience all around. I think this means she's ready for the road. And I got some places in mind.