Spontaneous RV or Camp Outings

One of the nice things about having an RV -- or being set up to "grab and go" for tent camping -- is the ability to take spontaneous outings.  Just grab some provisions and take off for a weekend whenever you feel like it.  Or pick up what you need along the way.  That is one reason I like to keep my RV ready to go -- or keep tent camping items well organized and accessible in 'grab and go' containers.  You don't need any particular reason, just the desire to "get away from it all" for a little while is more than sufficient justification.  Keeping everything ready also gives you a buffer in emergency situations.  If your neighborhood was hit by an earthquake, tornado, or other natural or man-made disaster, your RV and/or your camping equipment could become your personal relief center as did our motorhome following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake in southern California.

Where to go for a spontaneous outing depends on where you live, what you like to do, and how much time you have.   A quick overnight trip to a local beach or park can be a welcome break from the hectic pace of our normal lives.  Small county or state parks are often overlooked and under utilized yet can provide a nice option for a quick get-a-way without having to drive too far.  If your preferred activities include OHVs you'll need to go somewhere you can ride, but just getting out in nature for a few hours of relaxation at a park or beach can be surprisingly rejuvenating.

Preparing for spontaneous outings.  Does that sound like a conflict in terms?  I suppose you could look at it that way, but there is also good reason to make plans ahead of time that will allow you to be spontaneous.  That includes keeping your RV and/or camping equipment clean and in good condition and ready to go at a moment's notice.  You don't have to plan any specific outing way ahead, just keep yourself set up so you CAN take off when the spirit moves you.  It is also helpful to identify some nearby destinations that can accommodate drop ins.  Most well used developed camp grounds are going to need advance reservations, so you should identify some "boondocking" locations where you don't need reservations.  Have your RV prepped and ready to go so all you have to do is throw in last minute provisions and hit the road.   If you're a tent camper, have all your camping gear well-organized and ready to toss in the car and take off.  Nothing will take the spontaneity out of a spontaneous outing faster than getting bogged down getting going, rounding up your gear, making overdue repairs, or restocking depleted provisions.   You will usually prepare for planned outings well in advance and take time to inspect all of your equipment and gear and to develop your shopping list and acquire provisions.  If you keep your equipment at the ready, you'll be prepared for spontaneous outings.  You get home from work some Friday evening and decide "Let's spend the weekend camping."  Just grab the perishable food you'll need or stop at the market on the way out of town and you're on your way.

Spontaneous activities.  There are lots of things you can have ready to go to provide fun things to do on a spontaneous outing.   Horseshoes, badminton, volleyball, toss around a football or softball, take a hike -- or just DO NOTHING.   For most of us, doing nothing is very hard to do.  Maybe you need to label it "nap time" or "time out" or "R&R" to satisfy that inner drive to be doing "something" all the time.   Sometimes "nothing" is exactly what we need to do, even though it has been said doing nothing can be vey tiring -- because you can't stop to rest!   Modern lifestyles are busy -- often TOO busy. So taking a little time off for real rest and relaxation is a good thing.   Just sit and watch the clouds drift by or let the babbling of a brook lull you to sleep.  We found it a good thing to bring our bicycles along and take a ride through local attractions.  Sure, you could take a walking tour, but you can cover more ground on a bicycle and it feels more like you're doing "something" healthy and you can cover more ground than you would on foot, giving you access to more remote destinations. Bicycle riding lends itself well to the spontaneous atmosphere.   You can go fast to burn calories or go slow to enjoy the scenery; follow a pre-determined route or go exploring.  Best of all, you don't have to adhere to any set schedule and you can go just about anywhere.   Bicycles are great for exploring scenic and historic locations.  And they're pollution free.

Spontaneous meals.  Your meals don't have to be fancy. In fact, the simpler, the better.  Hot dogs are usually far from gourmet fare, but freshly roasted over a campfire they are delicious and don't require a lot of preparation or cleanup.   A tub of potato salad and/or a can of pork and beans and some potato chips will turn hot dogs into a pretty complete meal for lunch or dinner.   How about breakfast?  We often picked up a dozen donuts on our way out of town to have for breakfast the next morning. Granted, donuts are not on the top of any health food diet, but they are quick, easy, inexpensive, and tasty and pretty much always a hit with the kids (of all ages).  Still want something healthy?  How about some fresh fruit?  Thanks to a global supply system apples, bananas, and oranges are pretty much available year round along with a growing variety of exotic fruits.  Or stop by a roadside stand for some seasonal fresh picked local produce. What better snack to fit with a spontaneous outing?

Pot luck dinners are a fun form of spontaneity.  Organize a put luck lunch or dinner in your campground.   Just invite fellow campers to bring whatever they have that they can share.  You get to meet a lot of new people and often get to discover a lot of fun food you might not have otherwise encountered.  Try to be diplomatic if you come across something you don't find palatable and don't take it personally if your contribution is under appreciated.

Just do it!