Set Up, Tear Down: Tips, Trips & Campfire Tails - A Camping Podcast

In Episode 10 of Camping with the Innies, we're deep into preparation mode as we get ready for our annual trip to Rich's Retreat, a longtime camping tradition hosted at Kristen's parents' backyard. Before we can kick back and enjoy the weekend, there are plenty of projects to tackle, and we're bringing you along for the journey.This week, we discuss the camper upgrades and RV maintenance tasks we've been working on to get road-ready. From reinforcing interior shelving to strengthening the rear bumper and preparing it to support a cargo basket carrying our generator, we're focused on making our travel trailer safer, more reliable, and better equipped for future adventures.We also talk about our first experience using Harvest Hosts and what we're expecting from this unique RV camping membership program. If you've ever considered staying at wineries, farms, breweries, or other Harvest Hosts locations, we share our thoughts on planning, preparation, and why we're excited to give it a try.As always, we dive into the realities of RV ownership, trip planning, and the unexpected projects that seem to appear before every camping trip. Whether you're a full-time RVer, weekend warrior, or just dreaming about life on the road, this episode offers practical insights, DIY camper modification ideas, and plenty of camping conversation.In This Episode: • Preparing for our annual Rich's Retreat camping trip • Our first-time experience planning a Harvest Hosts stay • Reinforcing camper shelves and storage areas • Strengthening the rear bumper for additional cargo capacity • Generator transportation and power planning • RV maintenance and pre-trip preparation tips • Travel trailer upgrades and DIY projects • Lessons learned from previous camping adventuresIf you enjoy RV camping, travel trailers, campground reviews, Harvest Hosts stays, DIY camper upgrades, camping with dogs, RV maintenance, and family camping adventures, be sure to subscribe and follow Camping with the Innieswherever you get your podcasts.Connect With Us:🌐 Website: https://www.campingwiththeinnies.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camping_with_the_innies 📧 Email: info@campingwiththeinnies.comWe'd love to hear about your favorite Harvest Hosts experiences, RV modifications, and camping adventures!

🎙️ Episode 8 Show NotesDog Camping Gear That Actually Works | RV Life with DogsIf you’ve ever camped with a Shiba… you already know—you’re not in control.In this episode of Camping with the Innies, we’re breaking down the dog gear we actually use when camping with Monty and Gadget. No gimmicks, no overhyped products—just the gear that’s earned a permanent spot in our setup.From containment systems to comfort setups, feeding gear, and safety essentials, we’re walking through what works, what doesn’t, and what we’ve stopped bringing altogether.Whether you’re new to camping with dogs or looking to simplify your setup, this episode will help you focus on what actually matters.🐾 What We CoverThe 4 categories of dog camping gear (and how to think about what you bring)Why containment is the #1 priority—especially with dogs like Monty & GadgetThe difference between a dog that settles at camp vs. one that doesn’t (comfort setup matters more than you think)Simple, effective feeding and water systemsHow to build a functional campsite setup for your dogNighttime visibility and safety gear you shouldn’t skipThe “nice-to-have” items that actually make camping more fun🐕 Gear Categories We Break DownContainmentKeeping your dog secure at campComfortBeds, blankets, and creating a “home base”LogisticsFood, water, bowls, and keeping things simpleSafetyVisibility, environment awareness, and backup planning🔥 Our Biggest TakeawayCamping with dogs isn’t about bringing more gear—it’s about having the right system.When your dog is:SecureComfortableFed and hydratedSafeEverything else gets easier.🎒 Want to See What We Use?We’ve got all of our go-to gear listed here: 👉 https://linktr.ee/Campingwiththeinnies🐾 Follow Along🌐 Website: https://www.campingwiththeinnies.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campingwiththeinnies💌 Got a Question?Have a product you swear by? Want us to review something on a future episode?Send it our way—we might feature it on the show.Info@campingwiththeinnies.com

This week on Camping with the Innies, we’re diving into another listener question—this one comes from Greg in South Carolina—and it’s a good one: state parks or RV resorts?Are you all about quiet mornings, nature trails, and a simple campsite, or do you lean toward full hookups, pools, and planned activities?We’re sharing our experiences from both sides, the good, the bad, and the things we didn’t expect. From privacy and cost to convenience and crowd levels, we’re talking through what really matters when choosing where to stay. If you’ve ever wondered which type of camping fits your style (or your dog’s), this one’s for you.Whether you’re planning your next trip or just dreaming about it, Greg’s question might just help you decide—are you team state park or team resort?Got a question you want us to cover? Send it our way.🌐 Website: campingwiththeinnies.com📸 Instagram: @campingwiththeinnies📧 Email: info@campingwiththeinnies.comNew episodes drop regularly with tips, trips, gear talk, and plenty of campfire tales.

Sometimes the best trips are the ones that don’t go according to plan.What started as a trip to Florida’s Space Coast for a road race quickly changed when the race was rescheduled due to a scheduled rocket launch… that later ended up getting canceled anyway.Instead of heading south, we pivoted and turned the weekend into a birthday trip for Kristen. We packed up the camper and headed to CreekFire RV Resort just outside Savannah, Georgia, and spent the weekend exploring the historic streets of downtown Savannah.In this episode, we talk about our stay at CreekFire RV Resort, walking through Savannah’s famous historic squares, and why sometimes the best RV trips are the ones that happen after your plans completely change.In This EpisodeHow a rocket launch changed our travel plansTurning the weekend into a birthday trip for KristenOur stay at CreekFire RV ResortCampground amenities and overall experienceWalking around Historic Downtown SavannahWhat surprised us about SavannahWould we go back?Campground We Stayed AtCreekFire RV Resort – Savannah, GAhttps://www.creekfirervresort.com/CreekFire is a full-service RV resort just outside Savannah featuring full hookup sites, a pool, lazy river, clubhouse, and easy access to downtown Savannah.Places MentionedHistoric Savannah, Georgiahttps://www.visitsavannah.com/Savannah is known for its historic squares, Spanish moss-covered oak trees, walkable downtown, and vibrant riverfront.Connect With Us🌐 Websitehttps://www.campingwiththeinnies.com📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/campingwiththeinnies🎧 Podcasthttps://rss.com/podcasts/set-up-tear-down-tips-trips-campfire-tails/Listener Questions / ContactHave a camping question or a topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode?📧 Email us at:info@campingwiththeinnies.comWe’d love to hear from you!Listen & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps other campers and RV travelers find the show.

Coastal Camping, River’s End Campground & Traveling with DogsIn this episode of Set Up, Tear Down: Tips, Trips & Campfire Tails, we talk about camping on Tybee Island, staying at River’s End Campground, and what it’s really like traveling and camping with dogs during a busy event weekend.Recorded after returning home, Tim and Kristen reflect on their recent coastal camping trip with Monty and Gadget. We focus on campground life, the dog-friendly atmosphere, and how River’s End feels when the island is buzzing with activity.The Run Fest 5K was part of the weekend — and yes, the dogs ran too (no PRs were harmed in the making of this episode) — but this conversation is less about racing and more about day-to-day camp life, slowing down under the awning, and navigating a lively campground with two Shiba Inus.If you enjoy honest camping conversations, real travel experiences, and stories about camping with dogs, this episode is for you.Connect With Us📧 Email: info@campingwiththeinnies.com📸 Instagram: @camping_with_the_innies🌐 Website: www.campingwiththeinnies.comFollow along on Instagram to see our travels as they happen.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow the show and leave a rating— it helps other campers find us.