Maiden voyage recommendation

[Mike38]

Motocamping newby here! Looking for a recommendation on where would be the best campground near Dallas County, Texas for my first camp outing. Would probably be just one night to check out the equipment. Have never been camping before and just looking to make my first experience a good one. Any other suggestions would also be welcomed.

[Rich Johnston]

Mike- Start in your yard. You don't have to sleep out there, but it's a good idea to set up your equipment a couple of time to get familiar with it. After that use the internet to find a FULL SERVICE campground within a couple of hours of the house. Pay attention to the local forecast and dress accordingly. I always say when I'm out. "I'm not here to suffer." Good luck. Have FUN!

[Mike38]

John - Thanks for the reply to my post. I have set up the tent in the yard as you suggested. I'm also of the opinion that I'm not going out there to suffer. I've packed and unpacked the bike a couple of times to see how everything fits and realized that I packed everything but the kitchen sink. I think I'll start out with everything and eliminate what I don't use for future trips. Thanks again for the input.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Welcome to the site Mike! Sounds like you are going about things the best way, take it all, then figure out what you don't need! P^ I might suggest taking something to jot down some notes on as what works and what doesn't. Of course your memory may be better than mine.:p

[BJFazio]

A number of us Motocampers camped out at Lake Tawakoni State Park a couple of years ago. Very nice park, and almost a stone's throw from you.

[greybeard]

If you don't want to travel to far 1st trip try Joe Pool lake they have a state Park there with full amenities

[Mr. Guy]

Hi Mike,

I'm with Steve on the note pad, jot down what you didn't need, but also what you could have used but didn't have with you. So you won't forget it next time. For me, the best time to go through my gear is right after a trip, that way next time it's already packed and I don't have to remember what I did last time. All my gear stays together, packed up and ready to go.

Guy

[Mike38]

Thanks for the responses and input everyone! I'm sure the outing will be a good one. Just looking for a day or two with good weather at this point. Thanks again.

Mike

[Whosoever]

Mike, welcome, adding to what has already been mentioned....when it comes to new equipment...tent, sleeping bag and such....I start in my "living room" or a room big enough for me to set the tent up and role out the sleeping bag and pad and to actually sleep in that environment for a couple of nights. I do the same with the cooking equipment if you are going to prepare meals. Actually prepare the kinds of food you intend to eat on the equipment either in your backyard or like I do...my own kitchen. Making note of what it took to get what I wanted...then packed accordingly. Your ready to go!

[SidecarMike]

Mike, welcome, adding to what has already been mentioned....when it comes to new equipment...tent, sleeping bag and such....I start in my "living room" or a room big enough for me to set the tent up and role out the sleeping bag and pad and to actually sleep in that environment for a couple of nights. I do the same with the cooking equipment if you are going to prepare meals. Actually prepare the kinds of food you intend to eat on the equipment either in your backyard or like I do...my own kitchen. Making note of what it took to get what I wanted...then packed accordingly. Your ready to go!
Excellent advice. As a claustrophobe who can't wear a full face helmet, I remember trying to sleep in a new North Face backpacking tent about the size of my thumb. The thing wasn't as tall as my shoulders are wide. I spent the night sitting at a picnic table staring at the thing, knowing I had another 400 mile day ahead of me.
I wish I would have tried it in the backyard. Then I would not have given the 8 year old at the next site over, a brand new $225 tent. :o

[VFR]

Pretty good advice so far. After the yard, pick a campground less than a day's ride from you to try it all out. That way if things go bad, you will not be so far away that you can't ride home & try it again later. Actually not a bad idea to do that a couple of times just to make sure.

Your camping gear setup will continue to evolve as time passes - what works & what doesn't & expansion as you try new things, cooking, etc.

Good Luck!!!!

[tx_northstar]

Hello,
I would check out Cooper Lake SP in Cooper, TX near Sulfur Springs, TX. I have been through both units, but the South side got noted in the "50 best places to tent camp - Texas" book. I have found their ratings to be quite good.

It is far enough to feel like you went somewhere but only a quick ride back to Dallas of the weather runs you off.

I carry a notepad (cub reporter style) on every trip and document what I use, don't use, forgot, broke, etc. I have recently switched motorcycles and have started the gear audits again.

Ditto on the previous comments & gear suggestions.

[welmack]

We've stuck with the Texas Parks & Wildlife parks. You've got a load of them down your way. Just in the Dallas area you have Lake Mineral Wells SP, Lake Tawakoni SP, and Cedar Hill SP. There is a State Park Guide available at any of the parks and I think you can order one oneline at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/parks . It has all the information on the state parks in various districts. Hope this will help. Campgrounds are almost always neat and clean with restrooms and some showers.