Save this for your next camping trip! 🏕️ I’m sharing my favorite Amazon camping essentials that make summer adventures easier, more organized, and more fun. Which item is your must-have?
David Crockett State Park is a scenic Tennessee state park in Lawrenceburg known for camping, hiking, fishing, waterfalls, and its connection to legendary frontiersman David Crockett. The park sits along Shoal Creek and covers more than 1,300 acres. Within the park, there are two campgrounds, 1 and 2. Sites on section 1 seems to be more level ground, with plenty of greenspace. Lots of kids taking advantage of what we called the ” racetrack”. The paths between sites were perfect for their scooters , roller skates and bikes. We drove through campground 2, where the sites in 2 are elevated, with concrete pads and higher sites, all with a fenced picnic table area. It did not seem to be complimentary to families with kids or older people. Appeared to be more need to climb around your site. Our section of campground was family and dog friendly, We love campground 1, we intend to come back soon. We were just yards off the creek with a great view of the slow moving water.
We cook at the campsite, it’s my favorite thing to do! I received the Blackstone 22″ griddle a few years back from my husband as a birthday gift.
It’s easy cleanup, I can cook almost anything on it. Keep it level, I had eggs run out the back. ” damn, damn, damn, ” We secured the eggs and promptly leveled with a flip flop! We bought a cover recently to keep it dust and grime free. Works great for the campsite as well as in the garage. We use the pumice stones to remove any stuck on grime. Check out our Amazon Store to get all of these items.
Hike trails like the Turkey Ridge/Shoal Creek Loop
See Crockett Falls and the covered bridge
Camp in RV or tent sites
Stay in waterfront cabins
Fish or rent paddle boats on Lindsey Lake
Visit the seasonal museum about David Crockett’s life
The park is especially popular for weekend camping trips and family getaways. Reddit hikers mention the creek areas, short scenic loops, and peaceful atmosphere as highlights.
Checking out the shower and bath houses
The bath houses are very close to our site. There are 8 shower stalls, all with separate walk in doors and locks. A family would be able to use this easily. There do need to be extra hooks in actual shower area, to hang a toiletry bag for easy access.
The heat of water is adequate and pressure is decent for a campground. The ladies and mens room each have three stalls. They are all kept very neat and clean as well as supplied. There is a dump station before you exit the campground where we are, easy to access before leaving.
There are pet waste stations with bags and a disposal area. All the campers walking their pooch seemed to clean up, especially nice since there were so many kids playing throughout the campground. The waste cans do need to be emptied. It’s quite full in campground 1.
Marley and I walked part of the Shoal Creek Loop today. It’s slightly hilly , but, an easy path. There are many pretty plants including ferns. There was very little debris as if they kept the path maintained. We have to investigate the sounds we were hearing, they were either a lot of frogs or birds of some sort. I understand there’s an aviary here so that may be where it was coming from.
My favorite spot
Were investigating the rest of the campground, The aviary has a few birds that are caged, mainly due to injury, more likely not being able to be released into their natural habitat. For safety reasons, they are better to be kept at the aviary.
There several cabins to rent, I checked out the online photos and they look very nice. Since they are on the water, there are stairs to climb down to access the door to entry. Currently for the season I reviewed, prices are about $195.00 per night. Great for a family or people participating in events such as weddings.
Crockett Falls a great place to swim or relax
Marley enjoyed the cool creek
There is a fishing dock and boat access. The lake looks very clean and inviting.. There were several people taking advantage by fishing off the dock.
Entertainment Nearby
If you’re looking for entertainment and more things to do in the Lawrenceburg area this weekend and throughout the month of May, check out these lists below.
Here are some of the bigger things happening around Lawrenceburg this weekend:
The Levitt AMP music series kicks off Saturday evening with a free outdoor concert at Veterans Park. Gates open around 4 p.m., and the city has been promoting it as one of the major community events of the month. This might of particular interest to music fans, it’s featuring country music artist Jimmie Allen. Known for his genre-blending sound and high energy performance, this is not to be missed.
Off-Road Weekend
Wheelin in the Country is running events this weekend for ATV and off-road enthusiasts. The tourism calendar lists activities Friday through Sunday.
Artisan Market
The Farm Artisan Market is scheduled for Saturday, featuring local crafts, produce, baked goods, and vendors from the Amish and Mennonite communities nearby.
Downtown Cruise-In
The Lawrence County Classic Car Club Cruise-in is also on the calendar this weekend with vintage cars and community gathering downtown. We love vintage cars, may have to attend this one!
Live Music & Nightlife
If you want evening entertainment, these spots usually have weekend crowds and live music or karaoke:
A few events can shift because of weather, especially outdoor concerts and off-road activities.
Be sure to check out our Amazon store through the links. I have posted in our blog. As an Amazon associate, we may earn a commission on any purchases made through our links.
Father’s Day is just around the corner, everyone is looking for something Dad doesn’t have! What could he use or what has he asked for before?
Making camping easy , fun and hassle free is what taking life easy is all about. Having things available to help with that, well, makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Not everyone likes to go camping and have to cook every meal. I love to cook while camping, but, certainly not every meal. Having the tools at hand makes preparation quick .
I used to be the one who made several trips inside the camper, always forgetting something. One of the best things we have found is this useful caddy, for storing utensils, spices, paper towels and more.
We have a few tables we set up at our site to use for the ice maker, radio and more. This table makes having or using an outdoor kitchen more manageable. With zipper. Posited to stow away dishes, flatware, napkins and daytime snacks. I would never leave door in it overnight or unattended.
Easy to fold away for carrying and for camper or truck storage.
I’m not sure hi ow many times we have used this next item at camp, but, at home it has become invaluable. We use all Ryobi tools because the batteries are interchangeable. You can see me blowing off our rug at the campsite, small pebbles and leaves are no match for me! I’ll Link it below too, but, our fave is this Ryobi battery operated fan.
Recently we had a power outage due to tornadoes. It saved us during a slightly warm evening . Useful for those who boondock too! There is a shelf sitting one and one that clamps. Both could be handy depending on your situation.
This one has the battery out which includes an extra charger, perfect if you’re already a Ryobi fan….pun intended lol.
The clip on is perfect for bunk areas in a camper where an extra breeze is needed or for those women over fifty who get the hot flashes like myself. Either way, it’s sure to do the trick
Small enough to carry under the belly of our 16 foot Wolf Pup, I love this portable leaf blower , easy to use and lightweight. does the job we need for our camp area to keep it clean.
The most recent lifesaver is a power inverter. I never understood what these were until our home power went out form the recent North Alabama tornadoes. Granted, only six hours, but , this was the handiest tool of all. Charge your phones, power lamps and much more from the battery pack. We have extra power supplies so we are always prepared. A great gift for the man or woman who has everything. They may not think to buy this for themselves.
This non Ryobi but compatible inverter has a two pack available now. One for home and one for the camper. At just $59.99 for a limited time, you can’t miss!
The next item is the most used at our campsite . Our Blackstone griddle does everything we need for breakfast and dinner. We snack at lunchtime, how about you?
We have had ours for four years and absolutely could not be happier . Surface area is enough for us and a few guests . We have the stand , but, you can use on a table like a concrete one available at most campgrounds.
There are many sizes and options available, this is ours along with the legs.
If you don’t have outside speakers on your camper or you’re just chilling on a lake for a fishing day, this little JBL speaker comes in handy great sound at a great price!
As often as we use our phone, we have multiple charges in varying places. This retractable charger is handy. The cords aren’t hanging out everywhere and you could also use it inside your camper as well as your tow vehicle.
Want a comfy chair, even for the biggest guy? This one fits the bill. A gift to my husband three years ago, the size does matter. It’s large enough for two kids or a larger person. Up to 400lb capacity and a handy side table to hold the phone or binoculars.
These are just a few of our favorites we have purchased and used. If you decide to purchase for your Dad, friend, grandpa or yourself,we do earn a small commission as an Amazon Associate.
Have a great day celebrating Dad, Grandpa and all those step up dads out there!
Buy something they will really use while enjoying the great outdoors .
I often see posts on Facebook in camper groups about what are the must haves when you were first starting out with your new camper. Everyone always suggests camping in the driveway for the first time and go with what you have already in there. This is a wonderful idea and exactly what we did. You will start to see your needs as you do your daily tasks. What types of items will be essential for your first camping trip? Read through to find out more.
As an Amazon associate any links that I provide in my blog will direct you to the Amazon site. Purchase is made may provide me with a small incentive if you make a purchase through that link. Click any of the photos to start shopping for your camper finds.
We typically go where there is water and electric hook up , occasionally we Boondock when we are out west on BLM lands. We prefer to cook outside and only inside when it’s raining. So what we have for a cooking basics is very important to how we love to cook. We keep storage straightforward and simple. Everything has to stack beneath the dinette and, items we use to prep must be collapsible. We have managed this quite well so far!
Three years ago for my birthday, my wonderful husband got the Blackstone 22 inch griddle. I prefer this over any other cooking method while at the campground have you tried it? What do you think? I do breakfast, like frittatas, hash browns and sausage with plenty of room to move things around for their own space.n There are numerous accessories for this grill and other Blackstone versions. We have the griddle stand which enables mobility to a picnic table if you choose.
We also have a vintage Coleman camp stove, two burner with propane can hookup. My husband used this one as a child. We recommend everyone have this as a survival tool as well.
Essential for everyday campers or backpackers
We have an assortment of kitchen tools, and we got a couple of sets that we carry with us for camping that we got as wedding gifts four years ago . It has a variety of tools for any type of grills. Funny story on that, some people did not believe what we had on our Amazon wedding registry. It was all camping items. After all, we were in our mid fifties and had all that home decor stuff. We were ready for fun items.
This one has everything you could possibly need for cast-iron cookware or grill top. If you’re taking a charcoal grill with you that has the grid top. You could use this as well. Brush spatula meat, fork, tongs, corn, skewers, and so much more we find it to be the ultimate set.
There are so many ways to stay organized when you’re camping. If you’re not already a prepared chef, it can be hard to carry things in and out if you love to cook outside. We started with a tray, passing it through the door. How many times must we go in and out for one meal? So, an outdoor kitchen or storage area has saved the day. Keeps everything clean and dust free and at hand. Your tools, plates and seasoning are at your fingertips.
Outdoor Storage and Camp Table
Let’s get organized!
We recommend this one , because it has roll up covers on compartments and keeps critters out of your belongings. A sturdy area for your Blackstone too. We love to see raccoons and squirrels when we camp, but, who needs those pesky buggers trying to mess with your utensils and more?! We only use this with food inside during awake time. Otherwise, you’re just inviting Rocky and friends to the party, am I right?
No one invited you for dinner!
Whatever you love to do in the great outdoors, hiking, relaxing or just getting away, remember ……” Take Life Easy from Home to Camp”
There’s a commercial from Progressive where a girl interrupts two people speaking, so she can complete her social media post. In the now generation of “ all about me “ , this is what comes to mind. These unhidden gems, people have discovered , then , they show up! Take over a beautiful location, previously unspoiled , want to act like they just discovered it. Make it their own and create noise, buildings and traffic.
“ practicing gratitude, manifesting abundance “
We discovered our current camping location because of good friends, who had been fishing and camping here for forty years. It’s our local place of solitude. I need to be near water to be peaceful, it slows down the pace.
This property has had several names over the years as well as a few owners. We’ve only been camping here four years. It was a KOA for a short time , now Beyonder Getaway. They want to add more to make it a destination location. More sites, perhaps a marina and more activities. This they hope will bring in more people. Choose the right activities, prices and proper site maintenance , that will certainly help. The bath houses are not bad with multiple toilets and two separate showers for each gender. They installed new shower heads which helped a great deal .
We have few campgrounds close enough to home where we can “ getaway” and be a short trip home or to work. This location been great for us a couple times each year for camping close to home. Nestled in Mallard Creek area on Joe Wheeler Lake, part of the Tennessee river. It’s on a peninsula and I’ll include a map location and camp site map too.
Beyonder Getaway Campsite Map
Fishing is fantastic as my friend Jim and his buddies can attest.
Jim and his catfish catch Conrad and a huge catfish Jim and Gary with another haul The McDuckersons
I definitely recommend Beyonder for those passing through, it’s a short trip to I 65 through Alabama or east / west on highway 72. A great family place with horses, beach, zip lining , boat rentals and more. We prefer the less busy time through the week, they offer discounts for Mon-Thurs stays .
Offer for 15% off Mon-Thursday- Call to reserve and guarantee rates.
They have added many campsites in the last two years and have several cabins if you don’t have an RV of any kind. Tent camping down by the water is a “ roughing it “ option on the property.
