Heres Some Camping Tips & Tricks at Your Fingertips
Our Kiefer Campground Blog is the information you need to make your next camping trip even more enjoyable. From RV and camping tips and tricks, to amazing campfire recipes, to advice on planning your next trip... the information below is here to help you. And please, feel free to comment and share your experiences, knowledge and favorite recipes. At Kiefer Campground, we are a family and all here to help each other enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest!
The Wonders of Camp Lakewood Campground
About the Campground
Known for its peaceful setting by Lake Pauline, you are sure to enjoy your evening sitting by the fire or out on the dock. With over 60 RV sites, multiple tent sites, and 3 cabins, people come from all over the world, arriving as our guest and leaving as our family.
Our Favorite Amenities
Our lounge is equipped with an exciting gaming area including video gambling! While you must be 21 to play these games, we also have games for our younger guests. You can find a pool table and other fun games in the lounge!
We are situated on a beautiful lake that provides something for everyone! Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing! We provide comfortable seating and a brand new dock. If you’re looking for a beautiful and relaxing getaway, this is your chance!
Easy Ways To Keep Your RV Cool
As temperatures rise, it can be difficult to keep your RV at the perfect temperature. Many of us may begin to worry that a new AC unit is needed. But this is not always the case. AC units generally last for many years. Consider these two solutions instead: AC maintenance and removing the burden on the AC. First, let’s look at what maintenance can be done.
Clean the condenser and evaporator coil
Both the condenser and evaporator coil should be cleaned every other year. However, we do not recommend cleaning this by yourself. Even with the AC power turned off, electrical hazards are still present. We recommend hiring a qualified AC technician to perform the cleaning.
Air Intake Filters
Your air intake filters must be cleaned regularly, possibly as often as every month or two depending on environmental conditions. This task can be completed by yourself and is fairly easy. Simply remove the air filters, wash them thoroughly, then replace them after they have dried.
Inspect the Roof Unit Shroud
The shroud helps maintain proper airflow throughout the AC unit. Unfortunately, it’s placement allows it to absorb the sun. The sunlight can cause the shroud to become brittle and crack. Perform an inspection of the shroud every year to look for cracks or deterioration. If any are found then we recommend replacing the shroud.
Keep Your Air Conditioning Enabled
Many RVers leave their RV with the AC off to save money on cooling expenses. However, this is one of the worst things to do for your AC unit. This allows the inside temperature to rise which makes it difficult to cool down when you return. The AC unit must work much harder to cool this down and it can cause deterioration over time. We recommend switching your AC unit to the enabled setting when leaving for the day.
Removing the Burden on the AC
Forcing the AC to work alone can be hard on the unit over time. Here are some easy ways to reduce the burden on your unit.
Parking Position
Where you park has a huge effect on the inside temperature of your RV. To reduce the temperature, we recommend parking in an area with shade. You should also try to face most of your windows away from the afternoon sun. This will naturally cool down your RV and reduce the burden on your AC unit.
Cook Outside
Cooking inside can cause heat from your stove or oven to gather inside. This heat will then be trapped and strain your AC unit. If you cook outside, the heat will stay where it belongs.
Leave the Fridge Alone
Refrigerators expel heat that can gradually warm up your RV. Frequent opening of the fridge decreases its effectiveness and causes it to expel more heat. We recommend opening the fridge only when necessary.
Sun Shade and Night Shade
If your RV has a sun shade and night shade, use them. Both can be deployed at the same time which will help to naturally lower the temperature of your RV. Even if you only have a sun shade, use it.
We hope you enjoyed our list and will put these tips to good use. Remember to check out our website Kiefercampgrounds.com if you would like to book a site!
Do You Know Meramec Campground?
About the Campground
If you’re looking for a newly renovated and peaceful campground, check out Meramec Campground! We have several amenities that are sure to entertain your whole family. From our catch and release fishing pond to our pool table and arcade games, there’s something for everyone!
Meet Our Staff
Meet Melinda, our lovely manager at Meramec Campground. Melinda loves spending time with people, especially her family. She has two wonderful sons and one daughter-in-law. Her family is continuing to grow with one granddaughter and another grandbaby on the way! Melinda loves her family but she also loves our guests. She enjoys meeting new people and helping them feel welcome. Feel free to ask her questions! Melinda is a regular cabin camper and enjoys being outdoors. If you’re ever looking for someone to float down a river with you, this is your person! Visit our campground today for a chance to meet Melinda!
Meet Greg and Dixie, two of our amazing staff at Meramec Campground. Greg and Dixie will be celebrating 45 years of marriage this September. Throughout their marriage, they have had one son, one daughter, and five grandkids. Dixie loves flower gardening and spending time with family. Greg loves woodwork, hunting, fishing, and cooking. Both Greg and Dixie enjoy visiting with our guests and hearing about their different experiences. If you ever need someone to talk to, these are your people! If you’re lucky, you could even meet their two small camping dogs. Come visit Greg and Dixie today!
S’mores Nachos
Do you remember camping as a kid? What was your favorite part? Was it exploring? Was it swimming? Or maybe we can all agree it was s’mores. There is nothing better than sitting around a campfire and cooking a marshmallow to perfection. But what if we were to tell you that there is a better way to enjoy your s’mores? Let us introduce you to s’mores nachos.
S’mores nachos are easy and quick to make. In under 15 minutes you can make this dessert for all your friends and family. Next time you go camping, enjoy this recipe.
Ingredients and Materials
- 12 oz graham crackers
- 12 oz marshmallows
- 6 oz chocolate bars or chips
- Campfire with grate
- Aluminum or cast iron pan
Instructions
- Break graham crackers into small pieces
- Layer graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate into your pan
- Place pan over the campfire using the grate
- Cook for 10 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown and melting
Other Ingredients
There are many other ingredients that you can use to make this recipe your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Peanut butter chips
- Large and small marshmallows
- Peeps
- Peanut butter cups
- Caramels
- Strawberries
We encourage you to make this recipe your own. Remember that most materials on this list can be found in our camp stores. No need to plan too far ahead! Take advantage of this recipe today and book your site at Kiefercampgrounds.com.
We want to hear from YOU! Post your favorite recipe in the comments for a chance to be featured in our next blog post!
Getting to Know Madison Campground
About the Campground
If you’re looking for an RV campground with lots to do then look no further! Madison Campground is conveniently located just 6 miles from Madison, Wisconsin. In this area, there’s an activity for everyone in your family! Back at the campground, there is over 90 RV sites to choose from and 1 RV rental option. Visit us today so we can welcome you as part of our family!
Meet Our Staff
Pictured here is Kristen, our wonderful office manager. Her journey with us began at Terre Haute Campground before she transferred to Madison Campground. No matter where she is, Kristen has shown her love for interacting with different people. She loves her guests, but her favorite people, her son and daughter, remain at home. In her free time, Kristen loves to sit down with a cup of coffee and color with her children. If you would like to meet this lovely lady then come stay at Madison Campground today!
Here we have Michelle, our grounds manager at Madison Campground. Michelle has two wonderful children and two adorable grandchildren. She enjoys watching movies, TikToks, and shopping for shoes. If we had to use one word to describe Michelle it would be caring. She loves to meet new people and talk to them which makes her job perfect for her. Thankfully, Michelle also believes her job is perfect and has even said, “Kiefer’s is not just a job, it’s a family full of fun and adventure.” She just warms our hearts! Come see Michelle today!
How to Choose a Campground
In today’s world, there are so many options for campgrounds. There are different types of campgrounds and all of them offer different features. How do you know which one is best for you?
The first step is to decide what type of camp site you need. If you are camping in an RV then you have the option of grass, gravel, or concrete. Grass sites are very simple and are perfect for a one night stay. Gravel sites are an upgrade from grass sites. This option has more features than grass sites but not as many as concrete sites. Concrete options typically include a patio area with a picnic table. This option would be perfect if you are planning to cook several meals at your campsite.
Tent campers have a similar choice. Tent sites will always be grass but some offer the option of a patio area. The patio area is the same as the RV patio and will provide a picnic table.
The second step is to decide what features you require. If you’re RV camping then you’ll probably want water, sewer, and electric hookups. Lucky for you, all four of our Kiefer Campgrounds offer full-hookup options. To see what a campground offers, check out the campground website.
For tent campers, you may want water and electricity available at your site. These features are not always available at every campground. Two of our Kiefer Campgrounds offer electricity and water at your site. The other two Kiefer Campgrounds offer electricity at the site and communal water nearby.
Your third step is to decide if you would like any additional features. Many guests desire Wi-Fi, a pool, a laundry room, and more. In your campground search, you will find that campgrounds do not offer the same amenities. Our Kiefer Campgrounds all provide Wi-Fi, a laundry room, and a camp store. Check out each campground’s Amenities page to see a full list of what is provided.
Your fourth and final step is to check out the surrounding area. Do you want a busy town or something quieter? Would you like things to do near your campground? This part is all up to you. Each Kiefer Campground will have a map and a Things to Do page on their website. We recommend checking these out before making your decision.
After going through our steps, we hope you have a better idea of what type of campground you would like. If you would like to book a site with Kiefer Campgrounds then go ahead and check out our website today!
How to Include Teenagers in Your Family Camping Trip
Camping is a great family activity that can bring everyone closer together. But what happens when a certain part of your family doesn’t want to be included? We are of course talking about teenagers. Teenagers start to develop their own lives and opinions which can make it difficult to include them in your camping adventure. However, it is not impossible. Listed below are a few easy ways to include your teenager.
- Include them in the process
Teenagers are at the age where they require freedom more than anything. If you take charge of planning a trip without their opinion then it will likely fail. We suggest you pick a few locations and activities then ask what they think. Make your decisions as a team.
- Consider planning shorter trips
Kiefer Campgrounds would love for you to stay with us for months at a time but your teenager may think otherwise. Teenagers have other priorities such as jobs or friends. They do not want to leave these for longer than a few days. We suggest planning trips that are only 3-4 days long.
- Don’t cut off social connections
We know that it can be a bummer if your teenager sits on their phone the whole trip. However, banning technology is not the solution. This will force your teenager to dislike the entire experience. We recommend introducing limited screen time. Set specified times they are allowed on their phone. We also recommend choosing campgrounds with good cell service and Wi-Fi. Kiefer Campgrounds has recently updated the Wi-Fi at two of our campgrounds with updates at the other two coming soon.
- Add new adventures
Relaxing camping trips are great but not exactly what a teenager has in mind. Teenagers enjoy new activities. This could be as simple as trying new restaurants or as thrilling as white water rafting. The activity does not matter, as long as it is new. Check out our Things to Do page on each of our Kiefer Campground’s website for some ideas.
- Encourage them to bring a friend
Yes we know that two teenagers may sound worse than one but hear us out! Teenagers are very social and dislike being cut off from friends. Bringing a friend with them can easily solve this problem. This also gives them someone who will want to participate in the same activities.
Camping might not be your teenager’s favorite activity but hopefully, with these tips, they will start to include themselves more. If you would like to put these tips to the test then go ahead and book your site now! We hope to see you soon!
A Peek Into Terre Haute Campground
About the Campground
This location is sure to provide the comfort and quality your family needs this summer. Whether you need an RV, tent, cabin, or tee pee, this campground has it all. And for any kiddos we provide a pedal cart track, swimming pool, donkeys, and more! Book your site today and experience the feeling of resting with the best.
Meet Our Staff
Pictured here is Shannon, our site manager at Terre Haute Campground. Shannon started her career with us two and a half years ago. If you’re looking for someone who understands camping then this is your chance! Shannon is a full-time RVer and can help with anything you need. She loves her job and has even involved her whole family! Recently, she and her husband (pictured above), repaired, sanded, and repainted the train at the campground. Come visit Shannon so she can show you the product of her hard work!
Here we can see Laura and Kayla, two of our lovely staff. Both are currently in their third year at our campground. First up is Kayla. Kayla has three children and seven dogs. She is a favorite of all guests and the feeling is mutual! Kayla has even said that her favorite part of her job is working with our guests. Next up we have Laura who is the grandma we wish we could have. Her seven grandkids and five great-grandkids know her as Meemaw while her two kids simply call her Mom. When not working Laura can either be found making cookies or spending time with her three Siamese cats. If you stay at our campground you would definitely be lucky to meet these two women!
10 Items for Your Camping Adventure
Camping is a wonderful way to experience the outdoors whether it is with friends and family or just by yourself. You can go camping in many different ways such as an RV, a tent, or a cabin. But many may wonder, what is provided when I go camping and what do I need to bring? Well, luckily we have the answer to that!
What is Provided
What is provided will depend on where you decide to camp at. You can camp at state or national parks, private campgrounds, or on your own property. Kiefer Campgrounds is a private campground and will provide you with more amenities than most of the other options. All of our campgrounds will have options for a fire ring, water, electric, sewer hookup, WIFI, and restrooms. All of our campgrounds also have stores stocked with essentials like snacks, drinks, RV and camping supplies and much more. Other amenities will vary based on the campground and site selected.
What to Bring
What to bring can vary based on your campsite. However, there are ten essential items that all campers should bring regardless of site selected.
- Flashlights
Once it starts getting dark you can use your flashlights to continue the fun!
2. Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets
Our campsites have so many activities that we know you’ll be tuckered out at night. Bring bedding appropriate for your campsite. All of our cabins have linens provided so that can be one less thing to pack if you have booked a cabin with Kiefer Campgrounds.
3. Firestarter/matches/lighter
We have firewood for sale at each camp store but you’ll need something to light it! Also available in our stores are packs of campfire colors to enhance your campfire experience.
4. Water bottles
Everyone needs to stay hydrated while enjoying the outdoors. We recommend reusable water bottles but disposable plastic is better than nothing.
5. Portable phone charger
Nobody wants a dead phone during their trip! Bring a portable charger to keep that phone charged. Almost every site at Kiefer Campgrounds has electricity to charge everything back up overnight.
6. Insect repellant
When camping you’ll be sharing a home with all the insects but that doesn’t mean you have to share the same space. Use insect repellant to keep those bugs away.
7. Outdoor chairs
We try to provide the most comfortable space possible but we can’t provide softer ground. Please bring outdoor chairs for your comfort.
8. First aid kit
Each camp store is equipped with a first aid kit but we recommend bringing a personal one for your safety.
9. Sturdy shoes
Our camps have some excellent activities on site. It is much easier and more comfortable to take advantage of these while wearing sturdy shoes.
10. Toiletry kit
No one wants to be the person that smells bad! Bring a toiletry kit including deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, and a shower kit if you are staying for a longer period of time.
Now that you have your essential items, head on over to any one of our Kiefer Campgrounds located in Effingham, IL, Terre Haute, IN, Madison, WI and Sullivan, MO. We look forward to welcoming you as part of our family!
Family owned and operated, Kiefer Campgrounds strive to offer you the best rates for a comfortable location with outstanding service, and spotless facilities. When you stay in one of our parks, you are no longer just a happy camper, but a part of our family! We are most certain you will enjoy your stay with us. Pick your favorite location and book your spot now before it’s too late! You’ll be happy you did!
