Taking camper on Tournament weekends

[default]

This DD first year of travel ball, and we have a 25 foot trailer. I was wondering if many people camp or of it wasn't worth the hassle. I know most checkout times are before the tournaments are over and was wondering what others do.

 

[default]

Our first couple years of travel we pretty much tent camped exclusively at the closest state park. We still camp at a few tourneys now and then but we've moved up to a trailer now. I think it's a great inexpensive way to go. And if DD wants to hang out with friends invite a few to come back and stay or let her stay at the hotel with another family. Most familys are usually more than willing to oblige.

 

[default]

camping is definately cheaper....we have quite a few parents with campers and we all stay in the campgrounds together, it's kind of nice to sit around the fire and talk after the girls go to bed. Plus, when we get up on Sundays we can go straight to the ball field and come back for our campers when our day is done.

 

[default]

I met a team from WVA last year that required you to camp to have a spot on the team. Everybody chipped in with wood, grub and so on. They took turns playing chef. It was also mandatory to eat as a team if at all possible. They were a tight knit bunch and a blast to be around. There was no drama with that bunch.If you were accepting a spot on that team whether a parent or a player you had a role. Talked to a few of the parents that said they took on the role reluctantly but to their pleasant surprise they had absolutely loved it and will never change teams.

 

[default]

I will say that Camping would be really cool, if you are the outdoor type.... for me and my family, we have grown accustomed to the A/C, pool, and Comfortable bed.

However, we started last year, bringing a small trailer to carry all the dd's equipment, family items, cloths, and such. We also bought a small grill, and a pop up tent, When we get back to hotel, we pitch the pop up tent, and get the grill going, in the Hotel Parking Lot and have a big tailgate party. We do this with which ever families stay at the same hotel as we do. Each family brings an item or items... meat, buns, chips etc... and b.y.o.d. and we have a great time... kids then go in to swim after dinner, and and then hit the sack for the next day... It is kinda like our familys summer vacation... just spread over 2-1/2 months....

 

[default]

Nothing like taking campers to the tourneys. If we cannot find a close camp ground we just stay at the park we play at in the parking lot. For the ones with pull behinds they bring generators. This is the only way to go. Brings the team and parents closer and everyone has fun.

 

[default]

do all ball parks let you spend the weekend in the parking lot?

 

[default]

Wow, I was surprised by the responses. I have only seen one camper at tournaments, and the family brought it so that the girls could rest and cool off between games on those long days of lots of games.

 

[default]

Not all parks allow campers. Buy you can easily check with the TD before hand.. It is a great way to go if you have the means to do it..

 

[default]

Goshen, where we have some events this year... allows camping in the parking lot over the tournament weekend. Actually for the 10u and 14u Nationals this year..... We have set off an area in the outfield of the non-used baseball field... as an area for campers and the vendors as well.
This is why I like Goshen... it's because they allow camping by the teams.

Just so everyone knows as well... Wilmington allows camping as well

 

[default]

Oh you're killing my profit sharing..... Hotels baby hotels... We aren't even asking for stimulus packages, we need heads in beds! When I rough it I stay at a Holiday Inn....

 

[default]

We camp alot. Have a 23 x 14 tent that sleeps 16. Also have a small camper. Of course the screen tents and all that fun stuff.
We dont rough it at all. We have lights, fans, portable AC unit, small TV and such. We have mixed it up the past 3 summers, half the time in hotel, half going camping. Always stay within less than 30 minutes from the fields.

We always look to stay at a State Park when we do camp. Camping in is our blood and we love it to death. Oh yeah..........only an average of $25 a night to camp..........cant beat that!!!!!!!

 

[default]

Last year we played at Greenville, it looked like campers world out in the one area of the parking lot.It smelt good with the fires and grills going also.

 

[default]

Now that's what you call a CAMPER !!

 

[default]

When the oldest played we had a motor home and it sure worked out great.

 

[default]

We've been doing travel ball for about 9 yrs w/both dd's. If it weren't for our pop up we wouldn't be able to afford it. A few suggestions, if you can find a camping buddy that is great for the girls, 2. Try to stay close to the hotel that the team is at so the dd can hang w/the team or take her there regardless, this way she's not left out and 3. Sunday check out, try and ask for a late check out, I've only had one park charge me, if they wont do it they generally will let you leave your camper in the overflow lot and you can pick it up on the way home, only takes a few minutes to hook up again.

 

[default]

That was us fourtwoone in Greenville.

 

[default]

Danger12U & fourtwoone we have always allowed campers at Stebbins Field in Greenville. Every year a few more show up and this year we even have a poll started about how many will show up. Its kind of old school and I like it.

 

[default]

For us broken down Appalachian Americans...............

 

[default]

I am glad this subject is here. Right now I am debating if I want to purchase one. I have my eye on a 28 footer with two slide outs. My DD has been in travel ball for 5 years, and this year she is in more tourneys. What worries me is if I arrive at a tourney and there is no room for a camper; then what do I do. I wll take advise and call ahead. Sure I can use it to go camping also, but like all, my DD plays travel ball; where would I find the time to do that!! heck, my boat is now six years old with 100 hours on it (still in the wrapper). Anymore positive/negative comments would be great, cuz I still do not know what to do. Figure I can get it a a great price with this economy right now.