🏕️ Camp Like a Legend: Our Must-Haves for RV Weekend Warriors

By Kenny & Kalene Burnside – Rad Star Chasers LLC

Let’s just get one thing straight…

If your camp chair isn’t comfier than your office chair, you’re doing it wrong.

As weekend RV warriors, we’ve learned the hard way (yes, literally…we once brought folding lawn chairs from 1993) that the key to a successful camping trip isn't just about where you park — it’s what you pack.

So from our family to yours, here’s the official, unofficial list of Camping Must-Haves — straight from the playbook of two pros who’ve been known to toast s’mores at 11 a.m. with zero shame.

🪑 1. Camp Chairs That Hug Your Soul

Let’s talk thrones. We don’t settle for those wire-framed torture devices that bite into your thighs and leave weird waffle patterns. No, no.

We roll up with deluxe padded, cupholder-equipped, "I could nap here" camp chairs. Bonus points if it reclines and has a snack pouch. Ours are like first class for your glutes.

Pro Tip: Kalene insists on one with a built-in footrest. I brought one once without. Never again.

🔥 2. The Almighty Blackstone Griddle

We don’t just grill — we Blackstone.

From pancakes and bacon at sunrise to Smashburger's and fajitas after a hike, our griddle has basically become our traveling kitchen. It’s fast, easy, and there’s something about hearing the sizzle that just feels…right.

Warning: You will suddenly become the campground chef for neighboring RVs. They’ll smell it. They’ll wander over. Prepare your apron and your stories.

🍫 3. S’mores Sticks (Don’t Be That Person)

You know what’s awkward? Watching a grown adult roast a marshmallow with a twig they found on the ground.

Upgrade your stick game.

We’ve got telescoping, color-coded, “no-stab-your-spouse” safety-tipped roasting wands. They’re basically lightsabers for dessert time. The grandkids love them. We love not catching fire. It’s a win-win.

☕ 4. Coffee Maker = Sanity

Some people rough it.

We laugh in caffeine.

Our coffee maker is the VIP of our RV. Mornings aren’t mornings until that first mug is brewed, sipped, and savored under the awning while nature does its thing. Bears, birds, bugs — we’re ready for all of them… after coffee.

Kenny's Rule: No one talks to me until I hear the drip.

🧺 Honorable Mentions

- Tablecloth clips — Because the wind is petty.

- Headlamps — For when you drop your keys at 10 p.m. (again).

- Extra blankets — One for the fire, one for the dog, one for who forgot theirs.

- Bluetooth speaker — Your camping soundtrack matters.

Final Thoughts from the Campfire

Camping is part adventure, part therapy, and part competition with your past self to pack better than last time. It’s about learning what matters most — and also remembering that one thing you forgot… again.

For us, these four things are non-negotiable. Comfort, food, fire, and caffeine — the cornerstones of any great trip.

Have your own camping must-haves? Drop them in the comments. We love finding out what other folks can’t live without on the road.

Now if you’ll excuse us… the Blackstone is calling.

✌️

— Kenny, Kalene, Max (the blind dog), and Ari (our Maine Coon diva)

📍 Rad Star Chasers LLC | www.radstarchaserinc.com