Why You Should Always Kick Off Camping Season with a Shakedown Trip

Spring has sprung! Sure, the mornings are still a little frosty, but the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and you know what that means—it’s officially camping time! 🌸🏕️

We were so ready. The plan was to hit Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, do a little remote work surrounded by nature, and soak in that sweet spring sunshine. Kevin was behind the wheel, Georgia (our skeptical adventure dog) was in the backseat, and the RV was stocked and rolling.

Cue record scratch.

Two hours in, we roll into our campsite, fill the fresh water tank, and... no signal. Not a bar. Not even enough to make a phone call, let alone join a Zoom meeting or look up trail maps. We even checked the visitor center, thinking surely there’s decent coverage in a popular park like this, but nope. Nature: 1, WiFi: 0.

So, we turned around. Two hours back home. 😩

And that, friends, is exactly why your season should start with a shakedown camping trip—a low-stakes, close-to-home getaway to test your gear, your setup, and yes, your cell signal.

Our Shakedown Save: Meramec State Park

Determined not to totally abandon the weekend, we regrouped and headed out again the next day—this time to Meramec State Park, just an hour from home and blessedly within the realm of modern communication.

Georgia, understandably, was like "Y’all better not be joking again."

But this time? Success! We got a sweet site, had decent signal, and actually got to camp. Meramec came through with everything we needed for a quick but awesome reset.

What’s So Great About Meramec State Park?

Here’s why Meramec deserves a spot on your camping radar:

✅ Hiking Galore: Seven trails wind through classic Ozark scenery. Lace up and wander through forests, along bluffs, and past the peaceful river.

✅ Fishing Fun: Cast into the Meramec River and try your luck at catching bass or catfish.

✅ Float Central: Paddle your way downstream on a kayak or canoe. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a great way to spot wildlife.

✅ Cave Tours: Yep—Meramec's got caves! Fisher Cave is a must-see if you like a little geology and history mixed in with your outdoor time.

✅ Campsites for Everyone: Whether you’re into roughing it or full-hookup glamping, Meramec’s got options. Our site was level, spacious, and came with a fire ring and picnic table.

✅ Kid- and Dog-Friendly: Playgrounds, bathhouses, and trails make it ideal for families. And Georgia gives it two paws up!

Why You Need a Shakedown Camping Trip

A shakedown trip is like a dress rehearsal for your camping season—and trust me, it’s way better to find out what’s not working when you’re an hour from home, not five.

Here’s what you’ll learn (and fix!) on a shakedown:

🔧 Appliances Can Be Sneaky. Our coffee maker died. RIP, morning joy. Luckily we were close to a Schnucks and grabbed some instant coffee to survive the weekend. Stuff breaks. A shakedown helps you catch that.

📦 Supplies Get Weird. You think you’re stocked...until you’re not. Or you brought four flashlights but forgot the marshmallows. A short trip helps refine your packing list for the season.

💪 Skills Get RustyEven seasoned campers forget where the lighter is or how to level the RV. Practice makes perfect—and less stressful setups later on.

🛠️ Gear Check = Sanity SaverSticky zippers, leaky water jugs, sleeping bags that smell like attic—use your shakedown to test it all out before your big trip.

🗺️ Bonus: Discover New Local GemsShakedown trips can lead you to nearby parks you’ve never explored. We hadn’t camped at Meramec in a while, and now we’re wondering why not. It’s beautiful, easy to get to, and full of charm.

Final Thoughts (and Georgia’s Paw of Approval)

So before you roll out on your epic summer adventure, give yourself a soft launch with a shakedown trip. It’s like camping with training wheels—except way more fun, and with fewer surprises.

Meramec State Park totally saved our weekend, and we’re already planning to head back for a longer stay.

Have you done a shakedown camping trip? Got a favorite close-to-home park? Drop a comment—we love hearing about new spots to explore!

TTYL and happy trails!— Charmaine (& the crew: Kevin + Georgia 🐾)