Camper Trailer - Hunting Camp?

[dawgs511]

Hey all…wanted to put these questions before some of our more experience camper trailer owners on the board.

We have some family farmland that we do our annual deer and turkey hunting at in south GA. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed last year and he is who we always stayed with nearby the farm. With the upcoming deer season we are looking at a few different options for lodging as it’s a bit out in the sticks. Something we have recently been looking at has been a used camper trailer (sub $10k) with enough space to sleep 3-4 adults several times a year.

It’s a working farm with a local farmer who leases the farming rights. My understanding is there is a well and existing power there at the front of the property near a large covered shed…will be going down later this month to assess this. Is it as simple as having access to a standard water spigot to attach a filter and water line to the camper? Same question with the electricity, though I imagine a larger outlet may be required? Trying to get a good understanding of everything utility-wise that we would need to consider for staying several times a year…water, power, septic/waste water, etc.

If anybody else has done something similar for their deer camp and is willing to share their experience it would be greatly appreciated. Especially if there are any brands of campers that we should consider or avoid as well. Thanks all!

 

[DanKATL]

Hey all…wanted to put these questions before some of our more experience camper trailer owners on the board.

We have some family farmland that we do our annual deer and turkey hunting at in south GA. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed last year and he is who we always stayed with nearby the farm. With the upcoming deer season we are looking at a few different options for lodging as it’s a bit out in the sticks. Something we have recently been looking at has been a used camper trailer (sub $10k) with enough space to sleep 3-4 adults several times a year.

It’s a working farm with a local farmer who leases the farming rights. My understanding is there is a well and existing power there at the front of the property near a large covered shed…will be going down later this month to assess this. Is it as simple as having access to a standard water spigot to attach a filter and water line to the camper? Same question with the electricity, though I imagine a larger outlet may be required? Trying to get a good understanding of everything utility-wise that we would need to consider for staying several times a year…water, power, septic/waste water, etc.

If anybody else has done something similar for their deer camp and is willing to share their experience it would be greatly appreciated. Especially if there are any brands of campers that we should consider or avoid as well. Thanks all!

As far as the water hookup; yes if there's a standard hose spigot, you're good.
For the electric, you need a circuit big enough for what you're going to run. Electric heat or AC, you'll need a larger circuit. Just some lights and a small fridge, you might get by with a smaller 15, 20 or 30 amp circuit.

 

[bensskateshop]

The camper will have either a 30amp or 50 amp plug. Most smaller campers can be run off of a standard extension cord (single a/c and 1 fridge). Buy a couple 55gal plastic barrels, rent a small backhoe and put in a small septic system (no need for a drainfield). Water is as simple as you would think. If it's your first camper, have someone experienced check it out with you. They are great but will cost you more in the long run if you don't keep it in great condition.

 

[bensskateshop]

Buy bigger than you think you will need, space fill up fast with gear, clothing etc.

 

[Greybeard2]

Water hose to camper will work fine. Buy a split to have a hose outside for cleaning hands and game. Dig a hole for an outhouse. You will think me later. Electrical needs are a 30 or 50 amp receptacle depending on the camper. An extension cord will trip a 15 or 20 amp breaker if/when refrigerator and a/c compressors come on at same time. Heat you could use gas tanks on camper for furnace. Just past experiences. Have fun with your new adventures.

 

[imawoodsman]

Lots of GR8 information given above. Many opportunities to find NICE used campers before the season starts.
One thing not mentioned is "put away" after the season. Drain H2O, winterize sinks, commode, tanks ect. open fridge,
turn off gas, cover camper w/ HEAVY tarp to protect from H2O leaks. Nothing worse than coming back to find a roof leak in the camper. Ceiling,walls,floors all deteriorate FAST when wet. just my 2cents.
Enjoy the adventure and the outdoors.

 

[dawgs511]

Thanks everyone. I never would have thought about the DIY septic system. Watched a couple of YouTube videos on the process which were helpful.

 

[basstracker89]

You could build a pole barn to park camper under along with other things. It all adds up though. The other thing is, if you leave the camper there while you're not there. Theft.......The other is figuring out exactly what you have to work with. Another idea is a generator, but that can get expensive to run these days. I used a series of batteries for most power needs, worked fine. For A/C, I ran a generator. I built an earthen berm for a sound barrier. Worked well

 

[mfoster]

If you gonna occasionally use it get enough line to run your black water about 30 ft and dig a hole about 3 ft deep and put a little lime in it occasionally, and you want have to fool with that part.

 

[dawgs511]

If you gonna occasionally use it get enough line to run your black water about 30 ft and dig a hole about 3 ft deep and put a little lime in it occasionally, and you want have to fool with that part.

Is this as simple as connecting some PVC piping and running it to a hole in the ground in the woodline? Does the black water and gray water typically exit the same pipe or are these usually two different tanks/pipes requiring two PVC pipes to the hole?

Expectations are this would be used only about 5-6 weekends a year.