Day 1: Arrival & Setup
Travel day, camp setup, and first evening under the stars.
Table of Contents
- The Day at a Glance
- Before Departure
- The Drive
- Arrival
- Camp Setup
- Altitude Check
- First Evening
- For Kids: Day 1
- For Grandparents: Day 1
- Tonight’s Checklist
- Tomorrow Preview
The Day at a Glance
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Final home prep, departure |
| Midday | Drive to Eleven Mile |
| Early Afternoon | Arrive, check in, find sites |
| Afternoon | Camp setup |
| Evening | Easy first dinner, orientation walk |
| Night | Early bed (altitude + travel = tired) |
Before Departure
Morning Checklist
- Final walkthrough of house (stove off, doors locked)
- Load perishables into coolers
- Ice topped off
- All passengers have: ID, phone, charger
- RV systems checked and secured for travel
- Fuel topped off
- Snacks and water accessible (not buried)
Departure Target
Leave early enough to arrive by early-to-mid afternoon. This allows:
- Time for road delays
- Daylight for camp setup
- Relaxed first evening
Recommended: Depart to arrive by 2–3 PM at the latest.
The Drive
See Road Trip Survival Guide for complete entertainment and stop strategies.
Key Reminders
- Use the drive to transition mentally from daily life
- Don’t rush—you’re on vacation now
- Take breaks; stretch legs
- Build anticipation: “Look for the mountains!”
Last Stop Before Park
Lake George offers:
- Gas station
- Small grocery/convenience
- Last cell service (usually)
Fill up on gas and any forgotten essentials here.
Arrival
At the Entrance Station
- Display your vehicle pass or purchase one
- Confirm your campsite reservations
- Get a park map if you don’t have one
- Ask about current conditions:
- Fire restrictions?
- Any closures?
- Where are camp hosts?
- Shower facility status?
Finding Your Sites
- Follow signs to your campground (likely Rocky Ridge for electric)
- Site numbers are posted at each spot
- If a site looks wrong or occupied, contact camp host
First Impressions
Before unloading:
- Walk each site together
- Verify hookups work
- Check fire ring condition
- Note restroom locations
- Identify the group gathering area
Camp Setup
Priority Order
1. RVs Positioned and Connected (45 min)
- Park on most level spot possible
- Level and stabilize
- Connect electric
- Connect water (if available)
- Test systems
2. Safety Established (15 min)
- Locate nearest bathroom for kids
- Identify camp boundaries for children
- Establish “check in before leaving sight” rules
- Point out any hazards
3. Basic Comfort (30 min)
- Set out camp chairs
- Position shade structure if needed
- Establish cooking area
- Make beds (you’ll be tired later)
4. Nice to Have (as time/energy allows)
- String lights
- Outdoor rugs
- Complete kitchen setup
- Fire pit prep
Division of Labor
Adults: RV setup, hookups, heavy lifting Teens: Unloading, organizing, setup assistance Kids: Unpacking their own stuff, staying safe, exploring (with permission) Grandparents: Supervising kids, directing organization, staying comfortable
Altitude Check
This is important. At 8,600 feet, everyone will feel something.
What’s Normal
- Slight breathlessness during exertion
- Mild headache that improves with water
- Feeling tired earlier than usual
- Needing more water than normal
What to Watch For
- Persistent headache
- Nausea
- Unusual fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Confusion or irritability
Day 1 Rules
- No strenuous activity
- Drink water constantly
- Don’t skip meals
- Take it easy during setup
- Go to bed when tired
First Evening
Easy Dinner
Don’t try to cook an elaborate meal. Options:
- Food from the drive (leftovers, sandwiches)
- Pre-made meal brought from home (reheat)
- Simple grilled items (hot dogs, burgers)
- Order delivery to Lake George and pick up (if available)
The goal: fed, not impressed.
Orientation Walk
After dinner, take a short family walk:
- Explore immediate campsite area
- Find bathrooms
- Walk to shoreline (if close)
- Begin to get your bearings
Keep it short—10–20 minutes. Don’t tire anyone out.
First Sunset
If timing works, watch the sunset together. No phones. Just watch.
This is the first of seven. Mark the beginning.
Early Bed
You drove. You set up camp. You’re at altitude. You’re tired.
Go to bed early. Rest for tomorrow. The adventure is just beginning.
For Kids: Day 1
What They’ll Experience
- Long car ride (managed with road trip strategies)
- Excitement of arrival
- New environment to explore
- Tiredness they may not recognize
What They Can Do
- Unpack their own gear
- Set up their sleeping area
- Explore camp (with boundaries set)
- Find cool rocks/sticks/things
- Help with simple tasks
Manage Expectations
Tired kids at altitude may be cranky. Keep:
- Snacks available
- Expectations low
- Bedtime earlier than home
For Grandparents: Day 1
Priorities
- Stay comfortable during the drive
- Avoid overexertion during setup
- Find your comfortable space in camp
- Hydrate for altitude
- Rest when needed
How to Help
- Supervise kids during adult setup work
- Direct organization
- Prepare simple food items
- Be the calm presence
Tonight’s Checklist
Before bed, confirm:
- RV systems working
- Food secured (coolers closed, nothing out)
- Flashlights/headlamps accessible for night bathroom
- Everyone knows bathroom location
- Tomorrow’s plan loosely discussed
- Phones charging
- Alarms set (or not—no rush tomorrow)
Tomorrow Preview
Day 2: Acclimation Day
- Leisurely morning
- Easy fishing or shoreline walking
- Exploration at gentle pace
- No major activities
- Continuing altitude adjustment
You Made It: The hardest part of any trip—the logistics of getting there—is done. Tomorrow you wake up at 8,600 feet in the Colorado mountains with your whole family and a week ahead. Tonight, rest.