About the Trip
Our Third Family Camping Experience
This was our third camping trip as a family—and it felt like we were finally getting the hang of it. 🏕️ We stayed at Montana Conservation Camp, a quiet and beginner-friendly spot nestled right at the base of the Sierra Madre. It’s a hidden gem in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija with cool air, natural surroundings, and a peaceful vibe perfect for families.
We hit the road before sunrise and packed everything the night before. After a four-hour drive (and a bit of traffic), we arrived to warm welcomes from the staff. They even allow a quick 10-minute unload near the campsite before moving to the parking area—super helpful when you’ve got gear and a toddler in tow.
We also decided to rent platforms in case of rain, which made setup easier and cleaner. We’ve gotten way better at pitching our tent too—what used to take an hour now only took us 30 minutes. Big win!
From Riven’s excitement over pancit to her heroic moment trying to rescue mommy in the dark wash area, this trip gave us another set of unforgettable memories.
Camping Gear We Used and How It Helped
Every trip teaches us something new—and this one was no different. From smarter setups to little hacks that made life easier, these are the gear choices that helped make our third camping trip smoother, faster, and more enjoyable for the whole family.
Naturehike Village 6 Tent
Still our go-to for every trip. It’s roomy, easy to assemble, and stood steady through drizzle and mountain air. With more practice, we’ve been setting it up faster each time.
Rented Platforms
Only ₱25 each—and totally worth it. Kept our gear dry and gave us peace of mind in case of rain. Four platforms were just enough for our tent setup.
Mosquito Repellent Sticks
We were warned about “niknik” in the area, so we came prepared. Bringing mosquito repellent sticks made a big difference—kept the bugs away, especially during meals and while hanging out in the evening.
Simple Meals, Big Flavor
We had lumpiang shanghai and pancit guisado for lunch—Riven’s favorite. For dinner, we cooked tapa, hotdogs, and sinangag. Classic camping food, nothing fancy, but always hits the spot.
Lights + Lanterns
We set up soft string lights and used our usual lanterns to light the campsite. It helped create a calm, warm vibe—perfect for relaxing after sunset.
Camping doesn’t always have to be big and grand. Sometimes, it’s these simple, cozy moments that bring the most joy. Montana Conservation Camp gave us just that—an easy getaway with just enough nature to reset and reconnect.
Want to See Our Setup?
We keep improving our camping gear based on real trips like this.