A formal acknowledgment of the items that never make it to the campsite no matter how many times you tell yourself they will. We need to talk about the can opener. Not in passing. Not as a footnote at the bottom of a checklist. Not as a quick joke at the end of a post about something else. Formally. Deliberately. With the gravity this topic deserves. Because if you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you have noticed something. The can opener keeps showing up.

Nobody put them in the brochure. Everyone already knows them. When you pull into a campground for the first time, they hand you a little paper at the check-in booth. Quiet hours. Fire rules. Checkout time. Pet policy. What they do not give you is the other list. The one that explains why the guy across the loop gave you a slow nod when you arrived. Why the woman two sites down walked over with extra fire starter without being asked. Why everyone instinctively lowers their voi

A glossary for anyone who has ever "packed light" for a one-night trip. "I packed light." (Narrator: She did not.) There were four bags. A bin. A "just in case" tote. And somehow, a second cooler that appeared in the garage doorway at 9 p.m. the night before and nobody questioned it. Michigan campers are a special breed. We are optimistic, resourceful, and deeply committed to a certain version of reality that exists mostly in our heads. We say things with complete sincerity t

It's almost time. Don't blow it in the driveway. You know the feeling. The weather does that thing — the one where it's not quite warm yet but it's closer — and suddenly you can't stop thinking about it. The campfire. The lake. The morning coffee that tastes better outside than it ever does in your kitchen. The version of your weekend that involves absolutely none of your regular responsibilities. Camping season is almost here. And somewhere between that feeling and actually

Camping trips have a funny way of teaching you things the hard way. One minute you’re cruising down the highway dreaming about campfires and s’mores… and the next minute you’re stuck in traffic with a trailer behind you, staring at a gas station entrance that clearly wasn’t designed for an RV. Ask me how I know. After a few trips, we’ve realized something: our phones have become some of the most useful tools we bring camping. Between finding gas stations big enough for a camp

RV trips are supposed to be relaxing — lake views, campfires, and mornings that start with coffee outside instead of a commute. But anyone who has spent time in an RV knows the reality: small spaces get messy fast . Cabinets shift during travel, gear piles up, and suddenly you’re digging through three compartments just to find the spatula. The good news is that RV organization doesn’t require a full renovation. A few practical systems and purpose-built gear can dramatically

If you’ve lived through a Michigan winter, you know the feeling. One day you’re scraping ice off the windshield, and the next you catch a slightly warmer breeze and suddenly start thinking… “Is it time yet?” Not quite. But it’s close enough that many of us start doing the annual garage shuffle —moving snow shovels aside, peeking under dusty tarps, and rediscovering camping gear we forgot we owned. Spring cleaning isn’t just about the house. Around here, it’s about getting our

Click your answers to see how you line up with other boaters. ✨ BOAT ANSWER KEY ✨ Mostly A’s — The Dock Boss Your boat sparkles. You know your engine stats. People trust you to captain. You are organized, prepared, and mildly competitive about it. Mostly B’s — The Party Captain You own extra floaties. There is always a speaker. You believe “the more the merrier” and your dock neighbors know your name. Mostly C’s — The Go-With-The-Flow Captain Boat days are imperfect and that’

Every camper has that story — the one that makes you laugh before you even start telling it. The one you’re grateful you survived… but still aren’t totally sure how. And also the reason you keep coming back for more. Welcome to Campfire Stories, where the best memories are the ones you could never plan for — and definitely couldn’t make up. We had just decided we were going to buy a camper, and somehow that turned into finding the camper almost immediately. It was brand new,

People tend to treat Warren like a place you pass through . You drive by it on I- 75. You exit for a restaurant. You cut across town to get somewhere else. But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: Warren is Michigan’s third-largest city , and it didn’t get there by accident — or by trying to impress anyone. Warren’s story isn’t flashy. It’s not loud. It doesn’t brag. It just shows up and gets things done. Warren, Before It Was “Warren” Long before traffic lights, subdi

If you’ve ever looked at different surface options for outdoor storage, you’ve likely noticed gravel comes up again and again — and for good reason. At Red Run Storage, our gravel lots aren’t just a cost-effective surface — they’re also a functional choice that actively helps manage water and protect stored items . The Problem with Impermeable Surfaces Traditional solid surfaces like asphalt and concrete don’t let water pass through. When it rains or snow melts, water can’t i

If you store or camp with a camper in Michigan, you already know this truth: Cold weather doesn’t ask permission—it just shows up. Whether you’re squeezing in one last fall trip, camping early in the spring, or checking on a camper that’s tucked away for winter, heating questions always come up. What works? What’s safe? And why does the furnace always kick on the second you finally fall asleep? Let’s talk about it—honestly, clearly, and safely. What Is “Shoulder Season,” Any

Long before storage units, storefronts, and busy intersections, the Red Run area of Warren  was shaped by water, land, and people who believed in building something that would last. The name Red Run  traces back to Red Run Creek , a natural waterway that once flowed through this part of Macomb County. Early settlers noted the reddish clay banks visible along the creek—especially after rainfall—which gave the “run” its distinctive name. Over time, the creek became both a geogr

Dehumidifiers, DampRid, and Cheap Tricks That Actually Work It's not a glamerous topic but with winter in full swing, I would be lying if I said the moisture inside our stored camper isn’t always in the back of my mind . Because when your camper is parked, closed up, and minding its own business all winter, moisture has one job : to sneak in quietly and make itself comfortable. No one wants to open their camper in spring and be greeted by: Fogged windows Musty smells Cushions

(And a Respectful Nod to Michigan’s Other Favorite Waters) Dear Lake St. Clair, You are the reason we start counting down to summer sometime in February. You are the reason boat bags stay half-packed year-round. You are the reason “just a quick evening ride” somehow turns into tomorrow. And yes—we love other lakes in Michigan. But here at Red Run… this one has our heart. Lake St. Clair is where you can go to find JOY! It’s big enough to feel exciting, but friendly enough that

But if you do, don’t worry — we’re not judging. We’ve forgotten them too. Boat owners are a special kind of optimistic. We end every season saying, “Next year, I’ll be more prepared,” while simultaneously forgetting at least five really important things before storage. Whether your boat is headed into winter hibernation at Red Run or tucked away somewhere cozy, here are the top “oops, I forgot” items — and how to avoid them this year. 1. Add Fuel Stabilizer (aka: Don’t Let Yo

You love your camper, boat, or trailer. You love your driveway. But the two don’t always love each other. Every fall, campers across Michigan begin the seasonal debate: “Should we store it professionally…or shove it next to the garage and hope our neighbors don’t notice?” Let’s walk through why a secure storage lot doesn’t just beat the driveway— it absolutely destroys it. 1. Your driveway wasn’t designed for this relationship Driveways were made for cars. Maybe bikes. Defini

A realistic guide for every camper who has opened the door after winter storage and thought, “that’s… concerning." There is nothing more humbling than opening your camper in the spring, breathing in deeply, and suddenly questioning every decision you made last fall. Is that mildew? Is that the fridge? Is that… old hot dog water vibes ? Whatever it is, you don’t want it. The good news? That “camper funk” is preventable — and fixable — with a few simple habits. Here’s how to ke

Hi. It’s me. Your camper. Yes — the one currently parked in the gravel lot, wrapped up like a sad burrito. I just wanted to check in because… well… I have had some thoughts. Day 1 of Storage: They’ll be back any minute. You parked me, patted the side of the door, and said, “Sleep tight, buddy.” You did the whole sentimental walkaway thing. I felt special. Day 12: Comfortable. Cozy. Confident. Pretty sure they just ran into Target. They probably got distracted. I’ll see them l