The following are some tried and true tips to ensure a fun and rewarding camping trip with your family.
Select the Right Site
Selecting a camping site is the most important decision you will make, one that can make or break your family camping experience. It may be your dream to backpack several miles into a remote location, but your kids (or your partner) might not be as enthusiastic about the idea as you are.
Make a Reservation
Make a camping reservation. Camping reservations are usually available online in established campgrounds.
Come Prepared
In addition to your campsite, the level of your preparation is the best predictor of family camping success. In the world of camping, “Be Prepared” is a great motto. The essential camping equipment for any outdoor adventure should include:
● First aid kit — well stocked and replenished
● Tent with rain fly and ground cloth
● Sleeping bags with an appropriate rating for temperature
● Camping mattresses, cots or foam pads
● Rain Gear — especially light-weight ponchos for everyone
● Flashlights
● Extra batteries
● Camping stove and fuel
● Camping lantern and fuel
● Camping cook set including can openers
● Water carriers
● Waterproof containers
● Sunscreen
● Insect repellent
● Camping cooler
By bringing storage bins to your campout, you can store all your camping gear and have it readily accessible. They can be stowed neatly under a picnic table at the campsite and easily stored in the back of a car. Furthermore, they keep wildlife from getting into your stuff when you aren’t around.
Structure Responsibilities
Camping will be a better experience for everyone if everyone shares in the responsibilities. Every day, we prepare a “duty roster” at scout camps to make sure everyone has something to do. Some cook, some cleanup, some gather firewood, some haul water. Having family members divide and conquer the work of a campout will help everyone do their part, but not more than their part.
Ponder About Pets
Before going anywhere, make sure they are welcome or allowed there. Plan your camping trip ahead of time so that you have a good camping experience with fun family memories rather than one that goes down as a “bad time was had by all” type of weekend. Have fun, plan ahead, and be prepared!