If your idea of camping was tossing a blanket down on the living room floor, you might not have the first idea of how to do real camping outside. But that’s okay because we’ve got you covered. Camping can be a lot of fun for families of all sizes and experience levels. You need to learn a few things to help make the entire process easier.
Camping with your family can be a great way to spend time together, get away from the daily grind, and enjoy nature and the great outdoors. But for someone who has never been camping or has minimal experience with it, it can feel intimidating to plan a trip with your family.
Whether it’s your first time camping, or you just haven’t been in a long time, we have some tips to help you do it right.
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Choose the location carefully
You should think about who will be camping with you, the time of year, and what activities your family may want to enjoy together when choosing your location. Will you camp by a lake and do water activities? You could camp at a campsite with amenities like golf or a water slide and pool. If you’re camping with children, keep their ages and needs in mind when choosing your location.
Prepare for the weather
You should always check the weather forecast and plan ahead for potential bad weather. You never know when unexpected rain may come through, for example. If you pack correctly and prepare for this, you won’t have to call your camping trip short just because of a little bit of rain. If, however, there is a severe storm or emergency like a fire, you should also have an evacuation plan so that you can pack up and get out while it is safe.
Prepare for your meals
One of the most important things you will face while camping is what to eat. And in most camping situations, you won’t be able to pop in a shop and buy something. This is why it’s essential to prepare your meals properly. It would be best to consider what can be stored in a cooler and heated on a grill or fire while you’re camping. You can also bring pre-cooked stews, soups, or other foods that you can heat. Some people bring canned goods and heat over a fire. Be sure to plan the meals and include items all of your family will enjoy.
Pack some things to do
Part of the point of camping is to get away from it all and enjoy nature. But the truth is, there are times that it can get boring. Your family may especially struggle with this if they are used to being always “connected” to the internet, cell phones, video games, and other electronics and devices. You can help ease the transition by bringing along some activities to do. This can be as simple as a football to toss, or some fishing rods, a volleyball net, or your bicycles to go biking.
Let go of expectations
This is just good advice in general, but you may not know what to expect if camping is new to your family. And that can be an excellent thing. Go to have fun and spend time together and let that be good enough. You don’t need to plan out every minute of the day or build a schedule for your camping trip. You will miss out on the chance to get lost exploring and appreciating nature, or telling ghost stories by the campfire, or hiking around the lake together as a family. Just let it flow and enjoy each moment as it comes.
These are just a few family camping tips to help you if you’re a beginner. As you gain more and more camping experience, you’ll find what works best for your family. Part of the fun is finding your way and allowing each family member to contribute. This is how you will create memories that last a lifetime and teach your children valuable skills they can use later in life. Whatever you do, don’t forget the most important tip: Have fun!
