Campfires, tents, s’mores, oh my! 5 Tips for fun family camping

The sun is struggling to peak its way out from behind the April clouds that have intruded their way into May. Slowly, but surely, the weather has improved as I stare at my camping gear that begs to be taken out from the back of my closet. Ever since my first trip at five years of age, camping has defined the highlights of my summers.

With family campgrounds across the country, this affordable method of travel provides endless possibilities for summer adventures and a wonderful break from manmade hotel resorts. Whether in the mountains of New Hampshire, or on a lake’s edge out West, grab a fishing pole, lace up your hiking boots, and reunite with nature.

When camping with a family, certain tips can aid in the transition process from TV’s and videogames to campfires and kayaking. Before planning your excursion, consider the following five suggestions:

Scope out the area

Some of the most exciting camping experiences come from locations outside of the campground’s boundaries. Before booking a site make sure to look up directions and projected travel times to mountain trails, water parks, beaches, and nature reserves in the area. This prevents unexpected drives that have a way of quickly turning your outdoor adventures into miserable cramped car rides.

Acquaint yourself with the campground

Not all campgrounds are created equal. Call to ask about fire rings on campsites, the availability of kids’ activities, and the proximity to other locations such as ice cream stands, a grocery store, or hiking trails. In addition, check for spontaneous charges ahead of time. Do they charge for an extra car? Visitors? Electricity usage? Running water? Make sure you know exactly what is included in your basic night cost before arriving.

Pack extras and create a checklist

Camping doesn’t require squishing toys and clothes into a tiny suitcase, placing it on the bathroom scale, and trying to quiet the tears when some favorite items need to be left at home. In this case, packing extra clothes, shoes, towels, and other necessities is strongly suggested. Other often forgotten items that come in handy include: quarters (for the showers and arcades), shower shoes, warm clothes for nighttime, fire wood and starters, a first aid kit, outdoor toys (chalk, baseball mitts, bubbles, etc.) and a tarp.

Plan meals ahead of time

Having a plan when it comes to camping meals is critical. Not only do you want to have basic meal lineups, but you also need backups for when the propane tank on your travel grill runs out unexpectedly or it downpours leaving cooking over the fire no longer an option. Staples that you cannot travel without include bread, putter butter and jelly. Other handy solutions include trail mix, granola bars, and cereal.

Stay safe and have fun!

Keep everyone safe by reminding kids of the rules around fire, water, and roads in and around the campsite. Make sure to bring bug spray, suntan lotion, and walkie talkie radios or cell phones if the family plans to divide and conquer. Remember to explain the rules to ensure that everyone has fun and stays safe.

With summer and school vacation right around the corner, its time to head outside. Gear up and head out on a family camping expedition to create memories and experiences to last the whole year through.

Photograph by Wiangya.

Jen Collins is an intern at Mom Central.

Mom Central