How to Plan a Family Camping Trip
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Planning a successful camping vacation with kids involves finding the right campsite, remembering family routines, and planning fun activities for the kids. Have no fear: how to plan a Family Camping Trip is easier than you might think!
Camping is a fun, budget-friendly way to holiday as a family. Seasoned campers and families going camping for the first time, need to plan a camping trip to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable, relaxed holiday. Here are a few tips on how to plan a family camping holiday.
How to Plan a Family Camping Trip
Choose a Campsite With Something for Everyone
Finding the perfect campsite can be tricky sometimes, but knowing what amenities are necessary will help narrow down the decision making process.
Take the ages of the children into consideration. Very young children will need short trails or a beach nearby; older children and teens may be up to more challenging trails and might want to socialize with other children at the campsite.
Also, consider previous camping experience. Families without a lot of prior camping experience will appreciate flush toilets and shower facilities. More seasoned campers might enjoy a remote location or walk/hike in campsites that don’t allow vehicles.
Consider Regular Family Routines
Families with a child who regularly wakes up very early might find themselves up before the sun rises, which can pose a challenge when everyone else at the campsite is still fast asleep.
Likewise, a child who usually falls asleep in a perfectly dark, quiet bedroom is likely to be kept awake by the light and noise that penetrates a tent. That is something to seriously consider when looking at Plan a Family Camping Trip.
While it’s a good idea to stick to the regular routines as much as possible, keep expectations about nap and bedtimes realistic, and be prepared for young kids to be awake at unusual times. Have some breakfast food within easy access and a quiet activity on hand for the kid who can’t sleep.
Learn How to Camp Safely and Comfortably
Always read any wildlife notices on a campsite’s noticeboard or ask the campsite host about recent wildlife sightings in the area. Know how to keep the campsite safe from bears by packing all food and cooking equipment away in a vehicle or a hanging cache when not in use.
Always bring a warm coat and/or rain gear, especially when camping early or late. Nothing makes a camping trip less enjoyable than being wet and cold.
Prepare Camping Gear and Plan Meals in Advance
Go through camping supplies such as tents, tarps, ropes, flashlights and cooking supplies a few days before departure, so that it is possible to make any necessary repairs or replacements before leaving. Plan meals, and don’t forget the marshmallows for s’ mores!
Family camping trips are a great way to expose city kids to nature, get away from it all on a limited budget, and make some fantastic memories of telling tall tales around the campfire. Each family may need different amenities, but by planning in advance, keeping routines and expectations realistic, and learning how to stay safe, camping can be a fun holiday that just about everyone can enjoy!
Things to Consider When Setting Up Your Camp
There are many aspects to consider when you are setting up your camp: the rules of where you’re camping, the environment you’re in, and what you’re planning to do while you’re there.
how to plan a Family Camping Trip: Where You’ll Cook
This is important because it can inform how you set up everything else. In some cases, where you sleep might be different from where you cook depending on the rules of the area.
Some campsites offer grills, picnic tables, and that type of thing, and prefer that you use them for cooking.
Where You’ll Wash Up
Some campsites even have public showers, but some don’t. You can bring baby wipes, or lake safe soaps so you can wash up in the lake if you don’t have a source of other types of water available. Remember to follow the rules, though.
Where You’ll Go to the Bathroom
This is simple if toilets or outhouses are around but if not, you’ll need to pick a spot away from your campsite to prepare for toileting. You need to bury your business so that you don’t attract animals or ruin the experience for everyone else.
The Size of Your Group
Where you set up really depends on the size of your group. It’s better if you and your group stay close together when sleeping and eating so that you can monitor your litter and safety better.
What Type of Wildlife Is in the Area
In some areas, bears are common, which means you’ll need to have ways to lock up your things to keep them safe from bears when you’re out exploring away from your campsite. Other areas have snakes, spiders, and other creatures that you need to know how to protect yourself from.
The Rules of the Campsite
It’s been mentioned a few times, but if you don’t follow the rules of the campsite you could be fined hundreds of dollars. Even if you don’t agree with a rule, follow it. For example, if you’re allowed to bring your dog, but one of the rules is to clean up the doggie doo, ensure that you do it.
How You’ll Store Food
One of the most important considerations about your campsite is how you’re going to store food. Remember that you could attract bears, raccoons, and other animals if your food is not put away securely.
Health and Illness
If anyone in your family has an illness that needs to be considered, make sure you plan for that. For example, some types of diabetes medication have to be kept in a refrigerator and some types don’t.
Fire Safety
The best course of action is to use existing equipment for fires and not to try to make a new fire pit. If you do need to make a fire pit, use rocks and keep the area free of leaves and other debris. And don’t have a fire when it’s super windy.
Setting up your campsite is the first thing you’re going to do when you get there. Know how you’re going to do it in advance so that you bring all the right equipment with you and are prepared for issues as they arise.
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