What could be more fun than gathering around the campfire as a family? Nature hikes, picnicking, and enjoying the great outdoors are part of the memory-making enrichment of family camping trips.
Still, wrangling a couple of kids in the middle of the woods can sound intimidating. Here are seven parent-approved tips for making the most of your family camping trip.
Pack the essentials
Cooking is an essential part of camping, so gather plenty of outdoor cooking gear to take along. Campfire cooking gear is often durable, lightweight, and easy to store.
Frequent campers keep their camping cooking gear packed and ready, so they’re never forced to get creative with the aluminum foil.
Bring the right gear
One of the best family camping trip tips is bringing the right equipment. The basics of a family camping trip are a lightweight waterproof tent, cozy sleeping bags, chairs, and campfire equipment.
In an ideal world, these items will see plenty of use, so don’t be afraid to splurge on long-lasting quality.
Plan menus
Camping fare doesn’t have to be fancy, but it is easier with careful planning. Otherwise, you might end up with less-than-happy campers come mealtime. Make a list of what your family would like to eat while camping, and then a list of everything you will need, including condiments.
If you like mustard on your hotdogs or salt and pepper on your eggs, make sure to include those on your list. Don’t forget marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate for making delicious s’mores.
Bring toys and games
Even though there’s the great outdoors to enjoy, it’s a good idea to bring along toys, cards, and board games. These will keep younger campers happy.
If there’s sand at a lakeshore, bring along pails and shovels for sandcastles. At night, a spirited game of cards or a favorite family board game will be something everyone can enjoy.
Pack a first aid kit
Cuts, scrapes, or even a fever can happen when camping. Take along a first-aid kit, including an antibiotic cream, bandages, and fever and pain relievers for children and adults. Hopefully, you won’t need a first-aid kit, but it’s always better safe than sorry when you’re out in the wilderness.
Light up the night
Don’t forget to bring along lanterns and lights, especially if you have little ones afraid of the dark. Campfires don’t provide as much light as you’d think, so lanterns, flashlights, and strings of lights are a necessary part of family camping.
Glow sticks for the children to play with after the sun goes down are another great way to make lasting memories.
Start in your own backyard
When starting to camp as a family, you can start in your own backyard and expand to campgrounds and parks in your area.
Once you know your family loves camping, explore locations around the country where your family can camp on vacation. Some families camp their way across the country, taking in the natural beauty of America’s national parks.
Conclusion
Family camping trips make memories you’ll want to preserve in scrapbooks or even as framed photos for your home. Always take pictures, follow these camping tips, and enjoy your outing. Using a local resources like Empire State Trail Rentals makes a world of difference when seeking activity and gear recomendations.
