Summer family camping trips are ideal for those who appreciate the great outdoors. Filled to the very brim with fun activities and bonding with family, camping is a wonderful experience. Yet camping trips can be as diverse as the people who enjoy them. Terrains differ, climates differ and so do the activities and camp style options. Location changes everything, the campsite options differ and this can have great bearing on whether one enjoys their camping trip of deems it a nightmare. So how does one ensure their family has a memorable camping trip?
Do some online research:
Research the location you have chosen for the camping trip prior to heading off. Your research should include finding out about the terrain, wildlife, safety or possible hazards of the area and if flash flooding is likely occur. One will need to know if there is another way out of the campgrounds if needed due to mudslides, bush fires and so forth.
Check about the access and if the location is only for 4×4 vehicles or all vehicles. Perchance one can only backpack to the campground. Knowing upfront is imperative. Check out the terrain on Google and find out exactly what awaits you arrival.
When camping it is important to get good gear. The most important item when camping is your tent. Look for double stitching to keep out the elements. Put a mattress pad or spare sleeping bag on the floor of the tent to cushion the ground. Quality sleeping bags that fit the temperature range you will be sleeping in are best. You can buy specialty bags for extreme temperatures.
Check Ebay and local used sporting goods stores for great items at a low price. Don’t invest a lot of money into camping gear until you see if you enjoy it.
Make sure you know the local fishing/camping regulations in the area you plan to go. Since many areas have specific laws governing fishing, campfires and other burning you may want to check with the local authorities on what is and isn’t allowed before you plan on going to an area.
If you have kids that are addicted to technology, I strongly suggest you don’t enforce “roughing it.” Allow your kids small blocks of time so they can enjoy their vacation too! Your child may be more enthusiastic about fishing or a nature walk if they can text message their friends about it afterwords.
Don”t Forget:
A First Aid Kit
Pictures of Poison Ivy and Oak (so you can recognize and avoid)
Bug Spray
Suntan Lotion
Benedryl (in case of allergic reactions)
Plastic garbage bags (for all those muddy clothes and shoes that have to be transported back home)
Flashlights for everyone Books to help identify Leaves, Birds, Bugs, Owls, Tracks, Animals, and FishWays to save:
Bring your own ice
Invest in a quality cooler
Save those extra ketchup/mustard packs from fast food restaurants to take on camping trips
Buy camping equiptment for the next year during the fall
Bring Paper Towels
Find out if your camp site has a laundry, bring your own detergent and softener
Have the kids wear their old shoes instead of their new ones, creeks, trails, and sand can quickly destroy shoes
