Family Camping Trips: Tips on Planning

By Wendi Garcia

Family camping trips are always a great way to bond and spend time with your loved ones, to enjoy the natural ambience of the environment while playing with your kids or going fishing or hiking with your spouse. Indeed, there's nothing more refreshing than to wake up in the company of chirping birds and swaying trees, inhaling fresh air and not having to worry about getting late for work or about the laundry that calls for some washing.

Because most families love to camp, and we all want our trips to be the best ever, here are some pointers on how to plan for a wonderful and safe family camping trip:

1. Consider the weather. This will determine many things about your camping such as the amount of clothing to bring or the kind of Coleman tents to pack. If it's going to be a cold weather, be sure to bring sufficient clothing to protect you from the cold. Camping gear designed for cold weather such as mummy sleeping bags and Coleman winter tents should be considered. On the other hand, if it's going to be a sunny weather, don't forget to pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and a tent with lots of mesh screen.
2. Determine what kind of camping you intend to do. Do you plan to go RV camping, tent camping, beach camping or car camping? Whichever you choose, remember that different camping occasions call for different camping equipment.
3. Pick a safe reputable campground. Online, you will find a great deal of resources and information about almost all the campgrounds in this country. From the description of their facilities and activities they offer, you will have an idea on what campsite will suit your family's needs. Get recommendations from friends and relatives who have tried camping before. Make sure you locate the nearest ranger, police station and hospital. You also have to get to know about the campsite's regulations like where to dispose garbage or what are the quiet hours at night.
4. Create a checklist of things to bring. This will ensure that you do not forget anything essential or that you don't end up bringing too much load. The basic checklist should include camping tents, sleeping bags, heaters, lanterns, flashlight, outdoor cookware, cooking and eating utensils, coolers, stove, tables and chairs, first aid kit, food and water, and personal toiletries.
5. Create a list of activities you want to do in the camping trip. This is important so that you are able to bring the things you'll need for these activities. For example, if you intend to do some hiking, don't forget to include a compass and whistle in your pack and if you plan to do bird watching, a pair of binoculars as well as a reliable camera will come in handy.
6. Prepare a menu for your outdoor cooking adventure. Be sure to opt for simple and easy-to-cook meals so that it won't take you an entire day to prepare them. Pre-cook and measure some of the ingredients at home to save you cooking and preparation time. When preparing your menu, don't forget to keep in mind any food preferences or allergies that your family may have.
7. Visit the doctor for a regular check-up to see if you and your kids are fit to do the physically demanding activities.
8. Eat well and have a good quality rest prior to the trip. With all the activities that are lined up, you surely need the energy and vigor to be able to do them. Make sure that you and your family are well-nourished and properly rested.

Planning is probably the most important part of any vacation. With proper planning and thorough preparation, you're on way to have a terrific camping vacation with your family.

Beginner camping
mistakes you can avoid

Internal pages:
camp essentials for our main page.
all season sleeping bags to see other top supply stores.
name brand packs for the hiker who wants the best backpack.
three-season tents to browse many of the Web's most popular outdoor gear shops.

Copyright © Camping Gear Guide.