Camping trips with family are a bonding experience that helps you unwind, relax, and de-stress away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. Unplug your devices and get out there to explore nature and all the goodness it has to offer. They are definitely a tried and tested recipe for fun – especially if you have kids. However, the prospect of planning a fun-filled camping trip can be a little intimidating if it’s your first time planning one. But there’s no need to fret as there’s really no one-size-fits-all approach to planning the perfect camping trip. It takes more than a little trial and error to get a gist of what works for your family and what doesn’t, but we are here to help your way through it.
Tips for planning a successful family camping trip
The key to the perfect family camping trip is to prepare for it thoroughly. Putting effort into planning the trip will make it all the more memorable, fun and stress-free. We have put together a list of all the things you need to consider to make your trip a fun-filled magical experience.
1. Choose the right location
The location of your camping trip can potentially impact how fun your trip will be. Choose a campsite based on the interest of your family and their camping abilities. Look for an established campsite with scenic views.
If you’re seeking such a campsite near Tennessee, consider checking out this RV Camping at a Greenbrier Campground in the Smokies near Gatlinburg.
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2. Choose your route
Now that you know where you’re going, it’s time to work out how you’re going to get there.
Try to make a list of fun-filled activities that you can do on your way there and let your kids choose the ones they like.
It’s a great way to get your family pumped up about the trip. The more involved the kids are in the planning process, the more they will enjoy it. No one, especially small children, enjoys being carried around from place to place against their will.
3. Plan extensively
Determine what activities are offered while choosing a campsite for auto camping. You want to make sure that the kids enjoy their time there and feel happy and entertained.
It’s important to check the laws and regulations of the campsite to ensure a fun-filled time. Knowing about the onsite facilities at camp and whether they allow pets means you’ll experience fewer hassles. Besides that, make a list of all the meals you’ll be preparing throughout your camping trip. Maintain a basic but delectable menu. It’s ideal to prep something quick and easy that everyone will like. Also, choose meals that need the least amount of cleaning. To keep the ingredients for each meal orderly, store them in separate containers or zip lock bags wherever feasible. Lastly, Don’t forget to bring lots of refreshments for the whole family!
4. Prepare your camping gear
Your camping gear is a personal choice heavily dependent on you and your family’s needs. Before going to the campsite, familiarize yourself with new items and test them to ensure they work correctly. Also, consider the tent you’ll be using as it depends on the number of people it’ll be accommodating. It’s very beneficial to practice pitching the tent beforehand as Nothing is more aggravating — and humiliating — than fumbling with aluminum poles and canvas in the middle of the night.
Some essential items for your camping gear include fully stocked first-aid kits, flashlights, extra batteries, sunscreen, fuel, camping stove, headlamps, insect repellant, etc.
5. Come up with fun activities
While the majority of the effort and fun may occur before you even leave for your trip, you should make time to plan the enjoyable activities you’ll do once you’ve arrived at your destination. And, of course, now is the ideal opportunity to involve your kids in the process and make them feel included.
You might want to perform some quick google searches to see what activities are available and provide your children with a list of different choices. Planning activities also include taking some items from home for your children to enjoy while camping, including books, board games, fishing gear, kayaking, star gazing kits, card games, treasure hunts, etc.
6. Make safety your top priority
When camping with your family, safety is undoubtedly the top priority. Your entire family should be familiar with the fundamentals of outdoor safety, and you should teach your kids as well. Water Bodies like lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams should be avoided when children are left alone without adult supervision. If they go paddleboarding make sure to supervise them. Children should learn to spot poisonous plants such as sumac and poison ivy and that they should avoid these plants.
Kids should know that things they find in the wild are not supposed to be eaten. The berries may appear appealing, but they have the potential to make you sick. Plus, feeding or petting any animal is extremely prohibited regardless of its size. Make sure your kids have a loud whistle and teach them how to use it if they become lost or in difficulty. Lastly, kids should know how to be safe around a campfire.
7. Keep up a positive attitude
Maintaining a positive attitude will make your camping experience more enjoyable and memorable. If you’ve ever gone camping, you might already know that even the best-laid plans may go wrong. Something as basic as failing to build a campfire may irritate people. Alternatively, the weather might turn against you and require you to cope with rain for the whole day. A million things can go wrong on a campout, but if you play it cool and don’t let it bother you, your family will pick up on your vibe, and the trip will still be enjoyable.
Final thoughts
Planning ahead of time can make a big difference in having a good time with your family while camping. Being prepared and planning everything is essential to ensure that your kids have fun. Nothing compares to spending quality time with your family. Involve your children in the planning process to ensure that your camping trip is a success, and that planning is a breeze for you and your family.
To get the most out of it and take a break from your hectic lifestyle, make sure you follow the advice and steps outlined above to plan and have the best family camping trip ever!
