How to Plan the Perfect Family Camping Trip

Camping is a great activity for the whole family! You get to spend time with your loved ones and step back from everyday life to enjoy the great outdoors.

As much fun as camping is, it does require a lot of preparation. If you don’t think everything through, you might end up with a disaster on your hands.

Here are some of our tips to help you plan the perfect family camping trip.

Pick a Good Site

Picking a good site is crucial. If this is your first trip, it might be best to stay local. Research some popular spots in your area. Make a reservation if necessary as campgrounds can fill up quickly.

Read up on the rules of your chosen area. Are they kid-friendly/pet-friendly? You’ll want to make sure the area is good for everyone on the trip.

Pick a Good Time of Year

Camping grounds tend to be most crowded during the summer. If you don’t mind the crowds, be sure to reserve a spot. Opt for another time of year if you want to have the site to yourself. 

Take into consideration what your family can handle. Will it be miserable for everyone if you go when it’s too hot or cold? Do you want to go swimming or take hikes in the cooler weather?

Think about what activities everyone is interested in and who is coming to ensure you go at the perfect time.

Get Reliable Camping Equipment

An RV is great for camping. You get to experience the outdoors while still having a bit of luxury.

If you want to go more traditional, you’ll need equipment such as:

• Tents
• Sleeping bags
• Air mattresses
• Tarp
• Generators
• Fire starters

This equipment can be expensive. If you invest in quality products, however, they will last you for years. Use resources such as this guide by Generator Advisor to help you buy the right products. 

Pack the Essentials

Depending on the location of your camping spot, you might not have easy access to a store. It is important to come prepared. Make sure you have plenty of food for your trip.

You should also have essentials such as:

• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Extra clothes
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Spare batteries
• Flashlights
• Paper towels
• Water bottles
• First aid kit/medications

Pack the Fun Stuff

Once you have the essentials, don’t forget the fun stuff! Let your children bring their favorite toys and games. Pack s’more ingredients for the campfire. For bedtime, bring books to help kids wind down.

The possibilities are endless! Get everyone involved in the planning process to ensure that everyone has a great time.

Plan Activities

Try to leave the electronics at home. You and your family are here to enjoy the great outdoors!

Is there a lake at your spot? Perfect! Your family can swim the day away. You can also go kayaking or canoeing. You can even fish or just admire the view. 

If there isn’t a lake, there is still plenty to do. Go on a hike and look for wildlife. Bring binoculars for a better view. Create a scavenger hunt list for the kids to complete.

Safety First

Before setting out on your trip, make sure everyone is aware of the importance of safety. This is especially important if you are camping with young children.

Set rules and boundaries. Don’t allow children to swim unsupervised. The same goes for the campfire; make sure there is always an adult present. Encourage everyone to stay together and use the buddy system. Keep an eye out for wild animals, poison ivy, etc.

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to camping. Implement these tips, and you will have a trip that everyone is sure to remember fondly!