A Beginner's Guide to Family Camping

Camping is the perfect way to reconnect with the outdoors, nature, and your family. This guide for beginners will help you plan your first adventure!

Guest Post by Cal Bailey

In a world dominated by gadgets and smart devices, it’s just healthy to return to nature once in a while. No matter how advanced technology becomes, we’ll always find the need to relax, put our phones down, and enjoy some new scenery.

This is probably why camping is still one of the top choices for families looking for a fun activity. Not only does it relax the mind, it is also a pretty exciting adventure. If you’re about to go camping for the first time, here’s an easy guide to help you prepare.

A Beginner's Guide to Family Camping

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What to bring on a camping trip

Camping essentials are probably everyone’s utmost concern. Besides, who wants to leave important stuff behind? You don’t want to end up rubbing stones to make fire. With that said, don’t forget to bring some matches. Add in a couple of flashlights, appropriate clothing, your sleeping gear, and you’re good to go.

The most basic sleeping gear consists of sleeping bags, mats, blankets and, most importantly, tents.

Tents are tricky.

You can get the wrong tent and end up freezing at night. This is why it is important to consider the climate at your campsite. If it’s cold where you’re camping, using an insulated tent is best. Tents with pockets and clasps inside can make your life easier, as well.

Having matches, lights and sleeping essentials can already make you comfortable while camping. But if you want extra comfort, bring this other stuff as well:

- a portable stove,
- a cooking pot,
- disposable utensils,
- a cooler, garbage bags,
- a clothesline,
- extra footwear (preferably waterproof),
- headlamps,
- toilet paper,
- bathing essentials,
- towels,
- sunblock and
- sanitary pads for women.

If you have babies, don’t forget their important items too. This can include diapers, milk, bottles, pacifiers, medicines and a toy or two.

Speaking of meds, carry a first-aid kit as well. Complete it with the basics like Band-Aids, gauze, plasters, rash cream, antibacterial cream, anti-allergy meds, sunburn cream and other medicines prescribed by your doctor.

You may also want to bring some stuff for fun activities such as waterproof cards and a Frisbee. Shovels and buckets are great for the kids as well.

If swimming and hiking are possible at the campsite, don’t forget your swimsuits and hiking gear.

Bring plenty of food and water on your camping trip

Of all the things that you can forget, let it not be food and water. These are the most basic human needs, so put them at the top of your list.

I suggest bringing food items that are easy to eat like bread, spreads, energy bars, and cheese. Fruits and veggies, such as baby carrots, apples, pears and oranges are great picks, too.

If you like to cook, prepare easy one-pot dishes like stews and chili. If you want the kids to join the cooking fun, you can also let them help in preparing easy dishes like mac and cheese and toasted fruits.

You can definitely also enjoy the camping tradition of making some s’mores by the campfire. Add some graham crackers and chocolate to your toasted marshmallows, and your snack is complete.

Things to consider when choosing a campsite

There are campsites in almost every state. You just have to choose a location that you are willing to travel to. There are different types of campsites you can choose from, too.

Depending on your budget, you can stay at a luxurious resort-type campsite, or opt for basic outdoor camping if you want to experience roughing it in the wild.

You can also go to campsites for RVs and trailers if you’d rather not sleep in a tent. But as a whole, the principle is that the more money you spend, the better the amenities that you can use.

Some sites have full baths and toilets and others just have outhouses. Additionally, each campsite is different. There are those that are more social than others, hosting scavenger hunts and ranger talks.

If you prefer a quieter trip, I suggest going to campsites in less popular states.

More Camping Tips

If you’re anxious to know how your camping trip will go, do a trial run in your backyard, and make a list of everything you anticipate you will need. Book your trip in advance, especially if you’re going during a busy month.

Researching about your campsite, as well as the travel, is also a smart way to prepare.

About The Author: Cal Bailey runs www.MountainLeon.com - a travel blog he started after two years on backpacking around the world. If you want to more about camping and camping adventures, you should read his sleeping bag guide.

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