Exploring Nature: Family Camping Tips – “When are we going camping?” Asked my son the other day. Camping is a highly anticipated activity in our household. As a child, I also loved camping. My parents couldn’t afford fancy trips abroad, but that didn’t matter. Our summer camping trips were filled with the best kind of adventure: exploring forests, climbing rocks, playing in streams, eating marshmallows, and listening to bedtime stories. Camping was magical and I wanted to share that magic with my kids.
I approached our first family camping adventure with excitement. I prepared for everything. I packed, packed again and packed some more. I stocked up on those “ultimate” family camping checklists and created an elaborate system of containers. Instead of feeling well prepared and ready for our camping adventure, all the lists, boxes and plans left me feeling exhausted and frustrated. Camping became a logistical nightmare.
Exploring Nature: Family Camping Tips
A few years ago I was wrestling through my pile of camping gear. “I hate packing,” I muttered to myself as I pulled out bin after bin. With my frustration quickly rising I looked at the huge pile of luggage and declared, “I don’t need to pack all this crap!”, and then I realized – I really didn’t!
Family Camping 101 Guide
Why do we bring our families camping? Is it to spend time with your loved ones? Disconnect? Reconnect with nature? all of the above?
For our family, camping is a time to connect with nature, each other and our friends. It’s time for a smooth game. We get dirty, make fires, roast marshmallows and sleep with dust on our feet and smoke in our hair. Camping is a break from our complicated lives and a chance to live simply, even if only for a few days.
Each family may have different reasons for camping, but I can guarantee that no one will actually say: “I bring my family camping so I can pack the crap”. Said never have any parents.
Why are we so obsessed with those “ultimate family camping lists”, systems of containers and piles of luggage when we go camping? The fact is that we can do with very little. Camping is supposed to be simple, that’s its beauty.
The Perfect Camping Destination In Scioto County, Ohio
Every year as I sort through our camping supplies, I ask myself “What could we do without?”. Packing less means it’s easier to go on last-minute camping trips. Less stuff also means we are able to enjoy our time camping. There’s less stuff to unpack, less stuff to manage, and more opportunities for creative fun at the campsite!
What if I forget [fill in the blank]? Some of our best memories happened simply because we had nothing. Try opening a corked bottle of wine with a shoe (it can be done!) or brush your teeth without a toothbrush. Once we even forgot our stove! It’s amazing how creative and adaptable we can be when given the chance.
It is always possible to add items to the list. If there’s swimming nearby you might want to bring a towel or two, an Aeropress for your caffeine fix, or your camera to capture those magical moments. However, keep everything as simple as possible. Don’t worry about bringing toys (not one!) instead let the kids play with rocks, dirt, and sticks. Also leave electronic devices at home (keep your cell phone away for emergencies only). There is also no need to bring cutting boards, pans, spatulas, can openers, measuring cups, measuring spoons or plastic tablecloths. Plan meals that don’t require these items, or prepare your own at home in advance.
Simply packing is the first big step toward a fun, easy, and stress-free family camping adventure, but here are some other great ways to make camping fun and easy to pull off on short notice: We use cookies to help remember your preferences and repeat visits, troubleshoot how the site works, and learn more about how the site is performing. By using this site, you consent to the use of all cookies. Find out more about cookies in our privacy policy.
The Best Guide To Free #vanlife Camping In National Forests & Blm Land
Camping may be one of the most economical ways to travel and vacation but, even so, there are still things you can do to make it even easier on the pocketbook and save money. Below you’ll find tips and tricks to help you save big on your next camping adventure.
Although camping does not have to be expensive, it is important to note that it is not completely free. You’ll need some gear, food to eat, and a reserved camping spot, but these costs can be minimal if done right.
Here are ways to cut costs so you can get out and enjoy the outdoors without worry.
If you’re new to camping and want to test the waters before thinking about buying your own gear, borrowing camping gear from friends is a great option. It’s also the way to go if you already know you love camping, but don’t have the money to drop on everything you need. Be sure to always return camping gear in the same shape as it was when your friend lent it to you.
Tips For Camping With Kids
If camping is something you envision yourself doing for many years to come, there is no need to buy everything in one year. Instead, start with the basics: a tent, sleeping bag, and a cooler, and then wait until next year to buy a sleeping pad and a portable stove. Each year you can make your camping experience a little more luxurious without realizing that every dollar you’re making goes into camping gear.
The amount of new camping gear and gadgets that come out every year is amazing. That’s one of the things we love about this industry because there’s always something new and exciting that goes into camping.
However, if you’re trying to camp on a budget, you can take advantage of those new gear releases in a different way. As new items come out, old items are often discounted or campers get rid of their old items to make way for new items and take them to second hand shops. So, you can look for sales in stores on last year’s items, or you can make a day of finding camping gear that no one else needs.
REI’s garage sales have become a hot spot for campers and outdoor adventurers of all kinds to get screaming deals on slightly used gear. Garage sales used to be held several times a year, but now, some REI locations around the country have a year-round used gear section that you can shop.
Twelve Parents’ Tips On Camping With Kids: ‘don’t Look Too Closely At Anyone’s Feet’
Instead of spending extra money on gear designated for camping, first, check to see what you already have at home that can still work during your outdoor adventures. For example, take a non-stick pan. While you don’t want to get a high-quality one that you use to cook almost every day, chances are good that you have an old pan lying around that would be perfect for camping.
This also works when it comes to bedding. You don’t have to buy a pillow just for camping – bring one from home and wash the pillow when you get home. Also, if buying new sleeping bags isn’t in your budget, grab a bunch of blankets from home. These will work great (unless you’re camping in cold weather – in that case, you need a cold weather specific sleeping bag to keep you safe and warm).
If you’re camping with friends, you can check to see what everyone has. A friend may have a camping stove, which means you don’t have to buy one. Another may have all the spices you need for cooking, so you can save your money on it. And you can have enough fixings to last a lifetime, so your friends can save money on it. Sharing is caring!
The simpler your camping food, the better. This is not only in terms of cost but also in terms of convenience. Cooking a four-course meal while camping sounds like a lot more effort than we want to put in (but if that floats your boat, by all means, go for it!).
Must Do Activities For A First Camping Trip
If you want to camp on a budget, food offers a great way to save money. Simple foods like ground meats, hot dogs, vegetables, and really anything that is a one-pot meal are going to be your best friends and so is planning your meals in advance. It’s that last-minute scramble that often ends up in extra money spent at the grocery store or a restaurant.
Also, be sure to bring spices, herbs, and spices from home to help bring more flavor to the meal (we’re looking at you, hot dogs).
To prevent this from happening, plan your meals and prepare as much as possible before you go on your camping adventure.
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