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A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning the Perfect Family Camping Trip

Writer's picture: Mary Van MeterMary Van Meter

Are you itching for an outdoor getaway with your family? Camping is a great choice because it’s affordable, accessible almost anywhere and gives you the opportunity to spend time in nature. A successful camping trip requires careful planning. There are lots of details to consider from packing the perfect bag, choosing the best location and selecting activities that everyone in your family will enjoy. The good news is that with the right preparation, your camping trip can be everything you want it to be and more! Read on for a step-by-step guide to planning the perfect family camping trip.


Decide on a Location

When choosing the location for your trip, think about the type of experience you want to have. Are you looking for a place with lots of amenities? If so, you might want to steer clear of a remote location. If you want to get away from it all, consider a place with few or no facilities. Maybe you have a specific experience in mind, like the giant redwood trees of the Pacific Northwest or the sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. The most important thing to consider is how much time you have to plan your trip. When do you want to go? Is your schedule flexible enough to allow for changing weather conditions?


Pick the Date and Time

When picking the date for your trip, consider when the best weather will be in your location. While you don’t want to plan your trip around the weather entirely, it can give you a good idea of what to expect. In general, the best weather occurs in the spring and fall. However, keep in mind that fall weather can be unpredictable and the season is short in most parts of the country. The summer months are usually the busiest, so you might want to avoid them if you’re looking for a more secluded experience. As far as time of day goes, go with whatever feels right for your family. Some people prefer to leave early in the morning so they get extra daylight hours. Others prefer to hit the road after dark so they can avoid the heat of the day.


Select Equipment

Before heading to the store to select your camping gear, make a list of everything you think you’ll need and then start crossing things off. Most of the time, you don’t need as much as you think you do. A few items to consider are tents, sleeping bags, a camp stove, and a cooler. Tents: When choosing a tent, consider how many people will be sleeping in it, the number of doors, and if it has enough space for any gear. Some tents are made for two people, while others can fit six. Sleeping bags: When selecting a sleeping bag, think about the climate you’ll be camping in, how many layers you’ll be wearing, and your personal comfort level. If you’re camping in the summer, you’ll want a lightweight sleeping bag that is designed for sleeping in warm weather. Camp Stove: Your camp stove is one essential item that makes cooking in the great outdoors possible. There are a variety of stoves to choose from, so decide what will work best for your family. If you have younger children, you might want a stove that can be operated with a match or a lighter. Cooler: When purchasing a cooler for your trip, consider how many people will be in your party, how long you’ll be gone, and what you’ll be storing inside. If you’ll be gone for a long time, you might want to invest in a cooler with wheels.


Plan Activities for Everyone

If your family is anything like mine, they’ll have a few “must-do” activities on their list. But what about the rest of the time? What do you do when the sun goes down? Before you start packing, ask yourself these questions. Do you want to be outdoors or indoors more? What activities appeal to the entire family? What things can you do outside? What activities can you do indoors? If you’re planning a trip with young children, it’s a good idea to keep them in mind when planning activities. Make sure you provide ample opportunities for rest and sleep. Kids may not be able to stay up late like adults, so plan an activity for the evening that everyone can enjoy, like a game or storytelling session.


Final Words

There are two things to keep in mind as you plan your trip. First, remember that planning is the best way to reduce stress on the day of the trip. Second, don’t sweat the small stuff. Try to enjoy the planning process so that you can be relaxed when you actually go on the trip. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to planning the perfect family camping trip.




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