10 Tips for Happy Family Camping – part 2

Last week I gave you the first 5 of my 10 tips for happy family camping. Here is part 2 with 5 more tips.

#6 Pack a Bag for Each Kid
Whether you will be driving for 5 minutes or 10 hours to get to your campsite I recommend that each child has their own bag. Kids camping for the first time especially appreciate taking a bit of their own ’space’ with them. Into the bag go small items which can be played with in the car and in the tent. A special blanket, soft toy, and/or PJ’s are a comfort to children and make them feel at home while traveling and in their new surroundings. I also recommend a non-spill cup or water bottle, a small ball, books, music, books on CD/tape, a hand lens, and travel games. My kids have always carried their own bathroom items too from a young age. These things provide familiar routines. Keep the child’s bag small and put changes of clothes and outdoor items in a separate bag.

#7 Pack Extra Warm Stuff
It is your responsibility as a parent to ensure that each family member has enough clothes to stay warm and dry no matter what the weather. Nothing spoils a camping trip faster than a cold child, or adult! Pack layers of clothes – quick-dry items if you own them. Things like long socks, hats, and gloves may be needed if you are going north, into the mountains, or camping in spring or fall. Kids are prone to fall into creeks and lakes or just to enjoy jumping in puddles. Tired people, after a day of outdoor activity, can get colder than you’d expect. Pack for one season colder than you’d pack for if you were staying in a hotel or resort. If in doubt, take extra. Also, make sure that your sleeping bags are warm enough – little kids have a lot of air space in a sleeping bag and you need to allow for that. Ask at a camping store if you need advice.

#8 Take Plenty Snacks and Water
Now that you have planned to stay warm and dry, the next thing is to make sure that everyone stays happily fed and watered. It’s worth spending some time before your trip trying out any snacks you plan to take which your kids are not familiar with. Things like dried fruit, jerky, crackers, cereal, and energy bars travel well. I like to take a cooler when we go on a trip and I always have it stocked with things like mini carrots, cheese sticks and grapes. It’s worth having some extra small ziploc bags or reusable containers to use both inside the car and when you’re out on a hike. Water is even more important and often overlooked when you think about traveling and being outside. It’s worth checking recommendations with a health site you trust. Rehydration tablets or powder may also be necessary if the temperatures will be hot. I’ll write about this another time.

#9 Choose a Sensible Shelter
Shelters can vary from rentable cabins to backpacking tents and RVs. If you’ve never taken your kids out into nature for an overnight and you’re not used to camping yourself it’s best to go “upmarket”. State parks and private camping sites often have cabins or trailers available for rent. Some places there are yurts and tepees too. Get somewhere that at least has bunks for you to place your sleeping bags on. The new experience of being away from home might be enough to deal with by itself without having to learn camping skills. The best place to first try a tent is in your own back yard. Perhaps you’ll be amazed at the new angle you see your neighborhood from. Just be aware that the tents and sleeping bags sold in places like Target and Walmart might be great for back yard camping, but not much use for somewhere like Yellowstone.

#10 Be Prepared
It’s the old scout motto, and for good reason. Check the weather forecast before you go and while you are out. I usually check it at least twice a day – you want to know what is coming toward you. Campsite owners and park rangers are good for talking with about this. Know about any natural hazards and what to do to avoid them. You may be more likely to be hurt by sunburn and dehydration than bears, but you need to know about things like biting insects, poisonous and irritating plants, snakes, and precautions to take on the trails. Parks and campsites usually have rules for safe storage of food, trash, and cosmetics as well as for campfires. Suncream and insect repellent are must-haves. If you have an inflatable mattress, and/or a tent, carry repair kits. If this all sounds too much, look for a guided trip where you’ll be with someone who knows the area. Or join Adventure Guides, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or the YMCA.

This is not an exhaustive list of what you need for camping – use local information and your own common sense when preparing for a trip. For more camping tips visit E-How. Camping is a big adventure. I don’t think there is any better way to interact with the outdoors and nature, but it’s not for everyone. I hope you’ll give it a try. Let me know about your adventures.

If you liked this you might enjoy: 10 Tips for Happy Family Camping – part 1 and Rocket Stove Cooking.
Find books on kid camping and camp essentials at Amazon.com. Purchases made through these links benefit Loving Nature’s Garden.

Related posts:

1. 10 Tips for Happy Family Camping – part 1
2. S-mores and Sleeping Bags Beat Hawaii
3. A Guide to Happy Family Gardening