Tips How to Plan a Family Camping Trip

Camping is a fabulous activity for families, especially those that need an electronics break. Because there are fewer distractions - be it TV or chores - your family will have more time to talk and enjoy each other's company. Get started planning your family getaway with the following steps.

How to Plan a Family Camping Trip

Step 1 - Determine Your Location
When you are looking for a campground, think about how far you want to drive and what activities or amenities you would like to have nearby. Consider the amenities you would like. Are you looking for a resort like camp ground? Do you want to hike or take advantage of other outdoor adventures? What about some historical site seeing? Keep this in mind as you look for grounds. Guaranteed you will find something near any site or activity that you want to visit. It's just a matter of knowing what you want and where you want it.

Step 2 - Establish Your Itinerary
Decide how many days you would like to be away. If this is your first trip, I'd recommend three days and two nights. When calling the campground to make a reservation, have a few dates in mind, especially if you plan to camp during a peak season. After you've made your reservation, do an online search for any special events planned while you are camping. Factor that into any other activities you would like to participate in on your trip and schedule accordingly. Remember that you'll need a little extra time at the beginning and end of your trip to set up and pack up camp.

Step 3 - Pack

You are going to think of things to bring from now until your trip. Set up a plastic bin where you can start collecting your items. Use the following list to get you started:

• Map
• Clothes and toiletries
• Food and drinks (don't forget the fixings for Smores!)
• Bottled water
• Trash bags
• Tent, sleeping bags, pillows
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Camp chairs
• Hammer
• Paper products (don't forget a roll of toilet paper)
• First Aid Kit
• Deck of cards, book
Wow, that seems like a lot of stuff for one night.

Step 4 - Enjoy Your Trip
Remember to check the weather before you go. If rain is in the forecast, throw ponchos, rain gear, and a canopy to go over your tent or picnic area into with your gear.

Step 5 - The Evaluation
Did you have a good time on your trip? Do you want to do it again? If so, you may want to consider creating a plastic container where you can store and keep all of your camping gear so that you don't have to repack each time. This can also serve as part of your emergency kit as many of the items that you use while camping are the same items that you need for emergencies and evacuations.