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Family Camping Tips for Parents: A Survival Mini-Guide for Fearless First-Timers
The kids may have built a fort with the sofa cushions in the den or slept in a tent in the backyard. However, there comes a time when they want to actually get out in the wilderness, which warrants a family camping trip. Some moms and dads are quite domesticated and not accustomed to staying anywhere without central air conditioning let alone ‘roughing it’ for a couple of nights. That’s why you need to know what to expect before you take the family camping. Here’s a guide for those fearless yet inexperienced first-timers.
Put On Your Training Wheels
Rather than go on a camping trip and see whether you sink or swim, put on your training wheels and camp out during a ‘trial run’ in the backyard for the night. That way you’ll be able to test the equipment, know how long it takes to pitch the tent, and whether or not those sleeping bags are as comfortable as the manufacturer promised. There’s bound to be some snags that go along with camping, so it’s better to gain a sense of what to expect through practice.
Vet a Site
‘Camping’ is a subjective term. What may be considered ‘roughing it’ to one family may be a plush experience to another. Go online and find several sites in your area and beyond. If you’re planning on camping within a national park, be prepared to register months in advance, especially during peak travel months. Also, get acquainted with the camping lingo aligned with each site. For example, a modern camping site includes hot showers, flush toilets, and electrical outlets. A rustic experience provides campers with the basics – picnic tables, faucets or pumps for water, and outhouses.
Be Prepared for an RV or Trailer
Some families elect to camp in an RV or trailer. To start, you need to know whether you can pull a trailer with your vehicle (and you’ll need a hitch). However, be wary if you’ve never driven an RV or towed a trailer. It can be tricky navigating through particular roads and narrow, rustic pathways. An SUV, such as a Jeep Patriot, comes in handy regarding horsepower and off-road handling. It would be horrible to get stuck or invest time and money toward calling for help. Moreover, if you’re going to explore once you get onsite, it’s better to establish a camp, drop the trailer, and then use your car for subsequent ventures. While camping in an RV or trailer may be considered a modern version of camping, having shelter will come in handy if the weather gets stormy.
Bring Along the Essentials and Beyond
As mentioned, each family and family member has a different definition of camping. However, even the most rustic-minded person is susceptible to sickness, bug bites, injuries, etc. Safety comes first. Therefore, bring a first-aid kit as well as any special medication needed for personal conditions, allergies, etc. Also, be mindful of how far you’re staying from the nearest hospital and stay in an area that gets a good cellular phone signal.
Louise Summers grew up thoroughly disliking the camping holidays that she was dragged to each Summer. But now as an adult, and with the discovery of glamping, Louise had had a change of heart about sleeping under the stars and shares her top tips for doing camping the right way!
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