Did you know that 60 million Americans will go camping by 2021? And that three out of four who camped in 2022 intend to camp in 2023 as well?
Many campers do not know how to plan a memorable camping trip. Families are especially at risk. It is easier than you think to plan an enjoyable family camping trip. We’ve created a guide to make it easier for you. If you want to learn more, read on.
Check the Weather Forecast
You must be prepared for Mother Nature’s surprises on your road trip with the family. The knowledge you gain will affect all your decisions, from what you pack to which tent you choose.
For accurate weather updates, use reliable websites or apps. Take into account temperature variations, rain chances, and extreme weather conditions.
Prepare for Rain
Pack waterproof clothing such as jackets, pants and waterproof boots.
It is important to have a rain fly on your tent to keep it dry. Pack extra tarps for your gear and towels that dry quickly to keep it safe. Ziplock bags and waterproof cases are great for keeping electronics and other valuables safe.
Prepare for Snow
Check that your van is equipped with snow tires and that the sleeping bags you pack are rated for low temperatures.
The key is to layer; thermal underwear and a down jacket are essential, as are waterproof outerwear and insulated boots.
You will need a shovel for clearing your campsite. Remember that your cooking and heating appliances should be suitable for use in cold weather.
Prepare for Heat Waves
Shade is your friend in the scorching sun. Don’t forget to bring a canopy or sunshade, as well as sunscreen with a high SPF and hats.
Comfortable clothing is lightweight, light-colored and breathable. Pack plenty of water. Renting a campervan with air conditioning is a great idea.
Prepare for Natural Disasters
Prepare for natural disasters, even though they are unpredictable.
A weather radio will help you stay informed in areas that are prone to frequent storms. Know the closest shelter in tornado-prone regions. Follow all fire regulations in areas with a high risk of wildfires and prepare an evacuation plan.
Choose the Best California Camping Spot
California is an endlessly beautiful state. California is the most populous of all 50 states. It can be hard to find camping sites that aren’t crowded.
If you want to avoid the crowds, here are some of the top camping spots you should visit.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park offers a natural retreat for families. The mysterious old-growth trees create an amazing backdrop.
The summer sky is full of stars, and there are many family-friendly trails nearby.
Lake Siskiyou Resort & Camp
Lake Siskiyou Resort and Camp offers picturesque views of Mount Shasta. It is possible to fish, boat, or swim in the lake.
It is a great place for families who want a mixture of comfort and adventure.
Lake Alpine Campground
The Campground offers a peaceful retreat for families. The campground is surrounded by towering pines, alpine meadows and wildflowers. This campground is a great place to stay with your family if you are looking for a relaxing getaway.
Silver Lake West
Silver Lake West, located in the Eldorado Forest National Park, is an ideal place for camping with your family. The campground is located right on the water. The campground is a good base to explore the area.
How to Choose the Right Clothing
The weather forecast will determine what you should pack for your camping trip. Cotton and linen are lightweight fabrics that breathe well in warmer climates.
If you’re planning to swim, don’t forget your bathing suit. Layers are a good idea if the forecast calls for colder temperatures. Think thermals, fleece and waterproof outer layer.
Always pack socks, sturdy shoes, and hats, no matter what the weather is like. When travelling with children, you may need to bring extra clothing items.
Always carry spare clothing in case of accidents.
How to Prepare for a Campervan Trip with Your Children
There are a few simple things that you need to do before setting off in your campervan. What you should know.
Travel Bags
The purpose of kids’ travel bags is not just to organise. The bags are also fun.
Fill these bags up with dollar store small gifts. These delightful surprises will delight your children. Your children will be excited and look forward to the next surprise.
Plan Your Stops
Plan your stops to suit the interests of your children. Museums offer educational value, and museums are a great place to explore. World-record sites and national parks will also spark your children’s curiosity.
Consider stopping at farms or zoos if you have young children. Break up your drive with some interesting stops.
Evening Activities
It is important to entertain your family, even if you are tired. This is much easier than you think.
You can organise simple activities like roasting S’mores or playing hide-and-seek.
Bring Lots of Snacks
Kids often get hungry between meals. It is important to keep a supply of easy-to-eat, healthy snacks on hand.
Prepare Yourself for Bathroom Stops
Prepare yourself for the unexpected. Stock up on essential bathroom items like toilet paper, hand sanitiser and odour-proof bags.
Pack Tents & Sleeping Bags
You may find it difficult to pack and store tents for the entire family. It is much more convenient to hire a campervan.
It is also possible that some of your children may want to experience camping under the stars in a tent. You should pack a sleeping bag and a tent.
Consider the size of your family when choosing a tent. To ensure that you have enough room, add one extra person to your number of people sleeping.
A family of four, for example, would feel most comfortable in a tent that can accommodate five people. Again, weather conditions are key when choosing sleeping bags.
The temperature rating of sleeping bags varies. Select a sleeping bag that is suitable for the temperatures you are expecting to experience.
Consider bringing comfort items with you if you are camping for the first time. You can bring along items like a favourite pillow or blanket. It will make them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.
Get Your Children Excited
You can also prepare your kids for a camping adventure by teaching them about the animals and cultures in the area you will be visiting.
It also helps them to feel safe. This also keeps them safe. Knowing which animals or plants to avoid, for example, can help prevent accidents.
A little bit of knowledge can enhance your camping trip. Teach your children about constellations before going camping if you have a telescope.
Learn about the geological features that you may encounter when hiking.
Bring a Camp Kitchen
You may find that your campervan rental comes with a stove. Gas stoves may be an optional extra for certain models.
Bring a stove along with you if you don’t plan to eat at restaurants while camping.
Pack essential cooking gear like pots and pans, a spatula and plenty of cutlery and dishes. Plan easy meals, such as pre-made sandwiches or pasta.
Pre-cutting ingredients and storing them in reusable containers will save you time on the campsite.
Flashlights and Lanterns
Camping preparation is incomplete without lighting. This aspect is often overlooked. A good lighting system is not only important for the safety of your campsite. This also creates a more pleasant camping environment.
Headlamps can be used for tasks that require no hands and are an excellent option for children. Lanterns can be used to light up the entire campsite or the inside of the tent.
Remember to Safety Gear you should bring? Take into account the duration of your trip, your destination, the weather, and any activities you intend to do.
If you choose a campervan, for example, you may find that some safety equipment is already included. This will reduce the amount of luggage you have to bring.
Bring Comfort Items
Comfort items will enhance your camping experience. Pack foldable chairs to relax in around the campfire. A hammock is perfect for afternoon naps. Bring games such as cards and board games.
Packing a telescope for your road trip can be a great way to enjoy the night sky.
Be mindful of the space and weight restrictions when choosing comfort items. This is especially true if you are not using a van. Overpacking is a common mistake.
You may overload your vehicle with too much gear, or you may not be able to carry it comfortably.
A campervan can provide more comfort and convenience for your camping trip. The campervan may be equipped with a bed, a kitchen and even a toilet.
Remember that you may be limited in where you can set up camp with a campervan. It’s because not every campsite can accommodate them.
Make a Dry Run
A dry run is a great idea before embarking on an extended camping trip.
You might want to try a short trip, perhaps just one or even two nights, to get an idea of what camping is like and test out your gear. This can help you determine what you need or don’t.
Begin with a Positive Attitude
As you start to gather your camping equipment checklist, make sure that your mindset is one of adventure and teamwork.
Even if you face challenges, a positive outlook can transform a mishap into a memorable tale. Keep this positive attitude even after the trip is over.
Encourage your family members to share the best memories they have or what they learned on their trip. This can foster a shared sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
Bring Lots of Ice
If you are not careful, expenses can quickly mount up. There are plenty of ways to save.
You can use gallon jugs filled with water to make ice packs for your cooler. Fill a few gallon-sized jugs to about 90% (to allow expansion) and then freeze them.
They can keep your cooler colder for longer and, as they melt, provide you with extra drinking water. It’s more environmentally friendly and saves you money on ice and bottled water.
Organise a Scavenger Hunt, or a Geocaching Adventure
Geocaching is a great activity for camping with your family. Geocaching is an outdoor activity in which you use GPS coordinates and other people’s caches to locate them.
You can add a little adventure to your hike and explore the area. You only need a GPS or smartphone with GPS capability.
Instead of going on a geocaching expedition, plan a scavenger hunt. You will first need to choose the time.
You can choose items that are easy for younger children to find, such as rocks, leaves, and flowers. Then, you will need to create clues or riddles to help the participants find the next item.
The next step is to create a route and easy-to-follow rules. You can also decide the duration of the scavenger hunt. Prioritise safety, and record the experience with photos or videos.
You Can Get Help from Your Children
Do not hesitate to ask your kids for help when you are preparing your camping trip. Even small children can assist in packing their clothing or gathering items from the camping checklist.
Children older than 12 can help pack the car or tent, plan the meals, and even set them up.
It will also make the children more involved in the trip. These tasks are also great opportunities to teach children about teamwork, responsibility, and solving problems.
Make Clear Plans
Planned daily activities bring many benefits to life.
It helps prioritise tasks and ensures that the most important ones get the attention they deserve. It’s easy without a plan to waste time on the less important tasks and not enough time on those that are most crucial.
Second, planning allows you to manage your time efficiently, increasing productivity and reducing anxiety.
This will help you to avoid scheduling conflicts and give you enough time to rest and relax.
Planning can also improve your ability to focus and make decisions. A plan will allow you to focus on the task at hand and increase efficiency and quality.
How to Plan a Successful Camping Trip for Your Family
You may be surprised at how easy it is to plan an enjoyable family camping trip.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave and pack appropriately.
You can also get your kids involved in the process of planning. Consider a dry run before embarking on a multiday camping trip.
Renting a campervan is one of the best ways to go camping with your kids.
