Mixing Up Some Kids & Camping

My husband and I love camping, outdoor cooking, and enjoying nature.  We decided this was going to be something the entire family would be a part of.

How do you do this?  We've started them young so they get the experience of camping even before they could walk.  If you don't have this option, there's never a better time to start than now.

I've also come to several conclusions:  1) kids and camping mean dirt, and sometimes a lot of it!; 2) if there's a bit of whining and complaining (and there will be if your kids are even somewhat normal), take a break from what you're doing and go for a walk;  3) stress will happen but will you let it ruin the fun that you could be having?  Here are a few tips that have really helped make camping a family event:

Gettin' Down and Dirty.

Campsite

If it's possible, scout out your campsite a few weeks before you plan to go.  We make a Sunday drive and go visit some of the campgrounds in our area to see which ones are the cleanest, safest, and actually have running water. 

As we drive through camp, we try to see what our needs will be:  1)  do we need to bring shade or will the trees be enough?  2)  is the ground flat and large enough for our tent? and finally, 3)  how close is the bathroom to our site?  A little prior planning will also determine a few safety issues as well (how close is that creek to where my kids will be playing?) and show if you need a little extra space from your neighbors should they decide late night karaoke is their camping tradition.

Recreation.gov is the federal government site for reservations.  If you can choose your spot ahead of time, this takes out a lot of stress and you know your site is guaranteed should the campground fill up.  If your park is controlled by the state or a private company, check out the DNR (state) or ask the campground if they have a website.

Meal Planning

In this category, we've done it all.   Sometimes those last minute camping excursions call for take-out.  But other times we've done dutch oven meals complete with popcorn as a treat after dinner.  Whatever your family needs, remember to take some snacks and don't be discouraged if the kids decide they're more interested in playing than eating.  You're not at home and everything distracts them.  Plan something simple and familiar if the kiddos balk at trying new stuff.  Macaroni and cheese can be cooked on a small one-burner stove.  And it is no dishonor to outdoor cooking.  We'll discuss options on this topic soon.

Gear

Keepin' baby safe by the fire.

So what do you take and what do you leave home?  We try to take the bare minimum because it just doesn't fit.  Seven pillows crammed into the back of a minivan and you quickly find you don't have room for much else.  Try packing the porta-crib and the jackets for the baby...and you've run out of space for food or even a tent.  So, if you're going on an overnight camping trip, you don't need as much as you think.  Week long trips might be a bit different, but that's another blog post.  Keep it simple and you'll do much better.

Activities

While setting up a tent or camp the kids often get curious about their new surroundings and wander away.  We've been setting up a tent and look up only to realize a few of our children are no longer near the campsite.  Scary!  If you can manage it, send Mom or Dad off to entertain the kids while the other parent works on setting up "house."  Older kids can learn to help set up a tent and blow up air mattresses, thus arranging their own sleeping areas just as they like it.  Don't be afraid to educate them about camping.  They'll get it  Even little ones can help.

I have to say it's a lot of work and we usually bring home a bit more than just memories from our camping experiences.  But it's worth it.  Stay positive.  Keep a smile on your lips and a laugh in your heart and you'll do just fine.