Camping as a Family: Reconnect and Unplug in Nature
Sepi and Amira with their kids on the 2024 Outdoorithm Collective Yosemite trip
Going camping as a family provides an excellent opportunity to connect with one another and experience the wonders of nature. In this blog post, we will discuss selecting the perfect camping spot, getting ready for the trip, choosing activities that everyone can enjoy, building a campfire, and more. You'll leave this post feeling prepared to plan your trip and looking forward to enjoying the outdoors with your loved ones.
Choosing the Right Location
When choosing the right location for a family camping trip, it's important to consider the interests and needs of everyone involved, as well as logistics such as how far away from home you're willing to travel (something to consider if it's your first time camping, if you're only going away for one night, or if you have a very young baby).
Picking a campground
Consider the interests and needs of your family when planning a camping trip. Outdoor activities are important to keep everyone engaged and active, so if your family enjoys hiking, fishing, water sports, or just relaxing by a body of water, take all of that into consideration when researching different campgrounds.
Comfort level and accessibility are also crucial, especially if you have young children or elderly family members. It might be easier to go to campgrounds that provide amenities such as flush toilets and showers (and perhaps even electricity), and many campgrounds have ADA accessible sites. Additionally, consider the proximity to amenities such as grocery stores or restaurants in case you need to stock up on supplies or prefer dining out.
Lastly, consider distance from home and decide what feels right to you. If you only have one night scheduled at camp, you probably don't want to spend 4 hours in the car getting there (unless it's an epic campsite you've been trying to get since forever). Take into account how you and your family will feel after such a long car ride and troubleshoot from there (camping closer to home, making more stops if it's a longer drive, heading up the day before, etc.)
When doing campground research:
Choose a campground with nearby recreation like hiking trails and lakes
Check whether the campground has flush toilets and showers (and plan accordingly)
Consider access to nearby amenities like grocery stores
Decide how far you're comfortable driving and camping given your constraints
Picking a campsite
Once you've found your campground, it's time to pick your campsite. For very busy locations there may not be a lot of options; you'll just want to snag what's available. Either way, there are some things you'll want to take into account:
Is there shade? This is especially important in warmer weather. Check reviews to see what other campers have said. Words like 'tree cover' are good indicators.
Will there be a lot of spill-over light from the bathroom? While you don't want to walk too far to use the facilities, many campgrounds leave the bathroom lights on all night for safety. This light may keep you and your little ones awake, not to mention the noise of foot traffic as people walk back and forth, so keep this in mind.
Is there a trail right alongside your campsite? Again, foot traffic and potential noise, plus privacy concerns.
How far away is the lake/beach? If you're camping near a body of water, you’ll want to consider how far away you will have to haul your stuff. Both for this reason and for the view, sites closer to the beach/water are prized (and often have a premium cost to them but usually worth it).
Preparing for the Trip
Before embarking on a memorable camping adventure with your family, it is essential to make a comprehensive checklist. Ensure you have all the necessary items such as tents, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, first aid kits, and weather appropriate clothing. Make a separate list for food based on the camp meals you plan on making so you know you have all the ingredients you need.
Once you've made your list, gather all the required camping equipment to ensure a smooth experience. Make sure everything is in good working order and that you have enough food supplies. Having everything gathered in one place will also help you gauge whether it all fits in your car and make adjustments accordingly.
Make a camping checklist
Make a camping checklist to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for your family. Camping gear generally falls into a few main categories:
Shelter + sleep
Cooking + fuel
Camp furniture (e.g. chairs)
Health + safety (e.g. toiletries, first aid kits, bug spray)
Tools (e.g. a multi-tool, a hammer for tent stakes)
Clothing + shoes
Well thought out gear lists can make the difference between feeling prepared and realizing you forgot something important at home.
Plan meals in advance so you don't have to worry about what to cook while in the great outdoors. Do as much prepping as you can at home - cut vegetables, clean fruit, season meat, etc. This will make meal time at camp much easier and cleaner. And remember, the camping trip itself is the adventure; it's probably not the time to introduce your kid to 5 new foods. Err on the side of bringing things you and your kids love and make the trip that much easier.
Remember to pack appropriate clothing and footwear for each family member, keeping in mind the weather conditions of your destination and specific consideration when packing for kids. Bring items you can easily layer and opt for wool or synthetic fabrics when possible, as cotton can take a very long time to dry and retains odors.
Gather necessary camping equipment
Researching the campsite amenities beforehand will help you determine what additional equipment you may need for a successful camping trip. Confirm there is potable (drinking) water. This is the norm at most campgrounds but not all; always check ahead and it doesn't hurt to bring a water filter just in case. Don't forget your cooler or camp fridge!
Check the weather forecast and bring a sleeping bag or blankets that are rated at least for the lowest expected temperature. Sleeping pads are always recommended; if you're looking for an exceptionally comfortable sleep consider an air mattress or or a higher-end sleeping pad.
Don't forget to pack adequate lighting sources like flashlights or headlamps, which are essential for navigating around after dark, as well as lanterns or string lights for your campsite. Additionally, bring along outdoor recreational items such as fishing gear or sports equipment, plus playing cards, crayons and paper, or nature puzzle books to keep everyone engaged and entertained throughout your camping adventure.
Pack your car
Take into account the space you need. Consider hard-sided storage bins and/or large dufflebags to keep your items organized. This helps you pack your car more easily and to find things quickly while at your campsite. Hard shell plastic bins are great for toiletries, kitchen items, and food; have a separate large dufflebag for shoes and one for coats.
Building a Campfire
Fire safety is essential when camping as a family. Ensure everyone understands the rules and guidelines to prevent accidents. Whenever available, use defined fire rings or pits to safely build your campfires. Make sure you have not set up your tent or have other flammable objects near your campfire. Follow campground rules about gathering firewood and don't bring your own from home to avoid spreading invasive species.
Read up on how to build a fire
Know fire safety rules and campground regulations
Identifying safe areas for building a campfire
Always completely extinguish the fire before walking away (consider bringing one of these collapsible buckets to have water nearby).
Planning Family-friendly Activities
Create a daily "ideas list" instead of a schedule. There are many camp activities to choose from. Plan ahead what types of things your family might like to do and then choose day-of or the night before based on how everyone is feeling. Consider including activities such as nature walks, water play, and bike rides. In addition to traditional camping activities, bring cards or even board games, art projects or a football to throw around. The key is not to pack your day full but to find ways to foster bonding among family members while spending time in the great outdoors.
Wrap up your evening with star gazing and storytelling around the campfire. Teach your children about constellations as you identify them together, sparking their curiosity about the universe above (there are plenty of easy maps out there; it's okay if you're learning, too!). This serene activity will ignite wonder and appreciation for our vast cosmos within everyone present.
A roaring campfire is also the perfect backdrop for sharing stories and creating lasting memories as a family. Gather around the flames, pass down traditions, and watch as sparks of laughter bring you closer together. From ghost tales to personal anecdotes, these storytelling sessions under the stars will forge bonds that stand the test of time. You might be surprised at the questions kids of all ages ask and the conversations they want to engage in when around a campfire.
Creating Meaningful Bonding Experiences
There are many aspects of camping and spending extended time in the outdoors that not only strengthen family relationships but also cultivate essential life skills. Whether it's setting up tents together or experiencing nature trails as a unit, collaborative efforts foster trust and cooperation among family members. These shared experiences build resilience while creating an environment where everyone feels supported and valued.
Camping comes with its challenges but the benefits can be amazing. By carefully planning, including selecting the right campground and campsite, making a detailed checklist, and getting your car packed up, you will soon be on your way to a memorable camping trip. Enjoy this beautiful time in the outdoors and the space it creates for you to reconnect with yourself, with your family, and with nature itself.
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