How to plan your first family camping trip
The author and her family camping in Big Sur
Camping offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, each other, and nature. It can serve as a mini-retreat for your family, one you can take as often as you want (or need!) throughout the year. While the beauty of camping lies in its simplicity, for first-timers or those just getting started, the idea of planning a camping trip can seem daunting. This guide will help you navigate through the process, ensuring your first outdoor retreat is a memorable one.
Naming Your ‘Why’
While this isn’t what you normally see on a blog post about camping, knowing why you’re going and what you hope to get out of it (i.e. setting your expectations) can make all the difference. Are you looking to create an oasis away from home? Are you looking to sprinkle in some adventure? Do you want to hang out by the beach or a river (to the extent that your kids allow it)? Is this an opportunity to get some ‘me-time’ or to reconnect with your partner? Having a general sense of what kind of experience you’re trying to create for yourself and your family will make trip planning easier by guiding some of your decisions, from location to gear. Remember - it’s your retreat and you can make what you want of it.
Okay, now on to the logistics.
Understanding the Basics of Camping
Before you embark on your camping journey, it's essential to understand what camping entails. At its most basic level, camping can be defined as spending the night outdoors either in a tent, a recreational vehicle (RV), or even under the stars. You’re essentially recreating a version of home in a nature space. How rustic or convenience-filled you want to make it is up to you.
While camping, you'll likely cook meals over a fire, a portable camping stove, or a grill and you'll spend your days hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. The key to an enjoyable camping trip is expectations, preparation and flexibility. With the right (for you) gear and a good attitude, you'll be ready to embrace whatever nature throws your way.
Choosing the Right Campsite
Your choice of campsite can make or break your camping experience. When selecting a site, consider your family's needs and preferences. Do you need a campsite with amenities such as bathrooms and showers, or are you ready for a more rustic experience?
Consider the activities your family enjoys. If you love swimming, a campsite near a lake or river might be ideal. If you're hikers (or just want to go for a scenic walk), look for a site with access to trails. Use Outdoorithm’s campground map to easily pick a campground. It provides at-a-glance campground ratings based on an AI sentiment analysis of thousands of camper opinions (i.e. we used an AI tool to see what people really thought about the campground), so you don’t have to spend hours on multiple websites to get a sense for a place. Additional information and reservations can be made from the official campground web page. You can also call the campground directly if you have questions.
Public vs. Private Campgrounds
Public campgrounds, such as those in national or state parks, often offer stunning natural beauty and a range of outdoor activities. They're usually significantly more affordable than private campgrounds, just check the amenities when you’re deciding as the amenities can vary widely. Most are a great choice for families due to affordability, the presence of visitor centers and junior ranger programs, and the sheer experience of being in these majestic places. [side note that 4th graders get free park passes!]
Private campgrounds are another option. They can be easier to reserve but are more expensive. It is unlikely that you’ll get the same level of wilderness or the spectacular views of a national or state park. For some of us, there’s also the reality that if you’re on someone’s private land there can be an added uncertainty on potential interactions with the owner. This doesn’t mean there aren’t good private campsites out there, just do your due diligence. And remember that public lands are yours! Don’t forget to take advantage of the beauty available to you.
Preparing Your Camping Gear
Proper gear is crucial for a successful camping trip - it doesn’t need to be the most expensive item available (for example, when car camping blankets can be used instead of sleeping bags) but don’t skimp on things like a sleeping pad which can be the difference between a warm, comfortable sleep and a cold night and aching back.
Start by making a list of everything you'll need, from the essentials like a tent and sleeping bags to items that will make your trip more comfortable, like camping chairs and cooking equipment. At Outdoorithm, we help folks turn their camping trips into mini-retreats, so we often recommend maximizing comfort when choosing gear. Large family tents are not inexpensive but the difference between a high quality 6-person nylon tent and a 6-person canvas tent is minimal, and waking up with natural light (instead of in a neon blue bubble) increases the wilderness retreat experience. Are these pricey? Yup. But cheaper than a one-time family vacation, and even cheaper when you realize that you can use the equipment over and over, going on multiple mini-retreats a year. Add a cot and sleeping pad, and you’ve got yourself a home-away-from home.
Next up: clothing. Pack layers so you’re ready for all types of weather, even if the forecast looks clear. It's always better to have warm, dry clothes and not need them than to need them and not have them. We recommend a wool or fleece base layer (long johns), an insulated layer (puffy coat), and a waterproof layer (rain jacket). You don’t need top brand items, just something that is warm and comfortable. Don’t forget to pack multiple pair of socks, hiking/trail shoes (sneakers with a rugged sole that you don’t mind getting dirty), and if you want a pair of slip on camp shoes (like crocs). If the weather calls for rain, rain boots or hiking boots are a good option.
Purchasing vs. Renting Gear
Buying camping gear can feel like a lot if you’re new to camping. Many outdoor stores rent camping equipment, which can be a cost-effective way to try out camping without a big upfront investment. On the other hand, owning your own gear lets you customize your camping retreat experience and makes it more likely that you’ll go out again. Look for sales and discounts, and consider buying used gear to save money. See our guide on what to rent vs what to buy.
Planning Your Camping Meals
Food is a big part of the camping experience. Planning your meals ahead of time can help ensure you have everything you need to cook delicious, satisfying meals over the campfire.
Consider meals that are easy to prepare and cook outdoors, and do some prep ahead of time (cutting vegetables, shredding cheese, etc.) to make the process at camp that much easier. Don't forget about snacks and drinks; check your campground website before going to ensure there is plenty of potable water - always bring a water filter just in case.
Some campground have restaurants on-site or nearby. Feel free to make use of these - it’s still camping even if you decide not to make your own food. Always check business hours before you leave for your trip, just in case, and bring some food so you’re not left hungry if there is an unexpected change in plans.
Cooking Equipment
Depending on your campsite and your family's preferences, you might cook over a campfire, on a portable camping stove, or a grill. I’ll say up front that 1) using a camp stove or grill is easier and 2) if you’re not familiar with making a fire you should bring a backup cooking option. Make sure you have the necessary cooking equipment, including pots/pans, dishes and utensils (you can bring these from home or use paper products), and a cooler to keep perishables cold.
Remember to pack a way to start a fire, whether it's matches, a lighter, or a fire starter. And don't forget about cleanup. Pack dish soap, a sponge, and a collapsible sink to wash your dishes. Quick tip: if we’re only staying one night, we’ll sometimes wipe down our dishes, pack them somewhere safe (away from animals, like in a bear bin provided at camp), and then wash them when you get home. Feel free to take steps to make the trip as simple as possible if it means it’ll feel more like a retreat.
Staying Safe While Camping
Camping is generally a safe activity, but it's important to be prepared for potential hazards like poison oak, curious animals, or insects. Always keep a first aid kit on hand, and familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures. Be aware of the wildlife in the area where you're camping, and know how to store food safely to avoid attracting animals to your campsite (the camp ranger or host will let you know. If there are bears anywhere in the area the campground will provide a bear box. Otherwise, bring snap-lid storage containers or put items in your car (never in your tent!) overnight to keep food and other scented items away raccoons or chipmunks.
When it comes to people, use your normal precautions and trust your instincts. Time in the outdoors provides opportunities to somewhat let down your guard but remain aware of your surroundings, see who your neighboring campers are, and make sure to check in with the camp host when you arrive.
Remember that others will coming to the campsite after you, and do what you can to keep it beautiful and enjoyable: respect wildlife, leave what you find, and dispose of waste properly.
Weather Considerations
Weather can be unpredictable, especially in the great outdoors. Check the forecast before you leave, but be prepared for changes. Pack rain gear, warm clothing, and plenty of layers. If severe weather is expected, consider postponing your trip.
Retreat. Renew. Repeat.
Camping trips are a great way to push the reset button. It helps you and your family step away from daily stressors and engage with each other in a new way, in a place that provides room to breathe and to decenter ourselves. With a little bit of planning and comfortable gear, you can create mini-retreats that your family goes back to time and again. They don’t need to be far from home and they don’t need to be for long stretches of time. Embrace the outdoors and all it has to offer you. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
Need help planning? Reach out to us: info@outdoorithm.com.
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