Planning the Perfect Family Camping Trip

The art of planning a perfect camping trip comes with experience. If you fail to plan with care, you may prove what Dave Barry said true: "Camping is nature's way of promoting the motel business.” As much as I truly enjoy camping, I must say I have had as many rough camping experiences as I've had enjoyable. All those adventures lead me to make sure I am as prepared as humanly possible before heading out in the great wilderness.

• Before beginning any planning, you must decide which type of camping you would enjoy most. Will you be car-camping with tents, RV-ing, or backpacking into the camping site? There are just as many choices with each type of camping: will you use a developed campground with running water and shower/restroom facilities or an undeveloped site? Will there be electricity for your RV or will you need a bear canister to store your food in? In many areas, you will need to reserve your campsite ahead of time and if backpacking, you may need a permit. Contact the local visitor center or ranger station for the required information. If your family has never camped before, I strongly advise that you try a one-nighter in a local campground as a test-run. That will give you the opportunity to correct any problems you may not have foreseen. You might alternatively consider going camping with a more experienced family or friend so that you can benefit from their proficiency. In any case, make an itinerary for your trip. Always allow plenty of time for hiking or driving to the campsite. Nobody enjoys making camp in the dark!
  
• If camping is something you would like to do regularly with your family, it is wise to make a list and assemble a camping kit. A large plastic storage box works well to contain all the important components. In this kit you should have some version of the following items: cook stove, at least a couple containers of propane (depending on the length of your stay), matches, cookware (skillet, pot for boiling water and doing dishes, coffee pot, etc.), cups, eating and cooking utensils, biodegradable soap and cleaning utensils, lantern, can opener, and knife. Hot pads, paper towels, wash cloths for washing morning faces, rope, hammer, an axe or saw are other oft-forgotten, but very convenient items to have. A hot water bottle may help keep those toes warm and toasty during the night, as well. Batteries and a weather radio that has a hand-crank or solar power could come in very handy. Once you have your kit assembled, you should strongly encourage your family to refrain from "borrowing" from the kit, so it will be intact whenever you get the call of the wild.
  
• A first aid kit is essential. Think Murphy's Law. This kit should include bandages, antiseptic, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, as well as substances to deal with bug bites and sunburn. Definitely pack some pain killers and other regular medications your family requires. Don't neglect that allergy medication if that is something your family requires--allergies can often be intensified by sleeping outdoors. A snake bite kit should also be included in a larger kit.
  
• The selection of a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad should be carefully considered. Your tent and sleeping bag decision needs to reflect the climate and season of the area where you will be camping. Will there be rain (or snow)? Will there be excessive heat? Do your research before making your decision. There's nothing more risky than being too cold or wet on a camping trip in the middle of the wilderness. Even if your family is excited about "roughing it" for the weekend, it is sensible to make the sleeping quarters comfortable since a cranky, sore family makes camping decidedly less enjoyable. Self-inflating air mattresses or foam pads make sleeping easier
  
• Always bring a large container of water and/or water purifier if you plan to use a natural water source. To be on the safe side, do not rely on a campsite having running water, no matter how well-developed.
  
• When planning the meals for your trip, you will need to consider whether you will have gourmet meals or a cowboy-style dinners. Will you be hunting/fishing for your dinner? Choose foods that do not require refrigeration. Some important staples are coffee/tea/hot chocolate, bread, and some simple foods like tuna, soup, or protein bars. I think marshmallows and s'mores components are essential, but you may have other ideas for snacks to enjoy while sitting around the campfire. Condiments and seasonings are important. While one option for fine dining on a camping trip is dehydrating foods prior to camping, a more simple possibility is to pack canned foods. There are many good choices, and I believe almost everything tastes better when eaten in the open air. If car-camping, you can always pack eggs, bacon, butter, etc., in which case you will need to bring an ice pack and cooler. There are so many ways to make your camping experience comfortable and memorable. Be creative!
  
• Come prepared: firewood may very well be difficult to acquire, so it might be wise to bring some along, especially if you plan to cook over the open fire. Be sure to follow local guidelines and fire restrictions. Think ahead and plan games to play or stories to read aloud while sitting around the campfire. Bring along camp chairs and blankets for the hours of relaxation ahead.
  
• Clothes for all weather possibilities and activities such as hiking, swimming, and hunting, are very important. You should also plan for possible accidents by packing extra sets of clothing, socks, etc. Quick-drying clothes are best in the event of unexpected precipitation or a fall into the lake. Remember that the evenings and mornings can be quite cold, so bring jackets, and even hats and gloves along. You may be very glad you did.

A well-prepared camping trip can be a wonderful and memorable bonding experience for your family, but then so can an ill-prepared trip. Keep a journal so you will be able to remember your mistakes and your victories. Leave the battery-operated games and portable DVD players at home. Get your kids to fall in love with sleeping in the woods by keeping them involved every step of the way. However your camping experience works out, be sure to stay calm and optimistic, always work together, and remember that experience is the best teacher in the art of planning a camping trip.