Family Camping

Family Camping

An RV vacation as a family is a great way to build close family bonds, The shared experiences and activities, as well as the quality time spent together, can create memories that last a lifetime.

The beauty of a family camping trip is that there are so many places to go, and so much to do that you may just find yourself camping again and again year after year!

Common Family Camping Activities

When camping as a family you will want to plan activities that keep everyone happy and select a camping location that has a varied offering of things to do. Common family camping activities include:

• Boating, canoeing, kayaking
• Fishing
• Geocaching
• Golfing (Typically for parents and older kids. There are golf courses with campgrounds.)
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Off-roading
• Rock and mineral collecting
• Swimming
• Wildlife watching / photography

One classic and fun activity that can be done in almost any campground is telling campfire stories. This is a great way to gather as a family at the end of an exciting day. Don't forget the s' mores ingredients...

Great Destinations for Family Camping

The only limit on where to go camping as a family is your imagination. Some destinations that are sure to please, however, include:

• Historical sites can be a great destination for a camping trip.
• National Parks, National Forests, State Parks, and other public and conservation properties.
• Special events are another great excuse for a family camping trip. Consider camping at the state fair, or at a balloon festival, or even a NASCAR race.

 And remember, there is no reason you cannot combine destinations and activities. You can visit historical sites, and then head back to the campground to go fishing or to go for a swim or a hike.

Selecting a Campground

When selecting a campground for you family camping adventure, there are really two things that you need to keep in mind:

1. Location - you want something reasonably close to the things you want to see and do
2. Amenities - you may want things like a swimming pool, or fishing right at the campground, or (heaven forbid) even WiFi access. Be sure to find a campground that has the amenities that you want.

Camping with Small Children

There are some common sense rules that you should follow when camping with young children. Very young children should be taught to say within eyesight. Older children should at least remain within hearing distance. Teach your children that if they do get lost, they should pick a spot (a tree, a rock...) and stay there and wait for help to come to them. You may also want to supply them with a whistle that they can wear around their neck and a flashlight.

Don't forget the sun block, bug repellent, and a simple first aid kit for bumps and scrapes.

Don't Forget Fido

Camping is one of the few vacation destinations where pets are usually welcome (within reason, of course). Most campgrounds will allow pets, which is typically defined as dogs, and cats. They also typically have retributions - they must be on a leash; you must clean-up after them; they cannot be a noise nuisance...

Check out RV Camping with Your Pet for more information about camping with your pet.

Remember to Have Fun!

Camping is a great way to get away from it all and to get up close and into Mother Nature. Relax. Slow down. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy your family. Make memories that will last a lifetime.