What Does Camping Look Like For You?

Everyone has their own idea of what camping is and what it looks like to them. It is okay to do it your own way. Some people like to be as close to nature as possible and sleep in a hammock under the stars or in a basic tent. Some people love camping in a tent off grid, while others want an electric hook up. You could also stay in a yurt or luxury cabin, these often come complete with electric and running water. These are handy if you have children or prefer a little luxury while camping. They can also be a great option if you don't have your own tent or camping equipment as most necessities will be provided for you.

Weigh up your options and discuss with family members what choice might be the best for everyone involved in the trip.

Choose Your Destination

There are plenty of camping destinations across the world as well as a great selection near home. From family camping sites with swimming pools and playgrounds to quieter locations on farms or even wild camping in national parks. Having a bucket list of camping destinations could be a fun thing to work your way through. It might take some research to find where you are going to stay, read reviews of various camping sites before you decide.

It might be useful to book in advance once you find where you want to stay, this prevents the disappointment of spaces being sold out. If you are planning on wild camping check to see if you need a permit or permission from the landowner.

Know What To Pack

No matter where you are going, it is essential you keep an eye on the weather. This will help you know what to pack for your camping trip. The last thing you want to do is pack clothes for warmer days when the weather is going to take a dip. The weather can change intermittently all the way up until you go away, however, you can get a rough idea of whether it is going to rain or if it is going to be cold.

Pack accordingly, but remember, not to overpack. The issue with overpacking is having enough room for everything. If you are staying in a tent then you won’t have much room to maneuver to get dressed or store anything. The less you take the more organised the tent will be, but remember cold or wet children are unhappy children so you need to get the right balance.

Invite The Family

Who are you inviting on this camping trip with you? If you are planning a family trip then they should be involved with the planning stage of things. Let them have some input on the destinations or what they want to see when you are there. There are many families who like to organise an annual family camping trip with the whole family, maybe it's time to start your new tradition?

Entertainment

Family camping trips require slightly more planning than solo ventures, but don't be put off. Children can benefit from the relaxed pace and change of scene that camping offers. Check reviews to see what is available for children, but taking a ball, a pack of cards and some colouring books can be enough entertainment when you are camping. 

Equipment Needed

Unless you are glamping there will be different types of tools and equipment that you need to take with you. What you need will depend on the terrain where you are camping and what the site allows eg some locations don't allow camp fires. Useful equipment could be anything from a leatherman multi tool to a stove that you can cook on. Some campsites have places to buy food or are close enough you can get take aways delivered, but this soon adds up. The best camping experiences involve cooking in the open air. A cooler with ice packs can keep food cold for a few days so you can choose the simple option of barbecued burgers, bacon sandwiches for breakfast or be more adventurous and try cooking chilli. Some locations have fridges you can use or if you have a pitch with an electric hook up you can have a plug in cool box which will keep food fresh for longer.