In spring last year, more than 46 million Americans went camping. While that number is high, it could be much higher if people knew how to plan a camping trip. Luckily, there are a few simple steps anyone can follow.
Camping offers many great benefits to the family. It’s a good exercise, it strengthens social bonds, and reduces stress levels. It also teaches you new skills and helps you rejuvenate after suffering from burnout.
Unfortunately, people don’t know how to plan a camping trip. Thus, they miss out on these great benefits. Keep reading to learn how to fix this.
How to Plan a Camping Trip
The beauty of camping trips is they can be an entertaining and educational vacation. You get to learn new things while bonding with your family. Moreover, these great experiences stay with you for the rest of your life.
Yet, some people struggle with how to plan a camping trip. Here are a few tips to help them:
1. Research the Destination
First, you have to figure out where you want to go. Research potential destinations and read reviews about each campsite.
Call the camp managers and ask questions. Seek feedback from friends or neighbors who you know traveled to one of the campgrounds.
Then, find out what it will take to get there. Will you go by plane, car, bus, boat, train, or RV? How much will it cost to travel there? Where will you stay when you get there?
Note all these costs and make your budget. Try to find cheap but quality alternatives where possible.
2. Get Outdoor Gear and Accessories
The next step is to choose the items you’ll need for your trip. These products include tents, sleeping bags, and foam mattresses. You’ll need folding chairs, camp lights, cooler bags, portable generators, and cooking gear.
Moreover, you’ll need mosquito nets, first aid kits, storage bags, and various tools. Make sure you write an inventory of everything and have it ready for the trip.
3. Consider Your Family Size
It would be a great risk to go camping without enough gear and supplies for your family. Your budget needs to reflect the needs of everyone in the family.
How many are there? How old are your children? Do any have special needs? With this in mind, carry enough healthy snacks, food, equipment, and tools for your family.
Consider the amenities as well. They must have clean bathrooms and washrooms. Check whether the campgrounds offer outdoor grills or if you can bring your own.
4. Check the Available Activities
Every campground has its own famed activities. Popular examples include hiking, swimming, and adventure. Others have fun activities such as ball games, rock climbing, and other sports.
These activities affect what you’ll pack. Take the right clothes for the day and cold weather at night. Be wary of the space you have in your bags. You might not be able to fit everything people want in your car.
Learn About More Activities For the Whole Family
These simple steps above show you how to plan a camping trip. Review the destination, gather the right gear, and carry the items you need. Remember, proper planning will make your trip go much smoother.
Check out activities we recommend for the whole family to enjoy!