Amid their fort-building and cricket-chasing, they’ll scarcely notice the lack of screens and devices.
Jim Sullivan of Saugerties proudly shows off the pickerel he caught while camping with his kids, Cayleigh, 5, and Braeden, 3. “We have a permanent site at a family campground in Gettysburg, Pa., with a camping trailer,” says his wife, Amy. “We’ve been camping since our kids were in the womb, they LOVE it now.”
Camping has become an increasingly popular family
activity, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s no better way to experience all
of nature’s offerings. A leisurely hike, jumping fish, s’mores around the
campfire — it all adds up to hours of stress-free quality time with the ones
you love most.
And even the plushest camping accommodations are
inexpensive compared to other lodging. The Outdoor Foundation reports that
one-fifth of American households with children go camping, and 70 percent of
camping trips are made with friends.
So when in-town temps soar this summer, pack up your
family and head to the mountains or shore for a breath of fresh air.
Here are tips to ensure your family has a great
experience:
Research and
reserve
Get recommendations from friends, and access online
information about campgrounds, including site maps and fees.
During the summer months, it’s best to reserve your site
in advance when possible. National, state, and county parks often provide
excellent camping facilities at moderate cost.
Privately-owned campgrounds are more expensive, but may
come with amenities such as laundry facilities and pool. Narrow your search by
clicking on desired features — showers, flush toilets, hiking trails, beach
access, playground, convenience store, etc.
Make a list and
check it twice
A printout of must-haves can help you avoid leaving
necessities at home. Who wants to drive 20 miles for a box of band-aids? For
help getting started, go to camping-tips.com or lovetheoutdoors.com for a
comprehensive camping checklist. Then adapt it to your family’s needs.
Get your gear
If you already have the essentials, be sure everything is
in good working condition. You don’t want to discover the hole in the tent
during a downpour. Equipment can be expensive and there are many options. If
you’re new to camping (or trying it for the first time with children) you may
want to borrow a tent, cooking apparatus, and other items from a friend or look
for rentals in your area.
Make a dry run
Before you hit the road, practice using any unfamiliar
piece of equipment. Set up the tent, install the car top carrier, and light the
stove. Not only will you avoid fumbling in bad weather, you’ll give the kids a
preview of the camping experience. Maybe you’ll even want to try a night or two
of camping in the backyard before heading to the campground.
Plan meals
You can chop veggies ahead of time, and use pre-cooked
frozen foods as ice blocks in your cooler. If you’re using a camp stove, foods
that can be cooked with hot water (pasta, instant oatmeal) are quick and easy.
And never underestimate the value of grabbing a meal at the local pizzeria or
burger joint if you’re near a town.
Meghan Dillon-Mellon from Poughkeepsie shared this photo
of her son, Noah, 5. “We love camping with our son,” she says. “Can’t wait to
take our baby, too!”
Check the weather
If you’re camping at elevation or on the coast, remember
that evenings and early mornings may be chilly. And depending on your
destination, you may need to prepare for rainy or windy conditions.
Review rules
When you arrive at the campsite, scope it out before you
set up equipment. Call a quick family meeting and point out site boundaries,
bathrooms, trash containers, and water. Remind the kids to respect neighboring
sites, clean up after themselves, and refrain from feeding wildlife. Make sure
everyone is aware of potential dangers such as creeks, cliffs, and
rash-producing plants.
Relax and unwind
After you’ve set up camp, it’s time to let the great
outdoors work its magic. Hike and fish. Organize a scavenger hunt. Prop your
feet by the campfire. Eat s’mores. Tell ghost stories after the sun goes down.
Drink an adult beverage. Play a card game with the kids by the lantern’s glow.
Find constellations you can’t see in the city. It’s all good.
Dealing with “tech
deficit”
Younger than “tween-age” kids will have no problem
occupying themselves with nature’s bounty: mud, sticks, rocks, water. Amid
their fort-building and cricket-chasing, they’ll scarcely notice the lack of
screens and devices. If you’re at a state park, check out the Junior Rangers
Program. Kids will love the ranger-led activities and guided walks, where they
can learn about the local flora and fauna. For older kids (as well as
parents!), technology has its benefits. Fill your phone with nature-related
apps, and there will be no need to lug ten field guides and a journal on your
next hike. Another tech bonus: you can easily log your discoveries. Check out gizmodo.com
for a review of apps related to animals, plants, rocks, constellations, citizen
science, and hiking trails.
Find the perfect campground!
Find camping at a state national park at newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Reservations can be made online and vary in price.
Privately-owned, amenity-loaded campgrounds can be found
at campgrounds.com, and average about $30+/night.
Ashley Talmadge is
a freelance writer who lives with her family in Oregon