Camping is a great way to spend quality time with your family, but planning a trip can get pretty stressful. If you plan ahead, it can make the whole process a lot easier and less painful. If you want to start planning a camping trip but don’t know where to start, here are some dos and don’ts when planning your family’s next camping adventure.
Do Plan for a Safe Way to Store Guns and Ammunition
As soon as you decide to go camping, you begin to plan what gear you have, what equipment you need and how you are going to get there. If you are planning a hunting or fishing vacation, one of the things to consider is how to store your guns and ammunition safely. Never allow children to handle guns without adult supervision.
Don’t Forget Camping Essentials
Camping is a great way to spend time with your family, but make sure you aren’t neglecting the essentials. Bring enough water, food and sunscreen not only for the first few days but the duration of the trip. It’s also important to be prepared for rain or other inclement weather. Better safe than sorry.
Do Arrive Before Nightfall
If you and your family are new to camping, it can be difficult transporting all the necessary gear to a campsite and setting it up in the dark. To avoid this frustration, try to arrive at your site before nightfall. Not only will it give you plenty of time to get situated before bed, but it will also allow your kids to explore and get excited about sleeping outdoors.
Don’t Leave Food Unattended
Whether you are in the backyard or at an RV park, food safety is critical when you’re camping with kids. And because you may be setting up camp and cooking in a strange place, it’s easy to forget some of the usual healthy eating rules. Here are more dos and don’ts for camping with kids.
Do Follow Proper Safety Protocol
It may seem obvious, but safety protocol is important. Never leave a campfire unattended and never, ever play with fire. Do know basic first aid. Accidents might happen when you’re camping without easy access to paramedics or doctors. Don’t forget a first aid kit filled with pain killers and wound dressings, and know how to use them effectively.
Don’t Ignore the Campground’s Pet Policy
Confirm the campground’s pet policy before you make reservations. Some will allow dogs but place restrictions on breed, size, or season—and while they may be pet-friendly, they may not be kid-friendly. Some places don’t allow animals of any type; others don’t accept pets during certain seasons. And if you’re planning to bring kids along, see if there’s a guideline regarding age restrictions. Note that some parks reserve certain camping areas for adults only.
You are ready for a successful family camping trip if you have the gear and follow the guidelines for good camping behavior. Many people return to nature with renewed spirits. That is what we hope our children experience when they go camping. Enjoy your adventure!