1. Roughing It
Tent camping is a great way to enjoy nature and respect it at the same time. Pitch your tent at home, especially if it's new or you haven't used it in a while. Learning in the comfort of your home is better than waiting until you're tired and want to rest. Put a waterproof pad under your tent to protect it. Make sure it's smaller than the tent so if it rains, you don't end up sleeping in a puddle. Likewise, always use the rain flaps to avoid unpleasant surprises. Stake the tent well to prevent issues in the middle of the night. Add a soft cushion below your sleeping bag for extra comfort.
2. Cadillac Camping
RV camping is a great way to blend the wonders of nature with the luxury of home. There are RV campgrounds scattered across the country where you can hook up to water and electricity and hang out with other RVers. If you don't own an RV and aren't sure if you want to invest in one, you can rent them from nearly every dealership. This is a great option if you've considered buying an RV, but aren't quite sure. You can drive your tent from city to city, enjoying the sights and camping all over the country.
3. Taking Your Show on the Road
Camping is about spending time with you family and enjoying nature. Regardless of whether you're camping in a tent or an RV, packing is essential for your comfort and safety. Try to find items that serve more than one purpose to lighten your load. Plan your meals and take only what you need. Take along meals that last, such as stews, soups or chilis. Take individual packets of ketchup, mustard and mayo. If you're going to use a camping stove or dutch oven, practice at home so you know what to expect.
4. Pack Plenty of Socks
What you wear will to have a direct impact on how much you enjoy your trip. Layer your clothing so you're comfortable no mater what the temperature is. You can take off layers as it grows warmer and keep them close at hand when temperatures dip. Wear thick socks that aren't cotton. Cotton holds the moisture against your feet, and they don't provide the comfort you need when hiking. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and make sure you break them in before your trip. Take a warm hat and gloves, even in summer. If you get caught in the rain or experience a chilly day, you'll be grateful for the extra warmth.
5. Planning Preempts Boredom
Investigate camp grounds in the areas you'd like to visit. Most have some amenities, like swimming pools, hiking trails or places to fish. Ask about horse riding, nature hikes or hay rides. Other grounds host special activities unique to their facility. While you don't want to plan every minute of every day, having options ready can help keep your family busy. Let kids work on a camping scrapbook to fill rainy days. Bring games and cards to help stave off boredom. No matter what you end up doing, remember that the fun of camping is spending time together.
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