how to begin your camping adventures
Growing up in a large family we weren't financially able to take extravagant trips. We just couldn't afford it. But what we did do, was camp! My parents use to take us tent camping which meant we spent the weekend building campfires, making s'more, playing in the creek, swimming in the lake and riding bikes around the campground. Some of my best childhood memories were at the campground. I enjoyed it so much we decided to buy an RV and give our kids the same experiences!
Which type of camping is best for you & your family
Let's not sugarcoat it. Camping costs money. But if your thinking about a family trip and camping is on the list, there are ways to do it budget friendly if you don't own an RV!
Tent camp - Budget benefits to tent camping are the campsites are typically cheaper than a full hookup campsite. You also don't have to worry about the dump tank at the end of the trip...gross! Also if you are familiar with the photo to the right, you are my kind of people! Shitter's Full Clark! **pro tip, camp somewhat close to a bath house for easy access to a bathroom & shower when you need it.**
Rent an RV - Renting an RV on RV Share allows you to get the experience of having an RV without the price tag of owning one. You can rent RV's on RV share and have the option to have the entire camper set up and ready to rock when you get to the campsite!
Camp with friends - If you know someone who is an avid camper and goes all the time, ask to join them! Camping truly is about spending time with those you love and enjoy being around & making fond memories. I have never met a camper that wasn't happy to share their experience and how things work!
Reserve a yurt or cabin - Making a reservation to camp at a campground that offers yurts or cabins available is the perfect way to enjoy camping with a little less hassle of having to set everything up! And depending on where you camp, some of the cabins already have bedding and stocked kitchens. Check the description when you go to book, it should lay out everything the yurt or cabin has to offer.
where to go?
Now that you have which type of camping you're looking for, where do you go? Chances are you already have a location in mind if you're reading this. But if you have no clue where to start here are a few places you can check for good camping locations:
Facebook - Facebook has local camping groups where people post where they have camped, which sites they camped on and reviews and amenities that different campgrounds offer. Read with caution, search the campgrounds you are looking at or maybe you make a post explaining your looking to take your first camping adventure and ask for recommendations. All are worth the research!
State Parks - Your state probably has some pretty beautiful campgrounds. Check your local State Campgrounds and see if any of them fit your criteria. If you find one you like you can circle back to the Facebook group and ask about it. Check and see what people have posted about and take a gander at the recommendations.
Jellystone Park Camp Resorts - Although a tad more on the expensive side, Jellystone Parks offer a wide range of amenities from waterparks, in ground pools, golf cart and bike rentals, jump pads, putt putt, ice cream shops, and numerous family fun/kid craft activities. Some of these parks even have clubhouses or camp shops where they offer camping essentials for sale and different logo gear you can purchase. They usually have a schedule of activities they host for weekends too!
Privately Owned Campgrounds - more and more privately owned campsites are available. Whether it be an entire campground or a small oasis on a farm somewhere. You can find all kinds of ways to discover the outdoors in unexpected places. A simple google search for privately owned campgrounds near you or visiting HIPCAMP's website would be a good start.
get outdoors and do the damn thing
Bottom line is, you don't need a fancy or extravagant vacation to have a good time and make amazing memories. There are always funny things we are remembering from our camping trips. It's a team effort, it teaches all of us, as a family to pitch in and help out. We get to explore new places, do fun things, and meet some pretty awesome people along the way! Did you camp as a child? What are some of your favorite memories from camping trips you've taken? Post in the comments below, I would love to hear <3
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