Tents, Tots and Trails: Family Camping Vacation Inspiration

Image Courtesy of saniros namwongCamping holidays may seem like a lot of unnecessary hassle for the uninitiated, and many families steer clear to avoid having to ‘rough it’ in the woods. Many modern campsites actually offer all the amenities you would expect from a hotel such as a kitchen area, showers, toilets and a pool for a fraction of the price. Families that prefer to get up close and personal with nature can explore some of Canada’s magnificent national parks and sleep out under the stars for a truly magical family holiday. However you wish to spend your camping holiday, the following guide will help you plan a stress-free trip that the whole family will enjoy.

Pick Your Destination

National and state parks offer plenty to see and do such as hiking, mountain biking, swimming and spotting wildlife. Most parks have designated camping grounds equipped with toilets, showers, lockers and a grocery store. Private themed parks are ideal for young children such as Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Ontario that offers plenty of kids activities like mini golf, bowling, arts and crafts and singalongs all hosted by yogi bear himself.

Prepare Your Gear

Don’t get bogged down with fancy gadgets and timesavers that never get used and will only take up precious storage space. The basic things you will need for a successful camping trip are:
Tent, ground sheet, pegs and guy wires
• Sleeping bags, pillows and mattresses
• Camping stove, extra fuel and lighter or matches
• Pots, plates, cups and cutlery
• Cooler
• Water containers
• Light (preferably solar powered)
• Sunblock and insect repellent

If you plan on doing some hiking, then make sure you choose the lightest gear you can find such as plastic plates, foam mattresses and a lightweight tent. Serious campers that plan to spend several weeks in the wild will need a vehicle with plenty of storage such as a Town and Country Chrysler minivan.

Choose Your Tent

Dome tents with separate sleeping areas are ideal for large families and are relatively easy to put up. If the place you will be visiting gets windy, avoid tall tents that can get incredibly noisy with just a light breeze. If you will be planning to camp out at many different locations, then a pop-up tent can be pitched in a matter of seconds.

Dress Warm

Even if the weather forecast is bright and sunny, it is still important to take along an extra jacket, socks and a few sweaters. Areas close to mountains or lakes can get chilly during the evening, and places with high humidity can also feel cold at night.

Planning your meals is the best way to ensure you don’t under or over pack when it comes to food. Draw up a menu for the duration of your trip including the journey to and from the campsite. Stick to simple meals such as pasta, rice and beans, and be sure to pack plenty of healthy snacks such as cereals bars to keep energy levels up.

Mary Davis is a homesteading Mom of 3 enjoying rural life. She draws upon family life for her articles which get published mostly on parenting lifestyle blogs.