{Sponsored}
We’ve been camping as a family since our kids were in diapers, and our time together immersed within nature just keeps getting better. The memories of roasting marshmallows over a warm fire and snuggling together under the stars can’t easily be recreated during traditional family vacations. Not only does camping inspire a deep appreciation for nature, it affords teachable moments and the type of quality bonding that doesn’t happen as often as it did when technology was less pervasive.
Over the Mother’s Day weekend, the 4 of us took an impromptu camping trip to a local regional park here in Orange County. One of the things I love about living in California is the fact that we can drive for 20 minutes and feel sufficiently far removed from urban life. While both my husband and I have camped with the bare minimum (think no running water, toilets, or tents), we invested in a few items that make camping comfortable without taking away from the experience of sleeping and just being outdoors. I’ve blogged about Camping With Small Children, The Top 5 Reasons to Go Camping as a Family, and my Best Tips to Help You Have Fun and Stay Safe. Today, I’m going back to the basics and providing a Camping Guide for Beginners. I’ve talked to so many families who are intimidated by the sheer thought of sleeping outside…cooking a meal without a conventional stove…starting a campfire… While this guide is definitely not definitive, I hope it provides some real tips from a real family that camps on a regular basis and actually enjoys doing so.
The Essentials:
Perhaps the most important camping essential is the tent. Many people feel very intimidated by the concept of sleeping in a tent. From bugs and inclement weather to basic concerns about setting a tent up properly, many families forego this type of experience simply because of their tent concerns. Even the most complicated tent, can be set up easily once demonstrated and practiced. But for those who don’t want to bother with setting up a tent, Walmart introduced the Ozark Trail 4 Person Instant Dome Tent. With no assembly required, I was able to set it up without any assistance in just a few minutes.
Tent poles and stakes have always confused me which is why I like this new Ozark Trail Instant Dome Tent ($59.97). The poles are pre-attached to the tent and all that is required for set-up is to unfold and then extend those poles. Once they are locked into place, your tent is ready to sleep in. Tent stakes are included, and while we don’t always use them, I do recommend putting them in place to “ground” your tent. We always camp with an airbed and while snug, I was glad that our Queen mattress fit inside this tent. The four of us slept comfortably in this tent and we still had room for one small duffel bag filled with our clothes and toiletries. If you plan to keep more than a few items inside the tent during your camping trip, I recommend moving up one size (Ozark Trail offers 3 additional sizes which can accommodate up to 8 people).
Some of the other things we liked about this tent include the pocket organizers where I stored my phone and glasses and the adjustable ground vents (it has been very warm here and the ability to open those vents kept us nice and cool). Every tent we’ve owned has required the purchase of a tarp, but this tent has it incorporated into the bottom so that is one extra item you don’t have to purchase or worry about.
Inevitably, condensation will likely build up on the outside of the tent (this happened to us over the weekend). Be sure to allow the tent to dry out before putting it away or it will mold. Once you are ready to put the tent away, simply unlock the poles, fold up the tent, and store it in the carry bag. This tent weighs just 10 pounds and is compact enough to fit into nearly any vehicle.
Unless you’re planning to hike to your camping location, I highly recommend investing in a quality airbed. Remember to consider the size of your tent and the number of people that will be sleeping on the airbed. Most air mattresses do not come with a pump, so be sure to pick up an air pump. Remember that unless you know you’ll have electricity, it is best to purchase an air pump that is batter-operated or rechargeable.
Remember to consider the average nighttime temperatures of your camping location and plan accordingly. We always bring warm and cold weather sleeping bags (there is nothing worse than being unable to sleep because I’m too cold). Pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals are optional and are really dependent on how comfortable your family wants to be and how much space you have. Since you’ll be camping, be sure to bring several flashlights, or consider investing in a lantern.
Unless you’re “glamping” and your destination offers dining, be prepared to cook your own food. We invested in a quality camping stove and have found it to be invaluable. We’ve cooked everything from homemade chicken noodle soup to homemade chili on our stove, debunking the myth that camping means Rice-A-Roni! We have Coleman’s Propane Grill Stove which makes it easy to prepare homemade meals. Don’t forget to pack propane and fire wood (plus a fire starter) if you plan to roast marshmallows for S’mores!
Remember that in addition to packing food, you’ll need plates, napkins, utensils, cooking & serving tools. I also find it invaluable to have a case of bottled water on-hand, in case running water is not accessible. Also remember to bring clean-up supplies including dishwashing liquid, antibacterial hand wipes/gel, and trash bags.
In addition to the above, you’ll want to pack medications, sunscreen, insect repellant, toiletries, toilet paper and a first aid kit. Many campsites have benches and tables, but you may want to bring a couple of chairs to position around the campfire. And don’t forget to bring books and board games family bonding at night.
The Locale:
Before choosing a campsite, think about how far you want to travel, what types of activities your family likes to participate in, and your “must-have” amenities. Do you want the ultimate rustic experience? Or would you feel more comfortable with facilities that include running water, flushing toilets and hot showers? Be sure to research the campsite thoroughly before endeavoring on the trip, particularly if you haven’t had a lot of experience camping. You’ll want to know what types of wildlife (i.e. bears) to prepare for and what the weather will be like during the day AND at night. ReserveAmerica is a great place to start if you want to begin researching campsites. Be sure to inquire as to whether or not a reservation is required since you don’t want to show up only to find that the campground is full.
Before You Camp:
1. Make a checklist of gear essentials and refer back to it while packing.
2. Ensure that you know how to set up your tent, start a fire, and use a camp stove BEFORE heading out to your campsite.
3. Arrive to your campsite during the day. If you are just beginning your camping ventures, you’ll want plenty of daylight to set up your tent and cook your meals. These simple tasks become incredibly difficult once the sun goes down.
4. Consider a trial campout in your backyard. This will help you determine whether or not you know how to set up and use your equipment AND whether or not you’ve forgotten an essential item.
Some of my best childhood memories were spent snuggled up in a tent with my parents. My husband and I love to travel, but there is something exhilarating about camping in the middle of the wilderness beneath the stars. These are memories and conversations that don’t easily take place in the midst of our busy schedules and I relish the time we spend camping together.
If you’ve never endeavored to take a camping trip with your family, now is a great time to begin. And if you have questions, you can always reach out to us at [email protected].
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Hooray for camping! We have yet to venture into a tent since we had our third little girl…but it will probably be on our list for next summer.
Aw Stephanie I hope you get a chance to camp soon! If you have questions or need advice I’d be happy to provide it
Love the video! I didn’t know you were an only child! Me too!
Aw…thanks Sheena. Yes! I’m an only child…ha!