Three tips for a successful camping family vacation

By Alistair Wearmouth

My wife’s first comment after I returned from my first solo camping trip with our then three-year-old was, “You look exhausted.” Which was absolutely true. But beyond my sorry physical state after one night (yes, just one!), both of us couldn’t have been happier.

Sure, taking younger kids camping is a ton of hard work — imagine setting up camp, getting a fire going, making sure the kids don’t jump in the fire, getting everyone fed, exploring the woods, breaking down camp… you get the idea — but it’s easily one of life’s more rewarding experiences (in my opinion). For those looking to plan a similar family vacation, here are a few tips to make your trip into the great yonder a little less backbreaking:

1. Location, Location, Location: Forget killer views for a moment and think about what really makes your pint-sized campers tick. When I took my son up to Shenandoah National Park, he could’ve cared less about the million-dollar sunset; the playground right behind us was where all the action was at. Campgrounds near lakes, beaches, ponds, and rivers are sure to be an instant hit. Think less about the logistics for an expeditionary force and more about what makes any weekend at home great. Kids don’t want to schlep out into the wilderness to look at trees and distant mountain peaks; let them play, explore, and be in their element. Same goes for where you choose to camp. The less time you spend in the car the better. You’ll be surprised at how many campsites are within two hours of your front door.

2. It’s Not About the Gear: Let’s face it: outdoorsy folks can get a little caught up in the nuclearbrinkmanship of the latest and greatest gear (surprise, there’s a multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry marketing this stuff). However, before you go and drop $600 on a Denali-worthy tent and the same again on stoves, sleeping bags, and the latest windproof, waterproof, glow-in-the-dark shell, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Do I really need all this stuff for our family vacation? First-timers might want to consider renting the essentials (tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads) from outfitters like REI or Eastern Mountain Sports. Big-box stores like Wal-Mart or Target sell very reasonably priced — some might say cheap — tents and camping equipment which, while it won’t win you style prizes out on the Alaskan tundra, will do you just fine during a thunderstorm in your local state park. Confession: I don’t actually own a family-sized tent, having either just rented one or borrowed one from friends. And because we only ever car-camp right now, I just throw in the kids’ mattresses and pillows to ensure they can still get their fill of that most precious commodity of all: sleep.

3. Keep It Simple: Blindingly self-obvious, but worth stressing nonetheless. The point is not to rack up miles, summits, or bear sightings. It’s to be outside with your family enjoying that little slice of nature wherever you happen to be standing. If the sun is shining, great, go out and find the nearest swimming hole; if it’s pouring with rain, hole up in your tent and play Go Fish. If your tent starts leaking, jump back in the car and go find the nearest Dunkin’ Donuts. Or just take a rain check until the next weekend.

Related Orbitz resources:

• Family vacation

Alistair Wearmouth is an editor at Away.com. With two
young children now in tow, his travel perspective has shifted
seismically from digging out the best backpacker hostel in Kathmandu to
coping strategies for toddlers on a trans-Atlantic flight. His world
travels have taken him through Europe, India, Nepal, Japan, Southeast
Asia, the Canadian Rockies and beyond.

Tagged: Family time