Wilderness snobs love to diss car camping, saying it's too crowded and noisy, that it doesn't come close to the backcountry experience.

Dutiful dad tries out the tent

However, if you have a carload of kids, especially young ones, car camping is the perfect first step. You can take everything you need and more, and if you forget something, you can usually make a trip to get what you need. Later, if you eventually decide you're ready to don your backpacks, you'll be all the better prepared for having car camped first.

Start by getting prepared. Here are some basic guidelines:

		Borrow or buy some basic gear: a tent, sleeping bags, mattress pads, camp stove, etc.
		Set up your tent at home, before you go, so you'll know what you're doing at your campsite (see Tips for Happy Campers). The kids will love testing out the tent. They'll probably want to have a backyard sleep-out.
		Plan your very first camping adventure fairly close to home. This makes for much less packing stress.
		Share a trip with a more experienced camping family. You'll benefit from their tips and will get ideas for useful gear as well as handy tricks for packing and organizing.

Tips for Happy Campers If you're new to camping, buying all the gear you need may seem overwhelming. Don't skimp on quality, however, especially when it comes to tents and sleeping bags. You want roomy, comfortable shelter that will keep you warm and dry. You'll be investing in something you should be able to use for years. Pick a site that's safe for your kids. If your children don't swim, you may not want them near water. Steep terrain can also be tricky, especially if little ones need to make any nighttime journeys. Inspect sites before you start setup for glass and other dangerous debris. Arrive at your campsite well before everyone is starving for dinner, and the whole family will be happier. There's nothing worse than trying to set up camp amid a famished tribe. Arrive at your campsite well before dark, and setup will go much quicker. It's a recognized phenomenon that tents become impossible to erect after the sun sets. While the adults are setting up camp, put the kids to work too. Even toddlers and preschoolers can help unload light items and help set up sleeping bags inside the tent. Helping pitch the tent can be exciting, too. Kids can have fun exploring your site, but have something for them to do — Frisbee, ball, Legos, paper and crayons — if they get antsy.

Move on to Choosing a Campground

Return to Top

Family Adventures GORPtravel and Family: Share the natural beauty you know...and discover all that you've missed! Top Family Destinations Big Sky Getaway Amazon Adventure San Juan Multisport Biking Tuscany more trips...

RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Family
Ask the Family Expert
GORP Camping