Camping is a great vacation option for families
because it gives you a chance to spend real quality time together. But as
with all family vacations, camping requires some planning and preparation to
ensure you get the most out of your
trip.

Here
are some tips from our family camping gurus to make sure your trip is
memorable:

Make a List and Check it
Twice
Camping requires a little more gear than your
standard trip, so start making your list a few weeks in advance. As you plan
your travel gear, think in categories — like kitchen equipment, sleeping
space, entertainment, and more — to keep things manageable and
focused.

Plan Together
Get the
kids excited for your camping trip by involving them in the planning process.
Some parents may want to give their kids a chance to vote on the vacation
destination, while others are more comfortable letting their kids handle
smaller tasks like choosing a vacation activity, packing their backpack or
planning a dinner menu. Even giving them some reading materials about their
destination will help pique their
interest.

Practice Makes Perfect
If you
plan to tent camp and your kids are first-timers, do a trial run in your
backyard before you go. Make the experience as realistic as possible by
grabbing some sleeping bags and setting up a tent so your kids get
comfortable with spending the night under the stars. This test run is also
great for adults, giving you a chance to refine your camping checklist during
your backyard staycation.

Create a Home Away from
Home
Let the kids help set up the campsite so they feel at
home in the great outdoors. Depending on their age, kids can assist in
sweeping the site, setting up the tent, unpacking gear and more. Then make
sure everyone has duties to keep the campsite clean and comfortable and the
group well-fed throughout the stay.

Have Fun and
Learn
Camping offers so many different kinds of
experiences these days that you won’t have to try too hard to learn something
new. From boating and outdoor excursions to culinary events and more,
campgrounds offer a full slate of activities designed to teach and entertain
all day long.