I was introduced to camping when I first got married many years ago. It was a delightful experience until one occasion when we were camping on Cape Cod and were surprised by an approaching hurricane!
We had returned to using a tent. A word of advice to people who hang their towels to dry over the frame of the tent... DO NOT do this. As the wind picked up the towels were blown on top of the tent and this negated the waterproof properties and the rain began pouring inside the tent. We had suitcases filled with wet clothing and everything else inside the tent was pretty soaked. It was a long uncomfortable drive back to Providence, RI. We looked liked pathetic drowned rats when we stopped to get breakfast (take out, of course) at McDonald's. At this point I vowed never to go camping again!! Of course that is not true. I have since gone camping with my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.
Coffee Trunk Table
Once our daughters were born we changed from "tenting" to a Cox Pop-Up Tent Trailer. Being off the ground was easier with the children. I did not worry about them being cold sleeping on the ground.
You need to develop a system to make life easier when going camping. A system will save you a lot of time and confusion and help you get on the road without raising your blood pressure!
We had a large basket that perfectly fit between the two fold out beds (with room to spare) where we kept cookware, dishes, silverware and miscellaneous items such as salt and pepper and other items that would keep well left in the camper outdoors. This made our weekly packing a lot easier.
Strip your beds when you are folding up the camper and wash the bedding when you get home and it will be ready for your next trip. Items that needed more rigorously cleaning was removed and cleaned once we got home. The floor was swept and washed and we were basically ready for our next weekend. We actually camped almost every weekend.
I would go shopping and slide the food bags and clothing bags right in the camper. We packed an ice chest in the trunk of the car to hold items that needed to be refrigerated. My husband got home from work, changed his clothes, hooked up the camper and off we went for another exciting weekend. At the time we were living in an apartment and we really looked forward to our weekends away.
We camped in many different areas from Cape Cod, to Vermont and Canada. It was great fun. We had best friends who had three children that usually packed up their tent camper and went with us. What a great experience for the children. Camping is a fun, less expensive way to see the country.
There is nothing quite as wonderful as the smell of coffee brewing on the camp stove and breakfast cooking. The smell of bacon and eggs awakens any sleepy appetite. I noticed appetites almost doubled when we went camping.
Before we purchased our Cox Camper we had a couple occasions to camp with the girls when they were quite young. I must admit that the tent camper was a lot easier.
As you become proficient at camping you will learn many useful tips. One time in particular the temperatures were cooler than we had expected. With the girls in their flannel pajamas, and sleepers we were concerned that they might not be warm enough in their sleeping bags. An older seasoned camper gentleman told us a wise old tip. He told us to be sure the girls, or anyone for that matter, are warm to make sure they are wearing socks and eat a candy bar before going to bed. It worked like a charm every time.
Before you leave on your camping trip check out the park you are planning to go to. Nowadays, with the internet, it is easy to preselect your desired site, or at least get an idea of where you want to stay. If you have small children, it is a good idea to plan to stay nearer the bathrooms! My daughter is a real pro at choosing the "best" site.
Although I personally enjoy just getting away from the everyday rat race and just spending time with my family, you might want to take into consideration activities in the area where you will be camping. Make a list of "things to do and places to go" and in this way you will be ready to have a lot of fun. Now with the internet you can do all of your research on the best things to do and places to visit at home.
It is a good idea to make a list of things you will need. The following list will grow as you continue to camp and realize items that you "miss" from home. In addition to those things mentioned above here are a couple of suggestions:
Tent/tent camper Sleeping bags Hammer Towels, First Aid Kit Sunscreen Bug Spray Toiletries Benadryl (just in case you encounter some poison ivy) Cleaning spray Salt and pepper Cookies and crackers Packages of oatmeal Coffee Coffee French Press (we enjoy the finer things even when camping!) Marshmallows Candy bars Graham Crackers (anyone for s'mores?) Skewers Cocoa Cereal Citronella candles Table cover (plastic or cloth) Plates, silverware, cups Paper towels Napkins Dish detergent Dishpan to wash dishes Container to carry water Charcoal Lighter Fluid Matches Bathing suits Rain Ponchos Appropriate clothing and shoes And whatever else you think you will need
With technology being what it is today, you will be able to take a TV, but I would suggest enjoying being away from those types of things that demand your attention at home and just enjoy spending time with your family.
I was amazed at all the new camping equipment that is on the market. Fancy coffeemakers, and really great collapsible water carriers and double dish washing basins and even portable toilets!! You can decide for yourselves how rustic you want your experience to be.
I wish you a fun filled camping trip that will supply you with memories for years to come.