Camping with family and kids is one of the best moments that you will cherish in your life. And it can be a memorable experience when you plan properly and are well-prepared for it. You can sleep under the star-lit sky, amidst nature, and get a break from the hustle-bustle of everyday life.
You not only get to recharge but also get to reconnect with your family. Kids love the outdoors and all the adventure that comes with camping as explained in an awesome guide on camping with kids from CampingKnow.
You might think as to what would go wrong, but are you really sure? Without planning or preparation, a dream camping trip with your family can turn into a nightmare in no time.
Top Mistakes You Should Avoid When Camping with Kids
Listed below are a few mistakes you need to avoid, especially when you’re camping with the kids.
1. Setting the Tent Up After It Gets Dark
Reaching the campsite when it’s dark and trying to set up the tent when the view isn’t clear is a bad idea.
Due to the low light conditions, the potential dangers often go unnoticed. This is thus not the right way to get your trip started.
All the commotion you create when setting the tent up can also disturb your neighbors, spoiling the experience for everybody including you.
2. Failing to Check the Camping Equipment
Imagine you being on a camping trip with your family, and your kids are all excited about it.
You got an all-new deluxe barbeque, and you’re all excited to cook something delicious. The disappointment is real when the barbeque doesn’t turn on.
Testing the camping equipment you buy is the first and foremost thing you need to do to avoid any disappointment.
It’s advised to check any equipment you’re planning to take on your next camping trip – either old or new. Be it your sleeping bag, the lantern, the BBQ; make sure to check it beforehand.
3. Storing Toiletries or Food in the Tent
Campers do know that storing or keeping food out in and around the tent can attract animals from the woods.
Some of the products like toothpaste or soap can also invite critters, and these can crawl into the tent anytime during the day or night. So, you must store them safely in a bag or a box.
4. Not Checking the Weather and Going Unprepared
Never trust a daily weather forecast blindly. You might check the weather report before planning the camping trip, but make sure you’re well-prepared too.
Who knows when it might rain all of a sudden, and getting stuck without warm clothes with your family and kids?
Make sure to always pack a pair of warm clothes and carry the rain gear without gear. If you suspect rain, you can always plan for some activities to keep your kids in good spirits. And, don’t forget to carry some extra pairs of socks and underwear.
5. Carrying Less Food
Most of the time, campers tend to carry just enough food for the trip which is one of the mistakes you should avoid when camping with kids.
But, it can be quite difficult if something goes wrong and you get stuck for an extra day or two. If you’re going on a hiking trip, it rains suddenly and you need to stay for a few days.
This is one such scenario where you need to have a plan B. So, make sure you pack food for a day or two extra, and also include a few extra energy bars, snacks, and juices to be sure.
6. Missing on the First Aid and Repair Kit
You always need to carry a first aid kit that’s well stocked. Don’t forget to check all the content inside, and replace the medications expired with the new ones. This way, you can be sure that you have all that you need.
You also need to carry a repair kit as the last thing you and your family need to experience is a leaky or damaged tent.
Make sure the repair kit you carry has an extra role, some sleeves that help straighten any bent tent poles, a metal pole, a sewing kit, duct tape, and some extra shoelaces.
7. Not Carrying Enough Lighting
The nights outdoors can at times get pretty dark, and you might be in a fix if you don’t carry the needed lighting.
You need to carry enough lighting equipment so that your campsite stays illuminated. You cannot just go camping with just a torch when you have your kids along.
You should invest in a battery-powered or solar-powered lantern. Head torches too are a good option as you can keep your hands free. Also, make sure to check everything before you pack and head out for camping.
8. Visiting Without Making a Prior Reservation
While campers make a reservation well beforehand, there are times when we underestimate the crowd and end up going unplanned.
As you might not show up at a hotel without a reservation, you need to follow the same when you’re planning a camping trip, especially with your family.
9. Not Making a Checklist
Going on a trip without a plan is the last thing you want to do. This is really one mistake you certainly don’t want to make when you’re camping with kids. To avoid a possible failure, you can make a checklist for the upcoming trip.
By doing so, you can make sure to carry everything from toiletries to tools without forgetting anything important. If you’re planning to take an RV along, you also need to check the maintenance of the RV as well.
You need to make a checklist when going on the camping trip, and another checklist that you need before you leave the campsite. Both these checklists will ensure you don’t leave anything behind.
Mistakes are always a part of an adventure, and there might be instances when you end up making mistakes. So, make sure you are well prepared and plan the camping trip with your kids to have a memorable and the most unforgettable trip of all time.