Camping is a great way to bond with family and friends, but not everyone loves roughing it in the great outdoors.
Teenagers are especially reluctant to unplug from their daily digital lives in order to commune with nature on a family vacation. However, there are ways you can make camping fun for the entire clan.
Being prepared for an extended stay outdoors is one way you can reduce apprehension and anxiety associated with camping. Before you even leave your driveway, check the weather forecast. If Mother Nature looks like she will be raining on your camping parade, you might consider holding off until major storms clear. After all, it’s hard to make camping cool if you are forced to pitch a tent in the rain and wind. Next, be sure to pack the basics such as a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking items, including a portable stove, pots, pans, plates, and utensils. Don’t forget easy to prepare food and plenty of water to stay hydrated outdoors. Also, make sure to bring along insect repellent and sunscreen.
If you are heading out on your first camping adventure, it’s a good idea to choose a location that includes on-site bathrooms, showers and firewood. Also, staying at an established campground that is close to a convenience store is also a bonus if you tend to forget things when traveling. If you have children, select a site that includes playgrounds or other kid-friendly attractions, such as biking paths, designated fishing spots and grassy areas where youngsters can play soccer, football or Frisbee.
For families with older kids, who cringe at the idea of vacationing in a tent, a site with cabins might be the perfect compromise. The United States is home to a slew of campgrounds that feature cabins with running water and electricity. The small structures typically include bunk beds or cots, access to charcoal grills, picnic tables, hammocks and fire pits. The amenities might just be enough to keep the entire clan happy for the duration of your summer outdoor adventure.
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