Embarking on your first family camping trip can be a bit daunting, can’t it? I know the feeling.
You want everything to go perfectly, but you worry about the unknowns. Camping anxiety before your first trip is perfectly natural.
But with a bit of preparation and these ten tips, you and your family can enjoy a wonderful, stress-free adventure outdoors.
1. Start Small
For your first outing, pick a campsite close to home. This makes the trip less intimidating and easier to manage.
Go for just one or two nights. Camping is so much fun and so revitalizing, but it can also be curiously exhausting at the same time, so you’ll need to build up your camping stamina!
Don’t plan to do too much. A little bit of exploring, some ball games and card games, and some cooking, can make for a chilled and wonderful weekend.
2. Practice Camping at Home
If you have one, why not have a trial run in your backyard?
It’s a fantastic way to make sure you know how to set up your tent and gives the kids a fun, low-stakes introduction to sleeping outside.
3. Check the Weather
Stay ahead of any potential worries by checking the weather before you go.
This way, you can pack appropriately and avoid any surprises. Rain and cold do not need to get in the way of a successful camping trip, as long as you have the correct gear to keep everyone dry and snug.
4. Pack Comfort Items
Bringing along a favorite pillow or stuffed animal can help younger children feel at home, even in the woods.
5. Create a Checklist
Avoid last-minute panic by organizing what you need to bring ahead of time. A checklist can be a real lifesaver!
6. Learn Basic Skills
Before you go, spend some time with your family learning the basics. Like setting up a tent or starting a fire safely.
It’s great bonding time and you can learn together.
YouTube is your friend!
7. Plan Meals
Decide what you’ll eat and prepare ingredients beforehand. This cuts down on cooking stress and lets you enjoy more time exploring or relaxing.
Plan easy meals. No need to get too adventurous on your first camping trip.
A basic one ring camping stove and a small barbecue are all you need. Check out these easy camping recipes from Fresh Off The Grid.
8. Arrive Early
Get to your campsite early to set everything up in daylight.
This gives you plenty of time to get comfortable and explore.
Believe me, arriving at a campsite at night can be stressful and isn’t the best way to start your trip.
9. Bring Entertainment
Pack some games, a bat and ball, and a pack of cards.
A little entertainment can go a long way in easing any camping anxiety. When you’re having fun together, you forget to feel anxious.
10. Stay Connected
If the thought of being completely off the grid is a worry, choose a campsite with cell service.
It’s okay to ease into the unplugged life.
You can check out the reviews of the campsite in advance, and see what others are saying about connectivity.
Remember, the goal of your trip is to make happy memories together, so don’t stress about making everything perfect.
You will find that your campsite neighbors and the staff at the campsite will be only too happy to help if you are unsure about anything.
Embrace the adventure, the unexpected, and the joy of being in nature. Take a deep breath and take in the moment!
And when you return, you’ll be amazed at how refreshed and accomplished you feel. Ready to plan your next great family adventure!
Stephanie Simmons is an Anglo-American mum of two who is passionate about all things outdoors. She loves camping, outdoor crafting, and all outdoor activities.
Steph believes in getting the kids outdoors no matter the weather!
She created Wild Bloom Families to share her passion for the outdoors with other families.
Getting in nature can transform your physical health, mental health and happiness!
