Budget Family Camping: A Growing Trend

Is the cost of a family vacation a source of concern for you?

Airline and train tickets have skyrocketed in recent months due to the rise in gasoline prices. Booking a weekend in a hotel for a family of four could cost the equivalent of a week’s salary, and that does not include meals. These factors leave many families with a small budget wondering how they can afford to take a family vacation without breaking the bank. Budget family camping may be the answer.

The option of packing the family car and driving out to a secluded place at the lake or in the woods sounds ideal to some families.

Let’s face it; we all want to get away from the incessant ringing phones, the sound of traffic, and the responsibilities of life now and then.

Budget family camping doesn’t require much planning for a pleasant trip.

Many campgrounds around the country offer overnight camping for tent campers ranging anywhere from $7-25 a night which is far less than the cost of even the most budget priced hotel. Even if the family chooses to camp in their Recreational Vehicle (RV) the rates usually, do not exceed $35 per night in all but the most exclusive parks. Most of the government owned National Parks now have online systems in place for booking camping trips in advance. A family can plan their budget family camping trip as much as a year in advance, in almost any state.

And don't forget, especially out West, BLM camping is FREE, usually up to a 14 day stay!

Once the reservations are made the family simply packs their bedding, extra clothes, fishing gear, and their food before heading off for their budget family camping trip for some family togetherness time.

If you have never taken a camping trip before, you will need to invest in some camping gear which will last for several years. For a family of four your budget family camping trip will require the following gear (for the most comfort):

• A good size cooler to keep food and drinks cold
• Disposable cups, plates, and silverware
• Quality sleeping bags for each family member ($40-60 per person - you can even get pretty nice, cheaper ones at Walmart for around $20 each)
• Tarps for ground cover under the tent (keeps out moisture) around $8-10 (HINT: Get them cheaper at Harbor Freight)
• Battery powered lantern, extra batteries (less messy)
• Family tent (buy bigger than you think you need) $80-170
• Basic game gear- balls, bikes, horseshoes, dominoes, cards
• Fishing tackle box, bait, fishing poles, (optional)

Once you purchase the gear for the first trip, you will have what you need for each additional budget family camping trip. You will probably keep adding items as you continue camping. Many campers find it addicting to get away at least once or twice a year with the family.

Camping Essentials 101

If you’re planning to head out camping in the great outdoors – but you’re not exactly a seasoned camper – you may want to take a few moments and think about the kinds of things you’ll need while spending time outside.

If possible, grab a seasoned camper and take him or her along with you – they’ll be able to tell you what to do in just about any situation – but if that isn’t an option, think about what you’ll need to start with: shelter, warmth, and food.

Most beginning campers start out as tent campers, simply because it’s the easier thing to learn and the best way to ease yourself into the thrill of camping without too many variables.

Also, this is a good way to see the “great outdoors” without giving in to your desire for the comforts of home – stay away from that RV and pack up the car instead! When you’re purchasing a tent, make sure it has adequate weather protection and durable mosquito netting – and do the same with sleeping bags, ensuring that they’re well insulated for ultimate warmth.

Of course, the problem for many beginning campers is that there are simply too many styles and types of tents to choose from – so how do you know which one is the best for you? First, consider how many people are going to be sleeping in your tent, and whether you plan on storing your bags in the tent or keeping them in the car.

Do you want to reserve the tent for sleeping-only, or will it also serve as a change room and relaxation area? In terms of space, it’s always best to choose a tent that is two people larger than the amount you plan to fit inside – for example, purchase a four-person tent if two people are going to using it.

SLEEP & COMFORT

Before you think about setting up the tent and throwing the sleeping bags inside however, remember that the bags will be lying right on the hard ground – and unless your spine is incredibly durable, your body won’t be too happy with you in the morning if you don’t cushion the surface. Inflatable air mattresses or ground-pads work very well for this, and they’re compact enough to fit in the car easily without demanding too much extra space. And make sure you’ve brought your pillow!

We've always used the basic foam type because they guard your back against rocks, but can roll up to easily fit when packing - and fit at the bottom of a back-pack if you're backpacking only.

FOOD PREP

Next, think about what you’re going to eat and how you want to prepare it. If you’re familiar with backyard cooking, you probably already know how to work a camp stove and grill, and your family may already be familiar with sitting down at a picnic table outside. Pick up a bag of charcoal, grab the spatula, and pack some buns – hot dogs and hamburgers make the perfect camping meal, and if you’ve got a small pot and can opener, you can heat up plenty of canned vegetables to round out the selection. 

While these are the main essentials you’ll need when heading out to camp, it’s always a good idea to make yourself a checklist beforehand – plenty of people have the best of intentions, but arrive at the campground only to find that they’ve forgotten a can opener and the toothbrush is still sitting in the washroom at home. The little things count too, so plan ahead and get a checklist organized. That way, you’ll have all your bases covered – and will have a fantastic camping trip all around!

For some campers who are stressed out by packing because they cannot distinguish what’s essential and what’s not, those that are tempted to bring the whole house just to make sure they have not forgotten anything, or are apprehensive about the thought that they missed putting something important on their checklist. To ensure that you’re not forgetting anything and to make packing easier, use that checklist each and every camping trip.

No matter what you decide needs to be on your camping checklist, here are the 3 basic Camping Essentials I would say are needed for every camping trip:

Camping Essentials List

1. A reliable and durable tent. Choose one that has sturdy poles, durable fabric, heavy duty zippers and sufficient ventilation to make the atmosphere inside the tent fresh and breezy.

2. Comfortable sleeping bag with insulation for cold nights.

3. A lantern and flashlight to provide you with light.

Some of my fondest camping memories only included these basics, with food and water.

Moral to the story, do not make the camping gear that many people buy and use be the thing that stops you. Just get the camping essentials and go camping!

Camp Cooking Made Easy

Camp cooking can be as elaborate or simple as you want it to be.

If you want to prepare quick and simple but nutritious meals while you are camping, camp cooking doesn't even have to require a fire.  But if you are interested in fueling your camping trip with a feast, camp cooking can allow you to make hot, healthy foods that are as good as you can make them at home in your own kitchen.

Camp cooking does not have to be limited to sandwiches and baked potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil.  Almost any cooking method you use in the kitchen can be duplicated around the campfire.

For example, use a Dutch oven or pit cooking to bake your food.  You can also easily fry foods in a pan over a grill, or boil, braise and roast.  What type of camping cookware is best for you? Camp cooking and clean-up can be easy or a hassle, it all starts with great camping equipment.

Some pots/pans come in sets that mate together or "nest" for storage and even allow you to tuck a canister of fuel inside them. This comes in handy when you're looking to save room while camping. 

Following are some camping items to take with you if you are planning on preparing some meals around the campfire.  These common kitchen items will allow you to duplicate tasty meals while you are out of doors.

• Salt and pepper

• Your favorite herbs and spices (Hint: use old tic tac containers to hold them all in a small space, but easy to use when needed)

• Cooking oil

• Pot holder (make sure you don't mind if these get smoke or burn marks from using with the fire pit)

• Hand-held can opener

• Aluminum foil (heavy duty is best, if you can get it)

• Tongs and spatula

• Cutting knives

• Cutting board

• Mixing bowl

• Paper or plastic silverware, plates, and cups

Not only should you look to include these items into your camp kitchen, but look for smaller or travel size versions of these to save space when packing.

If you have just a few campers and are looking for some simple camp cooking, try the easy and quick technique of tin can cooking.  All you will need is a clean tin can – a one gallon size can works well.  Your source of heat can be a small campfire, or if wood burning is prohibited, a small buddy burner will work well, which can be found at sporting good stores or online.

Place your meal in the tin can and simply heat the contents of your can over a flame.  You will have a hot meal ready in minutes.  This technique works great for soups, stews, beans, and tuna fish.

A more time-consuming camp cooking technique that also produces tasty meals is pit cooking.  Pit cooking is great for items that can be wrapped in aluminum foil to be cooked.  It is also a great camp cooking method if you are using a Dutch oven or cast iron cookware.  Pit cooking warms your food by heating rocks and coals that are buried in the ground.  As the rocks cool off, their emitted heat cooks the food.  To pit cook, first dig a hole that is about three times larger than your cookware.  Line the pit with rocks and build a fire in the middle.  Once the fire has burned rapidly for about an hour, push the hot coals and rocks into the center.  Layer your wrapped food or covered skillets on top of the rocks and coals and place more on top.  After a few hours, you will have some delicious camp food to enjoy.

And most importantly, do not forget to have simple items like fresh fruits and vegetables. They are portable and easy to eat without a need for any type of fire whatsoever - and they are healthy as opposed to bringing unhealthy snacks such as chips, cookies, and other treats.

Camping Makes the Weekend Perfect

Do you have a weekend without anything to do or a weekend when you don’t want to do anything?  I know what I’d do.  I would pack up the truck and head for the woods.  Sitting by a camp fire with your favorite people solves many problems, so you shouldn’t wait too long between fires.

My favorite thing to do on a weekend is to camp.

Are you looking for an easy way to camp?  How about car camping?  I love it! One of my favorite camping trips was when we had no tent and just slept in the back of our Jeep! 

First of all, let’s define car camping?  When you can drive your vehicle right up to the camp site, that’s called car camping.  Even if you’re driving a truck it’s still called car camping.  The advantage of car camping versus primitive or base camping is that you can take anything you want with you.  If you want to take a hammock or huge grill or a stack of magazines, you can.  Load your car or truck with food, clothing, shelter, bedding, games, and anything else you want to take along and get going.  It’s really that simple.

So where can you car camp?

Just about anywhere.  National and  state parks don’t allow car camping except in designated campgrounds; other than that, you can car camp virtually anywhere on public lands.  The internet is loaded with websites that can help.  Start looking at Campendium.  This site is loaded with up to date camping information.

Here are some things I take along when I car camp:  hiking gear, animal watching binoculars and field guide, a radio for music and weather updates, tent (optional depending on your vehicle), sleeping bag, grill, shovel, fire starting gear, lots of food and drinks, and First Aid kit. 

Other possible things include: rain gear, hammock, dogs and dog food, folding chairs and table, stove, table service and utensils….you get the idea.  I take all that I need to be comfortable.  If you don’t have these things, don’t fret, all you really need are food, shelter, and common sense.

Camping is a great way to renew and strengthen relationships.

Take your spouse, your children, your siblings, your friends.  Without the distractions of television, telephone, internet and alarm clocks, you will have a wonderful time.

I’ll always remember something a dear friend of mine told me years ago, “Time spent in our great outdoors is time added to your life.”  That sounds like a good reason to go.  

Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time.  Get Outdoors and Enjoy camping to make your weekend perfect!

Camping with Your Dogs - Ten Commandments

CAMPING WITH DOGS –

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

In the U.S. alone, more than 30 million people each year take their pets with them while camping. Yet, when we first started camping with our dog (as well as our friends' dogs), we were unable to find much written on the subject. Sure, there were the occasional articles in magazines that reminded us to use pet ID tags, bring plenty of water, and take their favorite toy.

But in terms of providing genuine support or bottom–line information, there was nothing out there. Since it was something that we felt was badly needed, we decided to write this article.

While there are numerous issues to consider while camping with dogs, these are some of the most important.

1.  Make Sure that Your Dog Can’t Get Lost

It’s one thing if your dog gets free in your neighborhood. It’s another when you’re at a rest stop, nine hundred miles from home. Either train your dog to come when called or make absolutely sure that they’re on a leash at all times.

2.  Get All of their Vaccinations Up to Date

If your dog gets into an altercation with another animal (or a person), the central issue will become their rabies shots. If you stay at a campground that has a demanding pet policy, you’ll need to verify your dog’s vaccination records. If you cross into Canada, you’ll have to confirm that your dogs have had their shots. You get the idea.

3.  Make Your Dogs Easy to Identify

If your dog does get lost (unfortunately, it happens all the time), the ability to easily identify them will become critical. For permanent identification purposes, consider tattoos or microchips. At a minimum, make sure they wear tags that show their name, your current phone number, and the date of their last rabies vaccination.

4.  Clean Up After Your Dog

The biggest complaint about dogs has nothing to do with their bark, their bite, or their behavior. If you pick up after your dog, you’ll be helping dog owners everywhere.

Clean up does not only include their droppings, but their food and water. You may want to consider collapsible bowls as these take up such a small amount of space, and we usually leave them in our car so that we always have them - even when we are not camping, but just taking a hike.

5.  Learn How to Provide First Aid to Your Dog

If a medical crisis occurs while at home, you drive to your local veterinarian. But if you’re heading down a dark highway in a strange town, it will seem like a bad dream. Although there are ways to get help while on the road, it always takes more time. In the meantime, your ability to provide competent first aid could save your dog’s life.

6.  Involve Your Dog in Everything You Do

If you really want your dogs to have a good time, include them in your activities. Take them with you on long walks. Buy a cheap plastic wading pool and let them play in the water. Throw a ball. Cook them up a hamburger. If you do stuff like that, they’ll do cartwheels the next time you decide to take them camping.

Remember involving your dog in everything also means eating and sleeping. You may want to consider bringing their dog bed to make them feel more at home.

7.  Call the Campgrounds Before You Go

Even if a park claims they’re pet–friendly, always call ahead to confirm their policy regarding your dogs. We’ve arrived at parks (with our medium-sized dog) after a long day on the road only to discover that “pet–friendly” meant dogs weighing under 20 pounds.

8.  Plan Ahead for the Unexpected

Have a plan (for your dogs) in case of a flat tire, a serious accident, or a fire in your RV. Start with a few extra leashes, a pet carrier, and an extra fire extinguisher. Then have a fire drill to identify potential problems.

9.  Learn About Your Camping Environment

The U.S. is a huge country with a vast assortment of dangerous wildlife, treacherous plants, unpredictable weather conditions, and demanding environmental challenges. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might inadvertently be putting yourself and your dog in danger.

We found out how critical this was when we took our dog (and our friends' dogs) camping at Roosevelt Lake, AZ. There were jumping cacti everywhere and before we knew it, while we walked thru the desert, the dogs just walked right over them and let out a big yelp telling us they were hurt! We should have carried pliers or something to be able to get them out easily - instead we had to use our bare hands and one of the dad's shirt. We got a little cut-up from the incident as well. From then on out, we had to keep the dogs in the campground or on the roadway for walks.

10.  Recognize and Respect the Views of Others

While some of us can’t imagine traveling without dogs, others can’t image traveling with them. If you keep your dog under control and clean up after them, you won’t give others much to grumble about. 

And definitely make sure all of the dogs get along, can eat and drink together, and keep away from small children who might be walking around with food in their hands, just at the dog's mouth level.

These are just the Camping with Your Dogs Ten Commandments we came up with, but I'm sure there are plenty of others. When it comes down to it, just don't take your dog for granted; plan ahead for specific needs they might have, and you'll all have an enjoyable camping experience.

Happy Camping with Rover!

Camping Tips For Families

Camping outdoors is a great way for families to spend quality time together, but it can sometimes get stressful for parents, especially those with small children.  

Planning and preparation are the keys to success in any event, so take a little time before your outing to plan some fun camping activities for the kids as well as the whole family.  

To make things easier on you and your children, pack each day’s clothing in a separate plastic bag.  At night, your little ones can return their dirty clothes to the bag and keep their clean items separate from the dirty laundry.  Allow each child to choose a toy or two to bring along, but encourage them to keep it simple.  Books, stuffed animals, or puzzle magazines are good choices.

Provide each child with their own flashlight for the camping trip.  A personal light is not only fun for kids, it can make them feel more comfortable in the dark night air.  Flashlights or personal lanterns allow children to read before bed, make shadow puppets in their tent, and make it safely to the bathroom at night.  You may consider giving each child a Coleman for kids Glow Sticks when the sun goes down.  These are battery operated, kid-friendly - with 4 modes: glow, flashlight, combination, or flashing. And, they come in different colors so that each kid knows whose is whose.

Enlist each child’s help in preparation, meal time, and planning activities.  Let young children help make trail mix for the trip and older children can pack their own suitcases.  Plan one major activity each day, like hiking, horseback riding, or kayaking, and allow your children to explore the outdoors in their own way the rest of the time.  Allow older children to help prepare meals and assign everyone a meal time duty, like setting the table or cleaning up. 

Review your family camping rules before leaving for your trip and again when you set up camp.  Remind your young children to stay within your view and older children to never go out of earshot.  If your school age children are sleeping in their own tent, pitch the tent next to yours and provide them with a whistle in case they get lost or hurt while playing.  Review the rules of nature etiquette with your children as well.  Remind them to keep their voices down and to never disturb the animals.  Tell your children to stay on the marked trails while hiking and to always throw away their trash. 

When you are camping with children, safety is usually a primary concern.  Always carry a First Aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream, pain reliever, and any allergy medications.  Remind your children that they can only play near fire or water if an adult is supervising the activity and make them avoid areas with ledges or steep drops while alone.  Keep children in the middle if you go hiking or horseback riding to protect them from falls, snakes, and becoming lost and remember to check everyone for ticks each night.

Back To Nature, Fun Tips For A Great Outdoor Camping Trip!

 

Camping is something many people enjoy. It is a great time in nature for any combination of people or even alone. As thrilling as camping is, it's important you know something about it before embarking on a trip.

Examine these following tips so you can make the best of your trip.

 

• Attempt a "jungle breakfast" with the younger members of your camping party. Tie juice boxes, tiny boxes of cereal and fruit to trees in the woods. When the children awake, tell them that they have to "hunt" to get breakfast. Or, you could make a cereal box piñata by hanging a cereal box or box of individually wrapped granola bars (something that won't have good food dropping to the ground. It's a great way to add a little magic to the camping experience.

 

• Keep a kerchief or bandanna close at hand. It can be used as a hand towel, potholder or even a gag in a pinch. You can use them to pick up hot pans, or to clean up a tiny spill; therefore, you should always have one with you.

 

• Take along a current picture of any kids you have camping with you. In the case that a child goes missing, having their photo at hand could be of great use. When camping far away from your house, remember to bring one in case of an emergency.

 

• It is a common gesture of consideration to leave firewood at your campsite for future campers who use the site. This can help them to cook their food, and is a wonderful gesture. Again, there is no requirement to do so; it is simply a nice way to say "Welcome" to the next campers who enjoy your site.

 

• First aid classes are important to take when you are planning a camping trip with friends or family. If something unexpected comes up, you will be ready to handle it. Additional research can also provide valuable information. Are there any poisonous snakes, plants or any other things you should know before you head out? And, with this, make sure you always have a full First Aid kit.

• Novice campers often set up their tent near bathrooms, but this is a big mistake. While this might be convenient, you'll soon find out differently. Bathrooms attract many people and also end up lit up at night, not to mention the smells that will linger. Therefore, campers who set up nearby may not find their site as convenient or comfortable as they had hoped.

 

• If you're ready to head to the wilderness to camp but haven't ventured outside of your home in the past, it's easy to test your readiness. Pitch your tent in your yard and sleep in it for the night. Under no circumstances should you enter your house, no matter what you might be wanting. If you enjoy your experience, you might have fun camping!

 

• Take a lot of drinks, water and food when you decide to go on a camping trip. If there are bears in your area, store your supplies far away from your sleeping zone. Dispose of any food scraps by burning them, so that their smell does not lure bears towards your campsite.

 

• Have you just bought your first tent as a rookie camper? Practice putting your tent up before going camping. You should know what you need and how to do it before you actually have to do it. This will help you quickly pitch a tent before darkness falls at your campsite.

 

• Pack in excess for your kids when you are going camping. There is a lot of mess that goes along with camping. Children seem to be magnetically attracted to dirt. Therefore, you will need to understand that a clean trip is probably out of the question. It is almost impossible to prevent, but luckily, you will not need to worry if you have extra clothes on hand. And, the best advice I can add to extra clothing is to always have lots of wet-wipes! Staying prepared is the best way to avoid issues on your trip.

 

• Make sure that all food brought along on a camping trip is preserved and prepared properly. Make sure to pack your foods in airtight containers. Insulated coolers are where the food should be stored. Do not place cooked and raw foods in the same area. Always wash any food surfaces, as well as your hands. Use antibacterial soap to wash and follow with sanitizer. Cook foods to the right internal temperature and get foods that need to be cold chilled quickly. And if you're in bear country, store your food inside of your car overnight. This just gives an extra piece of mind and safety as I've seen bears tear thru a metal Air Stream Trailer from outside where the food was stored. And to save space, pick up some of these Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags.

 

• Be sure your insurance policy is up-to-date before leaving for your camping trip. Sometimes when you go to a different place, you'll have to get an additional policy to cover you. This is even more of a factor if you travel to another country to go camping, like Canada. Be sure that your insurance will cover you, no matter where you are.

 

Camping can be one of the most fun activities there is. However, without the proper packing and planning, it might be a disaster--in some cases dangerous as well. With the right preparation though, your trip will be fun and exciting.

Plan well and prepare in advance to make the most of your next outdoor vacation!