If you are reading this, you are probably at least considering going camping with kids. If you do, you should know this: You will make memories unlike any others that will be remembered longer after most others fade away.
Here are a few things to consider as you figure out where to go and what to do, exactly. When camping with kids, especially under 5 years old, the environment of the campground itself becomes a high priority. This is because you are more likely to hang out in or close to your camp site–this may be because short little legs don’t like long hikes, nap time requirements, or a desire to keep it simple. Either way, the reviews here are designed to help you get as much info as possible to avoid getting stuck three hours out in the middle of nowhere, car full of fussy kids, with the sickening realization that the campground you’re at is all wrong.
I have a few suggestions which may help make your camping trip more fun, especially if you are taking kids. These are all designed to increase ease, simplicity and safety.
1) Gear: If you have gear, great. If not, ask around and borrow it (you’d be surprised how many people have a tent in a corner of the garage). Or rent it. (see my post titled Camping Equipment) Don’t spend a fortune on gear until you know what your family needs. Also, leave the kitchen sink and other unnecessary stuff at home. If you overload your cargo, you’ll spend all your time setting up (and later taking down) and messing with your things, rather than relaxing and exploring with your kids.
2) Food: do easy meals you know your kids will like: mac ‘n’ cheese, bean & cheese burritos, hot dogs, cereal, cheese sticks. Do “ready to eat” meals that just need to be heated up. And, buy stuff that’s already cut up, shredded, mixed, etc., and all you have to do is open the bag. Anything you can do to decrease your work and prep time will make the experience more enjoyable. (See my post titled Camping Recipes, Menus and Food Tips.)
3) Fun: be comfortable with unstructured, loosely monitored exploration time. With no adult direction, most little kids start poking around in the dirt, leaves, rocks, etc. It’s truly wonderful. When I see my kid covered in dirt and leaves, I consider it evidence of a hard day’s adventure and experimentation in nature–as valuable as an “A” grade on a test. Just wash hands before meals, and all’s well. (also, see my post titled Camping Toys)
4) Health: bring a comprehensive and updated medical kit. If you are unfamiliar with it, unpack it and see what’s inside so you can find things quickly. There will be cuts and scraps. Your confidence in dealing with mishaps while camping will not only impress your spouse, but teach your kids how to handle problems with ease.
Lastly,
5) choose a campground close to where you live (within 2 hours) and close to a city or town (within 20-30 min) and that has a camp host. This way, the campground is not a big pain to drive to. And, if you forget something, it’s not hard to go to a store and buy it. And, if you are concerned about emergencies (ie medical), medical help is close. And, the camp host can answer any questions you may have. There are many campgrounds that fit these criteria near Payson, Sedona, Flagstaff, and Showlow, to name a few areas.
photos: (from top to bottom) Hannegan Meadows, Chiricahua National Monument, Christopher Creek Campground, Christopher Creek Campground, Forked Pine Campground
