Planning your Camping Trip
Preparing for a vacation can be hectic. The planning of what to do and where to go etc…, but it can be especially hard when you are going on a camping trip. Do you not only have to pack clothes, you have to practically pack a moving house. Listed below are some tips and printable checklists to get you off on the right foot when planning a camping trip, whether a week long or just a few days or maybe it’s your first trip, these will get you started:

Reservations

• Try to make reservations at least a week in advance, or months if you will be going during the prime season.
• Making reservations will assure you a place to camp, I highly recommend this if you plan on camping over a weekend or the holidays.
• Research the camping park that you are wanting to visit, they might have pictures of the campsites which will better serve you when choosing your site.
• Most state parks and other camping parks will accept reservations, either on-line or over the phone. A deposit or payment will be required for some reservations, plus a small fee.
• The idea of reservations for camping might seem unreal, but it’s take a lot of pressure off, when you know there will be site waiting for you and your family.

Camping Gear

• Camping Gear this will be all non-clothing items needed when camping.
• Check all of your camping gear, make sure you have everything you will need to go camping and that all items are in working order.
• Always pack a First Aid Kit
• Use a checklist to assure yourself that you have everything you will need, check items off as you are loading/packing up for the trip.
• Make a shopping list for items, that you might still need to purchase.

Clothing Packing

• Make a list, great way to assure you have everything for each member of the family.
• Always remember the tennis shoes or hiking shoes.
• Pack according to weather and activities
• Always take at least one jacket or sweatshirt, for those cold evening or a change in the weather.
• Take extra, if you have the room, if not pack the necessities.

Meal Planning

• Plan your meals ahead of time.
• Make a detailed (by the day) Meal Planning Chart of what your going to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also include snacks on the list,especially if you will be camping with children. (insert list)
• Make a shopping list of the food required for your meals, this will prevent you from forgetting something, while grocery shopping.

Activities Planning

• Research the activities available in the park & surrounding areas.
• State Parks will usually have a welcome center, I recommend that you visit them, they will have a lot of information on programs that they offer and other activities.

When we decided to start camping in our pop-up camper there was one question we had about the sleeping arrangements, that was “Where will the baby sleep?’” We had two large beds at each end and a table that folds down into a bed and the couch area that also made into a bed. The beds are great for adults use but not very suitable for small children or infants, especially not for those of us whom have babies that are crawling and climbing. The playpen would be the next likely answer, but they are very bulky and take up way to much room. We needed something compact, easy to set up and take down. The answer for us was the KidCo PeaPod Indoor/Outdoor Travel Bed. The PeaPod Travel Bed is great for campers of all types, whether you are in a tent or camper. It’s also great for anyone with small children that travels. The bed comes with a inflatable air mattress,pump,mattress pad and storage bag (the accessories will vary depending on the size and style you purchase). Allows easy access to your infant with the zippered panels. Can be used from the infant stages through the toddler years, so you will get plenty of use out of it. I found it to be a great investment and product, prices range from $50.00 to $65.00 depending on size and style. The setup is as easy as undoing the fasteners and letting go, it pop -ups instantly, virtually taking seconds. The storage is a breeze with the indestructible frame that folds away for storage, and takes up virtually no room at all. There are many uses for the PeaPod, you can take it to the beach, on a picnic, on a sleep over at grandmas, hotel room or just about anywhere your child might sleep. The PeaPod also provides UV and Wind Protection from the outdoors, not to mention also protects them from those nasty bugs. The PeaPod Travel Bed by KidCo comes in several sizes and styles. It will provide comfort and safety for the on the go parents. I have had mine for about 6 months and my daughter sleeps in hers every time we camp or travels. I would recommend this anyone with small children that travels or enjoys the outdoors.

You can purchase the PeaPod from these retailers:

KidCo PeaPod Indoor/Outdoor Travel Bed - Teal

“PeaPod Indoor/Outdoor Travel Bed by KidCo”

When fishing with your family, it’s really not about the size of the fish you catch, it’s about the fun and the excitement it brings to your children’s faces. Recently we went to Meramec State Park, MO on a week long camping trip and fished with our 6 year old daughter, she enjoyed catching the little fish and on occasion would catch a keeper. Generally we caught Blue Gill and Sunfish and the occasional “what kind of fish is that?”, but all in all she just enjoyed catching them. Watching the red & white bobber go under or just get tugged at will get them excited and motivated to catch a fish, no matter the size or type. They will have a sense of accomplishment, when they have reeled them in. If your child is anything like mine they will keep count and you can play games with them while fishing, like who can catch the most or biggest, just get creative.

We usually fished at least once a day, usually in the evening after we had dinner., If you prefer to fish through out the day, try to find a location that offers swimming, you can fish in the same vicinity (of course out of the way of the swimmers) and when the children get tired of fishing they can take a swim and continue fishing later. Which we did occasionally. We used a basic and easy pole set-up with just a simple bobber and worms as bait, just try to find some discount fishing gear, nothing expensive is needed. The only down side to this is you will either have to bait their hook for them or teach them to do it themselves, it really depends on the child’s age. Fishing with children is also a way to teach them about the different types of fish. Fishing guides are available for free at most park visitor centers for that area, these guides will identify the fish and have helpful tips, rules and regulations.

Of course when you fish with children the tackle box might contain different things than your normal fish angler. I have made a fishing trip checklist of items you might want with you when fishing with children. These are items that I always have with me when fishing with my children. So just remember when fishing with your children that it’s about the fun and not the size, that matters.

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