Camping season is here!
Last week, I shared some tips for choosing a kid-friendly campground. But that’s only part of the camping equation. What about the actual campsite?
Sometimes you choose your campsite during the reservation process based solely on a map. Other times, you get to drive through a campground and take your pick. Regardless, it’s all about location, location, location.
1. Away from steep drop-offs, inclines or large bodies of water
The older your kids get, the less you’ll probably care about this. But for the younger kids especially, select a campsite that doesn’t go shooting down a huge hill into a lake or doesn’t have a dangerous incline that tempts your kids to run up and down. Your mommy (and daddy) nerves will thank me.
2. Away from the entrance
This may be personal preference but I like having a campsite further into the campground. Why? There’s less car traffic, less noise and more privacy. What’s the point of being out in nature if you hear cars all night from the nearby highway?
3. Near the bathroom
I think most parents can appreciate being close to a bathroom when nature calls in the middle of the night. And in the morning. And during breakfast. You get the idea.
4. Near the “extras”
If you’re gung-ho about the campground’s play area, then pick a site close to it. If you want to hit the hiking trail first thing in the morning, then the same rule applies. You’ll be happy to be near the activities you’ll do the most.
Ready to find a place to camp?
Check out these resources:
What tips do you have for choosing the perfect campsite? Oh and don’t forget to download my family camping checklist if you’re planning a trip anytime soon!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great info on camping! We just took our inaugural camping trip last month but it was only a 1 nighter to see if we could handle it. I am glad to say we all did great and will be camping much more in the future.
Awesome! We’d love to go this summer but I’m nervous with a baby. We may do the national backyard campout thing this month though and build up some confidence!
Great tips and resources, especially for non-campers like me! I haven’t camped in a while and I definitely haven’t camped since my 2 year old came along. We’re thinking of doing a few nights at a campsite this summer, so I’ll have to make sure to bookmark this page!
-Aimee
.-= Aimee @ Ain’t Yo Mama’s Blog´s last blog ..Mental Monday: In Memoriam Of Former Selves =-.
Completely agree. It is amazing how big a difference this can make on your camping experience. Having to keep an eye out for cars and potential hazards can be a big pain while camping. I also look for sites where you can position your tent fairly away from the road.
BTW, I just did a backyard adventure this past memorial day weekend with my kids. Awesome!
.-= Eric´s last blog ..8 Things To Take Camping That You’ve Probably Never Thought Of =-.
How about away from other people. If your kids are screamers they will upset your neighboring campers — and also, you don’t want to set up your family camp site next to a group of frat boys.
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