in Outdoors / Camping    (submitted 2011-01-28)

Camping is one of those things that can either help nurture your soul or become a living nightmare especially when you camp with small children. We have learn many of these tips the hard way. The following guidelines are great for any family who happens to be planning a camping trip if they have little ones.

• Arrive in enough time to set up your camp in daylight
• Know what the rules are pertaining to campfires before you go (you might need to pack a gas camp stove in many cases.) Pay special attention to the little ones when you have any fire.
• Make a packing list: Don’t forget to add to the list extra batteries, flashlights, medications, first aid kits, diapers wet wipes etc. The internet is a great resource if you’re not sure what to pack.
• Pack food items that are quick and easy to prepare. The rule of thumb here is keep it simple
• Be prepared for a turn in the weather. Pack enough to keep warm and dry, even in the summer months. Nights in the mountains are often a quick reminder of what winter feels like. The morning will not come soon enough if your toes are numb.
• Decide what facilities you need in advance and choose your campground accordingly.
• Pack a couple of 5 Gallon buckets with lids. We like to fill one with water for cleaning up before dinner etc. The other has a couple of towels and a good old fashioned bar of soap. We use a small square plastic bin to collect the used water so the campsite doesn’t turn muddy.
• Pack enough flashlights for everyone. Flashlights can be almost like a Wii for the little ones and they will feel like big kids if they have one of their own.
• Keep toys to a minimum-and loose the iPhones, Gameboys etc. The purpose of camping is to reconnect to nature and each other. It is really hard to do that with earphones in and eyes glued to a digital screen.
• Relax and enjoy

Family vacations don’t need to require a second mortgage. There are many improved campgrounds within a short drive of just about any metro area. With a little planning and very little money places like Zion National Park are great places to vacation. In addition to the surrounding beauty, Zion Park has many, many activities to keep everyone entertained.

About the Author

Corey McNeil is an travel author based in Southern Utah. His articles are featured on and off the internet.

http://goarticles.com/article/10-Tips-for-Camping-With-Small-Children/4093990/