Thinking about taking the family camping? Well you’ve come to the right place. Below I will outline the reasons for taking the family camping whilst also highlighting some of the main concerns you may have about actually committing and taking your family into the great outdoors.
First and foremost this may be slightly biased because I love camping and so does my family, we have spent years in the vast outdoors watching the stars and playing games as the dark sets in. Honestly we have had some of the best holidays and trips away camping and I thank my parents every day for it.
Finding the right location to go camping with the family, can be fairly difficult especially if you are trying to tick too many boxes. This is the fatal error that many families make. Don’t forget, camping is what you make it, choose a priority and then search for that. (Eg; Dog Friendly, Shower Block, Toilets, Extra Tent or Shelter, Electric or Non-Electric) Campsites come in all shapes and sizes with very varying facilities.
Personally I would recommend searching on the following sites; Caravan and Camping Club, Pitchup, Haven. These sites are great because you can filter down locations that are best suited for your needs. For ourselves we tend to look for places that are conveniently located with great Toilet/Shower facilities if we go as a family. Now on my own… Well that’s another story. Facilities yes but I like to choose a fairly remote location surrounded by trees/mountains and lakes etc.
Now when you have managed to filter down what you would like to see on your campsite you will hopefully be left with a selection to choose from and then overall its pretty much taking the best pick from the bunch I suppose. I do like to filter by review and one with the ‘most’ top rated reviews, you’ll likely find that they’re not too different in price to many others, if its too cheap it might be too good to believe so do a bit of due diligence. It would only take 5 minutes on google or scanning over the site reviews.
I fond that if you choose your site or the general area first it makes planning your trip so much more effective as you can drill down rather than taking everything with you and not using 50% of the gear. Camping is more intentional.
Benefits of Camping with the Family
Camping offers a unique and rewarding experience for families. Here are some of the key benefits:
Quality Time and Bonding
- Uninterrupted connection: Camping provides a distraction-free environment for families to spend quality time together.
- Shared experiences: Creating shared memories through camping activities strengthens family bonds.
Educational Opportunities
- Nature appreciation: Camping fosters a love for the outdoors and an understanding of the natural world.
- Problem-solving skills: Camping requires problem-solving and adaptability, valuable life skills for children.
- Independence: Children learn to be more independent and resourceful in a camping setting.
Health Benefits
- Physical activity: Camping often involves hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities that promote physical health.
- Mental health: Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and improved mood.
- Better sleep: The fresh air and natural rhythms of camping can contribute to better sleep quality.
Adventure and Exploration
- New experiences: Camping offers opportunities to explore new places and try new activities.
- Sense of adventure: The thrill of the unknown can create exciting and memorable experiences.
Cost-Effective Vacation
- Budget-friendly: Camping can be a more affordable vacation option compared to traditional accommodations.
- Minimal expenses: Many camping activities are free or low-cost.
Family camping offers a multitude of benefits, from strengthening bonds to promoting physical and mental health. It’s a fantastic way to create lasting memories and connect with nature.
I think you should really try camping if you want something different and trust me, your kids will be thankful for the experience. I think we could all do with getting away from work, the city and all of the social pressures that come with it. So get out there and have some fun. Take a book, a pack of cars and a board game. Have fun like you used to.
Feel free to check out some of my planning posts for ways to help in making your travel plans. Remember, have fun. stay active and live a life worth living!
