My family loves camping and we try to go at least 2-3 times a year. Some people might not like the idea of roughing it, but with careful planning, camping can be an enjoyable excursion for the whole family.
Parks are gearing up for thousands of visitors for the hot summer days and now is the time to plan your next camping adventure and support our local parks. If you have never camped and not sure what to expect, here are 10 Simple Tips to Camp Cheap This Summer:
- Reserve your reservation now: You can reserve your camping spot online with Reserve America via online or the phone. Serious campers reserve their spots on January 1st, but there are always spots left open. Tip: If the park is sold out, call the park or location directly to see if they have any cancellations. Sometimes they have a wait-list you can be added to.
- Check the Weather: Summer can be unpredicatable and going unprepared can be costly if you aren't prepared. If it is super hot, make sure you have enough protection from the sun and bring an umbrella for shade.
- Arrive Early: Try and avoid going on the same day as everyone else on the Friday before the holiday weekend. You will can avoid heavy traffic by going the day before.
- Check Your Equipment: If you have a tent, look it over to make sure there are no holes is or large tears. Setting up your tent in your backyard might help to check and make sure the set up works properly and your kids can join in the fun too!
- Create a Checklist: Having a check list if you travel with kids helps to avoid forgetting must-have snacks and games to keep them busy. This also helps to make sure you have all necessary travel kits and emergency material.
- Research the campground: If you are traveling with young children for the first time, research the camp site options and scout out nearby hotels, grocery stores and restaurants in case it becomes too stressful.
- Camp in Off Season - Try camping when the crowds have gone to really enjoy the peace and quietness of camping. When the park is packed with travelers it will be noisy and hard to take in all the activities. Tip:Camping during the week is cheaper and has less crowds.
- Pack Wisely: Using a checklist can help you avoid taking the entire house for a weekend trip. Use a checklist to only take the essentals.Tip: If you have small kids, have you kids pick out 3 things they want to take with them so they won't be miss it when you are away from home.
- Plan Your Snacks: Long drives can reek havoc on kids in the car and not having snacks can cost you money. Restaurants and stores during travel time tend to raise their prices for the summer and having snacks packed can help cut down on unecessary trips to the store at night. Tip: Separate small snacks in ziplock bags to easily grab snacks for kids to eat.
- Plan excursions: Most parks will have a list of activities you can participate in. Planning your outtings ahead of time, keeps everyone busy and you can plan nap time (if needed) accordingly. Tip: Bigger parks have activities for kids and crafts to participate in. Log into their website and see if reservations are required.
Here is another reason why you should camp:
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks:
America's Best Idea - the national parks - gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.*
Mark your calendar for these fee-free dates in 2012:
- April 21-29
National Park Week - June 9
Get Outdoors Day - September 29
National Public Lands Day - November 10-12
Veterans Day weekend
To make the fun even more affordable, check out these discounts and special offers from park partners and neighboring businesses:
There are tons of reasons why you should take your family camping this summer. It's a great way to explore our natural surroundings, and it's a great way to bond with your children.
