Family CampingFamily camping never fails to bring family fun. Being together overnight in the wilderness reminds me of this saying by Joyce Brothers: 
Our kids have loved family outdoor camping from a very early age – in fact, our daughter was still in diapers during the first trips we took. Something about the great outdoors, sleeping in a family tent with mom and dad nearby, walks in the forest, wading in a stream, and s’mores under the stars appeals to kids…and maybe their parents too.
For us, a successful family camping trip is any time we spend together outdoors, enjoying togetherness and family fun. Over the years, we’ve learned a few shortcuts which aid in achieving that positive recreational outdoors camping experience. One of the worst feelings is to have something unexpected occur and then realize that you don’t have what you need to deal with it. So here are some tips to prepare for your camping trip, including food preparation, clothing needs, and kids activities to bring along. Also, before your first trip, it’s good to have some ideas about the types of family camping equipment you want (these are our suggestions for camping equipment basics) – such as if you want a family tent or a car camper, if you need a separate grill or can handle the fire pit, will you have pit toilets or need to dig your own – the list goes on! (You’ll notice that I have a couple of luxuries, like a sun shower, which make so much difference for those of us who don’t revel in the dirt like the kids do.) Here is our Family Fun Products page, which includes some camping equipment. 
Before you leave home, it’s always a good idea to have a camp site in mind (this is how we choose a camping spot) – here are some things we consider as we choose where we want to go. One of the joys of camping in Colorado and Utah (and probably other western states) is BLM (or Bureau of Land Management) land camping. We like it because the spots are well-separated from one another and they tend to be out in the wilderness rather than in an organized campground. Some families might prefer the family campground, however; especially the campgrounds which offer toilets and showers. Once you’ve made it to your spot, the next big challenge is the set-up (our tips for good camp set-up). Whether camping with a family tent or with a camper or other recreational vehicle, some set-up is required. We’ve always used a tent because we like the totally different feel it offers compared to sleeping at home. The kids love giggling together in their sleeping bags at night – and there’s something about the cool air blowing through the tent that lulls you to sleep. Once the tent is set up, the campfire pit needs to be organized (if you’re on BLM land), the fire built, and other activities scouted. 
Days in the wilderness are always an adventure! We have many activities which we cycle through, including
indoor and outdoor recreation (and crafts -- we have many activities which have worked well for us). For separate pages on various outdoor recreations (such as hiking, walking, biking, and fishing), choose your link. A truly prepared family camper also has rainy-day activities in mind. These will change a bit as your kids age, but the basic premise remains the same: keep them happy and warm. 
Once the sun goes down, a whole new set of opportunities opens up. When I was a kid, this is when my family would really get into things – we had some great discussions! We also enjoyed singing around the campfire; we’ve tried this a couple of times with our kids, though it hasn’t completely caught on yet (I’m not giving up, however). One of our more unique experiences included camping with friends who owned a telescope – the kids thought it was amazing when they looked through that tiny hole and saw Saturn’s rings! Of course, no night is complete without s’mores around the campfire.
We often camp with friends; that way our kids can play with other kiddos – but whether alone or with others, family camping produces a bond which never fades. Every winter, usually around Christmas, our kids begin talking about camping. They ask each other how long it will be before we can go up again, both of them talking over the other in their excitement. To be honest, sleeping on the ground isn’t my favorite activity…but that minor discomfort is overshadowed (completely) by their enjoyment. I want my kids to enjoy spending time with us – so we’ll keep on camping as long as they’ll let us!
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