Camping in the Great Outdoors

Camping can be a bonding and inexpensive family activity. There is nothing like sleeping in the fresh air, spending some time in nature, and cooking over a fire. If you haven't tried it yet or think you can't do it with kids then read on. There can be several different levels of camping. Here are some ideas.

Backyard Camping - If you are a complete camping novice then you should start by sleeping in a tent in your own backyard. Even if you have camped before this might be a good idea to give your kids a chance to try it out before you are away from home. If you don't have a tent you may have a friend that has one and will let you borrow it for the weekend. If you don't have a backyard maybe you can try out grandma's house or a friend that has a bigger yard. It can be a lot of fun to sleep outside even at your own house and if the kids don't like it you can always head back inside. This will also be a good idea if you don't have a lot of other camping equipment since all the food can be prepared in the house.

Easy Camping - This is what my family is doing this weekend. We love to camp but don't always want to do all the work of cooking outside and packing all the gear. We booked a campsite in Lancaster Pennsylvania right near some amusement parks and outlet centers. The campsite is wooded and rustic but it is near lots of restaurants and attractions. We will bring a little bit of food for snacks and sandwiches. We will probably have a campfire at night to roast marshmallows and enjoy each others company. The majority of our meals will be from restaurants. There is everything from fast food, sandwich places, to sit down restaurants. Packing will be minimal since we will just need our sleeping supplies and we can have a quick get away for a few nights. If you want to do this type of camping then check out a local area that has attractions and is developed with restaurants and find a campground near there.

Family Camping - This is our traditional Labor Day weekend camping trip. This is our third year going and we have 3 children 5 and under. We get together with two other families (who also have 3 kids each) and get a few sites at a state park campground. We bring everything we need to cook our meals over the fire and sleep. There is a lake at our campground as well as hiking trails. Since there are 3 families going on the trip we can divide up the meals as well as the needed supplies. Everyone doesn't need to bring a camping stove and cooking gear. This can help out if you don't own everything already. We have some basics and share with our friends some of the community items like cookware. There are areas that are so rustic there is no bathrooms and there are some with bath houses. Some state parks even offer cabins which can be great if you don't have tents. Besides, it is a lot of fun to visit with friends and be in the outdoors. Check your local state parks for availability.

Here are some pictures from our last camping trip. We made some great memories at Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania.

Above all remember that camping doesn't have to be uncomfortable. We bring our air mattresses and bedding. We always get a good night sleep and are quite comfortable.

Rustic Camping - This is the kind of camping my husband loves and we may try when our kids are older. You can go hiking or canoeing and then find a spot to set up camp. You have to carry everything in with you so this is not for the faint of heart.

If you are not the camping type but your husband is then consider sending your husband with another dad and the kids. They can go to a state park and enjoy the outdoors while you enjoy some time to yourself. Of course it can always be a little scary to send the boys off on their own with the kids but with cell phones you are only a phone call away.

This is a great time of year to get some new camping supplies or replace some older ones. Most stores are having big sales this time of year. Check out Campmor's hot deals. Walmart is also having great deals right now.

Get out in the great outdoors and give camping a try. Even if its just one night in your backyard. You might like it more than you think. What type of camping trips have you taken your family on? Are you a family camper, easy camper, or into rustic camping? We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below.