Taking the Kids: When you are new to camping
High gas prices aren’t dissuading travelers, though they may opt to vacation closer to home or park an RV in one campground and explore from there.
According to RVIA, many RV models allow a family of four to save up to 64 percent on vacation costs, even factoring in the cost of gas.
But saving money isn’t the only reason families turn to camping and RVing. “Sometimes the kids forget we are driving,” said Trina, a mom from Denmark, RVing with her husband and two kids to visit Utah national parks. “It’s not a lot cheaper but it is a lot easier than staying in hotels with the kids and we are closer to nature.”
“There is something magical about sleeping under the stars and being lulled to sleep by crickets,” added Nicky Omohundro, creator of LittleFamilyAdventure.com and an avid camper.
For families whose kids have severe food allergies, cabins or RVs can be a significant vacation de-stressor as you can bring and prepare your own food.
Parents love that kids can have more freedom in a campground, making new friends as they ride their bikes or scooters. “You always get to meet new kids in a campground,” said Stella, 10, from Colorado and one of the many kids I interviewed for my Kid’s Guide to Camping.
Kids and parents alike love that they can bring their pets along. “We take our cat,” said Brittany, 12, from Arkansas and one of the many camping kids interviewed for my Kid’s Guide to Camping. “Our cat loves riding on the motorhome dash … you should see the looks we get from other cars.”
But there are still rules to keep everyone safe. Make sure the kids know to ask permission before leaving your campsite — and walking through someone else’s, especially early in the morning when neighbors are sleeping. At a big campground, make sure the kids know where to go for help (the campground office) if they get lost and they should have your cellphone numbers, if they don’t have a phone.
That’s why you need to book ahead, perhaps renting directly from an owner at rvshare.com or gaining bragging rights for unique glamping digs outside on top of your sleeping bag when it’s hot? Enjoying the sunset from your cabin porch?
“For new campers, my first suggestion is to seek a campground location that offers more amenities and services,” said Toby O’Rourke, president of KOA. She added that according to the North American Camping report research, new campers had a better experience with access to those who could help solve a problem (campers and RVers are a friendly lot), as well as a camp store (in case you forget the all-important fixings for s’mores).
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