Going on a Family Camping Trip? Here’s What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Sometimes, life as a dad gets so busy that despite spending so much time devoted to your kids, you feel like you never get to stop and actually enjoy time with them. And even though you’re pulling half the weight, you can tell mom really needs a break. So, what’s the best solution? A dad-kid camping extravaganza! Packing up the car and heading out on a Dad and Kids Camping weekend trip is a great way to connect without the distractions of everyday life, and it helps you score brownie points with mom. Win-win, right? Okay, so once you know where you’re going, it’s time to put a plan together both in terms of what to take and how to stay safe. Check out these tips to help you get started.
Ensuring a Smooth Ride
The first hurdle in your camping trip is getting there. Make sure your car is roadworthy by scheduling any outstanding service a few weeks in advance. Before you depart, perform a visual inspection to make sure your tires are in good condition, your fluids are topped up, and cargo is secured. You may also want to have the interior professionally cleaned to keep the trip as comfortable as possible.
Picking the Right Campground
Your choice in a campground can make or break a camping trip. Where you land should have a lot to do with everyone’s camping experience. For example, children who have been on camping trips multiple times won’t necessarily need a full-service campground, and they can typically enjoy pitching tents in a park that allows small campsites. On the other hand, if you’re all new to camping or if you’ve got little ones, a full-service campground could be the better choice. Choose a campground with safety features like lit pathways, security cameras, a gated entrance, and a security patrol. Primitive campgrounds may have less security, but you can still be proactive about staying safe by arriving early to explore the campground and inspecting the campsite for potential hazards like broken glass or poisonous plants.
Protection From the Elements
Camping means sacrificing the comforts of home in favor of adventure, but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself outside. Wear hats and long clothing to protect skin from sun damage and use sunscreen on exposed areas. Apply bug spray to ward off nuisance insects. If you’re camping in a tent, make sure you’re prepared with a rainfly and clothing layers to keep you dry and warm through changing weather. Monitor the weather forecast for storm warnings, and seek shelter if severe weather is headed your way. When it comes to gathering extra gear, you obviously don’t want to spend a fortune. Depending on what you need, you can easily make affordable camping purchases online from stores like Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods or even Target. Plus, with a little digging, you can find coupons to help you save more.
Staying Safe Around Water
Many families head to beaches and lakefronts when they want a vacation. Relaxing around water is the perfect escape during the hot summer months, but it comes with an element of danger. Children in particular should be monitored around water. Never let kids swim alone or without adult supervision, enforce the use of personal floatation devices, and keep children and inexperienced swimmers out of moving water. If you’re not sure if it’s safe to swim in a stream or river, check conditions at a ranger station or visitor’s center and always adhere to “No Swimming” signs. Even if a body of water looks safe, you don’t know what could be hidden below the surface.
Fire Safety
Sitting around a campfire sharing snacks and stories is one of camping’s greatest pleasures, but if you’re not smart about it, your campfire could cause your adventure to end in catastrophe. If the campsite has an existing fire ring, use it. If you have to build your own fire pit, choose an open site away from downed branches and brush, dig a pit for the fire, and surround it with rocks. Keep your campfire small, never leave it unattended, and always monitor children around open flames. Before you turn in for the night, make sure the fire is completely extinguished by dousing it with water until it’s no longer hot to the touch. Once you have your plan in place and you’ve gathered everything you need, it’s time to pack up the kids and head on out!
If you want to learn more about planning the ultimate camping weekend sans mom, check out the Dads and Kids Camping Handbook by Steve Marx.