My baby girl turned 11 yesterday, for her birthday she wanted to go camping. So last weekend that is what we did. My children have been camping since they were in diapers. So I have years of experience with camping, and camping with children of all ages. I wanted to blog about how to camp with kids, giving my tips and tricks and giving you all my secrets about how we make our camping trips run so smoothly. I have been sitting here writing notes about camping gear, tent vs. RV, favorite camping locations, and it just didn't feel authentic. I do have a wealth of knowledge from experience.. but this is all what works for US, what we prefer and not necessarily what would work for everybody. So my advice to you is... GO. Just like life, there is not a right or wrong way to take your family camping. Go! Go make mistakes and figure out how your family enjoys nature. You will have moments of being uncomfortable, it will be hard work, you will most likely stink but its so flipping worth it. When we first started making camping part of our life we had 3 kids in diapers and one in elementary school. Those camping days were hard, hard work. But now my kids are pretty much trained in what there roles are while we are on a camping trip, and what is expected out of them. They all know how to pitch a tent and start a fire. We LOVE getting outdoors, ditching electronics and spending every second working together to accomplish tasks. It makes us a stronger family unit, it makes for confident children. I will leave you with one huge tip. We LOVE the state parks system. They have all kinds of accommodations for all kinds of needs. Don't have a tent? Some state parks offer screened shelters ( this is what I reserve when I camp without Matt) Want a bathroom and kitchen? Some state parks offer fully equipped cabins. They also have all kinds of RV site available, tent sites... or if you really want to rough it backpacking sites. Every year we purchase the state park pass. This $70 pass grants you and everybody in your vehicle ( up to I think 12 people) free access to any Texas State Park for a year. They also include 4 half off coupons for your second night of camping as well. Our goal every year is to use all four coupons =) One down.. three to go!
Our family camping trip could not have been more perfect ( Well my oldest daughter wasn't with us, so really it could have been more perfect. I missed her the entire time) The weather was amazing, the kids were amazing.. the memories will be with us for the rest of our lives! Check out pictures from out weekend below.
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