So you’ve made the decision to take your kids camping. You want to get out in the fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. To disconnect from all of the electronics and really bond with your kids. But where can you take your kids camping?
There are many different options for places to take your kids camping depending on their age, how much time you want to spend in the outdoors, and what amenities you require. The options for camping destinations for kids range anywhere from established camping sites to hiking into wilderness areas.
I’ve grown up camping and love being in the outdoors. From all of my time camping I’ve experienced many different types of campgrounds. Now as a father of 4 I’ve experienced taking my kids camping in different types of campgrounds as well. In this article I’ll cover all of the different types of locations where you can take your kids camping.
Backyard
For first time campers it’s best to start out with a test run in your backyard. This will give you great insight as to what you will need? Is your gear warm enough or comfortable enough? Do you have enough food? How much water will you need? Will you require bathrooms, or will you be able to dig a latrine? For your next camping trip I would recommend going for an overnight trip close to home.
County or City
Often times your County or City will have great developed campgrounds. These spots are perfect for new campers. They are close enough to home that if you need to abandon ship you can, and far enough away that you really feel like your camping. Most of these camping spots will require a fee.
However, there are ones near me that don’t require a fee at all. Normally the ones that are free will not have any amenities like running water so be prepared for that. Here is a link to uscampgrounds.info that has public campgrounds over the US and Canada. If you are having problems finding a camping spot near you try this resource.
State Parks
State Parks are great places to go camping with kids. Some of them rival the magnificence of a National Park. State Parks are generally less frequented than National Parks so its easier to find a spot. Many of the parks are first come first serve so you should have no trouble finding a place to pitch your tent. Follow this link to stateparks.org to find the perfect spot for your next camping trip with your kids.
National Parks
Taking our kids to see Old Faithful, or seeing all of the stunning mountains in Yosemite are often the first places that come to mind for camping. National Parks are great places to camp and will create memories that your kids will not forget. However, with National Parks being in such high demand the camping spots fill up fast. National parks also tend to have the highest price for nightly rates.
There are some first come first serve spots available in some of the National Parks. These spots tend to be more primitive and not have any amenities. Check out time for these spots is normally 11 a.m.. If you plan on taking one of these spots then show up right at eleven to snatch it up as someone else is leaving. Every National Park does things a little differently so if you plan on staying in a National Park be sure to plan well ahead of time. Follow this link to nps.gov to find a national park near you.
Forest Service & Bureau Of Land Management (BLM)
The Forest Service and BLM lands are my favorite areas to go camping. Both the Forest Service and BLM offer developed campgrounds. These developed campgrounds could include a variety of amenities such as restrooms, potable water, electrical hookups, picnic areas, garbage cans, tent pads, and group shelters. Others may only include a picnic table and a fire ring. Be sure to contact the local office to find out specific information on where your staying. These campgrounds tend to be more off the beaten path ,but should be able to be accessed by a normal car.
The Forest Service and BLM also offer dispersed camping. This is where you camp on public lands, but you’re away from developed facilities. Most of the public land is opened to dispersed camping unless it is posted, “closed to camping.” As you drive around the public land the dispersed camping locations will be obvious. There will be signs of flattened vegetation, fire rings, and pull offs where everyone parks their vehicles.
Both departments ask that as much as possible we stay in previously used spots. This way we minimize our impact on the environment. Here is a link to recreation.gov where you can find campsites on Forest Service property. Here is a link to blm.gov where you can find campsites on BLM property.
Private Campgrounds
Private campgrounds such as the KOA are a great way to go. If you want the campground to have fun things for your kids to do then this is the place to go. Many of the KOA’s will have things such as swimming pools, basketball courts, hiking, climbing walls, mini golf, horseshoe pits, jumping pillows, and even movie nights. Each KOA offers unique ways to enjoy your stay. Follow this link to find a KOA near you.
Wilderness Areas
If your kids are old enough and you want a real outdoor adventure then head into a Wilderness Area. There are no motorized vehicles allowed in wilderness areas so you will have to backpack in to your destination. Before you go into a wilderness area I would make sure you have some camping experience and some wilderness know how.
The great part about going into wilderness areas is just truly getting away from everything, and really connecting with nature. It’s really humbling to be miles away from an established road and overlooking a vast landscape without building or cars. Getting to see rugged mountain tops and pristine alpine lakes will create a memory that will last forever, and strengthen the bond between you and your kids.