When you are looking for a trip to take with your family, family camping vacations are something that should make the list. Camping is a pastime that many people enjoy, and it also can give you and your family a low-cost vacation option.
Not everyone is into camping, but a significant portion of the U.S. population is. About 40 million Americans, or about 14% of the population over the age of 6, go camping every year. And those who do camp tend to go more than once a year. Those 40 million campers account for 515 million outings each year, which comes out to about 13 days of camping per camper.
If you do decide that family camping vacations are something you would like to try, there are a lot of things you must consider. First off, you have to decide whether you are going to rough it in a tent or if you need more civilized accommodations. Though camping in a tent is the cheapest way to do it, it is not for everyone. It is not practical to buy a camper unless you are a hardcore camper, but you may be able to rent one. There also are many state and national parks that offer cabins for rent that give you modern camping amenities such as electricity and running water. Whether you rent a camper or a cabin, it will greatly increase the cost of your camping trip.
Another consideration for your family vacation is what activities you want to do. If your family camping trip will involve fishing or hunting, then you need to find a place that allows those activities. There are public campgrounds that have designated areas for such activities, although you may have to pay extra. Many people who camp also like to hike or backpack, so that is another consideration to keep in mind.
If you try camping and like it, then you probably are going to want to invest in some gear, such as a good tent and other camping materials. You can find most of the stuff you need at a sporting goods store.
Camping is not for everyone, but for those who do enjoy it, it can make a good family activity that won’t break the bank.