Planning Your Next Camping Vacation

Winter is almost here! Hurray for the winter sports, goodbye to camping (for most of us anyway).

Oh, the memories: smell of the campfire and the starry skies!

Get a grip and start planning your next camping trip!
Many of the national, state and provincial parks start accepting reservations up to 12 months in advance, so the perfect time to start the process is just about now, or you may not be able to get the best sites or even camp at the most popular parks.

I know, everyone is busy and summer seems so far away. Nevertheless, start thinking about it now.

1. Decide with your spouse and family what would be the best time for them to take off work/request vacation time

2. Look at the map, find good guide books or on-line information to see which parts of the country you would like to visit. Then start selecting campgrounds and parks that are on your route. The great place to start your research is Amazon.com as they sell wonderful books which offer myriad of information on travel planning.

3. Think about your camping gear. I hope it is well winterized and in great condition. If not, that may indicate you will have to purchase some new equipment or gadgets, like this new Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp. As most men will tell you, you can never have enough camping gadgets.

4. Perhaps it is time for you to upgrade to a lager tent.

Family tents are usually very comfortable, but remember: your tent will have to have enough sleeping room for you, your family, your pets as well as house your belongings and still have some space for moving around. When buying a tent, pick good quality, as it will last you for many years. Also, pick at least 2 person bigger for size (e.g. if you have a 3-person  family, choose 5-person tent). It will ensure that the tent is comfortable enough. After all you are just taking your family camping and not planning a trek in the Himalayas with the tent strapped to your back.

On the other hand, if you are actually planning some wilderness camping, where the tent has to be as small and light as possible… then it is another story altogether.

So, really, pick the biggest and the best tent you can afford. You will thank me later.

However, if your kids are teenagers, you may consider getting them a separate tent for added privacy. They may simply not want to sleep in the same tent as their “folks” anymore. So two smaller tents may be in order.

When sleeping in a tent, you will need comfortable inflatable pads or even better, good quality inflatable mattress(not the cheap swimming-pool variety). If you plan 2-3 week vacations then even buying cots to sleep on may be in order. You may also have a little folding table and a lamp for your tent.

Sleeping bags should not be too thin either! You think that all summer nights are hot? Think again! I spend quite a few nights in August camping when temperatures dropped to 7 degrees C. I was cold!

5. Perhaps it is time for you to upgrade to an RV or get a larger RV. All the RV shows across the country are happening in the wintertime. It is a good idea to see what is new and what you can afford before making such a great purchase. Also, many RV/Motorhome owners are selling their vehicles right now, after the season is over and it is a great time to buy a used RV or a trailer at a great price.

6. It is also a good time to decide that maybe you had enough of travelling around with your RV. Perhaps your kids are small and you don’t want to go far away from home, but still want that fun of camping. Then you should consider seasonal camping.

Many seasonal campers are vacating their sites in the fall and/or are selling their trailers already nicely parked with all the additions you may want, such as decks, storage, Florida rooms and so on.
Have a look at the ads and visit a few campgrounds to see if the condition and price are right.

This process may take you well into spring, but will guarantee fun new camping season. Get your kids involved in the planning. They love to be seen and heard! They will enjoy your next trip even more, as they feel included in the decision-making for the family.

Now all of you will wait with anticipation till spring and summer, more outdoor time and meeting new friends.