Family Camping Trip. Camping with the family

Selecting your campground: Where you spend each night can be the most
important factor of your trip and with some pre-planning you greatly reduce your chances
of being disappointed.   There are many different types of campgrounds and RV parks
available; from the very deluxe five-star membership only RV resorts to primitive sites with
no water, sewer, or power. Selecting a campground site where you want to spend the night
or a few days is relatively easy. It is important, however, to do your homework before
making a final decision and if necessary a reservation.   You will want to stay at a
campground that will meet the needs of the plans that your family made at the very start.

                                        You can find a list of campgrounds near the area where
                                        you intend to stay by looking up on the web directories of
                                        RV parks and campgrounds, or by joining THE GOOD SAM
                                        CLUB. Review each possible RV park listing for their rating
                                        (most of these parks are inspected by other rv'ers hired by
                                        the directories) and facilities such as laundry, store for RV
                                        camping supplies, number of spaces, picnic areas, etc.
                                        Then call the RV park for reservations. It is best to
                                        guarantee your space with a credit card since you cannot
                                        be certain at what time you will arrive. There are just too many
variables that can arise during the day's trip to assure an exact arrival time.

If you don't require all the extra amenities offered by the RV parks but simply want water,
power, and perhaps a sewer hookup, there are several camping alternatives available.
National Forest campgrounds often have spaces for rv's as do state parks and county
parks. They are usually less expensive than their commercial counterparts and offer a
safe environment for your family. The NFS campgrounds honor the Golden Eagle Pass
for seniors which entitles you to substantial discounts. You might also consider the
unimproved sites available with limited or no hookups. These campgrounds can be found
in a listing of BLM or Corp of Engineer web sites. These unimproved RV sites cost as little
as five dollars a night and the surroundings can be breathtaking!

Finally, if your family is the adventurous type and enjoys                                                the
boondocks for activities such as hiking or riding off road
vehicles in the sand dunes, you might want to consider
dry camping. This type of camping is where there are
absolutely no facilities available. You are simply camping
where you park. Dry camping usually requires the use of a
power generator. The importance of pre-planning and proper
packing is paramount when dry camping because the lack of any facility readily available
close by.

Family camping can be a great experience for all, and especially for RV campers. When
the trip is over there will be memories to share that will last a lifetime.

THE FAMILY CAMPING TRIP

RV CAMPING, A GREAT
FAMILY EXPERIENCE

You are planning to go on a camping trip
with the family. How can you make it a
memorable and enjoyable experience?
Get the family involved! Each family
member probably has a different idea what
the vacation should be like. Give them the
opportunity to express where they would
like to go and what they want to do.
Planning a trip is definitely a family affair.

Discuss what each person needs to take along on the trip including
personal items such as books an CD's to keep them occupied during
the slack time of the trip. If they are old enough, make them
responsible for their own items. A C amping Checklist is extremely
helpful in preparing for an extended trip.

Make a list of the places your family has decided to visit. Then
enter these destinations into a web site that offers free trip
planners, follow the prompts, and print out the results. The printout
will give you valuable information such as mileage between locations,
travel time required, cost of the trip, and road conditions you can
expect to encounter.

For each individual destination, write down what you want to see and
do. For example, if one of the choices is a favorite lake, you might

list fishing, boating, hiking, and a side trip to a historical location. By making such a list you
will know ahead of time what to pack for each situation. Do this for every intended
stop.NOTE: Just because you have made these lists does not mean you plans are "etched
in stone". You can still be flexible enough to change you plans, but at least you will have
packed the items you need.

For up to the minute information on tent trailers, travel trailers, 5th wheels, and
motorhomes, Trailer Life is the monthly magazine that is both informative and a true
pleasure to read. You will be looking forward to each fact filled edition.