Prepping for family camping in Oregon (Oregon Kid)

Are you thinking about taking your family camping for the first time, but you don’t know what you need to do to prepare. Fear not; you have come to the right place. Going camping with your family doesn’t have to be intimidating. By the time you are done reading this, you will be able to plan a fantastic memory-building adventure.

Before you head out, you’ll need to figure out what you’ll stay in. You can stay in a tent, pop-up camper, travel trailer, or cabin. All have their pros and cons.

Tents come in many sizes ranging from one person to ten or more. You can also choose between a synthetic material or a canvas. Synthetic tents are lighter weight and are often easier to set up, but they can tear easily and don’t provide much insulation for the colder seasons. Canvas tents are heavier and more challenging to set up; however, they are made of a more durable material and often come with stoves to provide heat in the cold months.

Pop-up campers are a great entry-level way to get into camping. They have a solid top and bottom box-like structure that extends vertically, allowing the sleeping platforms to come out horizontally. The sleeping platforms are often covered with a canvas or synthetic material to keep you protected from the elements.

Travel trailers vary in length, features, and size. They are made from a lightweight frame, wrapped in a solid material, and built on a trailer chaise. Travel trailers have many different layouts to ensure you have enough beds for almost any size family.

Cabins are another fantastic option to get your family outdoors. You can build one, buy one, or rent one. Cabins will vary in size to fit your family’s needs, and they will often have all the best creature comforts you are accustomed to at home.

There are several things to consider when preparing for your camping trip.

How long will you be gone?

When I go camping with my family, I always preplan the meals we will have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After I come up with my plan, I prepare the food while I am still at home to cut down on time while on my camping trip.

How will you cook it?

There are many options for cooking your food while you are out camping, and it will determine what you pack with you. If you are camping in a pop-up camper, travel trailer, or cabin, you will likely have a stove, oven, or both to work with. If you are camping in a tent, you can bring a small portable stove or a grate that fits over the fire.

How will you store it?

You can bring all the food you want, as long as you have a way to store it. The biggest thing to keep in mind is bears. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, there are between 25 and 30 thousand bears in the state. The ODFW website has helpful tips for camping in bear country camping, which can be found here.

Nothing will derail a camping trip faster than being cold and wet. You should always check the weather before you leave and ensure that you have the appropriate clothing. Pack far more clothes than you think you’ll need if your family has young kids because they will get dirty fast!

Camping is an excellent way of getting outdoors and being closer to your favorite outdoor activities. Your campsite will serve as your base as you and your family go fishing, hiking, hunting, biking, etc. It’s also important to have things to do if the weather isn’t pleasant, such as board games, books, etc.

If you haven’t gone camping before or have recently purchased a new tent, pop-up camper, or travel trailer, start by going camping in your backyard. It will help you figure out what works for your family and what doesn’t before you are hours away from home.

Once you have successfully stayed the night in your backyard, go camping in one of the many state parks here in Oregon. State parks are a great intermediate step. You are away from your home but still close enough to return quickly if things don’t go according to plan. Oregon has numerous state parks to choose from, and you can make reservations by clicking here.

Camping is a fantastic way for you to reconnect with your family. One of the best parts about camping is customizing your experience. From the accommodations to the food to the recreation, you can ensure that your next camping trip will meet your family’s needs.

To learn more about Oregon Kid and the candid advice and fresh ideas that are supplying Oregon parents with check out https://oregonkid.com

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