This weekend we will be camping. For those of you living in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas I know you all are gearing up for your camping trips too. The bugs are finally dying off and the nights are actually cool enough to build a fire. I however, live in Maryland, and for some insane reason agreed to a camping trip in Delaware. It will be cold, very cold. I might not return, but at least we will have had some cheap family fun!
My childhood memories of camping involve throwing up, bug bites, high fevers, and food I didn’t like. Needless to say, as an adult I was in no hurry to share such wonderful memories with my children. We have friends who love to camp and after hearing stories of campfires, fishing, hiking, and delicious food I was willing to try one more time.
On our first camping trip, our friends were kind enough to pick a full service campground with plenty of playgrounds, bathrooms, and a Walmart just 10 minutes away. We had an absolutely wonderful time and began to make plans for our next trip. Our next trip was to a state park with fewer amenities and fewer people. We enjoyed boating, fishing, hiking, and my husband’s new love, Frisbee golf.
Over the past few years I have realized that camping is a wonderful thrifty vacation, especially for a large family. Most state campgrounds allow up to eight people at a campsite and the site are very inexpensive, especially when compared to a hotel room. Many campgrounds are located near activities that are also free or inexpensive. Camping is also great if you have little boys who like to run wild all day. Camping, hiking, collecting sticks, and tending the fire help to wear them out by the end of the day.
As for all the camping supplies, many can be found at yard sales or thrift stores. In fact while I was at the thrift store today I saw a man walk by with a Coleman stove in his arms. I often see sleeping bags, tents, lanterns, and other supplies while yard saling. Many stores clearance their camping items at the end of the summer and you can get some really great deals. If you want try camping, borrow supplies from a friend. The first time we camped we only had one tent but needed two so we borrowed one from our neighbor. Every military base I have ever been on rents camping items for a pretty low price as well. Many also have campgrounds.
If I survive our upcoming weekend with freezing temperatures, I hope to blog a little next week about some camping tips I have picked up from my friends. Until then you can download the camping check list, and pray for a heat wave.
Food Insurance says
Hope you had fun on your trip. Those will be great memories for years to come.
Stephanie says
We love camping too. My son went with family friends last weekend (We are in WV) Couldn’t get my husband to go, it is hunting season! 🙂 Have fun!
Breanne Vasquez says
Have a great time!
Fairion says
Camping is my favorite family vacation. Many campgrounds have cabins for winter camping and it is still economical. Since you are close by I will recommend our favorite site, Asseteque. We go every year. Camping and the beach together. There could be no better combination.
amy says
my family and i went camping this past weekend in the north GA mountains and it got down to 33 degrees one night! it was very cold- but my husband and i stayed warm in mummy sleeping bags rated for the cold… my kids had just regular sleeping bags and a ton of blankets on top. lots of long underwear, thick socks and a warm hat to sleep in as well. i actually wore a fleece gator-hat combo (that you wear to ski) to sleep in! we don’t make the kids bathe but mine are 8 and under, so no body odor really. lots of extra pairs of socks and pants for my wild boys (4 and 6 y.o.) – yep- they’re the ones that like to run around all day 🙂 have a great time!
Live.Love.Eat says
Oh how I love to camp, I just don’t it as often as I would like. I want to get one of those awesome kitchen set ups so I can cook in style. So much fun. Enjoy.
Somebody's Mimi says
YOU are a brave woman, Mrs. A.! We live in Florida and we get to use all of our garage sale camping equipment (except the 6-8 man tent) during the hurricanes. That’s our camping out experience and a few times at Camp Wilderness (Disney) 🙂 Your childhood camping memories sound like the first 3 months of a pregnancy! (I had add that). Enjoy your weekend, kiddo. Take lots of pictures!
The Gluten-Free Homemaker says
We’ve done a lot of camping vacations, but I have to admit I’m not a tent camper. We bought a pop-up camper when we got started. Have a great weekend and stay warm! Linda
Beki says
I’m so jealous! I love to camp….wish everyone in my family did. 🙂 I don’t know if I would go in freezing temps though. It is finally nice enough in Florida to camp….maybe I can convince the family to come along! Have a great time.
Sherry says
Hope you have a great time! 😀 Sounds like fun!
Judy says
Your better than me! I could not go camping at this time of year (I live in MA). We usually do one camping trip a year for 2 nights. I can usually handle 2 nights on the ground. I wouldn’t mind getting a pop-up someday and then build from there.
Have lots of fun this weekend : )
Nancy M. says
I hope you don’t freeze! I like camping in moderate temperatures, not too hot, not too cold. I don’t like freezing my tushy off at night, though!
Grammy says
When my kids were little we did allot of camping. It was fun. Hope you enjoy your trip.
Audra Krell says
I am so not a camper. With three boys and a wonderful husband, that isn’ t the greatest thing. It’s great that you are willing to be part of the adventure, like Marie said, you are very brave! Blessings and stay warm!
M says
We’re supposed to be getting 3 inches of snow tonight. I’d rather be camping. 🙂 We actually picked up a camping heater (runs on those coleman gas canisters) for this past summer which was great, and actually very safe. If you can find one, they may be cheap this time of year, and it’s well worth the price. Have fun, and stay warm!
Marie says
Wow, you’re brave! Camping while pregnant. Make sure you’re near the potty! Hope you don’t freeze!