Are you looking for a fun family vacation that can become a tradition? Family camping vacations are perfect for everyone! Indeed, family camping vacations are actually one of the top choices for Americans and in 2011, over 500 million days were spent camping in total. About 70% of camping is done in public campgrounds and many families are sure to return again and again after using a family vacation campground. And even better, there are campgrounds in any state, which means your options for travel are limitless. It can be a great and inexpensive way to explore different parts of the country. Additionally, many campgrounds have fun outdoor activities tied to the campground and offer beautiful scenery. Your kids may make new friends at family campgrounds, gain new skills like kayaking or roasting S’mores, and you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to really bond with the family.
Who’s Camping Out?
In 2014, the American Camper Report stated that over 40 million Americans camped in 2013. About 85% of current campers had their first camping trip as a child or teen — between birth and the age of 15. After the age of 15, it was more unlikely that they’d be exposed to camping. Campers also tend to be quite active — almost 60% of campers were part of regular outdoor activities as kids. Campers tend to spend almost 15 days camping, whether they’re staying in a tent, RV, bivy, or cabin. They also go to the distance — the average distance for a camping trip was a little over 185 miles.
Almost 90% of campers did multiple outdoor activities — so it’s unsurprising then, that in the spring of 2014, almost 40 million people went hiking or backpacking in the last 12 months.
Campers tend to camp for the sheer pleasure of camping — almost half of participants who were surveyed said they did so, just because they enjoyed it. Under 15% of campers said they camped to spend more time with their families and 12% of adult participants camped in order to spend more time with their families, which shows that it’s a very family friendly activity.
Why Look Into Family Camping Vacations?
Family camping vacations have something for everyone. They can teach great life skills and life lessons — how to start a fire, erect a tent, etc., — provide amazing memories, and many children have fond memories of learning how to swim, canoe, kayak, or hike while on a family camping trip. Adults may catch a break if their kids make new friends and be able to relax on a beach or in the shade of a tree as their children play together.
Plus, encouraging children to spend time outdoors and be active is always positive for their health. Teaching your children to appreciate what nature has to offer may make them more conscientious about preserving the environment, whether that’s refraining from littering or encouraging them to compost or recycle.
Family camping vacations also tend to focus more heavily on the people you’re with. Hiking, canoeing, rafting, and other activities require teamwork and time spent together doing one activity. There may also be limited Internet or cell phone service, depending on the campground, so technology gets put away and you can focus on each other.
What Should I Look For In a Campground?
What you want in a campground often depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation. If you’re interested in water activities, you may look for a campsite near a lake or river. If your family is interested in doing some touristy activities, being near some general attractions and towns is probably a good idea. And if you’re staying in an RV or want to stay in a cabin, you’re obviously going to want to look for campgrounds that have those options available to you.
When you choose to camp for your family vacation, you’re sure to leave with unforgettable memories, plenty of stories, and perhaps the start of a new tradition — summer camping trips!
