Not all campgrounds are the same, and it is important to know which ones are truly a family friendly campground before you book your next big camping trip. (Because nothing is worse than spoiling your kids’ fun by being in a place that doesn’t really welcome them.)
There are ways to investigate how child-friendly a place is prior to stepping foot inside of an RV park or camping site, you just need to know where to look and who to talk to!
Just remember that if you need an urgent care because someone gets a really bad case of poison ivy while camping or like the time my brother thought he forgot the top to his tent when it was supposed ot downpour and we had to run into town to get a tarp that you have those options and so it’s not just about the campsite itself that makes it family friendly. (Story spoiler: we didn’t make it back before it started raining and he found the top of the tent when trying to set everything up).
The Family Vacation of Your Dreams Starts Here: Tips for Finding the Best Campground
Camping is a great way of getting back to nature and spending time with the kids. If you want to ensure that your trip is successful and the children have a good time, it’s important to find a campground that meets all of your needs.
The ideal campsite will offer plenty of activities, security, and protection from the elements. Campgrounds are also different in terms of what time of year they are open, what kinds of weather they experience, and their proximity to water. It is important to be aware that campgrounds differ in what types of amenities they offer since not all campsites are equal.
Start with these basic factors when looking for a campground:
- location: look for family friendly campgrounds in scenic areas, but remember that you might need to be within a reasonable distance to an urban center for medical or shopping purposes.
- what to look for: check out the facilities available such as tent sites, cabins, or RV sites.
- quiet hours: some campgrounds offer night time activities while others prohibit them altogether.
- special considerations: make sure you find one that caters for children with activities and programs specifically designed for their age group whether it’s a swimming pool, playground, or other offerings.
Related: What to consider when determining the best camping gear for your family
1. Don’t be afraid to call the park ahead of time.
If you find a prospective campground, don’t be afraid to call ahead of time with a list of questions. The park staff on hand will be happy to answer your questions and if they are not, you may want to go elsewhere. Questions might include if familie camp there often, if alcohol is allowed, what time quiet hour begins, and if there are kid friendly activities on the property.
2. Survey your friends.
Friends seem to give the most honest feedback, don’t they? Talk to friends and see if there are any campgrounds they suggest. They should be able to give first hand accounts so you can get an honest review of your prospects. If you don’t have close friends who camp, you can always post a question on social media asking for feedback.
3. Thoroughly review the park website
The website should have everything you need to know about how child friendly the park is. You can find quiet hours, activities, rules and regulations and more when you visit the park website. Should you have additional questions, you can always call as suggested in tip #1.
4. Head to review websites like yelp and other 3rd party sources
Campgrounds are just like any business, and most of them are on review websites where users can leave feedback about their experiences. Even travel review websites typically cover campgrounds, so head to these sites to find ratings, customer photos, and feedback on the various properties.
5. Take a tour.
If the campground is close to your home, why not take a tour? In fact, if you have never taken your kids camping, you might start with where to camp with kids nearby. Then branch out from there. This is a great way to get an idea of what is available to your family and to get a feel for the campground. Should you wish for more secluded sites or a park with more activities, a quick walk through should be able to show you what is available.
6. Join online camping groups.
You can find all sorts of camping groups on Facebook, everything from tent camping groups to groups specific to certain areas. There are lots of family camping spots in the USA and just as many groups to help… like Fulltime Families on Facebook. Join a group that appeals to you and your needs and don’t be afraid to ask members for recommendations. People in these groups tend to be pretty helpful!
7. Follow the various campgrounds on social media.
A quick peek at the social media profiles of a business can give you a good idea of what you are dealing with. Look at the social media profiles of campgrounds you are considering so you can see photos, read reviews, and get additional information.
Before you head out with the family for a weekend full of camping fun, consider these tips on how to find a family friendly campground! These tips can help you find the perfect spot for you and your little ones so you can be sure to enjoy yourselves.
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