Family camping

[tasari]

Wooow you have a very good memory ! I don't remember a lot of my little ages. Thought children older than 3 year can remember things.

[backpackingtrip]

When that happens, we usually split up the camp groups so men could hang with men and the woman and children hang at their own camp.  we still help out each other but it feels good to just chill with the guys sometimes.

[itdoesntsck2bme]

My goodness, you all make it sound like camping with babies is impossible! We do it, and love it. She might not remember it when she's older, but she loves it too. She'll happily just sit on a blanket and watch the trees sway or feel the wind on her face while we set up and break down camp. We hike, and she's accustomed to riding along in the hiking backpack. She hangs on on her blanket when we fish, or else we hold her in our lap and let her play with the reel a bit. At night all I have to do is nurse her to sleep, she sleeps right between us in our zipped-together sleeping bags and stays nice and warm and cozy. If she does wake up, she goes right back to sleep as long as I'm there to nurse her. Sure, it takes a little bit extra to take along a baby, but if you're already a parent of a baby, you're used to what they require. We don't even think twice about taking her out with us. By the time she's 3 or 4 camping will be 'old hat', and she'll be very used to the routine.

[Talbot Biff]

Putting your family together, in a challenging situation, where they have to work together to survive, brings them all closer together, while providing meaningful memories that last a lifetime.

[PattyB]

I know this is an old thread, but with the economy the way it is...family camping is probably the best bang you can get for your buck these days!  And if you can get past the thought of the kids being too much work...I guarantee you and the kids will have the best adventure of your lives!  We took our three boys on a cruise a few years back b/c we heard it was the easiest trip to take kids on...yeah right!  Too many wacky strangers and the boat was soooo big, we all kept getting lost.  Not too mention too crowded!  Camping with the kids will also teach the kids about living outdoors...a lot of good lessons and adventures for the whole family.   

[d1anaspell]

i think going out with your family is the best thing. and especially for kids it is a great experience, they won't forget. even for those who don't own an RV, there are great deals in RV rentals. check out Camperrentalsusa

[cfar]

Yes, I know we sometimes do adult camping and not bring the kids it has become a tradition at least once a year.   We always try to make time for it....We really enjoy the extra time away!!!

[OutdoorDad]

I read the original post completely different form most of the replies...

Here's my take on the original post: There is nothing wrong with family camping and guy camping too.  Just not at the same time.  It works for me - once a year, I get together with my guy friends and we head out camping for a weekend - the are only 3 rules are: No wives. No girlfriends. No kids.   There is lots of beer, steaks, and poker.

It's good to get out and just be a guy with the guys... just as much fun as it is being a dad with my family.  I just don't mix the two.

[lizrfoust]

I like family camping, but sometimes you just wanna go out with your friends and camp. Do you guys know what i mean.

Agree! It's definitely more refreshing and relaxing. Not that I don't enjoy camping with my family. But there are things that you can do camping with your friends that you can't do with the family, like acting really stupid after drinking a wee bit too much around the campfire.