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Summer is in full swing and even though family travel plans have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, last-minute camping is still possible.

Here are a few tips to help your family get out of the house and enjoy a couple days or extended weekend in the great outdoors.

Plan Your Destination

Although camping can be done in all corners of the U.S., summer is high season at campgrounds and camping sites in local, state and national parks. Check with your expected destination to make sure camping areas are open to the public and available. Reservations to control crowds and provide safe distancing buffers are required at many state and national parks.

Packing and Staying Safe

Whether you are an expert camper or a first-time novice, camp safety is the number one priority.

The best way to stay safe is to prepare for your trip ahead of time. Research the park and campground area you are planning to visit. Most state and national park websites list local risks related to COVID-19, the weather (flash flooding, afternoon thunderstorms, heat, fire dangers), wildlife (bears, mountain lions, venomous snakes, insects), trail dangers, and available services like toilets, showers, and potable water.

Also, before departing, make sure you understand physical and mental limits of the entire camping group. Outdoor camping activities, including hiking, canoeing and swimming affect people differently. If traveling to higher altitude locations, pad your schedule with downtime for people to acclimate to the lower oxygen levels.

Packing the right supplies is essential for all camping trips. Always make sure tents, sleeping bags, hiking gear, shoes, and clothes —always pack layers for those cooler nights— are in top shape. Practice assembling and disassembling tents and using cooking stoves before you leave. Summer is insect and sunburn season, so be sure to pack fresh insect repellent and sunblock. A restocked first aid is a must have too.

Food should be nutritious and provide ample calories and protein to reenergize the body for the planned camping activities. Don’t forget to take some fun food too, no one can resist s’mores by the evening campfire. Pack enough water and other drinks to provide hydration. Avoid alcoholic drinks for they will dehydrate you.

If you plan on taking a cooler, only take enough perishable food that you can eat before the ice melts – rural campgrounds might be far from a town with available ice. Finally, make sure food containers are sealable and if you are going into areas with bears, follow park regulations related to food storage away from campgrounds and above the ground. Campers should pack trash bags, many campgrounds have carry-in, carry-out rules to keep nature beautiful and litter-free.

On Your Trip

A camping trip should be fun and mostly stress-free.

If you are camping with children, make sure you are including them in activities. Teach them how to set up a tent and unroll a sleeping bag. Children should be given age-appropriate chores at the campsite. These life lessons will produce confidence and help them feel less afraid of being outdoors and away from home.

If you are planning on hiking, canoeing, or doing other outdoor activities, ease into them. A shorter hike or a walk along a nature trail will allow everyone to get their outdoor “sea-legs” while helping people get oriented with their surroundings. Remember, smaller children can’t walk as far and tire easier, so easing into activities will allow everyone to understand their own pace.

Always follow local rules related to starting and extinguishing fires. Summer is wildfire season for many parts of the western U.S.

Of course, there will be unexpected situations that will test parents and campers alike. Dealing with them as adventures will make for important camp memories. “Remember, when dad fell into the creek with his camera on that mountain hike when I was 10,” could be the beginning of a legendary family story told for years to come.

Finally, make sure to find a balance and schedule downtime to spend with your family and off your feet. This will make a camping trip relaxing and fun.

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Summer Outdoor Fun: Family Camping