Wild Camping: Tips For Planning The Perfect Family Wilderness Trip
Lots of families decide to go wild camping for a variety of different reasons. Some parents just want to show their kids how it’s possible to survive in the wilderness. Other people like the idea of getting some fresh air and leaving their smartphones alone for a couple of days. Whatever the reason, wild camping is a fantastic way to spend some quality time together without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to plan, and this post contains all the information families need to consider.
What to pack:
There is no getting away from the fact that families will have to carry a considerable amount of luggage for their trip. Still, it’s important only to take essentials to avoid having to deal with too much weight. They should include:
- Tents
- A compass
- Sleeping bags
- A camping stove
- Some tools
- Maps
- Food
As readers can see, that is not a standard family vacation packing list. When it comes to food, it’s often best to follow in the footsteps of the armed forces. Just check the types of food they carry and design a similar hamper. Fruit is a good idea, especially if you need to make substitutions to the military diet. However, for the most part, families will consume canned food.
Where to go:
Different laws surround wild camping depending on where people travel in the world. In most US states, it’s possible to engage in the activity without encountering any issues. Even so, it makes sense to plan a hiking route and identify a camping area in advance. Take a look at some maps and try to work out the best places to camp. Factor in how far you can walk each day, and try to get as far away from civilization as possible. National Parks are suitable areas for wild camping, but it’s wise to avoid the rangers as much as possible.
How to stay safe:
It’s worth looking online for the best techniques for making fire pits, so people don’t create a forest fire. It’s also sensible to keep a compass and maps handy at all times. Like it or not, many people find it easy to get lost in the wilderness. Smart families will also keep a mobile phone or two in their backpacks. While they won’t want to turn them on, those phones are going to become useful in an emergency. In the US, campers also have to think about wild animals like bears. With that in mind, research the subject and learn what you need to do to keep them away.
Wild camping is a fantastic way to get out in nature and forget about the stresses of modern life. For people with the right skills, it’s also an excellent way to pass on some bushcraft concepts to the kids. It’s sensible to check the weather forecast before heading out on a trip, so there are no nasty surprises. However, most people will still stay warm and dry if they have decent tents. So, could wild camping provide the perfect family break this year? Yes, it could!
