camping Archives - Have Sippy Will Travel

How To Get Prepared For Your Next Camping Trip

June 7, 2022 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Camping is one of the most enjoyable ways to have a day trip or a weekend outing, but there are many things that you need to do in order to make sure that you are really making the most of it, and that you are truly ready for it. The more prepared you are for your camping trip, the more likely it is that you are going to enjoy it, whether it’s your first such trip or your fiftieth. Let’s take a look at how you can ensure you are getting properly prepared for your next camping trip right now.

Stock Up On Gear

There are many pieces of gear that you might want to have in place before you go camping, either because they help you with keeping safe or because they are vital for ensuring that you are comfortable, or both. For instance, it is helpful to have a good quality flashlight, a decent backpack to store everything in, and a charging bank as well for your devices. You can get all those kinds of things at places like EcoGearFX.com, so it’s worth shopping for whatever you might need as soon as possible before the trip.

Pick A Spot

You will of course also need to work out where you are going to camp, and that can actually be more difficult than you might think, and might require that you spend quite a bit of time trying to work it out. You’ll want somewhere that you are keen to explore for its own sake, as well as being safe and not too far from home, if possible. You also need to consider the legality of where you would like to camp, and make sure you are not putting yourself at risk here. As long as you manage to pick a good spot, that will make a huge difference to how much you enjoy the trip.

Prepare Food & Water

Arguably, there is nothing quite as important as food and water when you are on a camping trip. If you are going to be staying at a campsite, then there will usually be running water that you can use – otherwise you will need to ensure that you are taking plenty with you. These days you can get hold of significantly large water bags which go into your rucksack and which can store a lot of water easily, so those are what you will want to make sure of here. Keeping yourself hydrated and well-fed will make the whole experience significantly more enjoyable.

Choose Your Tribe

You’ll also want to make sure that you are camping with people that you actually enjoy spending time with. That might sound obvious, but it’s something which you are going to need to think about, as it could be important for making sure you have the best possible time. So choose your camping tribe well and you will enjoy it all so much more, which is what you are hoping for here above all.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: camping, check in

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Children Excited About Camping

May 26, 2022 by Samantha 1 Comment

A family outing to go camping is just one of those natural events that every child (and family) absolutely should experience! Getting to be one with nature and learning all about the ecosystem is simply marvelous. But, what if this is something your little one has no interest in whatsoever? Are you wanting to have a camping trip come up? Camping is a great way for children to learn independence and independence is one of the most important skills they will need in life.

The best way to get your children excited about camping is by getting them involved in the process from the beginning and making it a family activity that all the members can enjoy together. It is not easy to get children excited about camping. In fact, a lot of parents struggle to get their children excited about camping. But here is everything you’ll need to know about getting your little one excited for it!

How Do You Prepare For A Camping Trip With Your Kids?

Preparing for a camping trip with kids is a lot of work. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you have everything you need and that your kids are prepared as well. These are some packing tips that you may find handy for the whole family.

-Pack light and in layers – It will help you pack faster and more efficiently.

-Wear layers that can be removed if the weather changes drastically.

-Pack one outfit per day – This will help save space in your bag, but also allow you to change clothes easily when needed.

-Bring your own food – This is important for many reasons. It prevents food waste, helps avoid the risk of getting sick from eating bad food, and helps save money on expensive meals at campgrounds or restaurants. Preferably canned foods (with a can opener), trail mix, plenty of water, and something with electrolytes.

-Bug repellant- mosquitos and ticks can be annoying.

-First aid kit- you must always bring this when camping, or even just hiking.

Overall, just packing the right things will make the experience go a lot better which will definitely help your child enjoy the hiking trip.

How Do You Pick Out the Perfect Camping Gear For Your Child?

When you are in the market for a new camping gear list, it can be difficult to figure out what items your child needs. First, you should decide whether or not you will be going on an overnight trip. If so, then you need to think about how long it will last and what type of climate your child will be experiencing. Next, decide if your child is going to be camping by themselves or with other children. If they are going to be camping by themselves then they need their own sleeping bag and tent. You can always ask the camping experts about this because knowing what to pack, especially for children can be tricky.

You might also want to consider buying a few extra things like a compass and first aid kit. If they are going with other children then they should have their own sleeping bags and tents as well as one extra tent for each group of children in order to accommodate. Of course, all of this depends on whether you’re going on a family trip, or if this is a camping trip for school, club, or something like Scouts.

What Kinds of Activities Should You Do During A Family-Friendly Backpacking Trip?

One of the best ways to have an amazing family-friendly backpacking trip is to plan activities that keep it fun but educational. This doesn’t instantly need to make it boring just because it’s educational. Here are some suggested activities that you can do during your backpacking and/or camping trip:

Bird watching, don’t forget the binoculars
Activities involving water such as fishing, swimming, or kayaking
Learn about the local wildlife
Go hiking and see scenic views

The entire point of going out camping is just to be out in nature and to just enjoy the experience, so, this is something that can easily be achieved. But it also doesn’t hurt to communicate with your kid and just simply ask them what they’re after for this camping experience.

As parents, of course, you’re wanting to give our children the best time possible and prepare them for the adventure of a lifetime. But what does that mean? Just let them make some of their own decisions for camping. If you force it, there is less of a chance that they will enjoy it.

Filed Under: lifestyle items Tagged With: camping, check in

How to prepare your backpack when going camping this summer

August 3, 2021 by Samantha Leave a Comment

It’s time to get out your camping stuff from the garage and venture out into nature. Since you probably haven’t glanced into your storage bin for quite a while, some items may be damaged or obsolete. Be mindful to keep a minimal load on your shoulders. You won’t really have to tote a big load if you choose basic camping equipment and trim down your stuff to the essentials. Just pack a single compact backpack for your weekend excursion.

It’s imperative that the first things you pack are your medicines, plus it is better to carry some as a precaution to avoid allergies or travellers diarrhoea.

If you’re trekking into a wild campground or vehicle camping at a planned site, sleeping and surviving in the elements for any length of time necessitates some planning. Below are all of the backpacking necessities you must keep in mind for a short-term or multi-day excursion, and also a few extras which might allow sleeping on the ground a lot more enjoyable.

Don’t forget to make a list

Spend some time considering what you might need for a decent vacation; You may not be a harsh camper, but refrain from going above and beyond. Divide the list into various sections, such as resting, eating, cooking, and camping necessities, which will make your strategising a bit simpler. As a last check, you can search up to see what others usually add to their list and make the required changes.

Ditch the fancy gear

Camping is largely about going rough and making it with (even without) those everyday conveniences. What do you need a large, expensive tent for when you can get by with just a tarp or a hammock? Can’t go about without your daily dose of coffee? Try honing the skill of cooking coffee over an open flame and see why everyone talks about it so highly.

One bag rule

Camping should imply having only about one bag per person, with kids under ten sharing a bag. The backpack ought to be prepared to carry clothes, bathing essentials, and entertainment. Savvy campers use luggage organisers to make items easier to find: To keep everything neat in one bag, toiletries go in the toiletry kit, undergarments and accessories in their own storage cube, and so forth.

If you can’t carry your own backpack for at least five minutes, it’s an indication that it might be too heavy, and you should take some things out.

Clothes

Preparing for a camping vacation during the COVID-19 pandemic is not the same as packing for any other holiday. You must first shield yourself from the harsh weather conditions, which can change dramatically from day to night. Even in the summertime, the sand and valleys can be scorching during the day but cool down at night. That implies you should be more concerned with practicality than with aesthetics.

For a weekend in the woods, you don’t need to carry dozens of clothes. Instead, each individual will require just a sleeping bag, a few clothing items, and hygiene essentials. Of course, if you’re only going for a weekend, carry only what you need, plus one extra shirt or pair of jeans. After all, camping is about enjoying nature, and a little dirt and grime is part of this journey.

Self-care is still important

Going minimalist does not imply cutting back on the fundamentals. Carrying biodegradable toilet paper and soap, bug repellent, necessary prescriptions, sunscreen, a small sewing kit, rope, and a first-aid kit is an intelligent campers packing strategy. Moreover, you should accommodate almost all these items inside a single compact toiletry kit.

Try to survive without luxuries

Anything that merely serves as a comfort object shouldn’t be a part of your luggage. Bringing items such as enormous lights and heaters defeats the point of camping. If you dislike coping with a windy or cold night, try renting an RV or a cottage rather than pitching a tent.

A little forethought goes a long way. If you stuff whatever you possess into multiple backpacks without contemplating, you’ll be sorry when you have to carry that massive burden through into the steep woods. Furthermore, once you reach your destination, you will have a headache trying to find everything. So the best camping advice is to pack light and utilise organisers. This is the only way to go for a weekend camping excursion.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ASAP, camping, check in, packing

5 Tips for Campervan Travel with Children

December 20, 2019 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Travelling with your kids is an amazing experience, discovering new places together and watching them grow. Campervan travel is an exciting way to spice up family holidays, and with the great deals on campervan hire you should definitely consider it for your next trip. It can be a bit of a challenge the first day, so here are our top tips for travelling in a campervan with children.

Planning

Planning is key to campervan travel with children – they can sense weakness! Also, planning ahead will reduce the amount of work and stress during, as you deserve a break too. Below we discuss planning the right campsite, but aside from that there are several things to consider.

Make a list when packing, to ensure you don’t forget anything vital. You can find plenty of examples online. Bring plenty of toys and games, the more the better! Be sure to also plan for rainy days, as those can be part of the experience, and should be embraced for it. Extra blankets and sweaters, as you will always underestimate how cold evenings can get – even in summer! A first aid kit, so that small scrapes and falls can stay small. And a camera, to capture all the amazing moments.

For the drive, plan ahead by getting things to keep them busy, and perhaps a playlist of their favourite songs. I like to download an audiobook, to keep everyone entertained. Also bring enough snacks for on the way, to avoid hangry children and unhealthy choices. Staying hydrated is vital, so pack extra water and juice.

Choosing the right campsite

Part of planning is choosing the right campsite. Depending on the age of your children, you may wish to select a campsite with the appropriate amenities. Campsites have changed greatly in the past decades, and many come equipped with more things than you could imagine! You could select a campsite with a pool or playground, with a petting zoo or sports fields. Maybe you need the right campsite for your relaxation, so go for one with a spa or restaurant. My personal advice would be to go for a campsite that allows dogs, even if you don’t have one yourself. This results in plenty of dogs around for your kids to play with, and many owners would even let them take the dogs for a walk!

Be sure to clarify the rules with your kids when you reach the site, how far they’re allowed to go. Campsites could be near a forest or roads, so make it clear where they’re allowed. Try to avoid changing campsite everyday, unless your route demands it, as this could confuse children and reduce their experience. Part of the appeal of a campsite for kids is making new friends, so stay at least two nights in a location.

Enjoying the outdoors

One of the struggles of taking children on holiday is their endless energy, particularly when cooped up in a hotel room. Campsites are ideal for this, as it gives them enough space to tire themselves out. During daily life, children can spend a lot of time indoors and behind screens, so this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. This is best achieved through fun camping games, such as organising a scavenger hunt! Write them a list of objects they could find nearby, such as “a flower”, “something blue”, and see what they find.

Also bring sporting equipment, such as a racket or football, to keep them entertained for hours. To continue the fun outdoors, why not BBQ for dinner? Delicious!

Rainy days

Rainy days in a campervan can seem like they’d be a real hassle, but that’s completely up to you. You decide if it is a problem, or a fun opportunity! And your kids will pick up on that too. Consider it a chance to stay cosy in blankets, drink hot chocolate and play games together. A great advantage to a campervan is the space it provides compared to a car or suitcase, so bring plenty of board games and fun things to do.

Need a way to distract the little ones while it pours? You can find plenty of great activity books, with word searches, drawing activities and more.

Home on wheels

Children can struggle away from home, so to make them feel a little more comfortable, bring comfort items from home. Having their own bed sheets, favourite cup or toys, can really help them feel at ease. This reduces the transition and gives them plenty to keep busy with! That’s one of the biggest advantages of a motorhome, as the space allows you to bring more.

Filed Under: lifestyle items Tagged With: camping, check in

Tentrr, A New Way to Camp

October 8, 2019 by Samantha 11 Comments

Are you camping-curious, but not sure you want to deal with all the tent and sleeping bag related hassle? Have a hesitant spouse? Or perhaps you love camping, as we do, but are ready to try something new and different with your friends and family this fall. We recently headed out with Tentrr, a new company that gives you the camping experience you are after, from the most basic and remote locations to the “glamping” end of things as you desire. The best part? No set up or breaking down, you just go. When you arrive, everything is ready for you, just like a hotel (but way cooler, since you are outdoors and get to spend some time in nature).

There is no end to the benefits of spending time in nature, from *physical health benefits like improving your immune system as well as mental and emotional health and well being (boosting you mood and giving you a creativity boost for examples), your whole self will benefit from your time camping. It doesn’t matter if you choose to really “rough it” or not, just being outside with your family will give you a wonderful bonding experience and memories that you can keep forever.

(*These and other health benefits of spending time outdoors can be found at https://www.health.harvard.edu)

In a similar manner to Airnbn, Tentrr works with private landowners to cater to the camping community. These landowners install a “fully-equipped campsite on their property. Each campsite comes with a canvas wall tent on an elevated platform, bed, wood stove, Adirondack chairs, fire pit, grill, picnic table, sun shower, and camp toilet. Tentrr is perfect for families who love the outdoors but don’t love all the work associated with camping like packing a car full of stuff or pitching a tent.” (Via Tentrr)

There are no crowded campgrounds, no tents or campers parked just feet away from your site, so you and your family can truly enjoy the solitude and quiet of nature. We camped in Tivoli Trails in Tivoli, NY. It was our first experience with Tentrr, and I have to say it was so much easier and thus more relaxing for me (the main packer and set up person) and gave me more time to enjoy rather then rush about that first and last day. It’s really an ideal situation for those looking for a quick weekend trip as well, since it removes the time it takes for setup and breakdown, which can be substantial.

Also similar to Airbnb, there is an App you can install that lets you keep in touch with your campkeeper, for any questions or last minute issues that might arise. Forget something, get lost, confused about anything? That’s cool, you can message anytime. The messages also come to your email inbox and you are able to reply and talk that way, which for me was helpful since I’m less on my phone then I am on my computer. I know, I’m old.

You can opt in for “extras” as well, such as towels, sleeping bags, pillows, etc. You will have all sorts of options when you make your reservation. There is also the ever-useful “camp kitchen” that is already there, and has everything you need to cook and clean up. This was my personal favorite, since bringing your own takes up a lot of space. If yours is not pre-packed, it also takes a lot of time to pack up (and if you are like me, you always forget something).

At this time, Tentrr has nearly 700 fully-equipped campsites in the USA and they are always adding more. Visit https://www.tentrr.com to choose your next getaway.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: camping, Camping Trip, parents@play, travel

Best Items for Active Parents

October 1, 2019 by Samantha Leave a Comment

We love camping, and this is a great time of year to head out to your favorite campsite (or find a new one to explore). What to pack, besides your tent and sleeping bags? We have a few suggestions for the Best Items for Active Parents.

One of the most important things to bring with you is lighting. You don’t want to wonder what you are about to run into on a middle of the night bathroom run. Recently, VSSL Outdoor Utility Tools and Mountain Khakis came together to bring out a very cool camping torch that is also a survival tool kit. A powerful light when you need it, you can also unscrew the cap to find mini disks that have different tools one might find useful inside. Lightweight at only one pound and impact resistant, it comes with 12 tins inside, including the flashlight disk itself, instructions, a compass, water purification tablets, first aid supplies, and more. The flashlight has four modes of LED light on it as well- medium, high, red, and SOS. Available for $130 at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

I don’t know about you, but I really don’t like to mess about with my hair when I’m camping or otherwise outdoors. Basically, I just want it kept out of the way. I really like Seirus, they offer a variety of options to keep you protected from the sun and as dry from sweat as can be in a no fuss manner. They have these multi-functional what they call “neck tubes” on the site, and that’s a pretty accurate description since that’s exactly what they look like. They can be worn around your neck to protect from the sun, around your head as a stay put headband that keeps the hair out of your face and sweat out of your eyes, a balaclava, and quite a few other ways to wear it- super versatile. They are quick drying, very breathable, and have a UPF of 25 built in. The site posts videos on the many ways to wear them- check it out. $19.99 at https://www.seirus.com

Looking for something a little more straightforward? They also offer a UPF50 Hinged Headliner as extra protection from the sun as well as a liner and extra warmth under helmets and on bitterly cold days. There are multiple headliners and balaclavas to choose from, prices vary from $16-$35 at https://www.seirus.com

ELEVENPINE has created the most comfortable shorts (available for men and women) and undergarments that are fantastic for parents on the move. Whether you are chasing the kids up and down the trails or kayaking to your campsite, these super comfy performance items will keep you feeling your best. These patented shorts can convert via side zipper from form-fitting to relaxed fit as you prefer. This makes them ideal to wear no matter the activity, from yoga to biking to camping and more, these will fast become your “go to” shorts for all your activities and travels (as well as relaxing afterward). They are also moisture wicking, so they dry quickly without giving you those delightful moisture rashes. Both the men’s and women’s shorts offer easy to access pockets, and there are multiple shorts to choose from. For women, there are also different lengths available, which is a second miracle (I repeat, pockets! Real ones, not those silly waistband “fakies”) considering how difficult it can be to find a performance short that is longer then five inches. A style and length for everyone, there are multiple options available. Bike liners for men and women are also available. Prices vary depending on item, visit www.elevenpine.com for details and to choose.

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, review Tagged With: active, camping, cross post, newspaper, outdoors, parents@play

Camping Trip Coming Up?

September 24, 2019 by Samantha 1 Comment

We love camping, and this is a great time of year to head out to your favorite campsite (or find a new one to explore). What to pack, besides your tent and sleeping bags? We have a few suggestions.

Mountain Khakis are one of our favorites to wear camping, or really just great for being outside in general. These clothes are durable, breathable, soft, and great for layering in weather that can’t make up it’s mind. Nothing trendy, these will keep their appeal year after year, and they will be wearable for years as well. If you are new to the brand, you might want to start at the beginning. The Men’s Original Mountain Pants are, as you may have guessed, the ones that started it all. Organic, reinforced 2 play cotton and canvas, multiple reinforced pockets, reinforced heel cuffs, and more- you can probably tell these pants are built to last. They come in relaxed and slim fit, with 6 colors available at $84. 95 each at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

If you want to top them off, we really love the new Pearl Street Collection flannel shirts. Soft, wicking fabric that stretches to give you that perfect feel, it still has a classic fit and look. The material keeps you warm and dry without overheating you. Since it has stretch to it, you can go rock climbing, chop wood for your campfire, go ziplining- whatever- and the shirt moves with you. These are available for both men and women, with three color choices for men and two for women. They are $89.95 each at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, review Tagged With: active, camping, outdoors

6 of the Best Camping Destinations in Lake George, New York

August 26, 2019 by Samantha Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever considered camping in northern New York, Lake George offers some amazing destinations for a family-friendly getaway. Picking the perfect campground not only brings you and your family closer to nature but also saves money because you won’t have to pay for a hotel room and dine out at every meal. Located at the southeast base of the Adirondacks, Lake George has something for inexperienced campers, seasoned campers and everyone in between. Here are some of the best Lake George campgrounds this beautiful area has to offer.

Lake George Escape

Lake George Escape boasts 178 acres of beautiful greenery surrounded by the scenic Adirondack Park, which can offer mountain adventures. It’s a prime location, close to the major speedway, which means easy access to local attractions. The resort alone offers an endless number of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Take a turn on the new 19-foot water slide, try your hand at life-size board games or have fun playing frisbee golf or laser tag. Spend the day swimming, fishing, tubing or boating on the Schroon River and make it back in time for Mystery Dinner Theater. For an added charge, kids can go fossil hunting and gem mining. And if everyone is looking to escape the camp, a full day of water park activities await at Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor, which isonly a short distance away.

Lake George Island Camping

If you’ve wanted to camp on your very own island, look no further. Several state-owned islands are home to almost 400 different campsites, accessible only by boat, and available to the public. The Lake George Islands campsites are broken up into three groups: the Glen Island, Narrow Island and Long Island. Island camping is a fun way to enjoy a true Lake George getaway. From islands perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway to sites big enough for hosting group getaways, there’s a little slice of heaven for everyone. Every site offers a little something different, but they often fill up fast. If you’re interested in this unique family experience, it’s wise to book in advance.

Moose Hillock Camping Resort

Moose Hillock offers a never-ending stream of entertainment for the whole family. Its claim to fame is the huge pool featuring a Caribbean beach entry, waterfalls, waterslides and caves, which is decked out with LED lights and surround sound. Every weekend, the resort offers a variety of themed games and activities. Families can participate in events such as basketball competitions, family dodge ball tournaments, water balloon fights, volleyball and more. The private areas of the park are great for setting up base camp and exploring the surrounding Adirondack Park or enjoying water activities at Lake George. It is also less than ten miles from downtown Lake George.

Adirondack Camping Village

Only three minutes from Lake George, Adirondack Camping Village — a secluded and serene location — is the ideal family-friendly campground in the mountains. Even though rustic, this getaway spot still provides some homey comforts for guests. Relax in the heated pools, watch the nightly movie or roast marshmallows over a fire. Kids can visit the playground, have fun in the game room or hop on the daily hayrides. If that’s not enough, nearby attractions include Six Flags, boat cruises on Lake George, Saratoga Raceway, Fort William Henry, Prospect Mountainand Million Dollar Beach.

Lake George Battleground Campground

Established in 1927, just south of the Village of Lake George, is a popular, nature lover’s resort with a historical twist. Because this option is located near Prospect Mountain, great views are guaranteed, but many come to see the remnants of colonial-era military activities. The campground itself is near a self-guided historical trail at Lake George Battlefield Park. If you’re not a history buff, you can opt for a quick walk to the beach and enjoy swimming, fishing, sunbathing and more. Plenty of hiking opportunities allow avid hikers a gorgeous 100-mile view into five different states from the peak of Prospect Mountain. You can also take the family for a day of shopping or amusement parks, which are available nearby.

Hearthstone Point Campground

Hearthstone Point Campground is located on the west shore in the southern end of the picturesque Lake George. Unique to Hearthstone is a Junior Naturalist Program where young campers can enjoy completing educational games and activities to earn an embroidered naturalist patch at the end of their training. Hearthstone Point is perfect for families who enjoy lake activities and hiking. All types of watercraft are permitted here, and hiking trails wind all around the grounds — even down to a swimming beach.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: camping, check in, outdoors