Camping Amenities
Local campgrounds offer sites for tents and campers. Their family-friendly environments often include activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking and nature programs. Family campgrounds provide restrooms, showers and portable water. Some have stores and rent fishing poles, paddle boats, canoes and other equipment. Many local sites have a place to swim, like a pool, or they’re located near waterways. Most are near towns for shopping and restaurants for those nights you’d rather not rough it at mealtime. Look for a site that offers all the amenities your family wants.
Campgrounds on Long Island cost between $9 and $33 a night, making it an affordable getaway. In order to make reservations at a Suffolk park, you have to have a Green Key card that can be purchased by calling 631-854-4949 and then going online to parks.suffolkcountyny.gov/suffolkcamperweb Otherwise, it’s a first-come, first-served basis. The other campgrounds have phone numbers to call for reservations You can check for a complete listing at www.exploreli.com Note that most parks allow you to have your dog on a leash However, if you’re new to camping you may want to leave Fido with a pet sitter this time around. Not all dogs adapt well to the environment.
Protect Your Feet
Given the opportunity, hiking nature trails near your campsite is an enjoyable and educational family activity. For this, good boots are one of the first investments families will make. Look for solid ankle support and tread designed for the types of surfaces you’ll find in the wilderness. Purchase boots in outdoor stores where people are trained to fit them properly. Buy socks and liners made of wool or other materials that will cushion feet and absorb moisture.
Eating in the Wild
Most campgrounds provide grills, fire rings and picnic tables. A basic cooking set can be made up of no more than a bag of charcoal, a few pots and pans and a spatula. Start with simple meals like sandwiches, hamburgers and pre-packaged meals. With each camping trip, try different recipes and
add the necessary cookware. When camping with a group, it’s fun to coordinate meals. One family can be responsible for breakfasts, another for lunch, and a potluck dinner can be a third fun option.
As families gain experience, they may invest in specialized clothing. For most family trips, the expense isn’t necessary. A selection of T-shirts, jeans, sweat pants, jackets and sweatshirts worn in layers allows for quick adjustments to the weather. Because clothes will get dirty, new or white clothing isn’t recommended. And don’t forget bathing suits and towels.
The Right Equipment
Before investing in equipment, try to borrow tents, sleeping bags, lanterns or stoves to determine what suits your family. Take time to research what different stores and manufacturers offer. To save money, check yard sales or camping groups for used equipment. Remember, tents and sleeping bags are rated for specific conditions. Since most families camp in warm weather, you don’t need to pay extra for gear designed for freezing and sub-freezing weather. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Blankets and pillows
- Ground cloth
- Camp stove (although some sites have them) and kerosene cans
- Cooking utensils
- Working flashlights and lanterns
- First-aid kit (including aspirin, Benadryl, sun block)
- Water containers
Set the equipment up at home before you go to make sure the tent isn’t missing an important supportive pole, for instance.
Having Fun
When it comes to packing for entertainment, less is best. The way to appreciate the experience of camping outdoors as a family is to leave the technology home and get back to basics. Bring along cards, board games and books for quiet family and individual time. Don’t forget your fishing gear, kites and bicycles.
For most people their favorite part about camping is the time spent around the campfire at night. It’s a chance to tell stories and sing. The simplicity of this time can bring families together for a unique experience that you’ll most likely want to repeat time and again. Jennifer Woodford works with DeHavilland and Associates, an educational consulting firm. Editor Liza N. Burby contributed to this story.