I have been an avid camper for many years. My family camped a lot as I was growing up (I come to find out later in life it was mainly because we couldn't afford those luxory hotels). I have spend many hours in our tent. During highschool, my father worked at an RV dealership, so we could borrow any used motorhome on the lot. To say the least, I have been in really expensive ones and many not so expensive ones, but I still enjoy the tent. During college, my camping time dwindled to almost nothing. I then got married and have been trying to convince my wife that we should go camping. 7 years and 2 kids later, my wife has finally given in (mainly to the reason that my family camped a lot when I was growing up, who can afford $120 for a hotel per night?!?!?!) I am super excited about going again and even when through all my gear this past weekend. I have no concerns about that part of the camping trip, it is more of how to deal with the kids. My daughter is 5 and my son is almost 2. Does anyone have any suggestions that will make camping with them a little more enjoyable for everyone? We are staying at Warren Dunes State Park in southwest Michigan in July. We plan to spend some time in St. Joe for the festival that weekend, so that will keep the kids some what occupied a part of the time. My son loves the outdoors, so that part of the experience isn't a problem. It is the running off, touching the fire, etc part of the experience that I am worried about. We have a fire pit in the back yard, so it won't totally be new rules for the kids.
Any advice from fellow family campers that help make sure that this is a good expience for not only my kids, but my wife as well (if she likes it, I will probably be able to convience her to go more than once ever 7 years!!!)?
Any advice from fellow family campers that help make sure that this is a good expience for not only my kids, but my wife as well (if she likes it, I will probably be able to convience her to go more than once ever 7 years!!!)?