I was cleaning out the garage the other day and dusted off various pieces of travel gear plus our tent – it is in pristine condition because, well, we never use it.
The thought of camping with kids in the August heat in Texas is simply not appealing, unless we were to drive a bunch of hours out to someplace like Alpine in western Texas, where it is cooler in the evenings and there are neat places to go nearby….
- The McDonald Observatory for a Star Party
- Historic Fort Davis in the Texas Pecos Trail region
- Spring-fed swimming at Balmorhea State Park
We’ve always said to ourselves that we “ought to be more hikey and campy,” but we never get around to it.
Whether some consider it camping or not, I am perfectly happy to stay in park cabins like the ones in Bastrop State Park near Austin or Osage Hills State Park in Oklahoma, but the whole tent thing? Meh.
We’ve bought outdoor gear for kids in the past – items sized for them, that encourage bug-chasing, exploration, etc. – but it usually ends up at Goodwill.
Anyone out there want to try to get us motivated for camping, maybe in the fall?
I’ll be waiting over here in the air conditioning….
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I’m not a terribly outdoorsy person, so I thought I’d never camp. We’ve found, however, that a travel trailer is a decent compromise between the expense of a hotel room for a large family and roughing it in a tent.
We don’t have to worry about the weather quite so much, because we have air conditioning that can make even the hottest nights bearable.
What we love about camping–at home, I have to push the kids outside. But at a campground, they run, bike, walk, bike, and bike some more, without any prompting from us parents. If we camp while on vacation, there’s no pressure to pack in our days so tightly with sight-seeing, because if we run out of things to do, we can head back to the campground and build a fire, if nothing else. This makes many destinations more appealing, because we don’t have to worry about being disappointed in the “attractions.” The camping itself is an attraction.
Best of all is seeing my kids’ wonder as they see and hear new things. Wildflowers along a path, the sunset over a lake, waking to the call of the state bird. It’s something they just don’t get to experience at home.
Sometimes I get grouchy about camping–putting together all the food, keeping everyone quiet, dealing with equipment frustration. But when we get home, I’m always ready to start planning the next trip.
Happy camping!
Thanks very much for your input, Linda. We do have plenty of parks around here or within decent driving distance; I should plan a few weekends away now (and make reservations!) for the cooler fall months. We’ve considered a pop-up trailer, too – ought to rent one to check it out.
We’re heading out shortly for 10 days of camping, short for us, we usually do epic trips of three to eight weeks, no joke. Camping is so cheap, you can visit so many amazing places and you really get down to basics during that time. There’s something totally wonderful about packing up camp and heading in to a small town’s diner for breakfast as you start out your next day. And south as you are, Sheila, your season for camping is WAY longer than ours in the PNW. It doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or deprived, either, we have good mattresses, bring real pillows, and because our accommodation costs are so cheap, we’re more inclined to spring for a nice meal out. It’s awesome.
I JUST finished putting up a camping gear guide on my site, I wouldn’t spam with links if it was absolutely relevant. Have a peek.
http://www.nerdseyeview.com/blog/travelers-gear-guide/car-camping-gear-guide/
I have never camped in Texas, but I hear you on the heat. Hate camping when it is to hot. But I can say that your camping spot in the photo looks amazing, what a great spot to camp. Most be amazing at night with the stars.
Good article, camping in general unites people, but much depends on vacation spot.
We have a whole website on camping with kids…come check it out for some inspiration! From the looks of your picture above, it’s dry, hot and sunny in your parts. This calls for some man made shade, and water. Water guns, water balloons, mister fans, or is there a place you can camp with a pool? Make some camping ice cream, dirt cakes, and slushies or smoothies in a hand crank blender!
If you are ever looking for an activity to do on your free time, spend some time camping with your family somewhere in the wild
. Bring the kids and and you will surely develop friendship with them. I think you try your best to schedule a day out so you could make use of your camping gears and tent 
Camping helps you get in touch with the basics and simplicity of life as well as helps you enjoy nature at its best. If sleeping on the hard ground doesn’t appeal to you then try using an inflatable bed, not only is it comfy it can keep you high off the ground. Inflatable beds are really a nice idea, well, that’s my personal opinion
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