Tips for First Time Campers at the First Franchised KOA

Camping with your family will be a wonderful experience as you take in new sights and sounds, creating memories you will cherish forever. Check out our favorite tips below to make the most of your first time camping with your kids! 

Create a First-Time Camping Checklist 

Creating a master checklist or even multiple, smaller lists can give you peace of mind while ensuring you bring everything you need — especially when you are taking your kids camping for the first time. 

The key is finding the balance between what you need and what would be nice. The fewer items you bring, the more time you and your family can spend indulging in nature without any distractions. Much of what you will want to bring depends on whether you are camping in a tent, RV or cabin. 

However, some essential items you will want to have on your first camping checklist no matter how you are camping include: 

• Clothing for various types of weather
• First aid kit
• Sleeping bags 
• Pillows
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Bug spray 
• Baby wipes 
• Cooking and eating supplies
• Towels 
• Water bottles 
• Firestarters

Practice at Home

Camping is all about getting outside and trying new things, but practicing with some of the most important elements of camping before you arrive at your campsite enables you to be more prepared. Plus, you want to ensure the gear you already had or invested in is going to work as intended. 

Some of the things to try practicing with your kids include: 

• Setting up your tent: Head to your backyard, a local park or your living room and go through your tent instructions to save yourself time while out in the woods. You can even make a mini adventure out of it, spending a night beneath the stars while still being close to home.
• Starting a campfire: Plan a night to go over the rules and safety practices of being near a campfire. You can practice how to start a fire, cook meals and safely put it out when you are finished. 
• Using your tools: The tools and equipment you bring will be a big part of your success in the woods. You want to be sure you know how they work and how to use them before you have to depend on them. 

Find the Right Campsite 

The final piece to the puzzle is finding the right location for your first time camping with your kids. It is best to ease your way into camping, starting at a comprehensive campground offering bathrooms, laundry services, electricity, swimming pools, playgrounds and other amenities. 

Overall, the campground you choose should meet your family's needs. Try to include your kids in the search, asking them where they want to go or what they want to see. Once you find where you are staying, read and understand the campgrounds rules, pet policies, trash disposal procedures and expectations for check-in and check-out. 

Stay Positive 

If you have ever talked to someone about their childhood experiences camping, you probably understand how special a camping experience can be for children. It offers unrestricted time without the disturbances of work, chores or other obligations — moments they will look back on fondly when they are older. 

Camping can often come with many challenges and inconveniences. You will not have a fully stocked kitchen at your disposal, running water is not as easily accessible and the weather could throw a wrench in your adventure for the day. Stay calm and be flexible, making the most of the invaluable time you spend with your family. Plus, when your children see your excitement, they will be more thrilled about the trip themselves. 

Make Your Reservation at the Cody KOA

If you are looking for an adventure you will always remember, Cody KOA is the perfect campground for your next family vacation. We are located an hour from Yellowstone National park and offer a variety of amenities and activities to keep your getaway pleasant and exciting.