Growing up I loved the outdoors, and as I got older, my goal became to work in a profession where I didn’t have to be locked inside at a desk and could enjoy the fresh air and scenery of the outdoors. In my childhood, camping was something I did with my family that helped us build countless memories together.

This is the beauty of camping as a family, forging timeless memories. It’s an opportunity to disconnect and focus on things that truly matter. It’s a chance to appreciate the scenery and animals you rarely get to see outside of photos, and a time to enjoy the warmth of a fire as you sit talking with your children about life.

I knew it would be important to introduce my family to camping so that we could share similar experiences. There’s something about watching your children explore nature and observe plants and animals up close that restores your soul. 

Camping, even without the electronic devices my children long for, hooked my kids. For those like my wife and children who are new to the camping experience, I’d like to share some thoughts about our recent trip and camping tips!

Pick Your Destination

If you’re new to camping and unsure where to start, try searching for state parks or national forests nearby to locate campgrounds. 

Campgrounds usually open their reservations six months in advance. Depending on what type of camping you want to do (text camping vs. camper/RV) you can also filter your campsite search for electricity hookups and other amenities. Just make sure to know your campsite dimensions such as the number of vehicles allowed, types of equipment allowed, and check-in/out times. 

It’s important to know if your campground has a gate that locks after hours. If so, you’ll need to check in before the gate closes. If you’re looking for some semi-private camping in the Southeast United States, check out Skidaway Island State Park in Georgia, Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest in North Carolina, or Devils Fork State Park in South Carolina.

Pack the Right Gear

If you’re new to camping, you might want to ease into the experience. There are several sites that will rent equipment to campers. Whether you’re looking for the tent experience, a small trailer you can pull behind your vehicle, or a larger RV, you can usually find a source to rent from. 

A few items you’ll want to make sure to have may include trash bags, flashlights, water bottles, a lighter or matches, easy-to-assemble meals, and a solar phone charger so you can capture those memories with your camera. When considering whether to bring firewood, check with your campground to see if they will allow you to bring it. Many campgrounds will not allow firewood that is not local as it can bring invasive pests or diseases to the area. If you’re camping with kids it’s always great to take along the bikes or scooters for fun and exercise with other kids at the campsite!

Benefits of Camping: Making Memories

Don’t think of camping as just “sitting around.”  Before your trip, check out your campground website to see what kinds of activities are in the area. Campsites are usually along a river or path so you can easily hit a trail. 

Be sure to also search for local waterfalls, viewing points, and popular hiking trails. There are several websites that give reviews of these trails which include waypoints and a skill level rating. For those camping with children for the first time, it’s best to stick to the easier trails to assess skill level and endurance before embarking on more demanding hikes. 

Lives get busy, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in play dates, social gatherings, work, to-do lists, and errands. Consider taking time for yourself and building memories with your family through camping. Get back to nature and relax away from all the responsibilities and distractions of your everyday life. With any trip, camping still takes a bit of planning but the payoff is well worth it. 

If you’ve never been camping but you’ve been curious, set a date, find a time, and book it. You’ll be glad that you did!

If you’re interested in learning more about camping in South Carolina or finding land for sale in South Carolina, reach out to me directly at Pfloyd@NationalLand.com.