Backcountry Camping with Kids

Are you considering tent camping with the kids this summer? Have you thought about adventuring into the backcountry? If this is you, there are some things that you need to consider. First of all, are your kids really up for this? While our family loves to tent camp and we enjoy a vigorous hike into the mountains, not every kid finds that kind of adventure his/her thing. Do your kids hate exercise? Do they love video games to the exclusion of other more "outdoorsy" activities? If so, you may want to start out with a smaller excursion such as a day hike or campground camping in a RV. Another thing to consider is the age of your kids. While our kids were babies and toddlers, we stuck to campgrounds where we had showers and real potties for toilet trainers. I've heard of some people taking babies into the backcountry, but that wasn't for me. What if there is an emergency? Somebody has to care for an injured person and who's going to care for the baby? Also, consider yourself. Are you really up to cooking over a fire or a little burner? Can you sleep on the hard ground? Can you put up with sore muscles and long hikes? These are a few thoughts that you may want to consider before starting a backpacking adventure.

If you do decide to enter the backcountry, here are a few suggestions.

1. If your kids are not teens yet, consider a short trip. Our children are all under the age of 10-too young to carry heavy loads or hike for miles. We usually camp in the Smoky Mountains. We spend hours poring over the map in order to find a backcountry camping site within a couple of miles of a campground. No matter what park you camp in, try to find a potential campsite close to your vehicle. You as parents will be carrying the heavy load, and will be glad you only have a thirty minute hike before you have to put it down.

2. Stay in one location the first few times you camp. It is difficult to "put up" and "take down" camp. There's tents to set up, potential "potties" to locate and dig, and a fire to start (if that is permitted where you are camping). Spend a couple of nights, and then go back to civilization. And showers!

3. Let the kids "help". They can gather firewood properly, and start a fire. They can carry their own change of clothes and swim trunks in their backpacks. The older they are, the more responsibilies we give them and they revel in it.

4. Buy the kids cool gadgets to take along. They love compasses, and (gasp) survival knives. Please supervise them well! They love to carry binoculars! Our boys carve their own walking sticks before we leave to go camping-we even put their initials on them!

5. Realize that kids don't really like hiking forever and not "going anywhere". Have a destination in mind for each hike you do while camping. Perhaps a fishing hole or waterfall within a couple of miles of your campsite would be a good destination. Or if they like, maybe a nearby river to wade in would be fun for them. Choose a backcountry campsite with several points of interest nearby.

6. Bring things for them to do. Our kids bring card games to play at night or if it rains. We bring glow sticks like you get at fairs to play with at night. That's fun for us parents, too. If you have room in your backpack, some light sports equipment, like a frisbee, is fun. Give them age-appropriate jobs to do around the camp. My boys love the responsibilty, and it makes our tasks a little easier, too.

7. Remember to pack light. Really. This is the hardest part for us. You will hate yourself if you pack every single thing. Try out your backpack before you leave. Hike the approximate distance that you wil be going and see if you are really able to carry the load that far. If not, it's still early enough in the planning to lighten the load a little. Remember if your children are young, you will be carrying their backpack, too! If you are camped within a mile or so of your vehicle, you can leave some things there, such as extra food in a cooler, or extra changes of clothes.

8. If it rains and doesn't stop, don't stick it out. Seriously, there is nothing more miserable that being stuck in a little tent with bored, wet kids. Head for the vehicle and rescue your trip with a stay in a motel with a pool!

9. Get help from the local sporting goods store with backpacks, tents, cooking utensils, and sleeping mats/bags. Try to find an expert in the field. They will help you with everything from fishing bait to bear spray. Thankfully, we've never needed bear spray! Try on backpacks and waterpacks. Remember the kids, they will want equipment, too. Get good hiking boots. Most of the "carryouts" by park rangers are from twisted/sprained ankles and knees. You don't want to be in that position with your kids dependant on you.

10. Remember to take it easy on yourself and your kids. Laugh - believe me, sometimes its either laugh or cry! Rest often. Give them incentives (some people call them bribes:}) Play tag with your kids. Plan lots of food. Being outdoors makes everybody hungry and don't worry, food tastes better outdoors, too. Play, explore, and discover with your children.

I hope some of these tips are helpful for those of you considering a backcountry camping trip with your kids. Remember, to enjoy the time spent with them, they won't be kids forever!