Family-friendly spring camping trips are the perfect way to enjoy nature’s bounty with your loved ones. With mild temperatures and stunning scenic landscapes, spring is the ideal time to explore the great outdoors. But planning this type of trip takes preparation. Because of the unpredictable weather, not all places are open due to muddy trails or flooding risks. On top of that, there are certain things you’ll need to consider to ensure your trip is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Where to Take Family-Friendly Spring Camping Trips
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
Spring is one of the best times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Temperatures in the lower elevations can hover anywhere from the 50s to the 70s°F, although higher elevations will be much colder. The park has tons of kid-friendly trails – Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls being two of the easiest. In addition to the budding wildflowers, keep your eyes peeled for black bears and elk too!
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
If you’re not quite ready to spend the weekend in a tent, the treehouse and cabins at Hocking Hills State Park are suitable alternatives. You’ll get the full nature experience without having to rough it outdoors! Plus, the park is teeming with beautiful sights like caves, lakes, and waterfalls. Or you can book a ride on the scenic Hocking Valley Railway or a ziplining tour of the forest canopies.
Yosemite National Park, California
Tucked away in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is a picture-perfect family destination. It seems like every trail offers breathtaking views of the colorful meadows and rushing waterfalls. As temperatures rise, the snow melts from the mountains which means the falls are at their strongest! But if it’s an especially cold or chilly spring day, you can always explore the park on a scenic drive instead.
Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia
Visit Assateague Island in the spring and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without the summer heat or the crowds of tourists. Known for its beachfront camping, this 37-mile-long island has plenty of spots where you can wake up to ocean views. It’s a great destination for leisurely campers who want to spend their days shell collecting, beach combing, or watching the free-roaming wild ponies!
Big Bend National Park, Texas
If you’re craving a bit of sun, then Big Bend National Park is the ideal place to go camping in spring. Daytime highs often reach the mid-80s, which is perfect for exploring the park’s canyons and wildflower cactus fields. This is also one of the best destinations for stargazing, as Big Bend has the darkest skies in all of the contiguous United States!
Tips for Comfortable Family-Friendly Spring Camping Trips
Book a Campsite with Good Facilities
Being isolated in the middle of nowhere can be hard with kids. Everyone will be much more comfortable at a campsite with restrooms and access to running water. And while it may be a bit early in the season, some sites will also have activity centers. This is a great way to keep kids entertained and to give parents a much-needed break!
Plan for Unpredictable Weather
Spring weather can be warm and sunny one moment and windy and rainy the next. Therefore, you’ll want to be prepared by packing moisture-wicking layers and waterproof hiking boots in addition to sun protection. And of course, don’t forget to check the forecast ahead of time in case of stormy weather.
Pack Warm Weather Gear
Even if it’s warm during the day, it will very likely be chilly in the evening. To combat the cold spring nights, make sure every family member has a three-season sleeping bag. If it’s especially cold, then an insulated sleeping pad can be useful for staying off the ground.
Bring Insect Repellent
As the weather warms up, you’ll likely see more and more insects out and about while you’re camping. But mosquitos and ticks can carry dangerous diseases, so it’s crucial to take measures to prevent being bitten. Insect repellent with DEET (or natural remedies with lemon and eucalyptus oil) can keep those pesky critters at bay.
Plan Fun Activities
Even with the entire outdoors at their fingertips, its still possible for kids to get bored. For this reason, we recommend bringing some camping toys to keep them occupied during the trip. You can also plan fun outdoor activities like a scavenger hunt or an arts and crafts project with natural items. And once the sun sets, you can keep them entertained with stargazing, s’mores, and campfire stories!
Prepare Tasty Meals
If your kids are picky, cooking meals without a kitchen can be tricky. But with the right equipment, you can still prepare delicious and nutritious kid-friendly meals that they’ll love. Bringing a camping stove can be more useful than relying on a campfire alone. You can also prepare some meals ahead of time (like pasta, chili, or breakfast burritos) that you can reheat when they get hungry. It’s also a good idea to pack some no-cook snacks. Trail mix, granola bars, and fresh fruit can keep them energized and happy in between meal times.
If you’re not sure what type of meals to make – don’t worry! Here is the ultimate food guide for cooking while camping.
Despite what you may think, camping with kids doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming! Making your family-friendly spring camping trips fun and comfortable is easy with a little planning and organization. Most importantly – try to relax and have fun! Being outdoors with your family is a great bonding opportunity for everyone involved. And with these tips, you can ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
