We camped at Deception Pass, Washington and it was such a beautiful place. Our campground was about a 5-10 min walk over to the beach. And it had running water, bathrooms, and paid hot showers.
With 5 families, we ended up getting campsites side by side or across the road from each other. It was perfect because the kids were able to run to each others sites without us worrying. We were always in eye sight of the kids.
Camping with friends was a much different experience than camping with just your family. I loved the aspect of camping with your own family as it's more intimate, and you can do things at your own pace. Packing food was much easier when you're only thinking of 5 people. But camping with friends was really fun too! I loved that there were always kids running around and that the kids always had someone to play with. And splitting up the cooking/cleaning was so great too.
We ended up camping for 3 days and 2 nights. We probably could have used one more day there...so I guess there's always next time!
I wrote a camping post when we went the first time with tips and what to pack HERE.
Here's a condensed run down of the basics you may need for camping.
Sometimes camping can seem like a really really big trip...but the more simple you make it, the easier it will be once you are there.
CAMPING ESSENTIALS
TENT & TARP
AIR MATRESS, SLEEPING BAGS, PILLOWS
CAMPING STOVE, FUEL, LIGHTER
POTS, COOKING UTENSILS, PLATES/CUTLERY
CONTAINER FOR DISHWASHING
COOLER FOR FOOD & WATER
CAMPING CHAIRS
CLOTHES
TOILETRIES & TOWELS
FIRST AID KIT
FLASHLIGHT/HEADLIGHTS
But I'll share a few tips on what made things a little easier this time around for us.
Packing
When I was packing the kids bags for our trip, I estimated on the higher side of what the kids would need. I guessed 2 outfits per day and one pair of pajamas each night. I also brought along some warm clothes (hoodies, toques, and puffy vests) for early mornings and evenings. By the end of the trip, almost all the clothes I brought had been worn. Which was great!
Sleeping Arrangements
At home, the girls share a room, and Ben has his own room. Although they are all used to sleeping together, I wanted to keep things as close to their regular routines as possible. We ended up putting the girls down together and then bringing Ben in a little later to join them. This made it feel more like what they're used to at home. Although we did hear some complaints about how bright it was, they slept fine for the most part.
Comforts of Home
Bedtime is always a little bit easier when you have the comforts of your own bed close by. We brought the kids special stuffies and blankies which they usually need to fall asleep. We were short one sleeping bag, and so I ended up bringing Ellie's comforter. She loved sleeping with it, and the other kids actually wished they had theirs too. And we also brought their own pillows which made for a much better sleep.
Activities
When you're outdoors, it doesn't take much to keep kids entertained. We brought some things to do (books, coloring books, activity books, pencil crayons) but they were truly happiest just playing and exploring the campsites. Usually we've tried to find a beach or lake to play at which the kids love. And hiking trails or walks are always super fun too.
Although I'm definitely more of a homebody, I know how much fun we all have when we make the effort to do a camping trip. And being prepared definitely helps with that. I hope our kids will always have these memories in the great outdoors!