We had planned to go camping this weekend and have family out to our campsite for John-John’s first birthday party. In an effort to be frugal, I didn’t reserve a campsite for this weekend.
I guess I should have.
There are none available. Since Chloe is 2 and has only been camping once in her life (she was 6 months then) she won’t know the difference between the real deal and our special “back yard” campout that we are having instead.
Now instead of saving just the $10 reservation fee, I’ll also be saving the $30/night fee. We’ll have just as much fun in the back yard with the sprinkler, BBQ and sparkers I have lined up.
I am disappointed that we aren’t going to the campground but it certainly is a cost savings and given our tight budget right now…maybe this is an answer to prayer. We’re planning to try again in September so I guess this one will be our practice camping.
Do you have a great ‘camping with littles’ tip or fun camping activity? Love to hear it so please share!
See you on Wednesday for the next edition of Sizzling Summer where we will talk about camping!
- This post links to Family Friday and Frugal Friday
How fun. I have to confess, I am not a camping person. A camper was as much as my folks ever did with me! The one time my husband took my kids and me tenting, I wound up sleeping in the van while the kids shared the tent with him! I am SUCH a wimp! 🙂 BUT all 3 of my daughters LOVE camping and tenting and do it regularly. Last summer one daughter called and asked if they could "make reservations" to stay in Grandma's "park." Of course I said yes. They came over, set out the tent, used a little firepit to roast marshmallows and enjoy Smores, and had a great time. Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the summer! Around 9:30, two of the little ones gave up and came and "camped out" with grandma. About half an hour later, two more succumbed. And at about 11, the parents joined us as well. 🙂 🙂 🙂 If you ask me, that's the BEST part of camping in the back yard – the options, flexiblity, and nice bathrooms. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Have a great time!
You also won't be spending the money on gas to drive there!
We did some backyard camping earlier this year when it was cooler (it's too hot now to be outside). The children were excited to camp outside, and they got a nice, flat, cleaned campsite as well!
My best hint is bring lots of babywipes and some sort of baby containment system-packn' play, stroller, or seat. Warm pj's are important. Also, a well stocked first aid kit. Even though they are messy, marshmallows are required at every kid campout, or so my kids tell me.
Sounds perfect camping to me – with a real toilet and shower close at hand!!!