Secret Hacks for Stress Free Camping

Camping Hacks That Make it Easy to Camp in Comfort

Camping is an inexpensive way to spend some quality time with your partner and kids. Certainly, there’s nothing better for our well-being than unplugging a little and spending time in nature.

Nevertheless, the number one reason people don’t want to camp out is they just hate “roughing it.” BUT camping doesn’t have to be primitive. With a bit of planning and a tad of ingenuity, you can enjoy the great outdoors in comfort. Keep reading for hacks that make it easy!  

Keep it Simple But Don’t Neglect a Few Amenities

Planning a camping trip definitely requires us to review what we consider necessities and maybe simplify a little. It’s a great opportunity to think about what are the “must-haves” for our family and what we can do without for a couple of days. Putting some thought into your outdoor adventure will make this frugal family vacation an annual tradition that everyone looks forward to.

The Ultimate Luxury is Simplicity

Family time is more fun when you follow the K.I.S.S. principle and keep it super simple. One way to streamline your packing is to check out resort-style campgrounds. Spots like Davie County favorites, Forest Lake RV & Camping Resort, or Lake Myers RV & Camping Resort, provide an uncomplicated camping experience. Pull your camper or RV into one of their sites, set up camp, and then head to a pool, mini golf or walking trails right on their premises. 

If you don’t have a camper, rent a ready-to-go cabin or villa with a peaceful lake view. Search for camping resorts near the attractions you want to visit. Don’t forget to check for festivals, events and activities nearby too. With your camping resort as a jumping-off point, it’s easy to fit in a visit to a kids’ museum (or some antiquing for mom)!  

These types of camping resorts often have special events like live music, bonfires, game rooms, children’s activities, canoeing or kayaking. Plus, you can’t beat having wifi access and a full hook-up of water and electricity for making camping with the kids totally painless! 

Glamping

Get a spot that is as glam or rustic as you like. Secluded spots like the delightful Bear Creek TeePee Retreat offers both types of experiences. This host offers onsite s’mores kits, games, and even an outdoor movie theater you can rent. A campsite retreat delivers the perfect tent camping experience; firewood, campfires, and a picnic area with a grill mean you have less to remember and less to pack! 

Camping Treats & Fun Tips

Camping brings out our inner child and maybe (just a tiny bit) our inner firebug. Nothing says summer like talking in the dark around a campfire and toasting marshmallows or making a mess with sticky s’mores. So never (and I mean n-e-v-e-r) forget the s’mores supplies. 

Fire ban? No worries, toast those marshmallows over a charcoal grill. Pack an unscented candle and a shallow aluminum pan so that even if you are not allowed to grill, you can still enjoy this essential outdoor dessert! 

No need to be scared of the dark when you throw a pack of glow sticks in with your camping gear to light an unfamiliar path – no batteries required.  Or set a few solar light stakes around the perimeter of your camping site to light their way. 

Find the Local Fun

An online search of wherever you plan to stay including music, parks and recreation, local hiking and fishing, attractions, and activities will help you plan an itinerary that keeps everyone from being bored. 

Help kids get back to nature with a pocket bird identification book like this one from National Geographic or get a birdsong ID app.  Take along binoculars so they can get a good view of everything that lives in the tree. Download a plant ID app to avoid plants that could ruin a serene walk in the woods. 

Things to Do When You Stay in Davie County

Think beyond the tent when you go camping and follow some new trails. A short, sweet, kid-friendly trail is a great way to get your vitamin “D” while introducing kids to a love of hiking – don’t forget to get pics! 

Here in Davie County, there are parks with beautiful wooded trails like Mocksville’s Rich Park and Farmington’s Nature Park. There are recreation areas where you can play Disc Golf, ride your mountain bikes on a practice run, cool off at the Davie County Community Park’s Splashpad, or jump in at RiverPark’s old-fashioned swimming hole. Bookmark our Parks and Recreation page so you can refer to it later for directions and details.

Make time to hit Main Street in historic downtown Mocksville for a little history, great shopping, and an excellent meal at one of our fine restaurants.  Grab a snack or ice cream from Scoops Ice Cream Shoppe or enjoy whatever is on tap at The Station and sit by the fountain at Main Street Park in Mocksville for some people watching.

For a little indoor fun, take the kids to COGNITION Davie where they can play and build in the hands-on exhibit area or take a class at their makerspace.  Find more ideas for day trips to beautiful Davie County here on the website.  

Memories Made

We hope we have made our point – you don’t have to be a camping pro to create a memorable experience. Plan ahead with our helpful printable checklist. Keep it super simple (K.I.S.S.) and follow some of the fun tips and tricks we have shared here for a family trip that keeps the focus on healthy, active fun- indoors and out!