There’s something about packing it all up and taking everyone to an outdoor location, that is a very different experience than taking the family on a more conventional, destination style vacation. I have some very fond (and hilarious) memories from my own childhood, of camping with my parents and sisters. Somehow, I was always the one who ended up doing a face plant in the dirt while jumping over a log, collecting firewood or chasing a squirrel. Then there were the nights spent huddled around a cozy campfire, where we put our shoes so close to the rocks at the edge of the fire, that the glue on the soles of our shoes actually melted. And I can’t forget mentioning eating so many warm and melty S’mores, that I thought my stomach would explode. Ah, yes….camping.
One of my favorite things about camping, is that you get to choose whether you want to keep it super simple and sleep outdoors or move things up a notch by using some kind of a camping shelter.
If you’re the simple and rugged outdoorsy type, who can’t wait to throw your sleeping bag down on the ground so you can feel the earth beneath you, while you gaze at the stars above, you’ll have a blast camping out with your family using one or two of these Great Plains Teepees. They’re styled with an authentic Native American design and include some fun Native American patterns for decorating the canvas. And your kids will have fun letting their imaginations run wild, imagining what life must have been like for Native American Families who used teepees as their primary shelter.
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However, if your family is more the active and athletic type, then this Marmot Limestone 6 person tent will be a good fit for you. It’s perfect for weekend camping trips and it has mesh doors, ceiling and side panels that help increase ventilation and reduce the buildup of condensation. And you’ll love the removable door mat that helps reduce the amount of dirt that gets tracked inside.
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But if you’ve already tried tent camping and you’re hooked, but you want to take the experience to the next level, this adorable and well thought out Cricket Trailer falls somewhere between a tent and a motorhome. And with fuel costs rising, you’ll love that it’s lightweight frame can be easily towed by most vehicles, so chances are you’ll be able to use the car you already own for towing it. It’s eco-friendly too, with an electrical system that’s 100 percent solar powered. It’s multipurpose interior includes a sofa for lounging and sleeping, a kitchen area with a counter, cabinets and a sink and it also offers a moveable table too. Plus it comes in two fun punched up color combinations. How fun is that?
Image: crickettrailer.com
