Camping is often an inexpensive and family friendly way to enjoy the summer. It’s a great way to get everyone away from the stress of everyday life and into the great outdoors. Of course, you don’t have to go far in New England to find a great camping spot.
Whether you’re “roughing it” overnight in a tent or prefer an RV road trip, there are a few things to always bring such as, toiletries, first aid kits, clean water, extra batteries, and of course bug repellent.
Before You Go
Don’t forget to thoroughly check your equipment and vehicles before you go. Make sure tents have no missing pieces or rips, and that lanterns or flashlights are in working order. Check the vehicle you’ll be taking, too. Brakes, lights, tires, and fluids should always be checked before any big trip – if you’re deep in the woods it may hard to get any help if something happens, so be proactive.
RV Care
Don’t forget about your RV either. If you own one and plan to take it on a family camping trip, now is the time to service and insure it.
If your RV has been sitting around all year it may need to be cleaned and inspected for damage. However, if you’re on the road, your RV can still suffer damages. That’s why our insurance agency offers RV insurance. Don’t let your trip come to a close before you and your family even get to the destination. Camping is supposed to be fun and enjoyable, not stressful.
However, if your RV is stolen, damaged, or totaled due to an incident then you’re out of a major loss and no one is going to have an enjoyable experience. Make sure you’re prepared on every single trip, don’t take a chance at spoiling your family’s vacation.
On the Road
If you have smaller children, it may be a bit difficult to keep them entertained, especially if you’re driving a far distance. 
Coloring can help keep your little ones busy and if you’re worried about a mess, consider purchasing a toy like an Etch-a-Sketch.
Interactive books are also great to bring (if your child can stomach reading in the car), books that contain puzzles and pop up shapes will keep them entertained for hours.
Of course, if you have older children, consider bringing headphones and a portable device such as, a tablet, dvd player, or game device. This way kids can watch their favorite movies or play their favorite games while they wait to arrive.
Not to mention, headphones will keep the car ride quiet, so you or your spouse can focus on safely driving.
Destination Worthy
In case you’re wondering where to take your family this summer, these campgrounds offer a lot for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life:
1. Rocky Neck State Park
Located in East Lyme, Connecticut, Rocky Neck State Park offer something for everyone. Swim on the beach and hike some of the amazing trails while you’re there, because this state park is partially on the beach you’ll get the experience of camping in the woods while hearing the amazing sound of the sea. The campgrounds in this park offer affordable pricing for tent and hook-up sites, plus, there’s free bathroom and shower areas for those without access.
2. Fishermen’s Memorial State Park
This is another campground that’s located near the beach, but in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Similar to Rocky Neck, you’ll still be surrounded by the woods for that true camping experience, but have access to a beautiful beach side. Fishermen’s offers a variety of activities for all such as, swimming, fishing, tennis, playgrounds, and even has charging stations for electric vehicles. This is a huge campground, but because of its popularity, fills up quickly, so be sure to make your reservations ahead of time!
3. Saco River Camping
New Hampshire is a great state to visit for that true camping experience and North Conway offers a vast array of natural sites. This campground has a swimming pool, bike, and kayak rentals, as well as a variety of playgrounds, and sports grounds. Additionally, your family will be close by attractions and scenic spots such as, Mt. Washington, hiking trails, and eateries. They have it all at this campground and you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful Saco River while you camp.
4. Nickerson State Park
This is a unique campground because it’s actually apart of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. There is a small fee for parking, but there are miles of bike and hiking trails, and ponds for you to fish from. Additionally, this park is close by Cape Cod Bay, so you aren’t too far from the ocean if you’d like to swim or go boating. This state park also offers outdoor activities that allow you to ride horseback, canoe, and learn a bit of the history about the park and area. It’s a great place to take the family when you want to enjoy the Cape for an affordable price.
5. Grand Isle State Park
This is another unique camping experience in Vermont because you’ll get to camp right on South Hero Island in Lake Champlain. Showers are coin operated and you can rent a cabin if you don’t want to bring the RV or a tent. Grand Isle offers a ton of activities such as, playgrounds for the kids, swimming, hiking, fishing, kayaking, boating, and nature programs for anyone interested to learn more about the history and greenery of the island. In fact, there are actually on site park guides who can help you on hikes and offer family friendly activities every week. It’s a great way to keep active and learn a bit more about Vermont’s natural history. Additionally, this park offers pet friendly and handicap accessible sites, so everyone can enjoy the outdoors!
6. Bayley’s Camping Resort
Bayley’s is located in southern Maine and offers a lot to campers. Kids can have fun at the pool or recreational center. There’s also a river that’s next to the grounds that you can kayak on, and if you don’t have a kayak, you can always rent one! Plus, they offer nightly activities, like movies nights and face painting. You and your family will also be able to catch some live entertainment from bands and comedians who perform weekly. Pricing is a bit higher than other campgrounds, but if you’re planning to take the family up to Maine, this is the place to be!
Do you and your family have any camping plans for the the rest of the summer season? If so, we’d love to hear about where you’re going down in the comments below!
