Tips for Camping With Your Kids in Durango, Colorado
Camping is a great bonding experience for families. It requires preparation, patience and an appreciation for nature and the great outdoors. Teach your kids a thing or two about nature on your next vacation by camping during your stay. Camping with your kids in Durango can be a special and memorable experience if you prepare in advance. Check out our top tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Choose Where To Camp
There are plenty of campgrounds to choose from in Durango. Some campgrounds come packed with amenities and comforts like restrooms, picnic tables, RV hookups and more and charge a nightly rate. Others free campsites are meant for simple tent camping or boondocking.
Durango CampingChoose your option based on your experience level and your child's comfort level. If you're not an experienced camper, it may be best to go with a maintained campground over a backcountry or boondocking site.
Practice With Your Equipment
Before camping with your kids in Durango, get the whole family comfortable with camping by having a trial run with your equipment. Camping in your own backyard for a night will help your kids understand what to expect when you go on your trip. You can also enlist their help in set up and teach them how to use the equipment you will be bringing. This is a great way to make sure your packing list isn't missing anything important and that all your eqipment is in working condition.
Involve The Family In Packing
Get the kids involved in packing for your trip in the weeks leading up to your departure. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids how to dress for the weather and help them gain an understanding for what they'll need to be outdoors for an extended period of time. Of course you'll want to double check their bags before you leave to ensure they have everything, but giving them something to be responsible for will make them feel like they have control over the trip too.
Check The Weather
Make sure you are prepared for all possible weather conditions before you leave for your trip. Bring layerable clothing to manage changing temperatures throughout the day and night. Check the weather and pack tarps and tent covers in case of rain no matter what. While it may feel like overkill if the forecast shows sun, there is nothing worse than getting caught in a storm that leaves all of your gear wet.
Don't Forget Bear Safety
Durango is bear country, so make sure that your entire family is educated on bear safety before the trip. You should store your food away from your tent (preferably in your vehicle) to keep bears away. Also, bears can be attracted to other non-food items that might smell edible, such as shampoos and toothpaste, so be careful with these as well.
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Watch Out For Altitude Sickness
If you and your family are visiting from another low-altitude location, you might find it difficult to adjust to the altitude of Durango – as it is over 6,500 feet above sea level. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include light-headedness, nausea and being short of breath. Make sure that you drink a lot of water and take it easy until your body adjusts.
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