According to CNN – even teenagers think they use their phones too much. And a great way to get away from technology is on a camping trip. But to go camping you must plan, in particular, if you want to take your children. These tips will help you plan your camping trip.

1. Start by getting the children involved with planning the trip

Children will always be more interested in any activity they can participate in. And you will fuel their curiosity by having them plan their camping trip. Have them choose the location and research the history of the area. Use social media such as Instagram to find interesting photos of nature. You can even have them learn how to identify plants and animals they may see on the trip.

2. Make the first camping trip in a nearby location such as your backyard

Camping can be stressful even with the most experienced campers. Such as my friend Teena who woke up to find mice in her camper. Forcing her to sleep in her truck. You can tip-toe into camping with your kids by choosing a nearby campground. And it can be a lot of fun to make the first night under the stars be in your backyard. This way if there is a need to go to potty – they can do in the comfort of their own toilet. Or if a little one is scared by the sounds, they can retreat to their bedroom if it’s a must.

3. Triple-check your list before you leave for the great outdoors

The last thing you want to do is be out in the woods without your toilet paper. While you may decide to camp near a city or even in a fancy campground with a store, it’s better to make sure you have everything you need before you leave. Because we all know things always seem to be more expensive when we must have them than if we bought them ahead of time. Make a checklist of everything you need. And meticulously follow it. Don’t forget to pack extra items like batteries and underwear.

4. Take plenty of photos and video

While you don’t want to have people on their phones playing games, surfing the Internet and chatting with friends, use your phone to capture the photos you want. And of course, take plenty of videos. You will cherish these items when you want to reminisce about the trip in the future. I wish we had more photos of camping when we were younger.

5. Choose a nearby campsite

In particular with little kids on their first campout, pick someplace close by. You don’t want to take away from the fun by having them get antsy waiting to get there. While you may not live in a permanent campground like my friend Teena (mountains of New Hampshire), many of us live within 2 hours of fantastic locations. Even here in the DFW metro area – within a couple of hours, I can get you into piney woods. Or the small mountains of southern Oklahoma (Teena would call them large hills, but technically they are mountains).

6. Mother nature can be nasty

Make sure you check the weather before you leave. Rain and cold can either be the best time to camp or the worst time to camp depending upon how well you prepare for it. If you are traveling in tornado season make sure you have a weather radio and talk over with your family about what to do if you encounter severe weather. Don’t forget to check the guides to make sure you don’t plant your tent in a flash flood zone.

With some careful planning, you can have a fantastic adventure in the great outdoors with the kids. Use the tips above to make the most out of your trip. Your kids will have memories that will last a lifetime!

By planning, it’s possible to make camping into a fun and affordable family holiday trip. The tips in this article will make it easier to maximize the enjoyment and reduce stress. And provide memories that your children will want to pass on to their children.