Camping... Taking my city kids camping!
 

I am so excited. We are finally having a family vacation!! My older son just wants to camp and fish!! Neither of which he has ever done. SO, I rented a cabin about 1 1/2 from Pittsburgh. I havent told him yet, it is going to be surprise. I am scared though! There is a fish pond, a stream all of which scream.. drowning factor. Okay, I do watch my children.. OH and wildlife.... God help me. Any suggestions about what we would need? or things I should know for my first "camping" expedition??? I might even take GiGi but again, wildlife!! :daisy:

We have gone camping a few times. I never took my dogs though. One time we rented a floating cabin on a lake. Well when it got dark it started storming and the thing was swaying. Needless to say we didn't stay the night. I can't swim so water scares me a little. I would say take bug spray for sure. And maybe some of those candles to burn at night to keep bugs away. Bring plenty of towels, soap, drinks, ice, paper plates, etc. I am not sure what the cabin will have in it. But you could take life vests if you are worried about the water. Don't forgot the bait. You always need more then you think. You have me thinking about going camping now. Have fun!!

Don't forget to take some potty paper.. just in case your cabin doesn't have any. And extra blankets.

OK, you'll be fine - but you do need to do some preparation. Have you ever fished? If not, then you will need to find someone to tell you what to buy - or is fishing gear provided by the campground? If not, just go to Walmart or any sporting goods store and buy a rod with a Zebco 33 reel. You'll need some hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. You can ask the sales people and they can help you. They'll ask you what kind of fish you are going to catch, so if you don't know, call the campground and ask. Get someone to show you how to rig it all up. You'll need to take some gloves to take the fish off the hook. You'll need to find out what type of bait to use and people at the campground can tell you and where to get it.

I wouldn't worry too much about the water - just watch the kiddos and they'll be fine. Take bug repellent, ticks and mosquitoes may be a problem, as may be chiggers. When out in the woods, I find it best to wear jeans and a long sleeved shirt, full tennis shoes - if it's not too hot. Camping may not be the place for shorts and flip flops. Sunscreen will be needed too.

You'll need to think about food. Does the cabin have cooking facilities? If so, take simple things to cook, sandwiches, snack food, hamburgers, etc. Will you be able to have a campfire - that is great when camping. You can roast marshmallows and hot dogs. You can make Smores. MmMMMMMM, I can almost taste them. Take plenty of drinks, we always are thirsty when camping.

We take Rex and Rowdy camping all the time - but we keep their hair short. If your baby's hair is long, then it may get tangles and grass, etc. in it. I always keep Rex and Rowdy on the leash when camping because I'm afraid they might see a squirrel or other critter and run off. Take her food, but neither Rex nor Rowdy eat very well when we are camping, I guess they are too excited. Keep plenty of water out for them. Rowdy has a sensitive stomach, so I give him bottled water when we travel.

We've been camping for years, so if you have any other questions, just ask!

You've gotten great advice so I'll just say- have a blast and post tons of pictures!:)

Thanks for all the good advice.. Malakai only wants to go camping for the smores!!! So we know we cant forget them. They are going to send me a list of things that are at the cabin... I know they have a normal kitchen. I think I am going to start getting my list together. I am SUCH a planner!! And I still always forget something. I am getting my regular camera fixed this week so I can have some really good pictures to remember. I of course will have the digital and will post pictures. My brother fishes all the time, I might be able to borrow some stuff from him. Last time, he went fishing I was wearing high heels and he made fun of me!! (WHY.. i dont know, I looked GREAT!)

I know it does sound dangerous. The cabin is attached into the bottom of the lake. It has a dock from the ground to the cabin, pretty short one. But the water was really deep under the cabin. My husband dove in and said it was really deep. There was a little boat attached that we could use but it was really small. My husband was went out in it but I wouldn't let the kids go in it. It was really nice in the daylight but scary at night!