Family Beach camping-Need help

BBQ BOY

BBQ BOY

Joined
Feb 24, 2009
Messages
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It's been a few years since I have been camping. Before then all I had to worry about was myself when I would camp with my friends. Now I have a wife and 3 children. I haven't been camping with my 6 and 5 year old yet but plan on taking my oldest 2 within a few weeks. I hope this venue will get them started and comfortable with camping. Later I will take them into more of a primitive environment.

The place I am going to take them is on a beach but it has campsites for RV's and tents. It really is beautiful . There is a tree line on the beach for shade, fire rings, bath houses with bathrooms and level ground.

My question is basic. How should I prepare? What equipment do I need?
I have a fairly large tent but not one of those huge deals. I can fit about 2 queen size air mattresses inside. I also have a queen air mattress, 60qt. cooler and that is it.
I do have some survival gear that use when I use to go on survival excursions but I doubt i will need any of that but may take some anyway.

What I think I may need is a knife, white vinegar(for jelly fish stings), crabbing gear, bug spray, lantern, first aid kit with medicine,food(hot dogs, PB&J and such), and a grill.
Please feel free to give me all the info you can muster.
 
Hey BBQ boy,
First you need fresh water! At least 3 litres per person per day and that doesn't include washing. Do you need sand pegs? Some shelter other than the tent? Communication ... mobile phone, maybe satellite phone for emergencies? Sun block? Chairs & table? Eating utensils?
Some gunpowder just in case you cut yourself .... naaa just kidding :) First aid kit good
A big bucket of have fun
 
When my son was that age I always made sure he had his own flashlight and plenty of extra batteries. It's also a good idea to have something to keep them occupied while you are busy preparing a meal or just relaxing around camp. I used to dislike the sounds of a small hand-held electric game, now that my son is in college I miss it. Do they like to fish? if so basic equipment with fishbites for bait. I took my son camping at Hatteras a few times and we had a lot of fun, hope you do the same.
 
We started with the kids at 6 months. Diapers are a bummer, but you get through it. There is no need to worry with kids your age. They will have fun. Bring bug spray of some sort, as you will need it. Good hats to shade their heads, etc. Some type of easy up/shade to escape the sun. I am not sure if they are competent swimmers, but some type of bouyant devices.

For fun a kite is good too, along with fishing gear. You can even do a treasure hunt.

Make sure to have a bailout activity plan. If it is raining and crappy, staring at each other in the tent is not much fun. Portable DVD/ipod for emergency is a good idea.
 
I would get them involved in the planning stage as well
let them suggest stuff to bring
let them read this post with you.

fun stuff for them to do is the key to keep them interested in the outdoors.

Im sure youll do great.
maybe cheapy digital cameras for them might be good.
 
Wow, no one mentiones smores. My daughter would hate camping with out marsmallows and chocolate..

The kite is a great idea as well as fishing. I assume your car will be parked close to your tent, so bring as much luxuries as you like. After a few trips you will know what you can leave out or add. Don't forget the TP and soap, most camp bath houses do not supply you with that.

Have fun!!
 
One thing you will surely need beach camping is a small broom. If you are car camping just bring a full size one.:D
 
Plan for bad weather! If the weather turns out to be fine you can forget your plans....

Bring a second tent for the kids to play in and around even if they're going to sleep with you in the big tent.

Even little kneebiters can toast marshmallows on a stick, though they may not have enough patience to hold a hot dog over the fire long enough.
 
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