Camping Trips
Our Favorite Camping Trips
Death Valley with Kids: Family Adventures in the Desert
December 30, 2021
It’s mid-morning on a December Tuesday. I’m standing with the family at the top of the steepest dune we can find in the Mesquite Sand Dunes. My five-year-old is perched at the edge on a shiny red sled, giggling with anticipation. With a dramatic count of 1-2-3, I push him over the edge. We hear his laughter grow louder as he picks up speed. We’re having the time of our lives, and our family’s Death Valley adventure has only just begun. … Read More
The 10 Best Things to Do in Redwood National Park
July 4, 2021
Today I asked 6-year-old JJ what his favorite part of our visit to Redwood National Park was. He looked at me like I was a complete idiot and said, “seeing the redwoods.” Yes, seeing the tallest trees on Earth up close is the main draw, but my question was genuine. There are many things to do in Redwood National Park beyond the spectacular groves. … Read More
The Best 22 Ways to Experience Lassen Volcanic National Park with Kids (+ Map and Itinerary)
February 7, 2021
Last June, we found ourselves standing on the rim of an extinct Cinder Cone volcano, staring into its crater. In the distance, we could make out Butte Lake. Just a few hours later, I’d be snoozing on its beach while the boys splashed on the shore. We weren’t sure what to expect, but visiting Lassen with our kids left a lasting impression and countless wonderful memories. … Read More
Dinkey Creek Camping: 3 Days of Summer Fun in the Sierra National Forest
August 24, 2020
Motivated by pent-up COVID wanderlust, I booked a campsite at a place we’d never been, Dinkey Creek Campground. Logging into some trusty camping sites, I searched for a campground that was a 3-4 hour drive from home with a range of swimming options for the kids. The idea of Dinkey Creek Camping fit the bill with two swimming holes, a lake, the namesake creek, and a sequoia grove all nearby. … Read More
Family Camping 101
Best Camping Gear for Kids: Keep Them Having Fun and Enjoying the Great Outdoors
June 23, 2022
Read on for our kids’ camping gear essentials: campsite toys to bring, what to pack for family day hikes, tips for creating a kid-friendly campsite, and our favorite books to read around the campfire. I also share the camping toys we love but leave home when it’s time for the real deal. … Read More
The Best Family Tents for Car Camping in 2021
January 31, 2021
Trying to figure out the best family tent for your family? Before you get too bogged down on questions about pole structure and the benefits of nylon vs. polyester, remember that the best family tent is the one that’s going to get your family outside together the most often. … Read More
Camping Breakfast Burritos for Easy and Delicious Mornings
September 18, 2020
Make-ahead breakfast burritos have quickly become a favorite camping tradition in our family. We are not morning people. And when I say “we,” I mean John and I aren’t morning people. When we went to Lassen earlier this summer, the kids were wide awake and ready to get out of the tent at 6 am. After starting the boiling water for our coffee and cocoa, we wanted a warm breakfast without a lot of work. … Read More
Camping Crafts for Kids: Make Your Own Camping Lanterns That Double as Tent Night Lights
July 16, 2020
Before going on a trip, I like to do a project or two to get the boys excited about where we’re going. Given everything going on, our little 3-day Lassen camping trip was a huge deal for us, so camping crafts for the kids had to follow! … Read More