Growing up we always went on a yearly family camping trip, sometimes to Algonquin Park, sometimes to Parry Sound; wherever my parents could get a good deal. I was flabbergasted when I saw what campsites in Algonquin Park currently cost, still cheaper then a hotel but not really price friendly if you are on a super tight budget. I would love to go camping and I am sure there are other family oriented campsites around that are far more pocket friendly. Until I can locate them I thought I would mention how my Mom used to have campouts with my sister, me and our faithful dog in our back yard. Convenient as no long car ride (save on gas!), and you have running water, flushing toilets and showers just steps away; and best of all it’s FREE; one of my favourite ways to camp!
We had one tent (and a camper for when we actually went somewhere) but the tent fit three people (and the dog!) perfectly. My Mom would make the tent very cosy with lots of sleeping bags, blankets and pillows (as most of the camping took place in the summer we usually slept on top of the blankets as makeshift mattresses) and there were lots of treats: popcorn, smores, and fun candies. We always had a little camp fire in the middle of the field that my Dad grew vegetables. When we got to be teenagers, my mom used to allow us to camp in the backyard with our friends as well. With her bedroom window open she could hear any goings on. (We grew up in a small town, where people barely went down our street)
Don’t have a tent? Borrow one! Don’t buy a tent unless you are anticipating using it on a regular basis. If you buy one try to find one on clearance at the end of the summer season. As this is more of a warm weather outing, you may be more comfortable camping in the summer, we did have a few camp outs heading into the fall, and we slept with toques, and sweatshirts and HAD A BLAST!
Always Remember:
Check with your local by-laws as lots of municipalities doesn’t allow camp fires. If you are allowed fires keep children, pets, bedding and tents away from the fire. Always keep a bucket of water near by and don’t have a fire on windy days! Never leave a fire unattended! Fire safety is so important!
Remember the bug spray!
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