TIPS FOR NEW FAMILY CAMPERS Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi are the cohosts of “The RV Atlas” podcast and have authored several books, including Where Should We Camp Next? Here are their tips for beginning campers. 1. For your first trip, camp close to home in a familiar environment. 2. Consider Sunday–Thursday trips to avoid weekend crowds and have a bit more space to yourself (prices also tend to be lower). 3. Don’t spend a ton of money on gear when starting out (rent or borrow gear, if possible). Invest in better equipment later if you fall in love with camping. 4. Before departure, practice using equipment at home so you are familiar with how everything works and can address any issues in advance of your trip. 5. If you rent an RV, reserve a pull-through site instead of a back-in site. It’s less stressful and easier to navigate. 6. Consider reserving a site at a private or family-owned campground for your first trip, so an owner or manager is there to help if needed. State and National Park campgrounds are beautiful, but often understaffed (better for second or third trip).
RVshare is a peer-to-peer online platform for RV owners and people who want to rent them (think Airbnb, but for RVs). If you’re interested in renting an RV (a great way to test one out before purchasing) or you own one and want to rent it out, check out www.RVshare.com. Did you know? It’s possible to experience RV camping without driving one! When you rent your RV, ask if they offer campsite delivery and set-up. Harvest Hosts is an affordable membership program that offers RVers free overnight stays at unique locations such as wineries, farms, museums and botanical gardens. www.harvesthosts.com
7. Arrive at the campground during daylight hours. Set-up is challenging and can be stressful when it’s dark, especially when you’re in unfamiliar surroundings. And late-night arrivals may be disruptive to campers in neighboring sites.
Learn about the California Responsible Travel Code at www.visitcalifornia.com/thingsto-do/travel-california-respectcalifornia.
8. Keep food simple. Maybe don’t try Dutch oven peach cobbler on your first trip. But do try easy foil packet dinners.
County of San Diego Camping 858-565-3600; www.sdparks.org
9. Involve kids in set-up, breakdown, and camp chores—it’s a great opportunity to teach them stewardship and responsibility. Everyone should pitch in and earn the fun! 10. Always leave a campsite better than you found it.
Mission Bay RV Resort Mission Bay (San Diego) Overlooking the shores of De Anza Cove and adjacent to sister property Campland on the Bay is Mission Bay RV Resort. It’s typically more low-key than Campland, but includes complimentary access to their amenities and activities, so it’s the best of both worlds! www.MissionBayRVResort.com
Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Campground (near the border) The newest addition to San Diego County’s camping options, Tijuana River Valley Campground features dozens of tent and RV sites, and yurts that sleep 6–10 people! Search for Tijuana River Valley under “Which Park” at https://reservations.sdparks.org/ reservation/camping.
California State Parks Camping and Lodging www.ReserveCalifornia.com
Santee Lakes Campground Santee Lakefront cabins and RV sites at beautiful Santee Lakes, which features pedal boat rentals, fishing, two swimming pools, a playground and more. www.santeelakes.com/ campground v When Lisa Gipson isn’t editing San Diego Family Magazine, she loves to explore with her husband and young adult daughters.
This is part one of a two-part series. Be sure to pick up next month’s issue to read expert tips for camping with friends. June 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
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