Depending on your budget and the amount of people going camping, you have to decide what style and size of tent or camper to buy or rent. Dome-style tents can be set up easily and have few pieces. Although a camper is more expensive, they attach easily to the trailer hitch of a car and have pull-out beds, a stove, refrigerator, sink, dining table and drawers for dishes, etc. They can sleep six and you don't have to worry about leaks in a rain storm.

If you have a tent, spray it with rain-resistant spray and buy a tarp to put over the top for shade. Make sure the tent is large enough for everyone to sleep comfortably and for the baggage. Foam pieces or air mattresses work well to sleep comfortably and are more compact than extra blankets.

Don't pack too much. Two sets of clothes are enough for a four-day trip. Bring one warm sweater, a light jacket, a couple of shirts, shorts, pants, extra underwear, socks, and two pairs of shoes. If you plan on hiking, bring a pair of hiking boots that fit over your ankles for ankle support. Bring a large basin so you can wash clothes and small children. A clothes line and ten clothes pins will also be needed.

If you have a tent you'll need a couple of coolers packed with ice for perishables. Try to bring mostly non-refrigerated food like bread and nuts. Don't allow the children to eat large quantities at one sitting since they'll want to do a lot of exploring and swimming. Small meals will keep up their energy and eliminate stomach aches.

Plan a menu before you go and have the kids help choose the foods they want. This way you'll save time at the campsite deciding what to make and you can plan how much food will be enough. Keep the meals simple like hamburgers and hot dogs. If you want to avoid bringing a lot of utensils and food, you can always eat out one night at a close-by restaurant.

Bring toys and books and games for the kids. Create a play area for them near the tent or camper. Pack a frisbee, soccer ball, and baseball equipment so the whole family can play.

Include the children in helping set up the campsite, doing the dishes and laundry, and making a fire. They will feel important for working beside the adults and will gain confidence from their accomplishments. Even if they create a mess that requires more work for the adults, remember they learn not only by watching but also by doing.

Don't set up a rigid schedule where every minute of each day is planned. Let the children have plenty of time to play and rest. Avoid boredom by taking walks, swimming, flower hunting or bring along a boat or canoe and fishing poles. Just because you spent time planning the campsite and setting it up doesn't mean you have to spend every second there. Just remember to have a good time, relax, and avoid television!