With the economy sputtering, many people are looking for inexpensive family vacations. One great (and relatively inexpensive) way to spend some time as a family is to go on a family camping and trout fishing trip. I had a chance to do just that with my wife and three year old daughter last weekend. (See the embedded video of our trip below. Also, see our class on Fishing With Kids.) We went to Catawba Falls Campground near Old Fort, NC.
Listed below are some tips for planning an inexpensive family vacation camping and trout fishing.
- Gear up. If you have sufficient camping gear - great, but if not, try to borrow some from friends and family. This will keep costs (and future storage requirements) low. However, you may choose to purchase some additional items if you think your family will take more such vacations. Be sure you know how to use/set up all the critical equipment before leaving, and that the equipment is in good order.
- Find a good destination. This will include nearby access to good trout fishing (on our trip a stocked trout stream flowed through the campground), appropriate facilities (e.g. bath house, water/electric hookup, playground for the kids, etc.), and access to other areas/activities (e.g. enjoyable hiking, swimming, shopping for your wife, etc.) that the family will enjoy. Note that many campgrounds now offer free wi-fi, so you can keep up with what's happening on troutprostore.com while you're gone.
- Be organized and thorough. Make a checklist and follow it. Make sure that you take all the creature comforts you will need, including trout fishing gear, foodstuffs, extra paper towels, toilet paper, soap, cooking utensils, cook stove/griddle, cords, flashlights/lanterns, books/magazines, extra chairs, etc.
- Be prepared for rain. Set up the tent quickly upon arrival, place additional tarps, etc. under the tent to prevent moisture leaking in from beneath, and be sure that everything that shouldn't get wet is covered and/or can be placed in the tent or car quickly in the event of rain. It may even be advisable to have a backup plan (i.e. staying in a cottage or motel) ready.
- Be sure everything at home is taken care of in your absence. This includes mail, garbage, pets, plants, climate control setting, etc. You may want a neighbor, friend, or relative to help out here.
- Timing is a factor. If you don't have to worry about having kids in school, go on your vacation before Memorial Day or after Labor Day to avoid crowds, get better rates, and enjoy cooler weather.
- Keep it manageable. If your wife's idea of roughing it is staying at a motel without a heated pool, don't take her backpacking. Start with a short trip to a very nice campground. Stay upbeat even after the kids have asked you for the one hundredth time when you're going to be there, or you can't figure out how to set up the tent. Be prepared to cook the meals and/or take everyone out for ice cream or a meal to maintain enthusiasm.