View from inside a tent looking out onto camping grounds.

Summertime in the Midwest is ideal for camping trips! After being stuck inside for so long, this summer is the perfect time to pack up and head out to the great outdoors. If you’ve never been camping before (or if it’s been a few years) we are excited to share our advice. Here are a few tips to make sure that your camping trip goes smoothly, so you can focus on having fun!

Choose Your Campsites Carefully

The Midwest is full of great campsites, but some may be better fitted to your needs than others. Lots of folks want to be near a lake to go swimming, canoeing or fishing, while others prefer being near hiking trails for great views. You’ll also want to know:

  • are there restrooms at your site? 
  • do they offer picnic tables or will you need to bring chairs?
  • do they have fire pits? 

Make sure to review any rules and regulations about the campsite for your own safety. 

Choose Your Tent Wisely

Tents can be expensive! So, when you’re choosing one to bring on your trip, you’ll want it to be ideal for your own camping experience. If you’re camping with only a couple family members, you probably don’t need the massive 12-person tent. On the other hand, if you tend to feel claustrophobic in small spaces, a larger tent might be a worthwhile investment.

Regardless of the size of the tent you purchase, make sure you practice setting it up at home. Not only will this give you time to practice, but you’ll be sure you have all the pieces. No one likes leaving that one crucial piece of the tent at home! 

Plan It All Thoroughly

And we mean plan it all! Check weather reports so you know when will be the best time to go for a swim or a hike, or when you should stay behind and play games at the site. Plan your meals so you know not only what you’ll need to pack but also what items you will need to store and freeze. It doesn’t hurt to pack a little extra, too! You never know when you may need an extra granola bar or handful of trail-mix to get you through that uphill hike.

Frame Your Camping Photos With Camping-Themed Photo Frames 

We hope these tips help you to have a safe and fun camping trip with your friends and family. Don’t forget to snap photos of the scenery, sunsets, and you and your loved ones enjoying nature together. Check out our camping-themed photo frames (as well as our family and friends frames) on the GiftWorksPlus website to highlight the photos from your summertime camping adventures!