Bring Tahoe to Your Backyard With These Camping Tips
Photo: zetrules/Flickr
Summer at Lake Tahoe has been beautiful and our campsites are in full swing. If you want to bring a little Tahoe to your neck of the woods, consider camping out in your own backyard. It’s fun, it’s different and if you’ve got little ones, it’s a great way to practice for the real thing. To make it as enjoyable as possible for the kids, I recommend the following tips:
1) Set Up Early – Pitch the tent in the morning or late afternoon so the kids have plenty of time to play in it and it becomes a fun and familiar place before they’re ask to sleep all night in it.
2) Eat Out – I don’t mean go to McDonald’s. You’re sleeping outside, so fire up the backyard BBQ and have at it. Do something easy and even use paper plates if you want. Focus less on prep and clean-up and more on maximizing your outdoor time.
3) Start a Tradition – Backyard s’mores are fun and easy. You can make a game out of homemade ice cream. Storytelling and talent shows are also fun.
4) Stay Positive – Camping isn’t always easy, so you have to maintain your sense of humor. Everything is an adventure, from pitching the tent to making dinner to getting everyone settled for bed. If you’re in good spirits, everyone else will follow suit.
5) Have a Back-Up Plan – Be prepared to abort the mission at any time. The minute it stops being a fun and positive experience, bag it. You want them to want to do it again.
Have fun and enjoy a little bit of Tahoe from the comfort of your own backyard!
~ Russ Pecoraro
