The experience of a group camping trip is so fun! After being part of a couple myself I found there are things you can do ahead of time that will make your group camping experience even more awesome.
Planning before you head out into the wilderness will ensure that your camping time is filled with fun and not stress.
Pick Your Camping Location
Picking your location is the first step in getting your group camping trip in order. Location is everything. Here in Arizona, getting out of the summer heat is a top priority for picking a camp group location.
You’ll want to look for a site that offers a variety of amenities and activities for your group to have access to. Lakes, hiking, and playgrounds are all great options to consider for your group camping location.
Also think about traveling distance. How far is your group willing to drive? Discuss as a group a few different location choices and then reserve your top choice!
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Collect Payment
How will you be paying for the camping sites? Decide if you want each attendee to purchase their own campsite or if you want to have one person pay for the entire group.
If you are having everyone pay individually, set up a payment deadline to insure that all your group will have a campsite near or next to everyone.
If you have one person pay for the entire group, make sure to collect payment from each group member before your camping trip. This will help ensure that the payee is not left empty handed with a last minute cancellation.
Make a Camping Document with All the Details
Utilize a shared Google Doc or start a group email to keep track of all the camping details. Include the camp site location and amenities available on grounds.
Planning on sharing camping gear? Make a list of who’s bringing what so no gear is forgotten!
Your shared document can also include any group activities scheduled and the menu list.
I’ve made this part even easier for you with this free Group Camping Planner printable. There is space to put:
- your camping location
- amenities
- camping dates
- meal plans
- activities
- shared group camping gear
This printable is made in Google Docs so it can easily be shared and filled in as your group is planning the camping trip.
You are sure to have an awesome group camping experience by staying organized with this Group Camping Planner printable!
Plan Group Activities
You’re camping with friends for a reason. Set up some group activities or games to build your friendships and make memories.
Keep it casual. Cards, horseshoe, sand toys and books are all great ideas with zero planning.
If you like things more structured, plan a group hike that will accommodate all age ranges. Pick a night to have S’mores together and sing some songs around the campfire.
Make things a little competitive with a game of wiffle ball or capture the flag. Going on a wilderness scavenger hunt is a fun activity idea for the adults and kids.
Plan A Menu
Share the load and cost of meals by creating a camping meal plan. Divide up all your meals or decide which meal times you would like to eat as a group.
Getting a meal plan in place before your group camping trip will help to keep this trip fun and enjoyable. Meet together as a group to plan out the camping meals. Or you could do a group call if schedules don’t allow for you to meet in person.
Need some help deciding what gear to pack for your group camping trip?
Check out Stress Free Camping With These Essentials for a printable list of what to bring on your group camping trip!
Establish Quiet Times
Each person has their own schedule at home for bedtimes. Of course when you are out in nature camping as a group, things may get a little loud. Setting up quiet times is a great way to think of others in your group and allows for some good nightly rest.
Take a Picture
This one may seem like a no-brainer but can be easily forgotten. You don’t want to take a group photo on the last day when everyone is packing up their camp sites!
Remember to take a group photo by designating a photographer before your trip. Ask one of the group camping members to be in charge of rallying the group for a photo at the beginning of your camping trip.
You will want to document this awesome group camping trip experience!
Be Flexible!
Remember you have gathered as a group to have fun and that should be your number one priority.
Nature can be unpredictable so be flexible with your camping plans. You may have a rainy day where your time is spent under a tarp playing card games or board games.
Not everything will go according to plan on a group camping trip and that’s OK. You won’t remember the burnt food or missed hike due to rain. What you will remember is the awesome time you had building relationships and bonds with family and friends around the campfire.
