The specific steps to making the camping weekend away happen (without letting the prep work take over your very busy week).
I am learning to make space for slowing down, slower adventures, and restful days that are satisfying. I love to spend time out in nature.
The first stage to getting away for the weekend is the planning. Weekends away do not magically appear (nor does the budget to pay for campsites, or time to pack).
If you are stuck on this step this will help:
The next piece is actually doing it.
To make it easier, I break down our weekend plans into manageable pieces. I find it helpful to focus on my next few steps. This keeps me from overthinking and feeling overwhelmed.
Below, I’ll share more of my lists.
Feel free to use what works for you. 😉
Stages of the Weekend Trip:
#1 – The week before:
Assuming that the trip has already been planned, I only need to gather what is needed for this specific trip.
- Where are we going? What will do? What do we need? What does the weather look like?
Here is my basic list for a relaxed camping weekend:
- Meal Planning / Grocery Shopping (more in this article)
- House prep – any major chores or cleaning that needs to be done before the weekend
- Laundry – I try to catch up on this during the week so that I do not come home to extra laundry
I do my best to add these tasks into my week from Sunday to Thursday. If something doesn’t get done it’s not a big deal. I do what I can and then give myself grace.
#2 – The day of:
- The Packing list
- suitcase/overnight bag for each person
- bedding (pillows & special blankets)
- extra shoes
- jackets
- swimsuits and the swimming bag
- Restock the RV
I usually keep a supply of these things in the RV ready for use. I just check to see if anything needs to be added or refreshed.
- toys and games
- paper goods needed (paper towel, toilet paper, paper plates, bowls, cups)
- cleaning supplies & bags
- sunscreen, bug spray, & wipes
- towels & hand towels
- Loading the RV
- Suitcases
- pillows and blankets
- snacks, pantry, meals & paper goods
- fridge & freezer
- drinks & water
- pet supplies
- anything unique to this trip
- bikes/scooters
- camping chairs
#3 – ready to leave!
You have done the work to plan and to get there.
Now it’s time to make the most of the trip!
#4 – Arriving at the campsite:
- Check-in
- arriving at the campground, navigating to the spot, figuring out where to park… it is a lot! It’s a process.
- We try to keep the kids relaxed and in the truck for a while. We also do our best to have patience with each other as we communicate and figure out what we need to do.
- Campsite set up
- We use the divide and conquer technique. Jim, the teens, and I have jobs we do every time we set up. Each of us picks a place to lead and then we work side by side.
- We try to keep the mood light and not allow problems to affect the way we talk to each other.
Our goal is to get set up quickly, and efficiently, without drama or conflict. (this can be tricky… especially when things go wrong).
#5 – Enjoy the camping trip:
I do not have to do everything. I do not have to see everything. What matters most to me is taking the time to build campfires, play board games, and read books in my favorite camping chair. I need to just chill out! 😁
I have found the value in balancing structured activity with unstructured relaxation.
Things to think about:
- Plan the big things that matter to the adults.
- Meals – Are you eating out or making dinner in the RV?
- Events – Where are you going? How much will you spend? What do you want to see?
- How long do you want to be out? What time do you plan to go back to camp?
- Different types of adventure days: the big hike, going shopping in a small town, visiting the ranger station and going on nature walks, exploring museums, and seeing National Monuments. Adventure days can adjust to the age of your kids and what you enjoy.
- Let everyone have their own trip. – We all see the adventure day differently. Each person is allowed to have their own version of the experience.
My daughter and husband see the hike as a way to get great nature photos, my littles just want to conquer the trail, my teenage son wants to explore all the huge boulders, and I just want to enjoy the trees and the view.
I have decided to let go of everyone enjoying the same thing in the same way.
- Be flexible about what happens. – Choose what is most important and let the details go.
We love our weekend RV trips as a family. It’s a chance to mix things up while still feeling at home. For the kids, it’s all about exploring and having fun outdoors. I enjoy the change of scenery and pace. These trips teach us all to adapt to new situations.
I would love to hear about your trip planning!
- What lists do you use when going on a short trip?
- Do you have those gathered and ready for your next travel adventure?
- What have you learned about your routines and your family that you can apply here?
Please share in the comments. ⬇️
Also, check out this trip planner created by my friend Brian Paige!
Weekend Camping Planner
I hope something in this post has helped you. No matter what happens I hope you make amazing memories. Making the effort to plan and go on a weekend camping trips is totally worth it!
🏕️🚙Happy Camping! – April
Thank you for reading. This post is public so feel free to share it. 😁