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We're Going Camping!



This weekend we are going camping! This will be our second camping trip as a family of four and our first two night camping trip.

Joel and I didn’t grow up camping. We have only camped a handful of times before having kids, so this definitely feels new, exciting, and somewhat daunting. Our last camping trip was about an hour away for one night (my daughter’s 6th birthday, actually). We had a great time, but it felt like a lot of work and set up for one night, so we decided to plan a slightly longer trip and go further away.

This weekend we are going about two hours away to Agua Caliente in the Anza-Borrego Desert. I’m really excited about this site for a couple of reasons: 1. They have hot spring pools at the site! I think this will be a huge hit for all of us, especially my oldest. 2. I’ve heard the stars are incredible in the desert, since the nearest town is about 45 minutes away. 3. I’ve never visited Anza-Borrego, so I’m excited to go somewhere new.

That said, I’m starting to think through all of the packing and logistics and feeling slightly out of my depth. Before we go, we need to procure a camping stove, make a packing list of all supplies, and plan all of our meals/snacks.

As we’re planning the trip, I’d love any ideas. Experienced campers, are there any tips you have on specific supplies to bring, meals you love to make, or games you like to bring? Do you and your family camp, or is it not your jam?
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Comments

  1. SanNovember 4, 2025 at 5:13 PM

    That is so cool that you're going camping! Have so much fun.
    I've done a bit of camping (with friends) growing up, but none of it really in the "wilderness" (growing up in Germany, what is considered wilderness is also a lot less "remote" than here).
    Did you do a lot of research before you embarked on your first camping adventures and do you feel you're getting more experienced and therefore more adventurous?

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  2. LisaNovember 4, 2025 at 7:14 PM

    I remember going to Anza Borrego in the winter. I enjoyed the warmth and ability to swim in winter. The only family camping I've done was the kind where cities owned the camps, and you stayed in cabins. Meals provided, and activities. That was fun. One was at Lake Tahoe.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JNovember 5, 2025 at 9:05 AM

    I believe you can rent camping gear, we have done that in the past. Do you belong to a Buy Nothing group on Facebook? I have seen people borrow camping gear before. I haven’t been camping in well over a decade. I’m old enough now that my next camping trip will include a bed, for sure. Glamping or hotel.

    Wishing you clear skies so you can enjoy the beautiful stars! There is so much light pollution where I live, I would love to see the Milky Way. It’s been far too long.

    ReplyDelete
  4. MarthaNovember 5, 2025 at 2:21 PM

    That sounds fantastic! I've never been in that area, but it sounds beautiful. Have a great time! Thanks for popping over for a visit today :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mom of childrenNovember 6, 2025 at 2:18 AM

    I went camping with both of my kids (at the time they were 4 and 6) but no husband, since he had to work. It was wonderful and hard at the same time- like anything with the kids. I wrote about it all, it seems…
    Prep work
    https://momofchildren.com/2024/05/18/camping-with-kids/
    And after the fact:
    https://momofchildren.com/2024/06/27/camping-trip-highlights-lowlights/
    Have a wonderful time! Let us know how it goes!

    ReplyDelete
  6. SarahNovember 6, 2025 at 9:59 AM

    Fun! We have not been camping since before the pandemic, but it really is fun for kids. The only issue I have is that I only like it for 1 night BUT it is such a pain to set everything up that at least 2 nights really makes the most sense...

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tobia | craftaliciousmeNovember 8, 2025 at 10:46 AM

    I am late so no tips are necessary as you are hopefully enjoying the hot springs under the stars. Looking forward hearing how it went.

    ReplyDelete

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