First Weekend Camp

What’s inside

Two full nights at a real campground, with enough gear to be comfortable and enough structure to keep the family from melting down on Saturday afternoon.

1. 6 months before
   Book two consecutive nights

   Weekends fill fast — at popular state parks, often 6 months out, and the most-loved parks (RMNP, Yosemite, Olympic) can sell out within minutes of the booking window opening. Most systems open exactly 6 months ahead at a fixed time (e.g., ReserveCalifornia 8am Pacific, recreation.gov 7am Pacific). Book as early as you can; if you are inside that window, try mid-week, smaller state parks, or private campgrounds (Hipcamp, KOA). Choose a site with a hiking trail or swimming area nearby.
2. 1 week before
   Plan all 5 meals

   Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast. Prep what you can at home.
3. 3 days before
   Gear audit — add comfort upgrades

   This trip benefits from: better chairs, a shade canopy, camp lighting. Check what you have and what to add.

+ 11 more steps in the full pack

Tent

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent

~$190

Sleep

Coleman Brazos Sleeping Bag

~$54

Sleep

Big Agnes Divide UnInsulated Pad

~$100

+ 5 more in the full pack