Camping with a large group can be great fun or it can be – not so much fun for you and other campers around you. These tips and “rules” for camping with groups will help set you up for a better camping trip.
When you love to camp it is only normal that you’d like to share it with others. Family reunion time – go camping. Scouting adventure – go camping. Youth group event – go camping. You get the picture. Camping can be a wonderful way to learn lessons, get out in nature, and have fun.
I’ve been on group camping trips when we just loosely agreed to camp together and told each other to come prepared to provide for yourself and your family. Your reservations, food, and activities were totally up to you. At times this works great and is the easiest way to camp with a crowd.
If you are an organized group, it helps so much to follow some guidelines for your camping trip.
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Planning a Group Camping Trip
Pick a leader. Some groups will obviously already have a leader but be sure your actual leader for your camping trip is someone experienced in camping. If not, recruit someone to help. Having one (or several) in charge can set the tone for the trip and keep things organized.
The leader can handle planning, reservations, be the go to person with the campground staff, organize activities, and even set some rules on expected behavior. And yes, even if it is an adults only group camping trip, it doesn’t hurt to have some polite reminders or some rules. Remember you all are representing your organization, group, or church at the campground!
Plan ahead. It is hard to throw together a trip for a large group last minute. Just the logistics of food and gear can be overwhelming, let alone finding a campsite to accommodate everyone. It is rare to be able to just show up at a campground and get enough campsites for a group.
Make reservations. Reservations will probably be needed if you are camping at a campground. Group sites go fast as many campgrounds only have 1 or 2 group camping areas. Even if reservations are not needed (if you are camping backcountry or at a national forest), a permit may be required.
Check out my guide to camping in national forests and don’t miss the national forest group camping tips that are handy anywhere you camp.
Another option to a group camping area is to reserve campsites that are next to each other. Give participants the site numbers so they can make their own reservations or have one person reserve a block of campsites for the group and gather money from your campers for payment.
A group camping area is really best as they usually have larger fire ring areas, more picnic tables, and more room. They are often further away from the other campsites, which will make it less likely that your group bothers the other campers. I have been to group campsites though that lack the same amenities as the other campsites – no lantern hooks and further away from the bathhouses.
Obey occupancy limits. Group and individual sites usually have a limit to the number of people and the number of tents allowed to camp at each site. Reserve enough campsites to accommodate your group. Some campgrounds frown upon groups camping in side by side campsites – they prefer you to camp in the group camping area. Many national forests and national parks have group size limits even if you will be camping backcountry. They are trying to lessen the impact of a large group on the environment, trails, and over all experience for other campers. Know before you go!
Plan meals. Meal planning for a large group can be a task. Decide if each family will be bringing their own food or if you will be preparing meals for the group.
If preparing food together, plan meals and assign individuals to bring certain ingredients. I have been assigned food before that I forgot! Luckily, I realized on the way to the campground and we were able to stop at the store or the whole group would have been hungry.
Another option is for one person to be designated to do the shopping and bring the food and all the others pitch in financially to cover the costs.
If you will be cooking for a large crowd, be sure you have adequate cooking gear to cook all the food.
Dutch oven cooking is a great way to cook for a large group. Multiple dutch ovens can cook one pot meals that serve several from each pot. Check out one of my favorite dutch ovens here.
Plan an itinerary. It helps to at least have a loose itinerary even if the group will have free time. Set meal times if eating together and decide on some excursions and activities before you go.
Camping with a Crowd
Be mindful of fellow campers. Even if your group isn’t acting loud and crazy, it is easy for the group to become loud in general conversation due to the number of people. Observe quiet times, don’t blare music, or get too loud playing games. Your fun may be innocent but can disturb other campers that are camping for some peace and quiet.
Respect campsite boundaries. It is easy to float over to neighboring campsites if your group is mingling and hanging out at multiple campsites. Don’t cross a stranger’s campsite. Think of each campsite as someone’s yard or home.
Don’t hog the facilities. When a large group goes en masse to the bathhouse, playground, or pavilion it can crowd out other campers. Split your group up and take turns. Speaking of pavilions, some campgrounds require a reservation for their pavilion use. This will ensure it is available for your group.
I know that campers that are a part of a group have just as much right to use all the facilities, I just think it is important to be respectful of the other campers.
Don’t create a lightshow. Hanging lights, lanterns, and flashlights can light up a camping area like an air strip if too many lights are used at once by alot of people. Don’t shine your lights into neighboring campsites and be sure to turn them off after quiet hours.
Assign jobs. Try to assign jobs or tasks to several different people so one person isn’t trying to do everything. Some job examples are cooks, clean up crews, recreation leader, and the quartermaster or gear guy.
Leave no trace. Please leave the campsites cleaner than you found them. Do a large sweep before you leave and be sure you didn’t miss any trash. Look for stray gear items and ensure that picnic tables and campsites are left in order. Don’t leave food or trash in your campfire ring.
Related post: How to Leave No Trace Outdoors
Large groups can also make an impact on the environment. Don’t trample green spaces and stay on campground trails and roads.
PLEAES SHARE THE FUN ON PINTEREST!
Final Thoughts on Group Camping
I’ve been on both sides of the group camping coin. I’ve been on tons of group camping trips (former Scout mom!), and I’ve also cringed when large groups have rolled in next to me at campgrounds. Common courtesy goes a long way on group camping trips, making it more fun for everybody. Many regular rules and etiquette of camping really become important when camping with a group. I’d love to hear about your group camping adventures and tips or any plans you have for camping with a crowd. Let me know in the comments below!