Eight friends, five dogs, and one perfect campsite.

This past weekend we went camping with some friends at Gualala Point Regional Park. It was gorgeous! Even though you were right off the highway, you felt tucked into the wilderness - as though none of your stress could find you. Camping is one of those activities that really helps me reset. Getting away from the constant hustle and bustle, away from things like traffic, electronics, and noise pollution - there's nothing else like it.

Photo from the cliffs above the beach.

Not only was our campsite absolutely gorgeous, but it was Alice's first visit to the ocean. She loved it! Once she got close enough to touch a wave, she started running all over the place trying to gobble up the water. Seeing as how sea water can make a pup pretty sick, we didn't let her do this too many times but I think she could have done it all day. :)

So much excitement!

 If you haven't gone camping yet (or its been a really long time since your last trip), start planning for a trip this summer. I promise you'll love it! There is some planning involved, and it may take you a while to find your camping groove, but here are a few tools to get you off to a great start:

1. Menu Planning
We have a great group for camping, and we've gotten pretty good at dividing up the supplies so we don't bring too much of one thing and then none of another (like firewood, for example). If you'll be camping with a group, I definitely recommend drafting out a menu plan and then dividing up the needed components amongst the group. I like this one from Stuffed Suitcase.

You can also create your own. I recommend planning for at least 2 meals a day (breakfast and dinner) with some additional snacks. We always plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but often times we're eating breakfast so late or dinner early enough that lunch isn't really necessary.

2. Camping Checklist
I love lists - they're the only way I can get in the car and drive miles away without immediately feeling like I left something important behind. I recommend you start off with a template list and add on anything you know you will need in addition to the items already included. When you get back from your trip, modify the list with the items you didn't use or the ones you forgot. That way, when your next trip comes along, you'll have an idea of what you really need vs. what you think you'll need.

So who's going camping next? I'd love to see some of your photos - or hear your "must have" items for your trips.