Our family goes camping at campgrounds an hour or two away from our house several times a year. When we first started camping at those nearby campgrounds we did not take the time to check the weather forecast before heading out, and as a result we were not prepared.

Weather can be quite different just 50 miles from home especially if the campground is near a large body of water.

One of our favorite campgrounds is on one of the Great Lakes. Temperatures there can be quite chilly in the evening even in the middle of summer making sweatshirts, sweatpants, and a seat as close to the fire as possible without melting the soles of your shoes off, a necessity if a person wants to stay warm.

Inclement weather can also quickly ruin a camping trip if a person is not prepared. If storms and a lot of rain are being predicted during a camping trip I take along lots of books, extra games, and a knitting or crocheting project to work on.

While I could be really prepared and take all these items on every trip, we have limited storage space plus I hate having extra stuff that we do not need with us because it’s more work to pack, unpack, and continually be moving around when trying to get to stuff we do need.

If severe weather is being predicted (and even if it isn’t) I make sure to talk to whoever is working at the campground when we check in to find out the latest forecast and also what to do and where to go in case of severe weather such as high winds or tornadoes.

The weather can also get so hot during the middle of the day that being outside in it makes a person feel like they are going to melt. That is when it is time to find some water to play in, to stay inside an air conditioned camper (if you have air conditioning) or to take a day trip to visit a nearby attraction that is either indoors or that will cool you off - such as a waterpark.