The Ryan Fields-Spack Blog

Being a Dad today is Tough! You are in the right place. This is your go to spot for dads to do more, make more, and win the day.

Camping With Bromley: What a Cold Night in Medicine Bow Taught Me About Father-Son Trips

camping in the rain with kids camping tips for dads with kids camping with my son car camping with kids cold night camping dad and son outdoor adventures father son camping trip father son fly fishing first aid kit for camping fly fishing with kids how to camp with kids for the first time medicine bow camping tips medicine bow national forest camping what to bring camping with kids Oct 29, 2026

Bromley and I decided we needed a night away from the heat. Denver and Fort Collins had been sitting in the 105-degree range for weeks, so we pointed the truck toward Medicine Bow National Forest, found a lakeside spot, and set up camp. Just the two of us.

The road in was rocky and bumpy enough that I had to restart the truck a couple of times and carefully work around a big rock. We set the tent next to the truck, boiled some water, tried a little fly fishing with artificial flies, and settled in for the night. The cool mountain air felt great at first. Then the temperature dropped harder than we expected and we got about two hours of heavy rain. The sleeping bag rated for 25 degrees wasn’t quite enough. We woke up cold but with a solid memory.

This wasn’t a big production. It was a simple overnight that reminded me how good it is to get one of my boys outside, away from normal routines, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

What We Actually Did

We drove a rough section of road that required four-wheel drive and careful navigation. Once we found the lakeside spot, we set up the tent right next to the truck so everything stayed close. We boiled water for dinner and warmth, walked across the road to try fly fishing, and spent the evening in the tent listening to the rain start. By morning we were ready to pack up and head home.

The trip worked because it stayed simple. No big agenda. Just time together, a lake, some fishing, and a cold night that became part of the story.

Tips for Dads Who Want to Do This With Their Kids

Start shorter than you think. One night is plenty for a first trip or a quick reset. Look for places within a couple of hours of home so the drive doesn’t become the main event.

Check the weather the morning you leave, not just when you plan the trip. Mountain nights drop fast even after hot days at lower elevation. Bring a sleeping bag rated colder than the forecast and an extra layer for each person.

Practice the setup at home once so you’re not figuring out the tent in the dark. Let your kid help with small jobs—carrying gear, boiling water, or getting the fishing rods ready. The point is the shared work, not a perfect campsite.

Plan for the cold and the rain even if the forecast looks good. A tarp under the tent, a couple of extra blankets, and a simple way to stay dry make a big difference. Keep the agenda light so you can adjust when something changes.

What to Bring

Tent and ground cloth/tarp
Sleeping bags rated colder than expected, plus extra blankets
Simple cook system and extra water
Headlamps or a lantern
Basic fishing gear if the spot has water
Layers for everyone (including rain gear)
Snacks that don’t require cooking
Trash bags and a way to pack out everything

First Aid and the Dad Kit Check https://dadkitcheck.com/

Cuts, scrapes, burns from the stove, and bug bites are normal on these trips. I keep a solid first aid kit in the truck and a smaller one that stays with us at camp. As a former paramedic, I’ve learned that the kit only works if you know what’s in it and you’ve checked the expiration dates before you leave.

That’s why I built the Dad Kit Check site. It has practical checklists and guidance on what actually belongs in a first aid kit for camping, day trips, and everyday family use—things like wound care, bleeding control basics, medications, and how to keep the kit ready. If you’re putting a kit together for trips like this, start there. A well-stocked kit gives you peace of mind when you’re an hour or more from the nearest help.

Why These Trips Matter

Bromley and I came home colder than we planned and with a story about the rain. Those are the nights that stick. You don’t need perfect weather or a fancy destination. You need one night, a simple plan, and the willingness to go even when the forecast isn’t ideal.

Dad, pick a spot, load the truck, and go. The cold night will become part of the memory. The time with your kid is the point.

Those little stressors in life can really add up

There is a quick way to ease that stress and calm your mind. It takes three steps and 10 seconds.

Get Your FREE one Page Guide

When you signup, we'll be sending you weekly emails with additional free content.