Choose a good place - Research the recreation area well and avoid complications later on. If you have young children, pick a place that you will be able to supervise kids with a limited amount of effort. Some of these programs will actually get the kids out of your hair for an hour or so, and others will require your childrens attention. Either way - these programs will educate and entertain the kids for quite a while. Don't bring a pet - An animal can require a great deal of attention on a camping trip.
Cats run away and dogs can be a nuisance.
Dogs are big offenders in trail maintenance and are not allowed on most trails. Many people leave dogs in their camping site on a trip - not realizing that their dog is whining and barking the whole time they are away. Dogs may chase wildlife - and animals that run through poison oak or ivy will transmit it to anyone who touches the animal. Some dogs are well behaved campground members - but don't take along an animal if you already have children to care for. A neighbor or a kennel may be the best choice.