Camping With Kids Made Easy (Seriously!)
Trust us, Camping With Kids DOesn’t have to be Hard.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a total newbie, going camping with kids presents itself with a unique set of challenges.
Find out how to have a fun, safe, and successful camping trip with these tried-and-true Approaches.
Where should we go? Is anyone going to get any sleep? What if someone gets hurt or lost? Are we prepared to deal with getting (very) dirty, fighting off bugs, being too cold or hot, or having enough food?
These are all very valid questions. We’re going to cover all of this and more so that your next family camping trip goes smoothly, everyone has fun, and leave begging to go again.
Going camping every summer is a way of life, and we never questioned whether that would change after we started having kids. In fact, we were taking our kids camping the first summer after each of their births. By starting them young, they’ve never known a life, not camping. By being prepared, our kids have had nothing but (mostly) positive associations with spending time outdoors. We have wonderful memories of camping as children, and we want to give the same to our kids. It’s a perfect opportunity to spend quality time together, bond, and create stories to tell for years to come.
Successfully camping with kids is possible. And by doing so, you’re giving them the gift of nature discovery, independence, adventure, and overall well-being. Studies have proved that spending time in nature and the outdoors boosts your cognition, empathy, and immune system, among other things. Getting outside with your kids ensures that they will have an appreciation and respect for our natural world. And that’s something they can’t get just by reading books or looking out a window. To find connections in nature, be in tune with the elements, and find resilience in new situations all provide positive life-long lessons.
Here’s our list of camping hacks that will make camping with kids an easy and fun experience for all.
Practice makes perfect
Camping may take some practice to get it right. Consider visiting your chosen campsite beforehand to minimize any surprises.
Go camping in your backyard! Set up the tent and sleeping arrangements, cook dinner outside, and try to limit going inside as much as possible. This is a great way to test out any new gear and find out what you really are going to need for a few days away from home.
Talk to your kids about what to expect. Explain how long you’ll be gone and where you're going, and calm any fears. When you finally do go camping, your kids have a sense of familiarity to help them transition to camp life.
2. Picking a Spot
From national, state, and county parks to dispersed camping, there are many options for choosing where to go. Some campgrounds will have amenities like bathrooms and showers, potable water, playgrounds, and even laundromats. But others, like dispersed campsites, will be nothing more than a patch of land and maybe a fire ring. Some campgrounds even offer glamping options to make the camping trip more like staying at an Airbnb. Try them all and find out which style works best for your family.
If possible, go somewhere near home. Worse come to worse, you can always high-tail it home and try again another time.
Pick a campground with bathrooms (and a spot nearby, if possible) for those kids out of diapers. Potty training? Pack the potty chair along to help minimize accidents.
3. Going Prepared
Being as prepared as possible is the best way to make for a successful camping trip.
Plan small and release expectations. This removes the possibility of frustration when you don’t get to do everything you had hoped. Maybe this isn’t the best time to tackle that 6-mile hike you read about, go adventuring for hours on end, or catch the perfect sunrise or sunset.
Let your kids lead the way. Are they happy just playing in the dirt in camp? Fine. Do they want to spend all day at the swimming hole? Great. Eat snacks and nap on their own schedule. Okay. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment and probably a lot of tears by forcing a schedule or routine.
Do plan activities, even if they may not happen. Research nearby kid-friendly hikes, swimming holes, and points of interest. Think of some easy games or toys that can be done at camp so no one gets bored.
Make safety a priority.
Know where the nearest hospital or medical facility is.
Let friends or family know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
Be sure to bring along any and all medications and first-aid supplies. Having children’s ibuprofen, allergy medicine, bandaids, sting-stop, etc., on hand can easily turn an unfortunate situation into a manageable one.
Bug spray and sunscreen are two essential items needed to prevent uncomfortable, grumpy campers.
Make a safety plan and tell them what to do if you were to get separated.
Talk to them about the importance of staying a safe distance away from wildlife.
Give safe boundary instructions and the dangers of venturing off alone— especially if there are bodies of water or other hazards nearby.
Explain fire safety and how to be safe around the campfire and stove.
4. Packing
It may seem like you need to pack everything, including the kitchen sink, to be prepared. And I’m here to tell you, it’s true! Having what you need for a few days away from home can make or break your trip. Here’s what we’ve learned throughout the years.
For meals, the easier, the better. Pick a few family favorites, precook what you can at home, and don’t skimp on the snacks! This probably isn’t the best time to try a new recipe or cook a four-course meal. One-pot meals are ideal— you can pack less cooking gear, and clean-up is a breeze. Don’t forget a wash bucket, biodegradable soap, wash rags, hand towels, reusable plates, utensils, and water bottles. And don’t forget your child’s favorite sippy cup!
Having the right clothing will make all the difference. Lots of layers, extra shoes, hats, and swimming suits are all necessities. You will get dirty, maybe wet, and are definitely going to be exposed to the elements. The quickest way to a bad experience is being too cold, shoeless, or not having any dry clothing.
Even more important than the clothing you bring is getting your sleeping situation set up right. This might take some trial and error, but to avoid uncomfortable, sleepless nights, try a few of these things that worked for us:
Bring a pack ‘n play. This can double as a bed as well as a place to hang out outside for those pre-walking babies and toddlers.
If you’re past the pack ‘n play stage, a simple cot or air mattress will suffice.
For the parents, sleeping right on the ground isn’t ideal. An air mattress or cot will make all the difference. Believe me; your back will thank you.
Sleeping bags will ensure everyone stays warm enough at night, so don’t compromise in this department. And I don’t know about you, but bringing the pillow off my bed is the only choice. No inflatable or mini camping pillows for me.
Bring along your child’s favorite stuffed animal or blanket for a sense of comfort and familiarity.
If possible, pick a tent that you can stand up in. Have you ever tried to get dressed lying down? Not fun. Crawling on your hands and knees to get in and out? No, thank you.
Keep your tent clean-ish by removing your shoes each time before going in.
Stash your clothes bags under your cots to keep them out of the way, or leave them in the car. In such a limited space, bags scattered everywhere can become a real pain.
To attempt to stay on the clean side, pack lots of baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and towels. Your dish-washing bucket can also be used as a mini-bathtub for a good pre-bed foot and face washing station.
Bring a few of your kid's favorite toys and games to keep them entertained. It’s easy to over-do, so just pick a few like:
Bubbles
Shovels and buckets
Bug-catchers
Glowsticks
Bikes
Squirt guns
Balls and other yard games
Plan a scavenger hunt or nature craft
Coloring books
Age-appropriate card games
Bring a kid-carrying backpack, front carrier, or an off-road stroller for when those little legs get tired. They can also double as a convenient napping spot.
And lastly, don’t forget the diapers or an extra pacifier. We may have learned that the hard way.
We’ve found that camping with friends who have kids or with family makes for an even better experience. So ask your friends and family if they want to join you! Not only do the extra hands and pairs of eyes make it easier, but it’s also a lot more fun! Getting to spend time outdoors with your favorite people can strengthen relationships and bonds like no other experience can.
So get out there, get dirty, and find your wild!