Camping with kids is one of the most exciting adventures out there. It is a great way to get your family outdoors, inspire your children’s imaginations, and to boost everyone’s physical and mental health. Even with all the excitement, there can be some overwhelm that comes with camping with kids.
I am going to break down how we tent camp as a family and have it be an enjoyable experience that we do over and over again!
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Picking a Campsite
Picking a campsite is one of my favorite things about the prep to camping! It is like booking a hotel when you are going on vacation. You will want to make sure you are in a kid friendly community and if you are camping with dogs, you’ll want to make sure they are dog friendly too.
I have found that our best tent camping experiences, especially with kids, have been in State Parks and Forests. They tend to be better maintained, have rules and regulations in place, and they are just beautiful! The rules and regulations ensure that you have a camp host or camp resource if anything occurs – like drunken wild parties. Definitely not kid friendly. They have a noise ordinance in place, making it easier for the kids to fall and stay asleep! Don’t worry if you have a baby, crying is normal and other campers tend to not mind. From my experience, my babies slept better outside than in the house!
You might also be interest in the post: How to Pick a Tent When Camping With Kids
You will want to take a look at the park’s map and choose a campsite that will accommodate your needs. Are you tent camping or camping in a pop-up or RV? Do you want electricity? We have camped without electricity and it was completely fine. I just packed some portable chargers for our phones. In the cold season, electricity is a big bonus to have. You’ll also want to get a site close to a bathroom (if you or your kids don’t want to go outside). You also can look for playgrounds! Many campsites have playgrounds nearby which your kids will love.
*Pro Tip: if your kids are not avid swimmers, do not camp right next to the water.
What to Pack
Pack light! This is my number one packing tip for camping with kids. Bring only what they need. This is because you will be hauling extra gear as is and you don’t need to be fighting more ‘stuff’.
Think season. If you are camping in the summer in the heat, your kids will need less layers. If you are camping in cooler to cold weather, you’ll need to pack more.
- Pajamas – 2 pairs of PJs. You are prepared for accidents and have an extra layer if it is needed.
- Pants for each day
- Shirt for each day
- One jacket/coat
- Underwear/diapers
- Daily socks
- Tennis shoes or boots
I always bring my kids galoshes. It lets them go off the beaten path, get dirty, and not get super wet. I do bring a backup pair for when the wet shoes need to dry by the fire.
Packing for you is the same. Just bring the essentials! Aside from clothes, you’ll want to pack toothpaste and toothbrushes, a hairbrush and hair ties, shampoo, and bodywash.
*Check out what I pack in my Camp Kitchen here.
What To Do While Camping
If you are camping in a State Park or Forest, there will be an abundance of things to do! We will start right at the campsite though. Kids love helping. They are wired to do so.
Include them in setting up the tent. They are great at laying tarps out and putting together poles. Little hands hold tent stakes really well. You can have your kids find kindling to help start a fire…or even include them in starting a fire! And then cooking. Camp cooking is so much fun, especially when you get the kids involved! Just give them responsibility in set up, maintenance, and cleanup. No matter how little they are, they want to help.
Check out what your State Park or Forest has within the area. Our favorite campsites have hiking trails, fishing, paved trails for biking, nature centers, hatcheries, and of course, a park store! The possibilities are endless.
The Benefits of Camping
Being in nature is therapeutic for both adults and children. Being outdoors is the perfect grounds for us to disconnect, unplug, and to be present. Children also thrive in the outdoors. They learn so much from being able to explore. Their circadian rhythm realigns. You’ll even notice that they eat better, sleep better, and their attitudes improve! The best benefit of camping is the quality family time you get.
For more benefits and tips on getting outside visit 1000 Hours Outside.
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