Effective Tips for Camping with Kids

Camping as a family can also help you re-establish your connection away from home's creature comforts.

Camping with children can be intimidating at first. While it does require planning and coordination, we can assure you that taking your children on a pleasurable camping trip is entirely possible. All you need is some planning, the right equipment, and a positive attitude! Camping with kids can be simple and enjoyable with a little bravery, planning, and the right equipment. Not only will you enjoy the time spent outdoors, but your children will be ecstatic about this new outdoor adventure. There is no one way to plan the ideal camping trip. Each family should consider the type of camping trip they want to take and make plans accordingly. We have some fantastic tips for you.

Why should children go camping?

Fresh air, sunshine, Vitamin D, and plenty of unstructured free time to play and explore are all beneficial to children

• Camping is an excellent opportunity to introduce changes in lifestyle and distribute responsibilities at the campsite by assigning simple chores to everyone.

• Camping is a life skill as well as a fun activity. It is a survival strategy, and every child should be exposed to it at a young age. Camping teaches children valuable life skills such as responsibility and independence.

• Fresh air, sunshine, Vitamin D, and plenty of unstructured free time to play and explore are all beneficial to children.

• There's also no disputing that children enjoy being outside, and spending quality time in nature makes people, kids included, feel better.

• Camping as a family can also help you re-establish your connection away from home's creature comforts.

Tips for Camping with kids

Do some research on the camping location you intend to visit

Experimental camping

First, attempt sleeping in a tent in your backyard. This ensures that you comprehend how everything fits together and the kids get a taster of what to expect. You can also ensure that no parts are missing. Take notes as you consider what you'll need on a full-fledged trip.

Choose an appropriate camping location

Our top tips for choosing a camping location.

1. We always recommend that you choose a location close to home for your first camping trip. Perhaps within your city or close enough to drive home in the middle of the night if you need to leave. 

2. If you've been camping before and want to try something new, look into nearby overnight campgrounds and the availability of camp spots at your local state park/national park. 

3. Choose a location with trees or, preferably, a body of water. You can’t go wrong with a campsite with a water body nearby, when camping with kids. 

4. Look for places that are not too far from civilization. 

5. Wildlife encounters should be avoided and camping areas should not disturb wildlife. 

6. Do some research on the camping location you intend to visit. For example, learn about the local wildlife and whether it's mosquito/tick time, snake season, what venomous plants are nearby, and so on, so you can take the appropriate precautions ahead of time.

Choose the appropriate camping style.

You'll have a good time whether you're tent camping, car camping, cabin camping, or something in between. Try one, try all of them! Discover the camping style that works best for your family and have fun experimenting along the way. 

Camping with kids is all about spending time outside as a family. Without a doubt, tent camping is the most cost-effective option. When camping with children, it's also a lightweight option. 

Rooftop tents are a more upscale version of traditional on-the-ground tent camping. Many parents prefer it because it is a smooth camping option that is off the ground but still under the stars. Because your rooftop tent is practically already set up, you don't have to worry about pitching and un-pitching a tent.

Allow children time to explore nature.

Nature provides a full sensory experience, and a family camping trip is an excellent way to introduce the younger generation to the joys of being outside. From babies to teenagers, kids of all ages will find plenty to keep them entertained on a camping trip: star-studded skies, the distant call of an owl, and the tiniest of bugs at work in the dirt. Camping can help them see and feel their surroundings more clearly. Determine whether your destination offers day hikes or other activities.

Bring board games with you.

While there is never a shortage of things to do while camping, you may find yourself stuck in a rainstorm or simply wanting to spend the day relaxing at camp. Bringing out some board games and engaging in a different type of family fun is a great way to spend days like this. You will not only have fun competing, but you will also help your children develop their brain power.

Take precautions.

Set ground rules for where your children can roam once you arrive at a campsite and discuss what they should do if they become lost. Give your children a whistle and show them to blow it if they get separated from you. Ensure they have access to a flashlight or headlamp at all times. Be aware of potentially hazardous features at the campground, such as a nearby road, a fast-moving stream, or a steep bluff.

Pack simple but tasty camping meals.

Camping with your children and attempting to prepare delicious and simple camping meals without missing out on all the fun can be nearly impossible! It doesn't have to be this way. Coming up with some camping food ideas is a good place to start. What do people enjoy? Hot dogs, BBQ chicken, and hamburgers? Should we spice it up with pepperoni pizza pudgy pie, skillet lasagna, and walking tacos? Whatever you choose, make it enjoyable and healthy.

Slow down and enjoy the present moment.

Things may not go as planned, no matter how well you prepare. Remember that all you can do is provide a safe environment for your children to camp. The best part about going outside is that you can make your own experiences as you go. Be adaptable and patient. Take it easy. Let go of rigid schedules and live in the moment. If everyone in the family is upset, don't force your kids to go on a day hike.

You're not going to get it right the first or even second time. Make a note at the end of each trip to remind yourself of what you need to bring next time, what you can leave behind, or how you might do things differently the next time. If you are looking for kid friendly camping trips, you might want to try our Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorgeor North Cascades Experience -Camping Style trips. 

Good luck camping!