Camping with Kids
Back when we only had one child, we camped as a family a lot. And while it wasn’t always super restful, it was SO fun. We do it a little less often now that we’re a bigger family, but I’ve learned a lot of tips from our various trips and wanted to share them today to help you get more fun out of your outdoors time with your kids. These tips are intended to help you plan a camping trip with a toddler, whether you’re trying a one-night trip for the first time or a longer trip. They’re taken from both real life experiences and extensive research on the subject—since it can be hard to know exactly what you might experience on any one trip, I wanted to make sure to cover the broad strokes here. Below you’ll find tips on what to pack, which foods are easiest to take a long, general tips for toddler camping, gear suggestions, and more. (You may also like my posts on: Shelf Stable Foods for Kids, Road Trip Snacks, and Snacks to Take On the Go.)
Best Tips for Family Camping
The preparation you do ahead of your trip will come in handy, so I definitely recommend planning out where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, and the things you’d like to do during your stay. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox. To cover the rest of the trip, these camping with kids tips will help. TIP: It can be a good idea to call the nearest ranger station to your campground or the campground itself if it’s staffed for the latest information about conditions and crowds.
Camping with Kids Checklist
This is a very comprehensive camping checklist to refer to no matter what kind of camping trip you’re planning. There are so many more variables when camping with kids, so even just looking over something like this can help a lot.
Camping Gear For Kids
You can go all out at REI on camping gear for kids, but the main things I recommend are a hat, bug protection, and comfortable shoes. They really don’t need other special gear! (And consider asking friends to borrow their gear if you have friends who like to travel this way.) Depending on the age of the child, you may want to think through a sleeping strategy. If your tent is big enough and you’re car camping, the pack n’ play or toddler travel bed could help ensure everyone gets some sleep. Otherwise, a kid’s sleeping bag and their favorite stuffed animal is a good idea.
How do I entertain kids while camping?
I encourage you to encourage them to entertain themselves with what they can find around them. You can also take hikes, go swimming, go fishing, tell stories, make a fire, play games, read books, and sing songs. This is a time to be unplugged and to enjoy nature, so the more you can let the kids take the lead on what to do, the better! (In my book anyway.)
What do I need for camping with a toddler?
If your toddler is in diapers, you’ll need diapers, wipes, and a bag to dispose of them in if going backcountry. If they’re potty trained, a travel potty is wonderful. You should pack a first aid kit with basic medicines, a hat to protect them from the sun, long sleeved clothing, something to sleep on (a child-size sleeping bag or pad and a blanket may be enough), and anything else they can’t leave home without.
Where can I camp with kids?
You can camp almost anywhere with kids, especially if you car camp. Backcountry camping is a lot more complicated and we’ve found that going in more than 3 miles is logistically challenging given all of the gear you’ll likely be carrying (not to mention the kiddo!). Check with local state and national parks and ask the rangers for their advice on where to camp with kids.
Best Foods to Take Camping with Kids
You can find my favorite travel snacks, my best road trip snacks, and my other advice is to keep things simple. Here are some additional ideas. (You’ll need to adjust according to whether or not you have a cooler!)
Oatmeal with raisins and cinnamon Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches Snack bars Trail mix Boxed mac and cheese Tortillas and peanut butter Tortillas and hummus Whole grain crackers and cheese Fresh fruit Applesauce pouches
TIP: Find more of my favorite shelf-stable foods for kids.
Ultimate Guide to Travel Food Favorite Road Trip Snacks Best Toddler Travel Beds Favorite Pantry Staples
Do you guys camp with your kids? I’d love to hear your best tips so please share below!
