Camping With Kids: Essential Tips for a Memorable Trip

As soon as the sun goes down and the glowing tent appears, my kids start buzzing with excitement. “Is it camping night?!”. Connecting kids with nature at a young age benefits them for a lifetime. Camping as a family builds cherished memories, teaches new skills, and unplugs you from regular routines.

Of course, camping with little ones takes more preparation and patience. But the laughter around a campfire and stargazing snuggled in a tent make it all worthwhile. Whether it’s your child’s first night under the stars or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, this ultimate guide ensures a fun, safe, and memorable family camping trip.

Pick the Perfect Campground

Aim for a family-friendly campground with amenities like bathrooms, water spigots, and a camp store.

For first-timers, pick a site close to parking and look for playgrounds to explore. State and National Parks often offer ranger-led programs perfect for kids like junior forest ranger activities.

When choosing the best camping destination, consider:

Amenities – Look for sites with restrooms, water, playgrounds, recreation centers, and camp stores.
Site Location – For beginners, book a site close to parking and bathrooms. Verify site length for RVs.
Reservable Sites – These guarantee your spot. First-come sites can fill up fast.
Ranger Programs – State/national parks offer junior ranger activities, guided hikes.
Theme – Some campgrounds cater to kids with pools, ziplines, game rooms.

Pack Kid Camping Essentials

Fill a plastic tub with camping entertainment to engage kids – scavenger hunt lists, glow sticks, bug nets, binoculars, frisbees, balls, bubbles, books, card games and more.

Pack kid-sized camping chairs, flashlights, and sleeping bags. For toddlers, carry an ultra-compact potty seat. Bring lots of easy snacks, wipes, hand sanitizer, and a first aid kit.

Stuff a “sock sack” with extra socks, underwear, and PJs so kids can pick out a fresh set.

Must-have kid gear:

Kid-sized chairs, flashlights, sleeping bags
Portable cribs or sleep sacks for infants
Hygiene supplies and travel potties
Portable high chairs and booster seats
Cozy tent additions like rugs, string lights
Headlamps, lanterns, camping candles
Books, games, music players
Outdoor toys – kites, balls, frisbees, walkie-talkies
Craft supplies, scavenger hunt lists
Campfire roasting sticks and cooking tools

Prevent Meltdowns

To avoid overload, account for your child’s regular sleep and feeding times. Build in chill time and naps. Overplan activities in case something flops. For young kids, hold off hiking until full and well-rested.

When tantrums hit, stay calm and listen. This is new for you too! Teach breathing techniques and coping methods. Remind them the outdoors is a place to find peace.

Teach Outdoor Ethics

Instill Leave No Trace principles – pick up litter, respect wildlife, and minimize campfire impacts. Show kids how to set up tents carefully and use restroom facilities. Pick a buddy to ensure kids stay on trail together. Teach them to identify poison ivy and apply bug spray. Make it a learning experience!

Unplug and Bond

Put devices away for the weekend and embrace boredom – it sparks creativity! Tell stories around the campfire, build fairy houses from sticks and leaves, teach knot tying, identify constellations, and sing songs. Turn chores like collecting firewood into adventures. Let kids lead activities and help cook meals. Camping builds confidence and new skills.

The Takeaway

Camping with kids allows you to disconnect from devices and reconnect with nature and each other. With thoughtful preparation for their needs, little ones can flourish outdoors. When kids look back, family camping trips often top their list of cherished memories.

As one happy camper put it, “the world looked so big, and I felt so small, but it made me believe I could do anything.” Get out there and build lasting bonds!