Camping with kids can be one of the most rewarding family adventures, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. The key to success lies in smart preparation and having the right strategies in place. These tips for camping with kids will help make your outdoor experience more enjoyable and a lot less stressful for everyone involved.
From packing essentials to keeping little ones entertained, these hacks for camping with kids cover everything you need to know for a successful family camping trip. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or planning your first family adventure, these practical solutions will help you create lasting memories in the great outdoors.
1. Pack a Dedicated Camping Bin
Keep all your camping gear organized in one large plastic container. This way, you’ll always know where everything is and can grab it quickly when it’s time to head out. Label the bin clearly and store it somewhere easily accessible. Having everything in one place means less time searching and more time enjoying the outdoors.
2. Bring Two Pairs of Shoes Per Child
Pack slip-on shoes or sandals for nighttime bathroom trips and sturdy sneakers for daytime adventures. This simple trick keeps muddy shoes from getting into sleeping bags and makes it easier for kids to get around camp after dark. The slip-ons are also great for quick trips to the camp store or shower house.
3. Give Each Kid Their Own Water Bottle
Reusable water bottles are much easier to manage than cups and help reduce waste at your campsite. Let each child pick out their own special bottle before the trip so they’ll be excited to use it. This also helps prevent the endless “whose cup is this?” questions that always seem to come up.
4. Pack Extra Towels
Towels are incredibly useful for more than just drying off after swimming. Use them to wipe up spills, cover picnic tables, or even as makeshift blankets for outdoor naps. Pack at least twice as many as you think you’ll need because they always come in handy for unexpected situations.
5. Prepare a Kid-Friendly First-Aid Kit
Stock your first-aid kit with items specifically chosen for children. Include colorful bandages, children’s pain reliever, anti-itch cream, and plenty of wet wipes. Keep it in a bright, easily identifiable container so you can find it quickly when scraped knees or bug bites happen.
6. Always Bring Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are a camping parent’s best friend. They work for cleaning faces, hands, feet, and just about everything else. They’re perfect for quick cleanups before meals and can even help remove sticky sap from little fingers. Pack several packages because you’ll use them more than you expect.
7. Bring Multiple Light Sources
Pack headlamps, lanterns, and flashlights to keep your campsite well-lit. Give each child their own small flashlight or headlamp so they can navigate safely around camp. Having multiple light sources also means you won’t be stuck in the dark if one stops working.
8. Place a Rug Outside the Tent
A simple outdoor rug placed at the tent entrance helps keep dirt and mud from getting tracked inside. It also creates a designated spot for removing shoes and gives kids a clean place to sit while getting ready for bed. Choose a rug that’s easy to shake out and clean.
9. Make a Simple Hand Wash Station
Set up a hand washing station using a large water jug with a spigot and a pump soap dispenser. This makes it easy for kids to clean their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. Add a small towel nearby for drying hands, and you’ll have a sanitary solution that works anywhere.
10. Bring All Types of Bags
Pack ziplock bags for snacks and small items, trash bags for garbage and wet clothes, and grocery bags for organizing gear. Having the right bag for every situation keeps your campsite organized and makes cleanup much easier. Store extra bags in an easily accessible spot.
11. Cover the Picnic Table
A plastic tablecloth makes mealtime cleanup incredibly simple. When it gets dirty, just wipe it down or throw it away if it’s disposable. This is especially helpful for messy meals like s’mores or sticky snacks that seem to end up everywhere.
12. Pack Kids’ Camping Chairs
Child-sized camping chairs give little ones their own special spot around the campfire. They’re easier for small children to get in and out of safely, and kids love having something that’s just their size. Look for chairs with cup holders to keep drinks secure.
13. Use a Pack ‘N Play for Toddlers
A portable playpen creates a safe space for toddlers to play while parents are busy setting up camp or cooking meals. It also works as a familiar sleeping space for little ones who might be nervous about sleeping in a tent. The enclosed space helps contain toys and keeps toddlers safe.
14. Have a Portable Potty Handy
A small portable potty is essential for toddlers and can be a lifesaver during potty training. It’s also useful for those middle-of-the-night bathroom emergencies when the camp restroom feels too far away. Keep it stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
15. Keep a Dirty Clothes Bag
Use a large trash bag or laundry bag to separate dirty, muddy, or smoky clothes from clean ones. This prevents your entire suitcase from smelling like campfire smoke and makes laundry day much easier when you get home.
16. Bring Clothespins for Multiple Uses
Clothespins are surprisingly useful for camping. Use them to hang wet towels, close snack bags, secure tablecloths on windy days, or hang decorations around your campsite. They’re lightweight and take up almost no space in your packing.
17. Try a One-Night Practice Trip
Before heading out on a longer camping adventure, try camping in your backyard or book a single night at a nearby campground. This gives you a chance to test your gear, practice your routines, and see how your kids handle sleeping outdoors without being too far from home.
18. Go Over Camp Safety Rules
Before leaving home, talk to your kids about important safety rules like staying close to the campsite, never going near the fire without an adult, and what to do if they get lost. Make sure they know where the camp boundaries are and establish a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated.
19. Pack Simple Outdoor Toys and Games
Bring chalk for drawing on rocks or pavement, bubbles for magical moments, balls for active play, and materials for nature scavenger hunts. These simple activities keep kids entertained without requiring batteries or complicated setup. Nature provides plenty of entertainment too, so don’t overpack.
20. Bring Entertainment for the Drive
Long car rides can be challenging with kids, so pack activity books, coloring supplies, travel games, and maybe a few special snacks for the journey. Having entertainment ready helps prevent “Are we there yet?” complaints and keeps everyone happy during travel time.
21. Use Glow Sticks for Nighttime Fun
Glow sticks are inexpensive, safe, and create magical nighttime memories. They also make it easy to spot your kids in the dark around camp. Let each child have their own glow stick for evening activities, and consider bringing extras for making jewelry or decorating the campsite.
22. Be Flexible with Bedtime
Camping naturally means later bedtimes, so plan accordingly. The excitement of being outdoors and the different environment can make it harder for kids to settle down. Build in extra time for winding down together, and remember that part of the fun is staying up a little later than usual.
23. Keep Meals and Plans Simple
Stick to basic, familiar meals that are easy to prepare over a camp stove or fire. Don’t over-schedule your days with too many activities. Simple plans leave room for spontaneous adventures and reduce stress when things don’t go exactly as expected.
24. Let Kids Help Make Small Decisions
Give children choices throughout the trip, like picking snacks, deciding where to set up their sleeping area, or choosing which trail to hike. Having some control over their experience helps kids feel more invested in the camping adventure and can prevent complaints about activities.
25. Leave Screens at Home
Use your camping trip as an opportunity to disconnect from technology and spend quality time together as a family. Without the distraction of screens, kids are more likely to engage with nature and each other. This creates better family bonding and helps everyone appreciate the outdoor experience.
26. Let Kids Pack Their Own Snacks
Give each child their own snack bag to decorate and fill with their favorite treats. This gives them ownership over part of the trip and ensures they’ll have snacks they actually want to eat. Set some guidelines about healthy choices, but let them have fun with the selection process.
27. Bring a Box of Rainy Day Activities
Pack quiet indoor activities like coloring books, card games, puzzles, or small toys for bad weather or rest time. Having these ready prevents boredom during unexpected downtime and gives kids something to do when outdoor activities aren’t possible.
28. Create a Job Chart for the Kids
Assign age-appropriate tasks like handing out snacks, helping gather firewood, or organizing the camp table. Kids love feeling helpful and responsible, and having jobs keeps them engaged in camp life. Make sure the tasks are simple enough that they can succeed and feel proud of their contributions.
29. Bring Extra Water for Everything
Water is essential for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and putting out campfires. Pack a 5-gallon jug for your campsite, individual water bottles for each person, and backup containers just in case. Having plenty of water means you won’t have to worry about running out for any of your camping needs.