Camping With Kids - My Tips & Recommendations
Our first family camping trip gave us memories we still enjoy and a few lessons for next time. Here are the things I'd consider before going again with young children.
Start with a trip that fits your family's experience and comfort. Below, I've included our packing ideas, what we learned, and a printable activity for the kids.
The free camping scavenger hunt printable gives children things to look for on the journey and at the campsite.
The extra checkboxes let you add things specific to your destination, such as a local bird, plant, or landmark.
Download the free camping scavenger hunt PDF
You can share the printable with friends planning a trip too.
These are the main things I took away from our first trip.
Lesson 1: Start with a manageable trip
We planned two nights at a primitive campsite without running water or permission to make a fire.
We enjoyed the privacy, but my husband and I each carried about a gallon of extra water and planned to collect more after the first night.
That added considerable weight to the walk in. A site with water access would have been simpler for us.
We also missed having a campfire.
We respected the park's restrictions. For another trip, I'd compare the facilities and rules with the kind of stay we wanted.
Lesson 2: Plan for the overnight conditions
We booked for late May, expecting warm days and fairly mild nights.
We estimated the overnight temperature would stay around 70°F and bought summer-weight sleeping bags.
The temperature dropped to about 50°F, and I woke up very cold.
The kids slept in warm pajamas, but my husband and I were uncomfortable through the night.
We decided to head home the next day rather than stay a second night.
Next time, I'd check the likely overnight conditions more carefully and compare the sleeping bags' ratings before buying.
Lesson 3: Record a few short videos
We took plenty of photos and enjoy looking through them.
The videos captured details the photos couldn't: the stream, the kids finding bugs, and our conversations around the campsite.
I like hearing those ordinary moments again. I'd make room for a few more short videos on our next trip.
Lesson 4: Leave time to book and prepare
Planning ahead gave us time to book and gather equipment.
For our chosen site, the first reservation we could get was six months away.
Check the destination's official booking information, availability, and rules before settling on dates.
If you don't own camping gear, include it in the trip budget.
We spent about $400 at the time on a tent, four sleeping bags, two adult backpacks, cooking equipment, smaller supplies, food, and park fees.
Having six months to prepare let us spread those purchases out.
Camping With Kids Checklist
These lists show the equipment we considered. Compare what you already own with what the particular campsite requires before buying more.
I also bought some gear through AliExpress. If ordering anything for a trip, allow for the delivery time stated by the seller.
Gear Checklist for Car Camping / Walk-In Campsite
Pop-Up Tent
A pop-up tent may simplify setup. This Coleman tent was one I considered for a future trip.
All-terrain wagon
A wagon can move gear between the car and a nearby site. Check the route and the cart's specifications to see whether it suits the terrain.
Sleeping bags
Compare sleeping bags for the conditions you expect, including these Coleman options.
Inflatable sleeping pad
A sleeping pad like this one provides a layer between you and the ground. Choose one that suits your sleeping setup.
Folding camp chairs
Folding chairs give you somewhere to sit outside the tent. Compare the packed size and weight of these options with the space available.
These smaller chairs are examples of child-sized seating.
Flannel-backed table cloth
A tablecloth can cover a campsite picnic table if you'd like one.
Gear Checklist for Primitive Camping / Hike-In Campsite
Backpacks
I chose this 40 L backpack and was happy with its weight and durability. My husband used a 75 L backpack with an internal frame.
My sister gave the kids Quechua backpacks. They held the small things they wanted nearby, such as water bottles, flashlights, and camping journals.
Lightweight Tee-Pee Tent
We used a teepee-style tent like this one, supported by trekking poles. It fit the two of us in the middle with our small children beside us.
Tent Lights
We used hanging LED lights similar to these at the campsite and later during a power outage at home.
Ultra-light down sleeping bags
I looked at down sleeping bags after our first cold night in summer-weight bags. The temperature rating mattered more than our original expectation of warm weather.
Pocket stove & butane tank
We used a small folding stove that attached to a fuel canister. I liked how little space it took in the bag.
Titanium Camping Pot
A small titanium pot was useful for heating water for drinks and simple meals.
For a sleeping pad, I bought a sheet of dense foam large enough for our family. At the time, it cost less than buying several individual pieces.
Flannel-Backed Tablecloth
An old tablecloth with flannel backing served as our picnic blanket while we ate.
Poop Kit
If a site has no toilets, check its waste-disposal rules before packing. We brought a small shovel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and sealable bags.
Camping With Kids - Conclusion
Match your plans to the facilities and overnight weather. Our first trip taught us to give those details more attention.
A nearby site with straightforward facilities can give you room to learn. Children may take on more of the setup and cleanup as they grow and gain experience.
Even with the cold night, we enjoyed spending time somewhere different together.
Afterward, we planned a cabin stay in Finland. The kids were especially looking forward to picking blueberries.
Choose a version of camping your family can enjoy, whether that's a cabin, a short stay near the car, or a longer walk to a site.
