Hi, I’m Jake, and I’m probably the last person who should be giving advice about camping with kids.
Camping with kids. It’s a unique blend of excitement and apprehension for any parent.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a complete beginner, camping with young kids is a whole different ballgame.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s all a gamble—like the classic Clint Eastwood line, “Do I feel lucky?”
Today, I’m sharing some tips to make your next camping trip with kids a smoother experience.
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Why Camping with Kids is Totally Possible？
Why Camping with Kids is Totally Possible？
First of all, despite my chaotic camping adventures, I can assure you that camping with young kids is completely possible.
In fact, it can be a lot of fun! Babies and toddlers actually love being outdoors.
They thrive in nature—think of them as little pigs in mud, happy and content when they’re surrounded by the natural world.
Timing: When Should You Take Your Baby Camping?
Timing: When Should You Take Your Baby Camping?
One of the biggest questions I get is, “How old should my baby be before we go camping?” Let me be honest with you: I learned this the hard way.
The first time I took our two daughters camping, one was two years old, and the other was only eight weeks old. It was a nightmare.
We were getting no sleep because the baby woke up multiple times a night, and to top it off, we had borrowed a leaky tent.
Add a rainy night into the mix, and you can imagine how miserable we were.
So, learn from me: eight weeks old is too young for camping. You need to wait until your baby is a little older, ideally around five to eight months—basically, when they’re sleeping better at night.
If your baby is colicky, hold off on camping. A screaming baby will not only make you miserable, but it’ll also keep everyone else at the campsite awake.
Another thing to consider is the length of your trip. Don’t go overboard and book a week-long trip with a baby or toddler.
Three days and two nights is the sweet spot when you’re just starting out. You’ll have enough time to settle in, enjoy yourselves, and pack up without feeling overwhelmed.
The Essentials: Choosing the Right Campsite
One of the first things to consider when planning a camping trip is the campsite itself.
It might seem like you just need to find a spot, pitch a tent, and call it a day, but there’s so much more that can make or break the experience.
First on our list is whether the campsite allows campfires. For us, that’s non-negotiable. There’s nothing better than gathering around the fire in the evening, toasting marshmallows, making s’mores, and just enjoying the warmth and togetherness.
We once went to a campsite where fires weren’t allowed, and I have to say, it completely changed the vibe of the trip—it just wasn’t the same.
Gear: The Right Tools Can Make or Break Your Trip
Gear: The Right Tools Can Make or Break Your Trip
If you’re camping with a baby or toddler, a playpen is a lifesaver. It’s perfect for naps and can double as a safe spot outside the tent.
We used it often with our foster babies. We also packed extra gear like hats, gloves, and warm clothing.
Finally, let’s talk about fire safety. Little ones are naturally curious, and a campfire can be dangerous.
Tent: Get a Blackout or Dark Room Tent
First on the list is a game changer—especially for parents.
Have you ever woken up at the crack of dawn because the sun is already beaming through your tent, and your kids are wide awake, ready to start the day?
Yeah, we’ve all been there. That’s why my first tip is to invest in a blackout or dark room tent. These tents have been around for a while, but I feel like a lot of parents haven’t realized how much they can improve your camping experience with kids.
But perhaps the best part is that you can sleep in longer. Without the sun streaming in at 5 a.m, the kids—and you—can get some much-needed extra rest.
Trust me, a little extra sleep can make all the difference in preventing fussiness and crankiness throughout the day.
Double Sleeping Bag: Get a Double Sleeping Bag (for Parents)
Double Sleeping Bag: Get a Double Sleeping Bag (for Parents)
You might be wondering, how does this help with the kids?
Well, kids tend to wake up in the middle of the night, whether it’s from a bad dream, being cold, or needing to go to the bathroom.
Having a double sleeping bag makes it so much easier to let them snuggle in with you if they need some comfort.
There’s plenty of space, and everyone stays warm without having to unzip multiple sleeping bags.
Activities: Keep Them Busy, Rain or Shine
When camping with kids, you have to plan for all scenarios, including rainy days.
No matter how promising the forecast looks, pack toys and activities for inside the tent or trailer.
I keep a special box of camping toys—things like trucks, balls, and coloring books that only come out on camping trips. That way, they feel new and exciting.
But don’t just rely on toys from home. Bring a few familiar items that can comfort your kids if they get homesick.
Whether it’s their favorite stuffed animal, a blanket, or a book, these little touches can make a big difference when they’re in an unfamiliar setting.
One tradition we started when my kids were little was reading a special novel each night before bed.
I’d pick a children’s book and read a couple of chapters in the tent before they went to sleep.
Location: Stay Close to Home and Keep It Simple
Location: Stay Close to Home and Keep It Simple
My best advice when camping with young kids? Start close to home. If it all goes south, you can pack up and leave without too much hassle.
Our first camping trip was a disaster, but since then, we’ve had countless amazing trips. Sometimes you just need to get that first bad experience out of the way to learn what works and what doesn’t.
Also, choose a campsite with good amenities—things like indoor plumbing, showers, and nearby activities like a beach or playground.
When you’re camping with kids, you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do.
Sleep: The Key to a Happy Camping Trip
Sleep: The Key to a Happy Camping Trip
Last but not least, let’s talk about sleep. If your kids aren’t sleeping, no one is going to have fun.
The trick? Wear them out during the day.
Let them run, swim, bike, or hike—anything that will leave them exhausted by bedtime.
If they’re tired enough, they’ll fall asleep no matter how spooky the forest sounds at night.
For younger kids, naps can be tricky, especially if the tent gets too hot during the day.
What worked for us was dragging a cot out into the shade or setting up a hammock for nap time.
If you’re camping near a lake, the sound of water can also be soothing for babies and help them fall asleep.
Staying Organized
Keeping things organized inside the tent is another must for me.
If there’s one thing that drives me crazy, it’s chaos—clothes everywhere, food strewn about, toys underfoot.
I try to keep everything as neat as possible, even if it doesn’t stay perfect the entire trip.
We have designated spots for clothes, food, toiletries, and toys.
Each thing has its place, and this helps everyone know where to find what they need without digging through piles of stuff.
One thing that’s really helped is using large plastic storage boxes with lids.
I pack our camping gear into these, and it keeps everything organized and ready to go for the next trip.
Bonus Tip: Skip the S’mores (Trust Me)
Bonus Tip: Skip the S’mores (Trust Me)
Okay, here’s my bonus rant—why, oh why, do parents insist on making s’mores when camping with kids?
I don’t get it. They’re messy, sticky, and full of sugar—basically a recipe for disaster when you’re in the middle of the woods with limited ways to clean up.
Marshmallow and melted chocolate all over their faces, hands, and clothes, right before bed? No thanks.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
So, those are my top tips for camping with kids. Camping with young kids may seem daunting, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Once you figure out what works for your family, it becomes a fun and memorable experience.
Whether you’re an old pro or thinking about camping with your kids for the first time, I hope these tips help.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or additional advice for fellow parents.
