The Ultimate Guide To Camping With Kids
If the thought of camping with kids sounds fun {but a little overwhelming}, then this is definitely the post for you! Over the years my family has been camping all over Colorado, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park. I have done it with my ex partner and now solo as a single mama. With toddlers and teenagers over time. There has been a LOT of trial and error, as well as lessons learned with every adventure.
While it may seem intimidating, camping with kids is actually more fun and easier than you can imagine! Nothing beats nights spent watching the sun set, toasting marshmallows over a camp fire or watching the stars light up the night sky. Plus getting the opportunity to disconnect from the chaos and grind of daily life, the electronics, social media, etc. and just getting to take in the pure wonder of nature~ it's truly a wonderful experience.
If camping with your kids is on your summer bucket list, HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
REASONS TO CAMP WITH YOUR KIDS
Kids need nature. Being immersed in nature is not only a great experience for them, but can teach some valuable lessons and life skills. Camping is one way to give kids the space they need to play and learn. Camping gets us away from the noise, the TV, the Wi-Fi and all the constant begging for the tablet or phones. Camping allows us to tune out all the things that don’t matter in exchange for quality family time and memories that will last a lifetime. In today's busy and technology-filled world, that is more important than ever!
WHY I WAS INTIMIDATED
Before this experience, I was under the impression that camping with kids would be stressful, exhausting and expensive. I was convinced it would not be worth it while the kids were so young and overall not fun for us parents. I am a classic over-thinker and I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed by the idea of camping with kids because I literally had no camping gear. However, now that I have camped as a parent, I can promise you that it is so much easier than I imagined.
One thing I learned is that you don’t need nearly as much as you think you do. You don’t need to plan elaborate activities for the kids. You don’t need to go somewhere exotic. Your gear doesn’t need to be expensive. Camping with kids is not only easy, but really fun for everyone! Each time has not only gotten easier, but given me more experience under my belt. Here are my best tips for camping with kids:
START SMALL & TAKE IT SLOW
If you are wanting to give camping a try or don't have much experience, it pays to start small. You don't have to overthink it! You could try getting your feet wet by going with friends who have a bit of experience or even booking a glamping site. These often give you the luxuries of bathrooms, showers, tables, grills, fire pits, linens, utensils, etc. So while you still get a feel for it, it takes off some of the pressure.
If you will be tent camping, bear in mind this will require much more preparation and gear. Not only will you need to be able to fit all of it in your vehicle, but but be familiar with how everything works and goes together. For our most recent tent camping trip, I did a trial run and put the tent up in the backyard because we had never used it before and I didn't want to be in a bind once we got there. I highly recommend testing everything you will be bringing in advance, especially if it is new or hasn't been used in a while.
It's also important to remember to take your time - everything takes at least twice as long to do when camping - from pitching the tent to getting dressed, allow plenty of time and try not to do too much at once, it will only lead to frustration.
SITE SELECTION IS IMPORTANT
Back in the day when we would camp with my ex partner, it was much easier to do bigger camping trips like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone because there was another adult to share the weight and responsibilities. As a single mom taking the kids camping, this has changed a little bit. My advice is to keep it manageable for your situation and the ages of your children.
Do some research ahead of time for different family-friendly options in your area. My family enjoys KOA campsites. Not only are these designed more for kids and families, but often times will have plenty of other children around to play with and lots of activities to keep them entertained and busy. The last KOA we tent camped at had a pool, mini golf, giant slides, a playground, dog parks, crafts, a pancake breakfast, tractor rides and other nightly group activities. My kids had a total blast and stayed busy the entire time!
Another consideration is campsites that are near water. While water recreation like fishing, swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding can be a lot of fun, this may not be ideal if you have younger kids or everyone doesn't know how to swim.
PLANNING IS KEY
As is usually the case when doing just about anything with kids haha. Lists are an essential when it comes to camping with children! From snacks, food, bedding, clothing, gear. The last thing you want is to forget something important.
Be sure to keep a close eye on the weather and forecast. While this can always change on a whim, but it is important to be prepared for just about anything. This means long sleeves and warmer clothes for at night if it gets chilly, rain and waterproof gear, swimsuits, plenty of extra changes of clothes for when things get wet or dirty.
It helps to look ahead for what (if anything) will be included at your campsite. For instance, this past trip there was a fire pit and grill, so to save room I left our travel camping stove at home but still needed cooking equipment, plastic wear, paper plates, paper towels, etc.. With the fire pit I knew we would need supplies like firewood, a lighter, fire starter or accelerant and skewers for hot dogs and smores. If you are opting for a glamping setup, they will usually furnish a lot of these items and linens but it helps to know-before-you-go. A lot of campgrounds we have stayed at will have a small store if you accidentally forget or need more of anything, which is super convenient.
While being prepared is a must, I still highly recommend keeping it light! The last thing you want to do is haul and set up a bunch of unnecessary things that won't even get touched.
BRING PLENTY OF SNACKS
This has rang true from the toddler to the teenage years. Fresh air and being active makes kids hungry. I always prepare a tub of easy, grab-and-go items that everyone likes. Things like chips, fruit, trail mix and nuts, crackers, beef jerky, popcorn, juice, Gatorade, plenty of water to stay hydrated. I avoid things that are chocolate-or yogurt- coated, as these can melt easily and create a big mess.
For meals, I suggest keeping it simple! Hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes are a few of our go-to camping foods. For those that are vegetarian or have special dietary needs, think anything you can easily cook on a grill.
Of course you can't forget the smores~ this is probably my kid's favorite part! Marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey bars are a must.
BE FLEXIBLE
Camping is a time to get away from the noise and relax in nature. Don't stress yourself out too much by being rigid with the plans and routines. Be prepared to ditch plans and just chill on site. This could be anything from sleeping arrangements, bed and nap times. Or even inclement weather~ we've had times where the afternoon showers have rolled in and we were cuddled up in the tent or cabin playing board and card games until it passed.
CAMP LIKE A CHAMP LIST
My kids are teens and older now, but all of our camping trips have needed most of the same essentials. Here are some top items I suggest bringing along and what my family's list looks like:
Gear
-Tent with a rain fly
-Stakes and a mallet
-Rope
-Sleeping Bags
-Blankets
-Pillows
-Towels
-Air Mattress and pump (if sleeping on the ground isn't for you)
-Camping Chairs
-Fold Up Table
-Sun Shelter/Shade Protection
-Hammock
-Tarps
-Flashlights/Light Source & Spare Batteries
Food/Meals
-Camping Stove & Mini Propane Tanks
-Camping Skillets/Pans
-Metal Tongs, Spatula, Cooking Utensils
-Paper Plates, Bowls, Plastic Wear
-Paper Towels/Napkins
-Trash Bags
-Food of Choice (Don't forget the snacks and things like pickles, buns, condiments, seasonings, smore stuff, etc.)
-A Cooler and Dry Food Storage
-Ice
Extras/Miscellaneous
-Fully Stocked First Aid Kit
-Sunscreen
-Bug Spray/Insect Repellant
-Life Vests (If doing water or pool activities)
-Clothing (light layers, swim suits, waterproof items, tennis shoes, socks, underwear, sandals, warmer stuff for night. Extras are always good for kids and camping gets messy!)
-Firewood
-Fire Starter/Accelerant and Matches or a Lighter
-Games & Activities (card games, sand toys, coloring or activity books, water toys, etc.)
-Glowsticks (my kids love these for at night)
-Plastic Ziploc Bags
-Toilet Paper
-Toiletries (if showers are available things like travel soaps and shampoos, flip flops, extra towels)
-Portable Chargers and Cords
**I highly recommend avoiding cosmetics and fragrant products. Not only can these melt and get ruined, but the extra scented stuff can attract more insects and lead to bug bites.
If camping with your kids is something you've wanted to try GO FOR IT! It's all in the planning and preparation. Overall, camping with kids is so much more fun and easier than I ever imagined. All you have to do it go and have fun! If you are an anxious person like me, fight those feelings that tell you to fear everything. Try not to be a Debby Downer and kill the fun vibes while camping. Instead, give it a try and you’ll be sure to create some happy memories in nature with your kids and family. Make a list, bring the necessities (and a camera). But most importantly, RELAX AND HAVE FUN!
For more tips, tricks and fun, visit The Single Mama Chronicles on Facebook or Instagram. Or drop a comment below with your best family camping advice and stories. I'd love to hear from other moms :)
~Melissa
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