Camping with kids can be a lot of fun. It’s an opportunity for everyone to get out into nature, enjoy the great outdoors, and learn more about our planet. Plus, it’s a great way to spend some quality time together as a family!
As with any trip with children, though, planning is key. You’ll want to find the right campsite (and make sure it has facilities you need), get all your gear together beforehand so you don’t end up buying things at the last minute (or worse: forgetting them altogether).
And if you have young children who aren’t yet independent campers but still want to come along on their first camping trip? Well then planning will become even more important!
The good news is that once you’ve figured out how much stuff you need and where exactly your family should go… well then it’s just about making sure everyone has fun while doing so. In this article we’ll discuss how to plan a camping trip that’ll be fun for everyone involved!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Camping can be an enjoyable and budget-friendly way to spend time outdoors. |
| Proper planning and research can help make camping trips more comfortable and efficient. |
| Safety should always be a top priority when camping, including choosing a safe campsite and packing a first-aid kit. |
| Investing in quality gear and equipment can make camping trips more enjoyable and comfortable. |
| It’s important to be respectful of nature and practice Leave No Trace principles while camping. |
Find A Great Campsite
Choosing a campsite is the most important step in planning your camping trip. There are many things to consider when choosing a campsite, but the most important thing is that you find one that is safe and accessible.
You should also try to find a campsite that’s close to water, but not too close. It’s better if you don’t have to walk too far just so your kids can go swimming or fishing!
Finally, look for views of mountains or forests so there’s something beautiful for everyone in your family. It doesn’t matter how far away it is if there isn’t anything interesting around for everyone else besides just trees (which may not even be tall enough)
Having a great time on a camping trip doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out our article on affordable camping tips and tricks to learn how to plan a budget-friendly outdoor adventure.
Get All The Gear You’ll Need
Make sure you have all the gear you’ll need. It’s easy to forget something crucial when packing for a camping trip, but don’t let that happen! Make sure you have everything on this list:
- Tent and sleeping bag or pad
- First aid kit (and know how to use it)
- Water purification tablets (for drinking water)
- Fire starter (or matches/lighters)
Essential Gear for Camping
| Type of Gear | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|
| Tent | REI Co-op, The North Face, Big Agnes |
| Sleeping Bag | Western Mountaineering, NEMO, Kelty |
| Sleeping Pad | Therm-a-Rest, Exped, Sea to Summit |
| Camp Stove | MSR, Jetboil, Primus |
| Water Filter | Sawyer, Platypus, Katadyn |
| Headlamp | Black Diamond, Petzl, Princeton Tec |
| First-Aid Kit | Adventure Medical Kits, REI Co-op, LifeStraw |
Note: This table includes some recommended brands for each type of gear, but there are many other quality brands available. The key is to do research and choose gear that meets your needs and budget.
Plan What To Bring (And What Not To)
Planning what to bring is a big part of any camping trip. You don’t want to run out of food or water, and you definitely don’t want to be stuck without basic necessities if something goes wrong.
- Bring extra food and drinks for unexpected guests. If someone shows up at your campsite unannounced, it’s good to have some extras on hand so that no one goes hungry or thirsty while waiting for another meal opportunity.
- Bring extra food in case of an emergency situation or just plain bad weather (like rain). This way, everyone will have enough calories until they can get home again!
- Pack a first aid kit with bandages, gauze pads and other medical supplies; consider bringing along antibiotics too just in case someone gets injured while hiking through the wilderness or playing Frisbee with friends! You should also include sunscreen lotion so everyone stays protected from harmful UV rays during long days outdoors without shade trees nearby where they could cool off by climbing into them while resting under their branches
Safety should always be a top priority when camping. Our article on common camping safety mistakes and how to avoid them provides tips and advice to ensure you stay safe on your next camping trip.
Find A Buddy
You may think that you can handle all of this alone, but it’s important to have someone at your side to help with the kids and cooking, as well as keep an eye on them while they play in the woods.
If you have more than one child, try and find someone who has an extra tent or two so they can sleep with their children and let yours get some rest (and peace).
You’ll also want someone who knows how to start a fire and set up camp in case anything goes wrong–there’s nothing worse than being stuck outside without any food or shelter!
Outdoor Companion Finder
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| REI Co-op Adventure Center | Connect with other outdoor enthusiasts through REI’s online community and in-person events. |
| Backpackr | This social app is designed to help solo travelers find new friends and companions on their adventures. |
| Meetup | Join local meetup groups that focus on hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities to connect with like-minded individuals. |
| Amino Apps | These social apps offer communities focused on specific outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, and backpacking. |
| Bumble BFF | This feature of the dating app Bumble allows users to find new friends in their area, including potential outdoor adventure companions. |
Note: This table includes some online platforms and social apps that can help you find a buddy for your outdoor adventures, but there are many other options available. Always take proper safety precautions when meeting with strangers online or in person.
Map It Out Before You Go.
Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have a plan. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without enough water or food.
- Map out your route beforehand and check weather forecasts for any potential storms or extreme temperatures. You may need to adjust your plans if there’s going to be rain or heat waves during your trip!
Make sure all necessary equipment is packed into each car: sleeping bags, tents (and tent poles), flashlights with extra batteries and chargers if needed, first aid kits…the list goes on!
Check out the campsite’s website for information about rules and regulations as well as activities available at the campground such as swimming pools or playgrounds for kids’ enjoyment during their stay at campgrounds located near lakeside areas where swimming might take place during daytime hours due to heat waves caused by global climate change trends affecting weather patterns around us today).
If you’re looking for more places to go camping, check out our guide to the best camping spots in America. From the mountains to the coast, we’ve got you covered!
Organize Games And Activities
Games and activities are a must for kids’ camps. They can be used to keep your group entertained during down time, as well as help pass the time between meals, activities and sleep.
If you don’t have any games or activities planned ahead of time, you might find yourself scrambling at the last minute to come up with something fun for everyone to do together.
It’s important that whatever games or activities you choose are age appropriate–this means different things depending on what age group of child(ren) will be participating in them!
For example: A game like hide-and-seek might seem like fun for older children but could be disastrous if played by toddlers who cannot yet understand how to play safely without getting hurt (or worse). You also want whatever game or activity will keep everyone engaged while being something they enjoy doing so they don’t get bored after just one round!
Fun Games and Activities for Camping
| Game/Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Spikeball | A fun and fast-paced game that involves hitting a ball onto a circular net. Great for four players. |
| KanJam | A two-on-two frisbee game where players try to hit the opposing team’s goal. |
| Cornhole | A classic lawn game that involves tossing bean bags onto a raised platform with a hole in it. |
| Cards Against Humanity | A hilarious and sometimes inappropriate card game that is great for groups. |
| Scavenger Hunt | A fun activity for kids and adults alike that involves searching for specific items in nature. |
| Charades | A classic party game that is easy to play around the campfire. |
| Ghost Stories | A classic camping tradition that is perfect for spooky nights around the fire. |
Note: This table includes some popular games and activities for camping, but there are many other options available. Bring along games and activities that suit your interests and the size of your group. Remember to always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect nature while playing games and participating in activities.
Take Advantage Of Your Surroundings
As you plan your trip, take advantage of the natural environment to inspire crafts and activities. You can use sticks, rocks, leaves, pinecones and other items to create art. The kids will have fun exploring their surroundings and learning about nature as they create their masterpieces!
You can also use the natural environment as inspiration for storytelling or games. For example: “If I were a bear sleeping in this cave would I wake up if we disturb it?” Then give each child a stick and see who can wake up the sleeping bear without getting eaten by him/her first!
Planning the perfect camping trip requires a lot of thought and preparation. Our article on expert tips for planning the perfect camping trip provides valuable insights to help you create an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Make It Fun For Everyone In The Family.
- Include everyone in the planning process.
- Try to make sure that you have activities for everyone in your family, including kids and adults.
- If you can’t find something that everyone will enjoy, try to find a compromise–for example, if one child wants to go on a hike while another wants swimming lessons at the lake, maybe there’s a way for them both to have their wishes granted!
Use Nature As Inspiration For Crafts And Activities
There are so many fun things you can make with the outdoors, including bird feeders, bug jars, flower crowns and more! You can use nature to make a fire pit or shelter too.
Want to take your camping experience to the next level? Check out our article on surprising camping trip hacks you need to know to learn how to make the most of your time in the great outdoors.
Conclusion
Remember, a camping trip can be a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to get out of the house and enjoy nature.
It’s also a great chance to bond with each other and create memories that will last forever. If you follow these tips and tricks, I guarantee that your children will have fun on their next camping trip!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for camping tips and inspiration:
The Planet D’s Ultimate Guide to Camping – This comprehensive guide to camping covers everything from choosing the right gear to setting up camp and cooking in the wilderness.
Chasing Trail’s List of Genius Camping Must-Haves – Looking for some gear and gadgets to make your camping experience even better? Check out this list of innovative camping products.
My Global Viewpoint’s Guide to Comfortable Camping – If you want to camp but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, this guide has plenty of tips on how to make your trip more comfortable.
FAQs
What are some essential items to bring on a camping trip?
Some essential items to bring on a camping trip include a tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, headlamp or flashlight, first-aid kit, and plenty of food and water.
How do I choose a good campsite?
Look for a flat, level spot that is at least 200 feet away from water sources and trails. Make sure the site is not too exposed to wind, and check for any hazards such as dead trees or animal tracks.
How do I start a campfire?
Choose a spot for your campfire that is away from any flammable materials. Build a ring of rocks around the fire site, and gather wood in different sizes (kindling, tinder, and fuel) to start the fire.
What are some safety tips for camping?
Some safety tips for camping include choosing a safe campsite, packing a first-aid kit, being prepared for weather changes, storing food and garbage away from your campsite, and making sure you have enough water and supplies.
How can I make my camping trip more enjoyable?
To make your camping trip more enjoyable, plan ahead, bring entertainment such as books or games, try new activities in nature, and take time to appreciate your surroundings. Don’t forget to also invest in comfortable gear and equipment.
I’m Hellen James, and I am a camping enthusiast. I’ve been camping since I was a kid and have always loved it the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, and the great outdoors. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things to do in the summer!
