How To Stay Safe And Have Fun While Camping With Kids

Camping with kids isn’t the same thing as going on a family vacation. But if you’re prepared, it can be just as fun (and even more so) than any other trip you’ve ever taken together.

By packing ahead of time and making sure your kids are familiar with basic camping skills, like setting up a tent or cooking over an open fire, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your time off in nature together—without worrying about unexpected things coming up.

So here’s how I prep for a camping trip with my little ones:

Camping Safety How to Protect Yourself and the Environment

Takeaways
Plan ahead and involve your kids in the planning process to get them excited about the trip.
Pack appropriately for your trip, including proper clothing, bedding, food, water, and essential supplies like a first aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Keep your family safe by practicing wilderness safety, setting up camp away from hazards, teaching your kids about wildlife safety, and staying hydrated and protected from the sun.
Choose a family-friendly campground with amenities like playgrounds, kid-friendly activities, and clean, safe facilities.
Be prepared for emergencies by having a plan in place, staying calm, and having a first aid kit on hand.

Pack a First Aid Kit

Include bandages, antiseptics and pain relievers.

Include a thermometer in case someone gets sick or has an allergic reaction to something they eat or touch while camping.

Pack a first aid manual so you have all the information you need on hand when an accident happens that requires immediate attention from you or another adult at campground in order for them to know what steps to take next (such as CPR).

In addition to these items above, it’s also important for every family member who will be going camping with children over age four years old should have their own personal first aid kit packed into their backpack just in case something happens while hiking through nature trails or exploring caves where there may be poisonous snakes lurking around nearby rocks waiting patiently until someone comes along so they can attack without anyone knowing until too late!

Make sure each member carries his/her own personal kit because some types of snake bites require immediate medical attention within 15 minutes after being bitten because if not treated quickly enough then death could occur within 24 hours duelling against nature’s greatest predator – our own human race!

Glamping with kids can be a fun and safe way to enjoy the great outdoors as a family. Our guide on how to make it fun and safe for the whole family offers tips and tricks to make your glamping trip with kids even more enjoyable.

Bring a Flashlight and Extra Batteries

When you’re out in the woods, it’s easy to get lost. It’s a good idea to bring along a flashlight–and extra batteries. The flashlight should be waterproof and bright enough to see by in the dark.

You want your kids’ camping gear to be durable, portable and easy-to-use so they can enjoy their time outside without worrying about breaking anything or getting frustrated with their stuff.

Essential Camping Gear: Flashlights and Batteries

Item	Brand	Description
Flashlight	Maglite Mini Pro	Compact and durable LED flashlight with a powerful beam and long battery life.
Headlamp	Petzl Actik Core	High quality, rechargeable headlamp with adjustable brightness and a comfortable fit.
Extra Batteries	Energizer Ultimate Lithium	Long-lasting and reliable AAA or AA batteries that can withstand extreme temperatures and last up to 20 years in storage.
Battery Charger	Nitecore i4	Multi-slot, intelligent battery charger with automatic detection of battery type and charging speed.

This table provides some recommendations for essential camping gear related to flashlights and batteries. These items can help you navigate your campsite in the dark, keep your devices powered, and provide additional safety in case of emergencies.

Create Emergency Kits for Everyone

First Aid Kit

Flashlight and Batteries, Whistle, Water.
Change of Clothes for Everyone in Your Camping Party.
Cell Phone Charger for Each Member of Your Family (If You Have One).

Sun Hat and Sunscreen for Each Person Going on the Trip. If you’re going camping in a hot climate or even just during summer months, it’s important to make sure everyone has access to shade and sunscreen so they don’t get sunburned or heatstroke while they’re having fun!

Sun hats are also great because they help shield your face from harmful rays while still being able to enjoy yourself outdoors as much as possible without worrying about getting burned by UV radiation every time you step outside your tent door into direct sunlight exposure during peak hours on those days when temperatures hover around 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 C).

Planning a camping trip with your kids can be a rewarding experience for the whole family. Check out our guide on how to plan the perfect camping trip with your kids for expert advice on how to make your trip a success.

Create an Evacuation Plan

When you’re camping with kids, it’s important to have an evacuation plan. If there is an emergency, such as a fire or flood, it may be necessary to get out of the area quickly.

You should decide on a meeting place and make sure that everyone knows how to get there. You’ll also want to decide how you will communicate with each other in case one person gets separated from the group (phones don’t always work).

You might want to consider having more than one meeting place just in case something happens during your trip that prevents everyone from making their way back together on time–for example, if someone has hurt themselves or gotten lost somewhere else entirely.

Creating an Evacuation Plan for Your Camping Trip

Item	Brand	Description
GPS Device	Garmin eTrex 32x	Handheld GPS with high-resolution display and preloaded maps, perfect for navigating in remote areas.
Two-Way Radio	Motorola Talkabout T460	Weatherproof walkie talkies with a range of up to 35 miles and emergency alarm button.
Emergency Whistle	Fox 40 Classic	Pealess whistle with a loud, clear sound that can be heard over long distances.
Emergency Shelter	SOL Emergency Bivvy	Lightweight and compact emergency bivvy that reflects up to 90% of your body heat, helping to keep you warm in case of exposure.

This table provides some recommendations for creating an evacuation plan for your camping trip. These items can help you stay safe and prepared in case of emergencies, such as getting lost or stranded. The GPS device and two-way radio can help you communicate with others or track your location, while the emergency whistle and shelter can provide essential signaling and protection in case of exposure.

Set Up Phone Numbers on a Post-It Note

If you’re taking your kids camping, it’s important to set up phone numbers on a post-it note. Include emergency numbers, contact info for family and friends, contact info for campground staff (and local police, fire and ambulance services).

The last thing you want is to be in the middle of nowhere with no way to call anyone if something goes wrong!

Camping with kids can be a fun and memorable experience, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. Our guide on essential tips for camping with kids in the USA offers practical advice to help make your family camping trip a success.

Make a Garbage Bag Disposal Station

When you’re camping with kids, it’s important to keep your campsite clean. You can do this by creating a garbage bag disposal station:

Place plastic bags near the campsite and away from any food or water sources (and definitely not near the tent!)
Keep them out of reach of animals, who will be attracted to the scent of food inside and may tear through them in search of snacks!

Plan Activities In Advance

Planning activities in advance can be fun for kids and parents. It’s a great way to make sure you have everything you need, avoid last minute stress, and save money.

The best way to do this is by using a checklist. Checklists help keep track of what needs doing and when it needs doing, so that nothing slips through the cracks–and nobody gets left behind!

They also give children something concrete on which they can focus their attention instead of getting bored or restless while waiting around for something else (like dinner) to happen first before moving onto the next thing on their list of priorities at home each day like getting dressed or brushing their teeth before school starts at 7 AM sharp!

Finding the best campgrounds for families in the USA can be a daunting task. Luckily, our guide on the best campgrounds for families in the USA provides an expertly curated list of family-friendly campgrounds to make your decision-making process easier.

Plan for Sun Protection

As a parent, you can’t help but worry about the safety of your kids. But planning ahead and taking some simple precautions will go a long way toward keeping them healthy during their camping trip.

Sun Protection

The sun is one of the biggest threats when camping with kids. There are several ways to protect them from its harmful rays:

Wear sunscreen – Use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on all exposed skin, including lips and ears. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside for long periods of time (like when fishing). If you’re using spray sunscreen on young children, make sure they don’t inhale it! It’s also important not to forget about applying sunscreen under clothes; if possible wear long sleeves in the sun and always put on a hat before going outside.

Wear sunglasses – Sunglasses prevent UV rays from damaging your eyesight by filtering out 99% of harmful light waves.

Seek shade – The best way to avoid getting too much sun exposure is simply by seeking shade whenever possible; this includes staying indoors during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm (when UV radiation is strongest) or finding shelter under an umbrella while at campgrounds etc.”

Sun Protection Gear and Tips for Your Camping Trip

Item	Brand	Description
Sunscreen	Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch	Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 100+ and a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula.
Sun Hat	Columbia Bora Bora Booney	Wide-brimmed sun hat with UPF 50+ sun protection and a moisture-wicking sweatband.
Sunglasses	Oakley Holbrook	Stylish and durable sunglasses with polarized lenses that block harmful UV rays and glare.
Umbrella	Sport-Brella Versa-Brella	Portable and versatile umbrella with UPF 50+ sun protection that can be attached to a chair or stand on its own.
Sun Sleeves	Coolibar UPF 50+	Breathable and lightweight sun sleeves that provide full arm coverage and UPF 50+ sun protection.

This table provides some recommendations for sun protection gear and tips for your camping trip. These items can help you stay protected against harmful UV rays and avoid sunburn, heatstroke, or other sun-related health issues. The sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses can provide immediate protection against sun exposure, while the umbrella and sun sleeves can offer additional coverage in areas where shade is limited.

Have Bug Repellent On Hand

If you’re camping with kids, there’s a good chance that mosquitos, ticks and other insects will be a problem. Make sure to bring some bug spray or other insect repellent with you when heading out into the wilderness.

Apply it liberally to all exposed skin–the more skin that is covered by the repellent, the better! You should also make sure that any children in your party are wearing long sleeves and pants whenever possible to avoid being bitten by these pests (and don’t forget sunscreen!).

It’s also important to remember that not all insect repellents are safe for kids under six months old; check labels carefully before applying anything on younger children’s exposed skin

Camping safety should always be a top priority, especially when camping with kids. Our guide on camping safety: essential tips for a safe and fun trip includes tips and advice to ensure your camping trip is both fun and safe for you and your family.

Let Kids Choose Their Own Sleeping Gear and Shelter

Let your kids pick out their own sleeping bag, tent, or hammock. If they’re old enough to be responsible for themselves (and if you trust them), let them set up their own shelter and sleep in it at night.

This can help teach some important lessons about responsibility while giving kids a sense of pride over having built something themselves!

Let Kids Choose Their Own Snacks

There’s nothing worse than having a hungry kid who wants food but can’t have any because everyone else has already had theirs!

Make sure that everyone gets to eat what they want by letting kids choose which snacks they want before going on an outing together. This way no one gets left out or disappointed!

Conclusion

Camping with kids can be a great way to bond with your family and teach them about nature. With the right preparation, you’ll have a fun time in the outdoors without worrying about safety or comfort.

FAQs

What should I bring on a camping trip with kids?

When camping with kids, it’s important to bring plenty of supplies to keep them comfortable and safe. Some essentials include appropriate clothing, bedding, food, water, first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and activities to keep them entertained.

How do I choose a family-friendly campground?

When selecting a family-friendly campground, look for amenities like playgrounds, kid-friendly activities, and nearby attractions. You’ll also want to ensure the campground has clean and safe facilities, as well as a reputation for being a safe environment for families.

What safety precautions should I take when camping with kids?

When camping with kids, it’s important to take several safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on them at all times, teaching them about wildlife safety, setting up camp away from hazards like cliffs or bodies of water, and making sure they stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

How can I prepare my kids for a camping trip?

To prepare your kids for a camping trip, involve them in the planning process, teach them about wilderness safety, and practice camping at home in the backyard or setting up a tent in the living room. You can also read books or watch movies about camping to get them excited about the adventure.

What should I do in case of an emergency while camping with kids?

If there’s an emergency while camping with kids, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. Have a plan in place beforehand, such as a designated meeting spot or emergency contact, and make sure your kids know what to do in case of an emergency. Also, have a first aid kit on hand and know how to use it.

Hellen James

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!