There’s nothing quite like bonding with your family in the great outdoors. Nowadays, peeling your kids away from their electronic devices and getting them outside can be stressful. Starting your children camping at a young age is a fantastic way to foster their love for nature. The more positive experiences and exposure they have in the outdoors, the more likely they are to engage in outdoor activities and develop a respect for the environment.
Your family deserves a fun, safe, and memorable camping experience. That’s why we’ve compiled some tips for camping with kids. We’ll cover everything from practical tips, bathroom solutions, what to pack, and more.
Practice Camping at Home First
Just like learning at school, kids need opportunities to practice. That’s why you should consider practicing camping at home. This can be a fun way to help your kids build confidence and familiarity with the camping process. Let them contribute to the work that goes into camping – your kids can learn to pack, pitch the tent, cook, and even go to the bathroom outside with your outdoor camping toilet.
This is also a great time to review safety rules and camping etiquette. As you play, chat about how to respect nature with leave-no-trace principles. You can also talk through what to do in an emergency and the importance of staying with the group.
Practicing at home will help your kids understand the camping responsibilities while reminding you of the importance of taking things slow. Trust us, things take twice as long when you bring your kids along!
Watch the Weather and Adjust Expectations (and Packing) Accordingly
I know. You probably envision making the perfect s’mores and stargazing with your family. But remember, even if your trip is spent in your tent cracking jokes and playing cards, it’s time well spent with your family.
If the weather is expected to be less than ideal, consider investing in appropriate weather gear. When you have the right clothes, any weather can be great weather. Bring rain gear for spring and summer or extra blankets and hand warmers for winter. Tarp setups can create dry areas for cooking and playing in case of rain or snow.
And don’t forget the layers! Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating mid-layers for warmth, and finish with waterproof outer layers if needed.
Choose the Right Campsite
Choosing the right campsite for your family can be tricky. But there are resources out there to help you refine your search. REI has resources like Where Can I Camp? to help you navigate national parks and private campgrounds. Recreation.gov has resources that allow you to filter by amenities and activities that work best for your family.
Plan Ahead
You know your family best. Think through some of the potential challenges and make a plan to mitigate the impacts. For example, if you are in the middle of potty training, you’ll need to bring extra clothes and maybe even some extra WAG bags for those uh-oh potty moments. You might have a teen who wants some extra privacy – pack an additional tent and earplugs so they can sleep in a little later.
Also, think about what makes your kid the most comfortable. What daily routines do you engage in, and how can you recreate that at your campsite? Anticipating challenges can make the trip more enjoyable (and less stressful) for the whole family.
Plus, the mandatory safety plug: have a first aid kit on hand and make sure your kids understand basic safety rules. Teach them to stay close to the campsite and to be cautious around fires or water.
Cook Together
Meal prep can be a fun bonding experience for the whole family. Cooking together teaches valuable skills and adds to the overall adventure.
And don’t forget the snacks. Kids can get hungry and restless, so bring some of their favorite non-perishable snacks to keep their energy levels up. This is an excellent opportunity to teach your kids about food storage to avoid attracting animals. It also keeps your campsite clean.
Prioritize Hygiene: Portable Travel Toilets for Camping and Hiking
With fewer restroom facilities in remote areas, we highly recommend bringing a portable outdoor toilet with you. This allows quick, private bathroom breaks while minimizing environmental impact. Plus, when you utilize portable toilet bags for camping, you’ll avoid a smelly situation without compromising the environment. You can thank us later. Plan on packing 2 WAG bags per day per person.
But what is the best portable toilet for camping? Cleanwaste – the creator of The Original WAG BAG® – has the best outdoor portable toilets on the market. They offer a variety of WAG bag options, camping commodes, and privacy shelters to help make going to the bathroom much more comfortable when nature calls.
Always follow local guidelines for waste disposal to ensure you’re leaving no trace behind!
Packing Considerations: Special Touches
More gear doesn’t equal a better camping experience. But a few special touches can help make camping more enjoyable for your children. Consider bringing flashlights, glowsticks, or headlamps for your kids to navigate the dark, making them more comfortable. Pack along any small games or even a deck of cards. You could even consider including a small comfort item like a favorite toy or blanket to help them feel more at home.
Don’t forget to bring a camera or use your phone to document your adventures. You’ll be creating lasting memories of your family trips.
Happy Camping!
Incorporating these tips will help create a fun and stress-free camping experience for your family, fostering a love for the great outdoors and giving you a break from the everyday pressures of staying connected. Unplug, embrace the adventure, and cherish the moments together while creating lasting memories on your next camping trip!
