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Every family has a different idea of what a camping vacation should be. For some, it’s all about
trekking into the wilderness and enjoying the simplicity of life with just the bare essentials. For
others, staying at a serviced campsite might just be a cheap way of having a holiday somewhere
new. Either way, making a tent your home-away-from-home can be great fun.
If it’s your first time camping as a family, you’ll probably want to choose a campsite rather than
roughing it in the wilds. Facilities vary widely so it pays to do a little research before you book. Most
sites have basic toilet and shower facilities but many go much further and offer electrical hook-
ups and even wireless internet. Some allow open fires or will have BBQs for campers to use. Others
might require campers to bring their own portable stoves.
For families with children who are old enough to be safe around them, picking a campsite that
allows open fires adds a little extra fun. Keep the flames low and contained- it’s safer and better for
cooking this way- and a good campfire will give you something to gather around in the evenings. You
can warm your hands and enjoy each other’s company and conversation. Ghost stories are optional!
Getting the kids to help prepare the evening meal over a fire will give them interesting something
to do after dark but on the other hand, parents with infants might prefer a no-fires campsite for
safety reasons. It is quite possible to cook a family meal on a gas camping stove. Although toasting
marshmallows over a gas burner just isn’t the same, stoves are also quicker. If you feel like a cup of
coffee or a hot chocolate to get you going on a chilly morning you’ll be able to have one.
Once you’ve decided on the kinds of facilities you want in a campsite (and remember, sometimes
less is more) it’s time to check locations. While most campsites are close to a National Park, a beach
or lake, or some other outdoor hotspot, it also pays to look for wet weather options. Are there
museums or cinemas within easy reach? If you really want an active family vacation look for a cave
tour operator, an indoor rock climbing gym, or a waterpark as a rainy day backup plan.
Making sure that there are a wide range of activities available nearby will also help the kids stay
upbeat about camping, even when they get cold or tired. There are plenty of sites that offer hiking,
cycle hire, fishing, wildlife watching, swimming and boating, and even horse riding. Plan a different
activity for each day and they’ll always go to bed excited about tomorrow.
There is one thing that will stop campers of all ages having fun quicker than anything else, and that’s
the cold. Make sure everyone in the family has an appropriate sleeping bag and mat- the sleeping
mat plays just as important a role in keeping a camper warm and comfy at night so it’s worth
choosing well. A great trick is to fill an empty bottle with hot (but not boiling) water. Pop it into an
old hiking sock and it’ll make a perfect hot water bottle to keep toes warm all night long.
Jess Spate writes for Appalachian Outdoors, a Pennsylvania-based online camping store.
awesome tips! we have considered taking our daughter camping for the first time… lol I’m more of a camper/cabin type person while hubby wants to rough it in a tent 🙂 we’ll see how that goes
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Great tips and I can remember when we were first time campers.
fabulous tips! hubby is taking my 5 year old and the teenager camping this summer… the 18 month old and I are heading out on our own adventure because he’s in wandering mode… so we need a way to keep him locked in at night…
I love camping in a campground with showers or I have to be in a camper with a potty and shower..LOL
Otherwise I’m more of a city girl ( shocker I know)
We are HUGE campers. Did some backwoods camping last month and carried in firewood, food, gear etc with our kids. Loved it!
Lots of special food treats also help make camping exciting and fun. They can be rewards for walking in the woods, distractions when dinner needs to be prepped, etc. Definitely take a trial run in the backyard. Camping is one big adventure to a kid.
We are taking our toddler on his first camping trip this summer!
We are taking our toddler on his first camping trip this summer!
Great tips! We’re hoping to take our boys camping this spring before it gets too hot (it’s already in the 70’s at night here). My youngest (2) hasn’t yet been camping and I think he and his brother would love it!
I am not a fan of camping but these are great tips. 🙂
Thanks so much for the tips Sam! I have a feeling this summer will be our first for family camping. It makes me nervous but I know Hubs is amped about it. I am a hotel kind of gal myself, heh 😀
Awesome post..I have never been camping. not a fan of bugs.
Minta
You left off the best camping tip of all –
Go to the camping store, buy a hammock, a tent, and whatever gear you love to rough it with. Hang the hammock and pitch the tent in your backyard and let the kids set up camp while you nap on your new hammock….it’ll be the best staycation ever…yay mom!
Lol…it is actually one of my kids favorite summer rituals. They need a new tent this year – following your link.
Don’t forget the smores 🙂