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Camping With Kids #1: How to Start Camping With Kids

Thinking about your first family camping trip but overwhelmed by the thought of gear, naps, and meltdowns in the woods? This guide walks you through the easiest way to get started with camping — especially if you have toddlers or young kids — and how to enjoy the outdoors without chaos.

Start Camping with kids

🧭 1. Is Your Family Actually Ready for Camping?

Before you book that campsite, ask yourself a few honest questions:

  • Has your child ever slept somewhere other than home?

  • Are you okay with dirt, bugs, and the occasional mess?

  • Do you enjoy being outside… even when it’s not perfect weather?

  • Can you handle adjusting nap or meal schedules on the fly?

You don’t have to be a seasoned camper or own a bunch of gear to start — but you do need the right mindset: flexible, patient, and okay with imperfection.

If you're nodding yes to most of the above, you're ready for your first trip — even if it’s just one night.

⛺ 2. Choose Your Camping Style: Tent, Car, RV, or Glamping?

When you’re camping with kids, your camping style can make or break the trip.

Style Best For Pros Cons
Tent Camping Kids over 3, nature lovers Budget-friendly, immersive More set-up, less comfort
Car Camping Families with babies or toddlers Easy access to gear & car naps Less “wild” feel
RV Camping Larger families or first-timers Built-in beds, toilets, A/C Expensive to rent/buy
Glamping Parents who want comfort Pre-set tents, beds, sometimes kitchens Not as rustic (and can be pricey)

Tip: Try one-night glamping or car camping first to ease into the experience.

📋 3. What to Expect (and Accept) on Your First Trip

Camping with kids isn’t like your pre-kid adventures. Your trip may look like:

  • Someone crying over a lost sock

  • Bedtime taking an hour longer

  • Waking up at sunrise because “the birds are too loud”

And yet… it will also look like:

  • Your child dancing barefoot in the grass

  • S’mores-sticky hands under a star-filled sky

  • Moments of pure, tech-free wonder

The magic and the mess go together. Accept both.

🧰 4. Starter Gear List for First-Time Families

No need to buy everything at once. Here's what you actually need:

For Sleeping:

  • Family-size tent (rent or borrow if you can)

  • Sleeping bags (or blankets from home)

  • Sleeping pads or air mattress

  • Flashlights or headlamps (kids love these)

For Eating:

  • Cooler with meals/snacks prepped in advance

  • Water bottles + baby/toddler sippy cups

  • Mess kit: reusable plates, forks, baby spoons

  • Baby chair or booster seat

For Hygiene:

  • Wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small towel

  • Toothbrushes, biodegradable soap

  • Diapers, pull-ups, or travel potty (if needed)

Tip: Do a “backyard test night” to try out your gear before you go.

🚗 5. Plan a Low-Stress First Trip: 1 Night, Close to Home

Your first trip should be simple:

  • One night only

  • Within 1–2 hours from home

  • Drive-up campsite with a bathroom

  • Shade + level ground + space for kids to play

This isn’t the time to be adventurous. The goal: Build confidence for both you and your kids.

Bonus: If things fall apart, you can always pack up and head home.

🧒 6. How to Prep Your Kids for Camping

Camping is exciting… but unfamiliar. Ease your child in:

  • Read books about camping (“Maisy Goes Camping” is great for toddlers)

  • Watch YouTube videos of families camping together

  • Practice sleeping in a sleeping bag

  • Take a “gear tour” at home and let kids help pack

Empower them with small roles: flashlight carrier, snack helper, campsite explorer.

💡 7. Keep Expectations Low and Joy High

Your tent won’t look perfect. You’ll probably forget something.
The baby might nap in the car instead of in the tent.

And it’s okay.

Camping with kids is about exposure, not perfection. It’s about learning together.
Even if everything goes wrong, you’ve taken the first step toward years of outdoor family memories.

✅ Quick Checklist: Your First-Time Family Camping Essentials

Category Must-Haves
Shelter Tent, stakes, sleeping bags, mats
Food Cooler, water, snacks, simple meals
Safety First-aid kit, flashlight, wipes
Kids Extra clothes, comfort toy, sunhat
Parents Coffee gear (you’ll thank yourself)

📌 Up Next:

Part 2 – Family-Friendly Campsite Selection: What Really Matters

Choosing the right campsite isn’t just about the view — it’s about restrooms, safety, shade, and kid-friendly surroundings. In Part 2, we’ll cover how to filter through hundreds of options to find the best one for your family.