Camping with kids sounds like a fun idea—until you realize you forgot the marshmallows, someone’s cold, and nobody wants to sleep. If you’ve ever tried wrangling bedtime in a tent while digging for extra socks, you know the chaos is real. But it doesn’t have to be.
With a little planning and the right gear, camping with your kids can be something you look forward to. It doesn’t need to be fancy or complicated. Just a few smart choices can make the experience smooth, cozy, and actually enjoyable. Let’s start with the most important one: your tent.
1. Choose a Tent That Actually Works for Families
A good tent makes or breaks your trip. If you’re squeezing into a small, low tent with no space to move around, expect grumpy faces—yours included. When camping with kids, comfort and room matter more than ever. You want something tall enough to stand in, strong enough to handle wind, and roomy enough to fit everyone without stepping on each other’s stuff.
For families who want plenty of space, durability, and warmth, a wall tent is a great option. Wall tents often come with full 5-foot walls, built-in stove jacks, and strong canvas that can handle any season. Some even include features like reinforced corners, free back doors or windows, and heavy-duty vinyl flooring—all designed for comfort and safety. The Wall Tent Shop offers models that ship quickly, have no sales tax, and come with features other brands charge extra for.
If you’re serious about family camping and plan to go more than once a year, investing in a quality tent upfront makes the experience easier for everyone.
2. Keep the First Trip Short and Simple
There’s no rule that says your first camping trip has to be a week-long mountain adventure. Start small. A one-night stay at a local campsite is perfect. It helps you and your kids get used to the routine without being stuck if something goes wrong.
Look for spots with basic amenities—bathrooms, picnic tables, maybe even a playground. You’ll be glad to have those comforts close by while still getting the outdoor experience.
If you’re within an hour or two of home, even better. That way, if the weather turns or the baby won’t stop crying, it’s easy to pack up early without stress.
3. Pack the Essentials—And Then Some
With kids, there’s no such thing as overpacking. Bring more snacks than you think you need. Toss in an extra hoodie, a backup flashlight, and an emergency toy.
Stick to the basics—sunscreen, bug spray, wipes, first aid kit—but also think about comfort. Foam sleeping pads make a big difference. A folding table helps with meals. And don’t forget bedtime items like favorite stuffed animals or storybooks.
If you’re not sure whether to bring it, bring it. Kids don’t do well when they’re cold, bored, or hungry—and camping is full of those moments if you’re not prepared.
4. Make Bedtime Easy
Bedtime at home is one thing. In a tent, it’s a whole new challenge. The trick is to keep things as familiar as possible. Stick to the usual routine—brush teeth, read a book, tuck in. It helps kids wind down, even in a new setting.
Bring cozy blankets or sleeping bags they’ve used before. You can even toss in a small nightlight or clip-on lantern if darkness makes them nervous.
Also, think about noise. Campsites aren’t always quiet. A white noise machine (or even a phone app) can block out strange sounds and help everyone sleep.
5. Keep Kids Busy with Simple Fun
You don’t need a full schedule of activities. Most kids will find their own fun if you let them. But having a few ideas in your back pocket helps.
Try nature bingo, rock painting, or a scavenger hunt. Bring bubbles or a frisbee. You could even let them help with small tasks like setting up camp chairs or filling water bottles.
At night, glow sticks and flashlights become instant entertainment. Create a “firefly jar” with glow sticks inside a plastic container. It’s safe, fun, and keeps little hands busy while you prep dinner or relax by the fire.
6. Teach Basic Camp Safety Early
Camping is a great chance to teach kids about safety and responsibility. Don’t wait for something to go wrong—set ground rules early.
Show them what’s off-limits. Point out the stove, fire pit, sharp tools, or any gear they shouldn’t touch. Use simple instructions like, “This is hot,” or “Stay behind this line.”
Assign safe, age-appropriate tasks so they feel involved. Younger kids can carry sticks or unpack snacks. Older ones might help hammer in tent stakes or collect firewood.
Keeping them engaged helps reduce boredom—and risky behavior that comes from having nothing to do.
7. Expect (and Laugh at) the Chaos
Let’s be honest. Something will go wrong. A kid will fall in the mud. Someone will hate dinner. The baby will nap right before bedtime.
That’s okay.
The best thing you can do is stay flexible. Laugh it off. Camping with kids is messy, unpredictable, and unforgettable. Don’t stress over the small stuff. Focus on the moments that make you smile—silly campfire stories, morning cuddles, or your kid’s face when they spot their first deer.
You’re not just camping—you’re making memories. And those don’t need to be perfect to be special.
Camping with kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tent, a little planning, and a laid-back attitude, you can actually enjoy the experience. Start small, stay prepared, and remember—every trip gets easier with practice. Bring extra snacks, stay flexible, and don’t forget to laugh through the chaos. The outdoors has a way of bringing families closer, even when things get a little wild. Soon enough, your kids will be the ones asking you when the next camping trip is. And when that happens, you’ll know you did something right.
