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Last updated on June 28th, 2023 at 11:32 pm
Who remembers going camping with your family growing up and how much fun it was? Have you ever thought about how much effort your parents put into making that trip a success? Whether you are new to camping or not; camping with kids is a whole new experience.
Here are a few tips that will help make your next camping trip a little easier and an experience your children won’t forget!
Our Best Camping with Kids Hacks
Preparation is Key (Print our checklist.)
When it comes to camping with kids, you want to do your best to be prepared for any emergency. Cuts, bumps, or even burns are bound to happen during your trip. Safety is most important in these situations, be sure to have a fully stocked first aid kit.
Don’t forget about other necessities such as toiletries, sleeping bags, firestarter, weather-appropriate clothing, and gear. Bringing a tent is always a good idea, even if you’re not planning on using one. Additional lighting will be a great help for any nighttime activities. Consider solar panel light strings, glow sticks, and even headlamps as camper-friendly options.
You’re going to be cooking most if not all of your meals at your campsite, so plan ahead with ready-to-go meals. Be sure to pack plates, utensils, and napkins and check with the campground for barbeques or other amenities.
If these are not available, you may need to pack a camping stove or a portable kitchen. Likewise, bring A LOT of water. You’re going to need water to drink, to clean up after your meals, to wash your hands, to cook, and maybe even to bathe.
Pro tip: Pick up our camping checklists to make sure you have everything you need. And then, pack your gear in clear bins to make it easier to see what you have and stay organized.
Read:
Camping for Beginners (Our 5 Best Tips) + Print Your Camping Checklist
The Ultimate Family Camping Trip Checklist: 20 Items You Need
Camping Scavenger Hunt (Free Printable)
Upgrade Your Campsite
While camping with kids may be tough, setting up a campsite while watching your kids can be challenging in itself.
The ultimate hack when it comes to camping with littles is creating a stress-free setup. Think about skipping the tent altogether, and consider renting a camper, an RV, or even purchasing a permanent site.
If camping is a family hobby where you anticipate spending a lot of your free time, a permanent site might be worth looking into, and many people are opting to take a more modern approach to camping.
You may even be considering purchasing your own RV. Upgrading from a tent to an RV is a big investment, so consider your options to help make this decision one that you are comfortable with.
An investment of this size may not be something you can do immediately unless you have been building a savings account or have extra money set aside for this purpose. That means you’ll probably have to look into a few other options.
If you’re interested in making this investment you could look into financing, saving for a few more years, or even taking out a home equity line of credit to help cover some of the initial costs. A home equity line of credit allows you to borrow against the equity you have built within your home. This cash loan can be used for various expenses including a down payment toward your new permanent camping lot or an RV.
An terrific perk of owning an RV or permanent campsite is that you will have the opportunity to utilize your favorite campground all year long. You can leave the packing stress behind by taking advantage of your new home-away-from home as permanent storage for all of your camping gear.
A great way to get the most out of your investment would be to rent out the space or your RV when you’re not actively using it, creating an additional source of income.
Keep the Kids Entertained
Before deciding where you want to stay, be sure to do some research, and find a kid-friendly campsite. These campgrounds tend to have planned activities and events to help keep your children entertained. In addition to attending on-site events, you may want to bring your own entertainment too.
If you’re camping with very little ones, bring a pack-and-play as a designated play area. For older kids, consider bringing an additional tent. This could be a small inexpensive tent where the primary purpose is to provide your kids with an area to socialize.
Some entertainment to consider is sports equipment such as baseballs, mitts, bats, soccer balls, footballs, and any additional equipment for your favorite sports.
Bikes are a fun way for your kids to get around the campground, and a great way to help familiarize yourself with the campground. And, you can explore nature with a simple scavenger hunt.
Camping is a natural way to introduce your kids to the great outdoors and encourage time unplugged. Exploring nature, relaxing, and spending time as a family is an important part of your child’s camping experience.
While camping with young children may add a little stress to your getaway, be prepared, have fun, and create lasting memories your kids won’t soon forget.
Are you a camper? What are your best camping with kids hacks? Share them in the comments below.
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