Camping Tips for Families
Thinking about camping with kids? This guide shares practical tips to make your family trip smooth, fun, and memorable.
In SHORT…
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Learn how a backyard dry run can build confidence and prep everyone for the real trip.
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Get a family-focused packing list to keep kids comfortable and stress-free outdoors.
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Discover ideas to keep kids engaged—from gear they’ll love to campsite activities that make the experience fun for the whole family.
Is Camping with Kids a Nightmare?
Well, it’s not exactly a walk in the park… unless that park is filled with mud, bugs, and a thousand “I’m bored” complaints. But let’s be real: camping with kids might feel like a circus sometimes. Especially when you’re trying to set up a tent while holding a toddler, keeping a baby from eating rocks, and praying your 10-year-old doesn’t get lost on the way to the bathroom.
However, the chaos and the constant need to remind them not to touch the fire or jump into a freezing cold lake? It all adds up to an adventure that brings unforgettable memories. Once the dust settles, or in this case, the dirt gets wiped off, you’ll see that the whole experience—quirks and all—is totally worth it. So, no, it’s not a nightmare. It’s just a bit of “organised chaos” wrapped in a lot of fun (and probably some sticky marshmallow hands).
At Trekitt, we think camping with kids is a way to bond, get lost in nature, and create memories that will get funnier every time you tell the story. It’s a great opportunity to teach your kids about the great outdoors, responsibility, and how to survive without WiFi for a weekend.
Camping with kids means you can unplug, escape the screens, and watch your little ones tap into their imagination, play in the dirt, and devise creative ways to complain about bugs. Sure, it might sound overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best tips for camping with kids to help you stay (mostly) sane and actually enjoy the chaos.
Best Tips For Camping with Kids- Practice at home first
Before heading into the great outdoors, do a “dry run” in your garden or even in the living room. Set up the tent together so the kids can get familiar with the space, the sleeping bags, and the general concept of sleeping in something other than their bed, cot, or crib.
This mini-adventure helps ease anxiety, builds excitement, and allows you to troubleshoot everything—from missing tent pegs to realising the sleeping mat is about as comfy as a yoga mat on concrete. It’s also a great way to check if your child’s bedtime routine survives the novelty of canvas walls and zip-up doors.
Bonus: you get to practice putting up the tent without the pressure of looming rainclouds or fading daylight!
“We’ve done this and it really helped to avoid stress when we went out for real. You may be a seasoned solo camper, but camping with kids can be a whole different ball game. Practising in the garden or at a friend’s house gives you a chance to test the gear and see how everyone sleeps—all within reach of a real bed!”
What do I need to go camping with my family? Packing Checklist
Camping with kids is like getting ready for a mini-expedition but with extra challenges like fighting over the last marshmallow. It takes a whole new level of preparation. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got the checklist to help you be ready for just about anything… Except that classic “I forgot my favourite toy” meltdown.
1. Tent Selection
When it comes to choosing a tent for camping with kids, space and practicality are key. You’ll need more than a place to sleep—you’re looking for a fortress that can handle the hustle and bustle of family life in the wild.
Size Matters
Opt for a tent with enough room for your whole family and all their “essential” items—like the ten stuffed animals, the soccer ball, and that one blanket with magical powers. A larger tent, such as a 5-6 person tents for a smaller family, will give everyone space to stretch out. While it’s not the worst thing if the kids roll into your space in the middle of the night, a bit of extra room can help everyone sleep more comfortably.
Separate Sleeping Areas
If you can find a tent with multiple rooms or partitions, consider it a golden find. Kids need their space (and you probably do, too). Having separate sleeping areas keeps things organised—your area is your area, and the kids can wreak havoc in their designated space.
Weather Resistance
You never know what the weather will throw at you—rain, wind, or that random cold front that makes it feel like winter in the middle of summer. Look for a tent with a durable, waterproof rainfly, strong seams, and solid stakes.
Ventilation
Kids tend to generate heat, and tents are known for trapping it. A tent with good ventilation (like windows or mesh panels) will allow for proper airflow and keep the interior from becoming a stuffy sauna.
Anti-Spill Features
While there’s no such thing as a 100% foolproof “anti-child-spilling-something-in-the-middle-of-the-night” feature, certain designs help mitigate this. Look for tents with raised floors or waterproof linings that make cleaning up spilt snacks, drinks, or mystery goo easier. Consider a tent with a vestibule where they can stash their shoes, bags, or that pile of dirt they were playing with earlier.
2. Sleeping Bags: Do They Need to Be Child-Sized?
Regarding sleeping bags for kids, size and comfort are crucial for ensuring a good night’s sleep—especially when you’re out in the wild.
Child-Sized Sleeping Bags
While it’s tempting to grab an adult-sized sleeping bag and let the kids “grow into it,” it’s usually better to go for one that’s child-sized. A properly sized sleeping bag will keep them warmer since there’s less empty space for heat to escape. Plus, it’ll be more comfortable, kids won’t have to deal with extra material bunching up around them, and it’ll be easier to move and wiggle around in the night.
Temperature Rating
Ensure the sleeping bag’s temperature rating is appropriate for the weather you’ll be camping in. Even in summer, temperatures can drop unexpectedly, and you don’t want a shivering kiddo in the middle of the night. Look for sleeping bags designed for the conditions you might face—there’s no such thing as being too prepared when it comes to staying warm.
Snug but Not Too Snug
While a snug fit is essential for warmth, it’s also important that the sleeping bag isn’t too tight. Kids like to toss and turn, and they may even want to stick a stuffed animal in with them (because, apparently, those things are as necessary as a sleeping bag). Ensure they have enough room to be comfortable but not so much that they’re swimming in extra fabric.
Durability
Kids are tough on gear, so make sure the sleeping bag is built to handle roughhousing, dirt, and possible snack spills. Look for materials that are durable and easy to clean, like polyester or nylon. They are tough and resistant to abrasions and tears. These fabrics can handle a bit of roughhousing—whether it’s a child wrestling their sleeping bag into place or accidentally dragging it through dirt while trying to get into the tent. Polyester and nylon are relatively lightweight, making them easier for kids to handle when it’s time to pack up camp. A bonus of these materials is that they’re easy to clean. After a day of adventure, the last thing you want is a sleeping bag that requires a complicated washing process. Polyester and nylon are machine washable and dry quickly, so you can easily clean up any dirt, grass stains, or the occasional chocolate smear.
Pack a Double Sleeping Bag for Family Snuggles
A double sleeping bag might sound like a luxury, but it’s a total win when camping with kids. Not only is it warmer and comfier for parents, but it also gives your little ones a safe, snuggly space to climb into if they wake up cold, scared, or just in need of a midnight cuddle. Having that extra room means you’re not wrestling with zips at 3 am while trying to squeeze a wiggly child into a single bag. It’s peace of mind (and warmth) for everyone—and honestly, those quiet moments snuggled up under the stars are the kind you’ll remember long after the trip’s over.
3. Pack more clothes than seems reasonable
Between mud, spills, and surprise puddles, expect a full wardrobe rotation by lunchtime. Layers are your best friend. Start with moisture-wicking base layers that will keep them dry and comfortable, even if they get a little damp. Mid-layers like fleece or hoodies are perfect for those cooler evenings. For outer layers, pack a lightweight rain jacket to handle sudden downpours and wind. Convertible pants that turn into shorts are ideal for shifting temperatures, while waterproof pants keep them dry if they’re prone to puddle-jumping.
“Make sure children are warm. Our girls wear Merino base layers to sleep in, plus hoodies and trackies if it gets cold. We even bring a roll of reflective bubble wrap (the kind you put behind a radiator)—it really helps reflect heat back up through the mat into their sleeping bag.”
And, of course, extra socks. There will always be a puddle. A few extra pairs, preferably moisture-wicking ones, will save you from soggy feet and discomfort. Don’t forget hats, gloves, and sunglasses to protect against the sun or cold. With the right layers, you’ll be ready for any weather—no matter how unpredictable the kids (or the forecast) may be!
4. Snacks, Snacks, Snacks – Keep meals simple
When camping with kids, hunger strikes fast, so pack enough snacks to feed a small army. Think granola bars, trail mix, and fresh fruit like apples or bananas—they’re easy to pack, non-perishable, and quick to eat. Cheese sticks, crackers, and pre-sliced veggies are great for mess-free, one-handed munching. If you have time, sandwiches or wraps are easy to eat on the go.
Hydration—water bottles or sports drinks are essential to keep kids from dehydrating. With various easy-to-grab snacks, you’ll keep hunger-induced meltdowns at bay while setting up camp or adventuring outdoors.
5. First Aid Kit and Sunscreen
You’ll need this. Not because anyone’s going to get seriously injured (hopefully), but because someone will inevitably fall over and scrape their knee while running around like a wild animal. Better safe than sorry.
Sunscreen is not optional. Your kids will forget it. You will need to remember it. Apply it early, apply it often to avoid the dreaded sunburn that turns them into little red tomatoes. A basic first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and personal medications.
6. Storage boxes for chaos control
Plastic storage boxes are a game-changer for organising your campsite—especially when camping with kids. They help separate your gear into categories, making it easy to find exactly what you need without turning your tent upside down.
Use one box for all your cooking gear—think utensils, plates, chopping board, and stove accessories—so you’ve got your “kitchen” in one tidy spot. A second box can hold your food and drink essentials: coffee, tea bags, sugar, squash, cereal, biscuits—basically, everything that keeps morale high. You can even create a breakfast box, snack station, or late-night brew kit to save time rummaging.
We personally recommend Gregory’s storage boxes for camping. They’re durable, weather-resistant, and stack neatly in your boot or tent porch. The lids seal securely, wipe clean easily, and not crack under pressure. Plus, they’re fantastic for managing kid-related chaos—dedicate one to toys, books, games, or even clothing changes, and you’ve suddenly got a mobile kid zone that doesn’t explode across the tent.
7. GIVE THE CHILDREN THEIR OWN GEAR
Give them their own gear: Children will be more excited about camping and take more pride in the experience if they have their own gear, such as a mini backpack, a water bottle, or a flashlight. One of the most exciting things for our girls is when they’re allowed to pack their own backpacks.
Best Tips for Camping with Kids: Create Extra Space with Hammocks, Shelters and Gazebos
When camping with kids, extra space isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival tactic. Tents fill up fast with sleeping bags, toys, snacks, and the occasional rogue sock. That’s where hammocks, shelters, and gazebos come in handy—they give you breathing room, literally and figuratively.
A hammock is a great choice for camping with children. It’s lightweight, easy to set up between two trees, and gives kids a fun spot to swing, read, or nap during the day. It also doubles as a chill-out zone for adults once the tiny tornadoes have gone to bed. Just supervise little ones and pick one with a bug net if you’re in mozzie territory.
“Bring a hammock! It’s a swing, it’s a place to snuggle and read a book, and it’s probably one of the most used family camping things we own!”
Gazebo covers or pop-up shelters are another great addition—they provide a covered communal space for eating, playing games, or escaping a sudden downpour. If your tent porch is small or non-existent, these structures massively improve your comfort without adding loads of bulk to your kit.
You can also bring a tarp or lightweight camping shelter to extend your living space. Use it to create a shaded kitchen area, a dry gear dump, or a mini-play zone. The beauty? You no longer rely solely on the tent to do all the heavy lifting.
Light Up Your Camp
Head torches are great for family camping—especially when it’s time for those middle-of-the-night toilet trips or locating that one missing sock under a sleeping bag. They keep your hands free and your path visible, particularly helpful when guiding a half-asleep child across a field. But don’t stop there. Adding a few extra light sources around camp— like lanterns, string lights, or a rechargeable floodlight—can make a huge difference. A softly lit tent porch or dining area helps kids feel more comfortable after dark, makes cooking or tidying up easier, and gives your setup a warm, inviting glow (plus, you’ll trip over fewer guy lines). Bonus: it also makes your campsite easier to spot when everyone else looks identical after sundown.
Involve kids in different activities
Let them help with jobs like collecting firewood (safe bits!), unrolling sleeping bags, or handing out marshmallows. It will give them a sense of purpose, keep them busy, and make them feel like little outdoor legends.
“Let your children be participants, not just passengers. Most kids love to help, and ours certainly hate being bored—so get them involved! Yes, it’s going to take twice as long, but these could be core memories for them.”
Regarding camp games, you don’t always need fancy gear to entertain the kids. Simple outdoor activities like scavenger hunts, tag, and races are great for getting everyone moving and having fun. Nature-based games, like “Capture the Flag,” are perfect for using the environment around you—rocks, sticks, and trees—to create boundaries and challenges. These gear-free games can provide hours of enjoyment, all without needing anything extra.
That said, when it’s time to kick things up a notch, it’s smart to pack a few games to keep the fun going while everyone takes a break. Think classic board games, cards, or glow-in-the-dark toys for those late-night moments. And if you want to bring outdoor fun to a whole new level, check out the Helinox Outdoor Games collection. You’ll find games like:
HeliDisc Game
If your kids love a good challenge, the Helinox DiscThrow Game is a perfect pick. It’s all about speed and accuracy as you try to toss a disc into a target. Bonus: it’s lightweight, packable, and won’t take up all your precious camping space.
HeliDrop
Think of Helinox HeliDrop as the bean bag toss game. The goal is to toss bean bags into three nets of varying difficulty. It’s simple, fun, and perfect for keeping everyone occupied. It is also easy to set up, so no one must wait around for ages to start playing.
StringTrees Game
Ready for a new twist on the shuffleboard? Helinox StringTrees is just that but with metal rings and suspended ropes. The setup is easy, and the game is surprisingly addictive.
Helinox Yutnori
For something with a bit of cultural flair, Helinox Yutnori is the outdoor version of a traditional Korean board game. Toss game sticks, strategise your moves, and try to outplay your opponents.
When planning your camping trip, it’s also important to choose a campground with plenty of kid-friendly activities to make the adventure even more exciting. Whether it’s nature walks, playgrounds, or special children’s programs, having various things to do will keep everyone engaged and happy. In the next section of this blog, we’ll discuss more tips on choosing the perfect family-friendly campground.
Tips for Camping with kids: Choose the Right Campground
Choosing the right campground is key. You want a place close enough to a hospital to make sure you can drive there without needing a compass and 4×4 but far enough that you can still pretend you’ve escaped to the wild. So, maybe no campgrounds located next to an all-you-can-eat buffet, but also not in the middle of the “we-don’t-have-cell-service-here” zone where the nearest town is two hours away.
Amenities
Next, amenities. Your child, for reasons known only to the universe, will suddenly decide that they need to go to the bathroom five minutes after you’ve set up the tent… and there’s a chance that the nearest restroom is either a tiny hut with a broken lock or a secluded porta-potty that hasn’t been cleaned since the Reagan administration. So, choose wisely because that 20-minute trek to a functioning toilet might just make or break your sanity.
“When our girls were little, we used to bring a small inflatable pool for clean-up and safe play. It means you can wash them beside the tent, and it doubles as a fun water activity when it’s hot.”
To avoid becoming the camp’s full-time entertainment coordinator (and to give yourself a break), find a campground with plenty of kid-friendly amenities. This way, your little adventurers can get busy while you finally get that rare, blissful moment of peace and quiet.
Look for places with:
Fishing Ponds
Sure, they’ll probably catch the tiniest fish on Earth, but they’ll act like they’ve just reeled in a giant trout from the deep, mystical lakes of Atlantis. And you get to feel like a fishing pro… even though you’re mostly untangling their line.
Bike Trails
Nothing says “family fun”, like trying to keep up with a 6-year-old on a sugar rush who’s determined to ride faster than the speed of light. Bonus points if the trail has cool bridges, jumps, or a perfect hill for racing!
Nature Playgrounds
These are like regular playgrounds but with more dirt, rocks, and sticks, so they can get as muddy as they like without you having to scrub them down every 10 minutes.
Water Activities
Canoe rentals or paddleboats are ready for the taking! It’s the perfect way to introduce your kids to the joys of the water while you sit back and pretend you’re in full control. Sure, they’ll probably paddle in every direction except forward, but at least they’ll be having a blast while you enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature—interrupted only by their constant “whoosh” and “vroom vroom” sound effects.
Campfire Storytelling Areas
A cosy campfire circle, the perfect setting for telling ghost stories and roasting s’mores (because what’s a story without some marshmallowy goodness?). It’s the ideal spot for building those unforgettable, slightly spooky memories
“I’ve yet to meet a child who isn’t fascinated by a campfire. If your campsite allows it, go for it. We also take the opportunity to teach the girls some whittling—sharpening long sticks for sausages and later marshmallows.”
Petting Zoos or Animal Encounters
If your campground offers a chance to meet goats, bunnies, or even alpacas, you’ll never hear the end of it. Kids and animals? It’s like a nature documentary come to life, and it’s about 300% cuter when you take a selfie with a baby goat.
Go with the flow
Camping with kids is a beautiful, slightly chaotic, occasionally soggy adventure—and it almost never goes according to plan. You might have a carefully crafted itinerary involving nature walks, peaceful stargazing, and roasted marshmallows… but reality may include a 5 a.m. wake-up call, a full-blown stand-off over using a compost toilet, and a forgotten bag of essentials (probably the one with your coffee and toothbrush).
“Any ‘home’ schedule goes out of the window pretty fast. Trying to get kids to sleep while there’s still 3 hours of sunlight is a thankless, usually pointless task—save the stress and enjoy the evening together.”
The key is flexibility. Embrace the unexpected: a sudden downpour becomes a puddle-jumping competition, and a missed hike turns into a lazy day collecting sticks and making leaf art. Kids will remember the freedom, the firelight, the giggles in the tent—not whether you stuck to the schedule.
Let go of perfection. Surrender to the mess, the dirt, and the snacks-before-breakfast lifestyle. You’re creating memories, not ticking boxes. The best moments are often the unplanned ones—like discovering your child thinks pinecones are magical or laughing together while drying socks over the campfire.
And if all else fails… there’s always the emergency chocolate. 🍫😉
Camping with kids- Final word
No matter how chaotic, muddy, or magical your family camping adventure is, just remember—you’re not alone out there. Whether you’re unsure which tent to choose, need advice on camp furniture, or just want to know if marshmallow-toasting forks are worth it (they are), the Trekitt team is always here to help.
We’ve got the gear, the know-how, and probably a story or two of our own about camping with kids. Drop us a message, give us a call, or pop into the Trekitt shop—we’re always happy to help.
FAQ- TIPS FOR CAMPING WITH KIDS
Look for a spacious, multi-room tent with a high hydrostatic head rating (2000mm+), colour-coded poles, and decent headroom. Because when you’re camping with kids, you’ll want separate zones for sleeping, playing, and parental sanity. Bonus points for blackout bedrooms and a roomy porch for soggy boots and snack emergencies.
If your campsite is stroller-friendly, bring that all-terrain beast—it’s basically off-road gear for tiny humans. If you’re heading into the wild-wild woods, ditch the wheels and strap your little adventurer into a child carrier.
Pack a portable stove, lightweight pots, unbreakable utensils and a cooler for the good stuff. Just aim for meals that don’t require a culinary degree
Keep it simple: a fun bottle, frequent sips, and electrolytes if it’s sweltering. Bribery is optional. Just remember: if they’re whining, they’re probably thirsty—or just bored. It’s hard to tell.
Yes, unless your idea of food safety is ‘let’s just see what happens.’ A cooler with a good R-value and ice packs keep perishables below 5°C, which means your meats stay safe and your hummus doesn’t turn into a science project.
Bug-proof your kids with child-safe repellent, breathable long layers, and the wisdom that dusk equals an ‘all-you-can-eat buffet’ for mozzies. Pro tip: avoid floral-scented lotions unless you want your child to smell like bug brunch.
When camping, kids should sleep in cosy layers to avoid freezing or overheating. Start with a sleeping bag suited to the weather, moisture-wicking base layers (no cotton!), and comfy pyjamas. Fleece for chilly nights and lighter ones for warmer evenings. Add socks and a hat to keep them extra warm.
There’s no ‘perfect’ age—some families camp with newborns, others wait until the toddler years. The best age? When you’re ready, trade sleep for stars and snacks for pine needles. With the right gear and a flexible attitude, even babies can enjoy (or tolerate) a night under the stars.
Camping is one of the more affordable family holidays. Of course, if you don’t fall into the ‘buy everything in the camping aisle just in case’ trap. Once you’ve got the basics, it’s budget-friendly, memory-rich, and only slightly chaotic.
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