Camping with children adds an extra level of difficulty to camping… and kids. Camping hacks, camping ideas, and other camping activities have been compiled by our family to make camping more enjoyable for everyone.
There are so many camping ideas that will make your next camping trip stress-free and awesome.
TOP CAMPING TIPS FOR CAMPING WITH KIDS
In the last 2 months, we have done the impossible 3 times. We went camping with our kids thanks to these camping tips.
- Six of our children are between 2 and 8. Camping was a terrifying idea for me when I first heard about it.
- It’s so much easier to have a routine now that I know what it is.
- Camping with my kids is a great way to simplify many of the tasks I have to complete each day. It also allows for quality family time in a low-stress setting of adventure.
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TOP CAMPING TIPS FOR FAMILIES TRAVELING TOGETHER WITH KIDS
These are just some of the camping hacks we’ve found online and have included in our camping routine.
1. Car & Truck Tents Are Great for Camping Kids
The tent can be placed over your truck, so you won’t need to sleep on the ground. These car-top tents are also very popular.
We love these car and truck camping products:
- These are 5 roof-top tent options from Thule. The two-story tent is my favorite…they call it an “annex”.
- This roof tent comes from Smittybilt. It has many windows.
- This waterproof roof car sun shelter tailgate tent will give you an entire room!
- This affordable tailgate shade awning might provide some relief from the winter heat.
- This SUV tailgate tent can hold up to 5 persons!
- This car inflatable air mattress is genius.
2. Kids Camping Fun Made Easier by Mobile Bunk Bed
These mobile camping beds for kids are the best! You can be sure that the kids will love it, and they’ll even sleep in their backyards if you buy one!
3. Camping High Chair for Baby Camping
Are you thinking of baby camping? This foldable portable highchair will make camping easy again, just like at home.
4. Things to do while camping
There are more than 50 camp activities that kids can enjoy at summer camp. Let’s have some fun outdoors!
This camp craft kit is great if you don’t want to buy it.
5. Camping hack: Packing in a smaller space
Roll clothes – I roll my clothes for camping trips by laying out the pants, undies and top and then rolling it up. Then I attach it using a rubber band. This makes it easy for kids to organize their outfits and is easy to find.
When you’re getting ready to go camping, don’t forget packing containers. These pods can help you keep organized throughout your trip.
6. Campfire Making Made Easier
Make fire-starter pods– Place dryer lint into a cardboard egg box and then pour wax on top. These “pods” can even be used to light a fire in the rain. They also give life to things you wouldn’t normally throw away.
You don’t need to make your own fire starters if you don’t have the time.
7. Camp Food Station: Help for Kids Camping
Make a campsite food station Starling Travel has a great idea! You can use an shoe organizer to organize your camping supplies.
8. Roasting Fruit vs. Roasting Marshmallows
Grill fruit Sometimes, it’s easier for little fingers to grab the fruit and place it on the roasting sticks by themselves. This is much healthier than roasting marshmallows and it’s also less messy!
9. Camp on a Blow-Up Mattress
Give your children a mattress to sleep on. Tent camping is a great option because you won’t have to worry about stones getting in your eyes. You can also pack it up quickly, since it takes up so little room in your car once you have it collapsed.
10. Hack for peeing in the woods
It is important for girls to be able stand up in nature to pee. Guess what? They created a device to support that.
11. How to Reduce the discomfort caused by bug bites while out in nature
With chloraseptic spray, stop itching Spray it on the red bumps and it will stop itching. It can also stain, so make sure to wait for it to dry before you put clothes on it. This all natural set can be used to quickly stop itching. You can plan your campout with a range of solutions.
12. Finding Fishing Treasures that Kids Will Not Get into
Mini-tackle box. This helps to keep lures in the right place, away from tiny fingers. This cool DIY is from Field and Stream. It was made using a Tic-Tac Container.
Do you need a bigger tackle box? There are many options for tackle boxes to choose from, depending on which one would be most suitable for you.
13. Camping hack: Campfire on a Stick
This hack from Subtle Revelry allows you to still enjoy the campfire adventure. This idea could be fun for my children to use after the fire is out.
This large selection of solar-powered stake lights is ideal for situations where there is potential fire danger. These could be very useful around your campsite.
14. Toilet Paper Saver to DIY Camp Ideas
All of us want clean toilet paper. Field & Stream has a great idea for those who are not comfortable with roughing it. Keep your TP in a coffee container This adorable toilet paper dispenser can be found on Amazon for a very low price (pictured above).
15. Carry water for pets and families camping with them
Are you allowed to bring your pets along? We were lucky enough to find a KOA that had a dog park. My kids loved the friendly dogs. This Field & Stream idea of cutting out the bottom of a jug to use as your pet’s camping watering bowl is a great one. We found so many cool products for pets that you can buy them already made.
- This portable pet water container is ideal for camping and on-the-go.
- This leak-proof dog water dispenser works great at a campsite or for drinking.
- This lightweight pet water bottle makes it great for hiking.
- This folding dog bottle can be used for camping and travel.
- This pet insulated water bottle includes an attached stainless steel bowl
- This travel water bottle includes a collapsible bowl for dogs and waste bags (pictured above).
16. Sound Outside Camping Hack
While we all know technology camping is not something we want, sometimes it rains and your children need to be entertained. Time to make DIY iPod speakers. Use a single cup to act as a speaker if you have wi-fi in your campground. This idea is from Lifehacker.
Let’s be serious. You can get better sound with Bluetooth Speakers.
CAMPING ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL BUSY BAG FOR THE KIDS
17. No mess, no fuss bags for camping with kids
Make Busy Bags – This fun, no-mess play from Teach preschool keeps kids busy while they are camping or driving. You can also add sequins and glitter to the bag. Make sure you secure the bags tightly and keep your children safe.
This Magna Doodle Board, which is small and lightweight, can be easily slipped into your car while you travel to the campsite.
18. The Busy Bags That Keep Kids Occupied
These are 30 handy bag ideas for kids you can make and bring to keep your kids busy. You can make portable play sets!
These kids travel activity bags are ready-made and packed full of fun.
19. Camping Scavenger Hunt for Kids
You can give your children a nature bag, and ask them to go on a Scavenger Hunt around the camp site. This fun idea is from The Creative Homemaker. They can find objects!
- This outdoor scavenger hunting set includes camping, nature, and road trip hunts. You can play it in your car or over and over because you use dry erase markers.
- You can also try this Find & See Scavenger Hunt Outdoor Game for children…fun!
- You can also download and print our outdoor scavenger hunting, which is suitable for all ages.
CAMPING FOOD IDEAS for FAMILIES
20. Campfire treats are an important camping idea!
Here are 15 of our favorite campfire treats. They are easy to make and everyone will love you for it!
21. Make Your Camping Scrambled Eggs Hack
Camping can make meals chaotic. Make breakfast by making scrambled eggs ahead of time and keeping your scrambled egg in a jar. They can be poured and cooked as necessary.
22. Portable Energy Balls for Camping Snack Easy
DIY Tasty Energie Balls These snacks from Instructables – are great to grab while on the go. Take them along for a hike!
23. Grilled Bananas Over the Campfire
Grilled Banana Boats — Guys, this Lick My Spoon recipe is simply delicious! The chips and banana melt together to make it taste a little like ice cream.
24. Get Homemade Camping Granola Bars
Homemade Granola Bars These delicious treats are from Feast for All Seasons and are quick to prepare ahead of time. They can also be used as meal replacements if your meal gets accidentally scorched by the campfire.
CAMPING IDEAS…JUST INSIDE CASE
25. Camping First Aid Tips
This Brian’s Backpacking blog idea will help you prepare single-use packets of antibiotic cream. This idea can also be used with Hydrocortisone lotion. These are great for kids who get scraped knees or plant-induced rashes. A box is also available.
26. Newspaper Fire Logs to Lighten Your Campfire
Are you unable to afford firewood? Create your own blocks using old newspapers with this tutorial by Instructables Other. This is what we have done in the past. It is fast to catch and heats up, making it perfect for breakfast.
These are also available if you prefer to not make your own.
27. Cabin Comfort: Camp in a Cabin
Stay in a Cabin and save your energy for the day’s activities instead of spending it on the drama of a tent. You can save even more money if you camp outside of peak season or with friends or family. Many campgrounds in the United States offer cabin camping, which is a great way to save money and avoid “roughing it” when camping with children.
CAMPING SMORES OVER THE CAMPIRE
28. Campfire cones
Make Camping Cones These are basically s’mores in a waffle cone. We love adding marshmallows, dark chocolate chips and fruit …. to our campfire cones. They are also delicious with cinnamon and apples!
29. Cast Iron S’Mores
These cast-iron smores taste great and are super easy to cook over the campfire.
30. S’Mores are only better
Make a batch of S’mOreos – S’mores are our favorite food! These are the basis of our nightly camping ritual. Be Different Act A twist on the norm, with Oreos instead of graham crackers.
31. Pineapple Upside-Down S’Mores
This recipe is simple to prepare and screams outdoor! Try our favorite pineapple upside-down smores recipe on your next camping trip!
MORE CAMPING ACTIVITIES PERSONALLY FOR KIDS THAT WE LOVE
31. Make a Fort
Kids love to use materials they find in nature for fun camping activities. These connectors are great for creating a stick wherever you may be camping.
32. You want more things to do while camping?
These are just a few of the many fun ways you can get excited about your summer camping trip:
- You can’t leave the city? These backyard camping ideas are great!
- Camping games are great! These DIY target shooting games are sure to be a hit at the campfire. It’s not too far! Have you ever tried floor darts? It would also be great for camping!
- We offer the easiest dinner camping recipe!
- Take a look at our top picnic ideas. Isn’t camping a great way to have a picnic?
- Looking for fun RV games. We have ’em!
- These are our top foil-cooked meals that are perfect for the campfire.
- These dessert ideas are just a few.
- This dutch oven peach cobbler is what your campfire needs. It is GOOD.
- You can also try these dutch-oven brownies, also known as campfire brownies
Which camping tip is your favorite for children camping? These camping tips are what you’re most excited about trying on your next camping trip.
