Camping with Kids: How to Actually Make It Easier (After a Rough Start)
- withloveduquettes
- May 3
- 5 min read
Camping with kids sounds magical — cozy campfires, stargazing, making s’mores — until you're actually out there, and someone’s crying because their sock is wet, someone else won't sleep, and you forgot half the food.
If your first camping trip with kids wasn’t the dream you pictured, you're not alone.
This guide is for all the parents who tried camping, kind of loved it, kind of hated it, and want to make it easier next time. I’ll share everything I’ve learned from years of camping with toddlers, preteens, and everything in between: the good, the bad, and the muddy.
Let’s dive in.
Mindset Matters: Lower the Bar (and Raise the Fun)
The biggest shift? Changing your expectations. Camping with kids is not about perfection, it’s about adapting, laughing, and letting the adventure unfold.
What I wish I knew earlier:
Things will go wrong (and that’s okay)
Flexibility > rigid schedules
Memories come from moments, not perfect plans
The goal isn’t a “perfect trip” - it’s a shared experience
When you expect hiccups, forgotten gear, unexpected rain, cranky bedtimes, they don’t derail the whole trip. They just become part of the story.
Pre-Trip Planning: Set Yourself (and Your Kids) Up for Success
You don't need to plan every second, but a little pre-trip thought goes a long way.
Here’s what’s helped us:
Pick the right campground
Look for family-friendly spots with short hikes, beaches, playgrounds, or accessible bathrooms.
Choose the best site
Shady in summer, not too far (or too close) to the washroom, flat ground, and room for kids to explore safely.
Plan your days loosely
A short hike, some nature play, a beach trip — and plenty of time for doing nothing.
Prep kids ahead of time
Talk about what camping will be like. Share photos, watch camping videos together, even practice "camping" in the backyard.
Gear You Actually Need (And What You Don’t)
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need everything. After a lot of trial and error, here’s what matters most:
Must-Have Gear:
Quality family-sized tent (room to spread out = sanity)
Tarp and extra ropes (learned this after a ranger woke us up in a rainstorm!)
Sleeping bags appropriate for nighttime lows
Sleeping pads or air mattresses
Camp stove (because yes, we’ve forgotten it once and winging meals was... rough)
First aid kit (kid cuts and scrapes are inevitable)
Headlamps/flashlights (one per person if possible)
Nice-to-Have Gear:
Camp chairs for everyone (no one wants to sit in the mud)
Portable table if your site doesn’t have a picnic table
A bin for quick access to essentials (bug spray, sunscreen, wipes)
👉 [COMING SOON: Full Mini-Guide: "Kid-Friendly Camping Gear List"]
Packing for Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)
Packing for kids = planning for every possible weather condition, spilled snack, and muddy puddle.
What to pack:
2 outfits per day + 1 emergency backup outfit
Rain gear (jackets AND boots)
Hats + mittens for chilly mornings
Bathing suits, even if it "won't be warm enough" (trust me)
Easy camp-friendly snacks
Bonus Tip:Pack clothing by outfit (or person) in large Ziploc bags or packing cubes — it keeps things organized and dry even if the tent leaks.
👉🏻 Related Mini-Guide Coming Soon: What to Pack for Kids of Every Age
Setting Up Camp with Kids Around
Camp setup can either be chaos or a chance to involve your kids (even toddlers).
Tips that saved my sanity:
Give kids a small job (hold the tent stakes, unroll sleeping bags)
Create a safe space for toddlers (like a playpen or shaded area)
Have a "first play" activity ready (bubbles, balls, nature scavenger hunt)
Setting expectations early ("first we set up, then we explore") helps minimize tantrums.
When all else fails... divide and conquer. Sometimes the kids just wont care to setup camp and Hubs and I have become experts at solo camp setup as a result.
👉 [COMING SOON: Full Mini-Guide: "How to Set Up Camp with Young Kids"]
Tips for a Smooth First Night
First nights can feel rough — kids are adjusting to new sounds, new routines, and sometimes cold nights.
What helped us survive (and eventually thrive):
Stick to familiar bedtime routines (even modified)
Bring comfort items: favourite stuffed animals, blankets, bedtime books
Expect at least one night-wake from a strange noise or temperature shift
Expect it to take longer for everyone to settle
Talk about nighttime sounds beforehand (“You'll hear crickets, maybe some coyotes far away... that's normal!”)
Cozy up and ride it out — you’re building resilience too!
And if your middle-of-the-night layout isn’t working? It's okay to reconfigure sleeping spots. (We’ve shifted whole sleeping setups at 2 AM — you do what you gotta do.)
Handling the Hard Stuff
Even with planning, some things WILL go sideways.
Common problems we've faced and real fixes:
Kid won’t sleep? Night walks or "count the stars" games help reset.
Bad weather? Car picnics, coloring, splash walks in rain boots.
Forgot key gear? (🙋🏼♀️ Hi, forgot the stove once!) Improvise meals — think sandwiches, fruit, snack plates.
Meltdowns? Fresh air + snacks + zero shame. It happens.
Kid wants to go home? Validate their feelings. Promise you'll reassess in the morning — usually daylight brings a whole new attitude.
The secret isn’t avoiding problems.It’s knowing you’ll figure it out, together.
Camp Meals Made Simple (and Kid-Friendly)
One thing that can make or break a family camping trip? Food.
(Hungry kids = cranky kids. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.)
The trick is to keep meals simple, flexible, and familiar. You don't need gourmet campfire feasts — you need easy wins everyone will eat.
What works for us:
Prepping meals at home when possible
Relying on simple foods like wraps, pasta, and grillable snacks
Always having backup snacks: granola bars, fruit, trail mix
Having a few “no-cook” meal options if the weather’s bad or the fire’s a bust
👉🏻 Need meal ideas and real family tips? Check out:
👉🏻 Camping with a baby or toddler? You’ll love:
Whether you're feeding a picky preschooler or figuring out camp food for your baby’s first trip, these guides have you covered!
Activities That Actually Work for Kids
You don't need elaborate plans. The best camping activities are simple, free, and flexible.
Our go-tos:
Rock and stick building contests
Nature scavenger hunts
Campfire storytelling
Painting with water on rocks
“Treasure hunts” for colourful leaves, sticks, and stones
Exploring trails at kid-pace
👉🏻 Related Mini-Guide Coming Soon: Easy Camping Activities for Kids
Final Encouragement: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If you're out there, setting up a tent with a toddler on your hip and a kid asking for another snack every two minutes — you’re doing it. You're showing your kids adventure, resilience, and joy.
Camping with kids won't be perfect. It isn't supposed to be.
It's real. And that's what they'll remember.
Ready to plan your next trip?
👉🏻 Check out some of our favourite family camping spots:
https://www.withloveduquettes.com/post/the-best-campgrounds-in-ontario-for-families
How to Choose a Kid-Friendly Campsite (Coming Soon)
👉🏻 Want to make your next trip easier? Stay tuned for my mini-guides launching soon! 🎉
With Love,
The Duquette's
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