Camping with Toddlers & Young Kids
Toddler sitting on picnic table at campsite and adjusting the lantern for lighting at night
Camping with toddlers and young kids does take extra effort, but it is worth it. Whether you’re new to camping with kids or looking for ways to make your next trip go more smoothly, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
This guide covers:
How to plan your first camping trip with toddlers
What to pack for camping with a toddler
Fun activities and meal ideas for kids at camp
Camping safety tips and how to get kids to sleep outdoors
How to Plan a Camping Trip with Toddlers and Young Kids
When you’re first starting out, choosing a destination nearby keeps the travel time to a minimum, gives more flexibility for leaving home (it may take longer to get out the door than expected), and leaves plenty of daylight to set up camp.
Look for a campground that has amenities that fit your family’s needs. When camping with toddlers, you may prioritize having drinking water on-site, bathrooms with flush toilets, hot showers in case they get dirty or have a potty accident, or even get a campground with a play structure. If you’re easing into camping with your kids, it is also a comforting peace-of-mind to know you’re an easy drive from home.
If you or your kids are feeling nervous about the upcoming trip, try setting up your tent in the living room or backyard to practice elements of camping. There are also kids shows and books where the characters go camping, which can be a fun way to build excitement and know to what to expect ahead of time.
What to Pack for Camping with a Toddler
Dressing kids in layers gives the flexibility for temperature regulation throughout the day as conditions change. Wool and synthetic materials will wick moisture and dry much faster than cotton, but if you only have cotton options on hand, just bring a couple extra garments for a dry change if needed. Even if no rain is predicted for your trip, rain gear is often good to pack just in case.
If any of your campers use diapers or have started potty-training, remember to bring extra diapers (or pull-ups) along with a training potty, and potentially an extra sleeping bag in case of a mid-night accident.
Camping toys for toddlers can be a comforting addition, along with anything to enhance an outdoor experience — binoculars, a magnifying glass, markers/paper, etc.
To make mealtime easier, bringing foods you know your kids enjoy helps — save the experiment with new foods for home. For the younger ages, consider bringing a portable camping high chair or playpen.
How to Set Up Camp with Kids
You’ve arrived! While it may be tempting to have adults set up camp as quickly as possible so the family can move on to other activities, efficiency is not the goal. Instead, let kids get involved by providing age-appropriate tasks. This not only keeps them occupied, but also provides the opportunity to learn about camping and their new environment.
Some ideas include:
Carry light things from the car
Remove rocks and sticks from the designated tent site
Spread the ground cloth for the tent
Assist in tent assembly (e.g. clip the tent to the poles)
Sweep out the tent with a handheld brush/pan
Find tinder on the ground for the campfire
Fun Camping Activities for Toddlers and Young Kids
Parenting at camp can be easier because kids become naturally curious about the environment. If needed, here are camping activities for kids to keep them engaged while they explore their new environment that require little to no extra supplies:
Nature Walk: Practice using all your senses (except maybe taste!) — what sounds might you not hear at home? Do you see a new kind of flower or critter that you’ve never seen before?
Plant Identification: This can be led by parents who are familiar with plants in the area, or aided with photos researched and printed ahead of time. This activity can also be important for safety so kids know how to avoid contact with plants such as poison oak, poison ivy, and stinging nettles.
Collection Games: This could be a competition to see who can find the most pinecones, or perhaps build a fairy house from fallen twigs and leaves — be sure to specify materials must be on the ground (let the living plants be).
Draw Observations: With a marker or paper, or a stick/the ground, have kids draw what they see — this could be a map of the campsite, a landscape, or a detailed flower, leaf, or bug.
Jr. Park Ranger Programs: Some campgrounds will have kids activity books available for free at the welcome center. If you’re visiting a national or state park, ask a Ranger at the Visitors Center about their Jr. Park Ranger program. Some activities can also be found online and printed ahead of time to complete at any location.
Camping Meals for Kids: What to Feed Your Family at Camp
Getting kids involved in menu planning helps get excited for camping. Try presenting a couple of options for kids to choose from that you know they already enjoy. Making sure everyone stays well fueled through midday activities will keep spirits high around camp, so bring extra snacks.
Mealtimes are a great chance to get the whole family involved. Kids can help stir, set the table, or even taste-test!
When it’s time for clean-up, kids can help with drying dishes, which helps them stay close to you.
How to Get Kids to Sleep While Camping
One way to guide a smooth bedtime transition is sticking to normal routines that you would practice at home. After going to the bathroom, brushing teeth and changing into a favorite pair of jammies, enjoy a family storytime in the tent. A lantern, flash lights or twinkle lights can make the space feel extra cozy!
It can also be helpful if everyone goes to bed at the same time to minimize outside distractions such as noise and light. This also helps avoid waking kids up when entering the tent later, particularly if they’ve already had trouble falling asleep the first time.
Some kids might be full of excitement and find it hard to settle, while others may be nervous about the dark and unfamiliar nighttime sounds — perhaps the first night is perfect, or perhaps it takes a trip or two to ease into camping.
Camping Safety Tips for Kids
For kid camping safety, pack a first aid kit (equipped with tweezers, aloe, anti-sting, and anti-itch cream), kid-friendly bug spray, and sun protection (sunscreen + hat). It can also be useful for kids to have their own flashlights/headlamps for night time, and whistle.
Since you will be spending time in a new environment, kids will naturally be curious and want to explore. Before your trip begins, establish some general ground rules so everyone can have fun while staying safe. Setting expectations from the beginning helps empower kids to choose the best option when they know what’s off limits. This is a great time to teach older kids the seven Leave No Trace principles, while you can emphasize for younger kids what it looks like to respect the plants and animals around them. A couple of favorite phrases are “take only pictures, leave only footprints,” and “let the wildlife be wild.” While some campsites may have more clear designations of space than others, communicating clear physical boundaries can make sure everyone is on the same page about acceptable areas to play.
Spending so much extra time outside also means proper hydration is essential! Keep water bottles close by, and know they’ll need extra water.
Tips for a Successful Family Camping Trip
Camping with toddlers and young kids may involve a few extra considerations, but the joy and memories created are priceless! Despite your best efforts to prepare for the trip, you’re bound to face some surprises, and that’s okay! Every trip is a learning opportunity. When you return home, gather the family and collectively jot down some notes about what went well and what could be done differently next time so you have feedback from all perspectives.
Key takeaways:
Preparation can make or break a trip
Meaningful, age-appropriate tasks help kids get involved and have a stake in their experience
Embrace the dirt, practice patience, and be ready to adapt on the fly
Frequently Asked Questions: Camping with Toddlers and Young Kids
What age can you start camping with a toddler?
You can start camping with kids at any age, including infants and toddlers. The key is adjusting your expectations and planning for your child’s specific needs. Choosing a nearby campground with amenities like flush toilets, drinking water on-site, and even a play structure makes a first trip much easier. Starting with short, nearby trips helps everyone build confidence before attempting longer or more remote adventures.
How do I get my toddler to sleep while camping?
The best strategy is to stick to your normal bedtime routine as closely as possible. After brushing teeth and changing into pajamas, enjoy a family storytime in the tent. Battery-powered twinkle lights or a small lantern can make the tent feel cozy and familiar. It also helps if everyone goes to bed at the same time to minimize outside distractions like noise and light, which helps kids settle down faster.
What should I pack for camping with a toddler?
Pack layers for your toddler using wool or synthetic fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly. Always include rain gear even if rain isn’t in the forecast. Bring extra diapers or pull-ups, a training potty if needed, and an extra sleeping bag in case of nighttime accidents. Don’t forget a first aid kit with tweezers, aloe, anti-sting, and anti-itch cream, along with kid-friendly bug spray and sunscreen. Camping toys, binoculars, a magnifying glass, and paper/markers enhance the outdoor experience, and a portable high chair or playpen can be helpful for safe containment during mealtimes.
How do I keep toddlers safe while camping?
Before the trip begins, establish general ground rules so everyone knows what’s off limits. Teach kids to identify plants like poison oak, poison ivy, and stinging nettles so they know to avoid them. Give kids their own flashlights or headlamps for nighttime and whistles. Make sure kids always have water accessible and remind them to stay hydrated throughout the day. Communicating clear physical boundaries about acceptable play areas helps keep everyone safe and on the same page.
What campsite is best for camping with toddlers?
For a first trip with toddlers, choose a campground that is close to home and has family-friendly amenities. With toddlers, you may want to prioritize easily accessible potable water, bathrooms with flush toilets, and even a play structure. It may also be handy to have an exit strategy in mind, such as directions to a nearby hotel, in case something goes wrong. The closer the campsite, the more flexibility you have if you need to head home early.
How do I keep toddlers entertained while camping?
There are plenty of low-supply activities that work great for kids at camp. Go on a nature walk and practice using all five senses. Play collection games where kids find pinecones or build a fairy house from fallen twigs and leaves. Have kids draw what they observe — a map of the campsite, a flower, or a bug. If visiting a national park, ask about the Jr. Park Ranger program at the Visitors Center. Getting kids involved in camp setup tasks like carrying light items, removing rocks from the tent site, and spreading the ground cloth also keeps them engaged and learning.
What are the best tips for first-time camping with toddlers?
Choose a close campground with family-friendly amenities, pack extra clothes and diapers, dress kids in moisture-wicking layers, and bring extra snacks to keep spirits high throughout the day. Involve kids in camp setup with age-appropriate tasks, stick to your normal bedtime routine, and establish ground rules for safety before you arrive. Consider going with another family so parents can take shifts supervising. Most importantly, embrace the learning curve — every trip gets easier as you figure out what works best for your family.
