AI Summary
Camping with the family is an awesome way to escape the chaos of everyday life and reconnect while enjoying the outdoors. Most kids love a camping adventure, but parents do need to take a few steps to make sure camping with kids goes as smoothly as possible — taking yourself or a couple of friends outdoors might seem naturally easy since you’re cool with leaving behind the comforts of home, but your kids might not be totally on board or ready (even if they say they want this).
If you’re one of the folks organizing this wilderness camping trip with the kids, you’ll need to plan what to pack, choose the campsite location, find activities to keep the kids entertained, and get the right gear for an unforgettable camping trip with the little ones.
Here’s a list of some simple hacks for camping with kids to keep in mind before you head out on your adventure with an RV Rental. These tips can make a huge difference in keeping everyone safe and avoid ruining the trip with an injury or illness.
Find the best way to camp — maybe a comfy RV?
If it’s your kids’ first time camping, it might be a good idea to test sleeping in a tent at home first — pitch one in the backyard or even inside your house. Let them hang out for a while and try out what might be their chill spot for the next 4-7 nights. Or, you could rent a campervan for 4. Campervans come loaded with camping gear, a cleaning kit, and a bedding kit. Traveling with your family in an RV will be a unique experience and definitely one to remember.
Plan your trip ahead when camping with kids
When you get to the campsite, check out your spot before letting the kids roam around. Set up your tent(s) away from trees to avoid falling branches. Kids Health points out the importance of looking out for hazardous waste, broken glass, and signs that unwanted animals or insects might be nearby. For example, if your site is surrounded by lots of berries, bears might want to drop by.
Check the weather forecast before you go and don’t rely on your kids to know what to pack since they’re often less aware of their needs than adults. Dress kids in layers so they stay warm but can take off clothes if they get hot. Bring waterproof jackets or caps in case it rains and don’t forget some solid hiking boots for exploring.
Pack enough but never overdo it
Whether you’re new or a camping pro, making a packing list for camping with kids can be tricky because you want to cover all the bases for your outdoor trip.
Even though campervans come with a bedding kit, kitchen kit, and cleaning kit, and most campsites have picnic tables and running water, it’s good to bring some extra stuff for eating, sleeping, and outdoor activities. Beyond the basics, pack plenty of clothes for the kids, and remember, layering is always best when camping outside. Bring a beach blanket, camp chairs, and a basic first aid kit. And for camp meals, don’t forget the makings for s’mores (graham crackers, marshmallows & chocolates) — it’s the perfect campfire treat for everyone.
Most kids don’t need much to stay entertained. Being active outdoors is usually exciting enough, but these items can help keep them busy during the trip: bubbles, a deck of cards, a play tent, and fishing gear.
Talk to kids about camping and water safety
Set the rules with your kids before the camping trip to make things clear. You want them to have fun, but wild horseplay or running around can quickly lead to injuries. They should know to always stay within earshot and tell an adult before leaving the campsite. Camping with Gus also suggests making sure kids wear shoes all the time around the site to protect their feet.
Make sure your kids only drink water you know is safe. Water from creeks or streams might be contaminated, and they could get seriously sick. Bring bottled water, rely on safe water sources at camp, and consider taking iodine tablets or water filters just in case.
Keep bugs away by taking precautions
Insect repellant is a must when camping, but there are extra steps you can take to keep bugs off your kids. Mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus and Zika, so have them wear hats, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts, and avoid hanging around still water for long stretches.
Ticks are often found in hiking spots, so again, hats, long sleeves, and long pants are your first defense. Keep kids on the trails and away from thick bushes, and check them thoroughly after a hike. If you find a tick, pull it out carefully, straight up by the head with tweezers.
To avoid problems with bees or wasps, leave patterned or bright clothes at home, keep food and drinks covered, check bedding before bedtime, and bring calamine lotion and Benadryl just in case. And of course, if your kid gets stung and struggles to breathe or breaks out in a rash, get medical help immediately.
Let adults handle campfires
When it comes to campfires, it’s best to let adults light the fire, add wood, and put it out at the end of the night. Keep lighters and matches somewhere safe that kids can’t reach, and be sure to fully extinguish the fire before leaving.
Keeping your kids safe while camping is the best way to ensure a great trip. Be ready for bugs, wildlife, and weather, and teach kids to be careful around the campsite and fire. Kids might want to push the limits, but they’ll have tons of fun and stay safe if you set clear expectations and plan carefully.
