How to Make Camping with Kids Suck Less
Let’s be honest: camping with kids isn’t relaxing.
There’s dirt. Bugs. Bathroom logistics. Meltdowns about marshmallows.
It’s easy to feel like you packed your car, drove two hours, and paid $30 a night just to parent in the woods.
But it doesn’t have to suck. With the right expectations, gear, and prep—you can make camping feel like an adventure and come home proud you pulled it off.
This is your dad-tested guide to surviving (and maybe even enjoying) a night or two under the stars.
⛺ Step 1: Lower the Bar (and Then Lower It Again)
You’re not Bear Grylls. You’re not creating lifelong wilderness memories every second.
Set this as your win condition:
“Everyone was mostly fed, relatively safe, and we saw at least one squirrel.”
Go for progress, not perfection. You can upgrade from backyard to backcountry later.
🧰 Step 2: Pack for Comfort, Not Instagram
Forget minimalist gear setups. You’re camping with kids. Bring:
Double the snacks you think you need
Extra layers + backup shoes
Headlamps for everyone (kids love them)
Wipes. All the wipes.
A camping potty if the bathroom’s a trek
One “anchor” comfort item per kid (favorite stuffy, blanket, bedtime book)
📌 If it fits in your car and makes your life easier, bring it.
🖨️ Download our [Family Camping Packing List] to simplify your prep.
🔥 Step 3: Master the Food Strategy
No one wants to cook a five-course meal on a portable stove. Keep it easy:
Pre-cook what you can at home (foil-wrapped burritos, chili, pancake batter in a bottle)
Use a cooler with a clear snack zone for the kids
S’mores are a non-negotiable—prep sticks beforehand
Let kids “help” with one meal (hot dogs, sandwiches)
📌 Hungry kids = cranky kids. Food is your morale booster.
🎒 Step 4: Plan One Adventure + One Chill Zone
Don’t overschedule. Let boredom do its thing—but have a fallback.
Try:
A short hike with a prize at the end (fruit snacks or a big rock to throw)
Scavenger hunt with printable cards
Glow sticks + story time at night
Hammock or mat for chill time
📌 Let the wildness be the entertainment. You’re not their camp counselor.
🧠 Dad Hack: The First Night Is Always Rough
Sleep will be weird. Someone will cry. You’ll wonder why you did this.
But then, around day two, something shifts: they get braver. You get more relaxed. And suddenly… it’s kinda working.
Stick it out. The second morning coffee in nature hits different.
🖨️ Free Download: Family Camping Packing List
Includes:
Kid-friendly gear checklist
Pre-packed food plan
Printable scavenger hunt cards
“What not to forget” dad tips
[Download the list →]
❓ FAQs
How old should kids be for their first camping trip?
If they can walk and sleep through most of the night, they’re ready for a basic trip. Start close to home and go from there.
Tent or camper?
Whatever lowers your stress. Tent camping is cheaper and more flexible. Camper = better sleep. Choose your hard.
What if it rains?
Tarps, ponchos, backup indoor plan. If it’s a total washout, you still win points for trying.
🧪 What to Try This Month
Book a campsite close to home—start with one night
Print the [Family Camping List] and prep your gear
Pack one “surprise” element (glow sticks, mystery snack, new book)
Camping with kids is messy, unpredictable, and full of tiny wins that add up.
You’re not just roughing it—you’re showing them how to explore.
And someday, they’ll tell their kids about how dad made fire.
