Toying with the idea of going camping with kids for the first time? Or perhaps you’ve done it before and are wondering how to make camping with kids a bit less stressful?

Either way, this post is for you!

camping with kids

If you’re a regular follower of the blog you’ll know we love both camping and glamping – which is just as well because as a family of six travel involving hotels and flights can get very expensive!

Some of our best family holidays have been under canvas and in the back of a camper van – even when the weather has been bad and things haven’t quite gone according to plan.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you buy something after clicking on a link, I’ll earn a few pennies to help me keep creating posts like this!

If you’re thinking of planning a family camping trip too in this collaborative post here are 5 simple ways to make camping with kids fun – and stress free!

5 simple ways to make camping with kids fun (& stress free!)

1. Make sure everyone has proper clothing

The saying goes there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing – and when it comes to camping the old adage is absolutely true! Clothing needs to be appropriate for the weather. Dress in layers because it may get chilly at night but hot during the day, and make sure everyone has a warm jacket and waterproofs just in case. Sunglasses are also great if you plan on spending time outdoors or near water, and don’t forget comfortable shoes that can handle any terrain. Good quality clothing will keep your family happy whether they’re swimming by a lake or out hiking trails.

camping with kids

2. Pack plenty of food and drinks

Make sure you have plenty of food to last the duration of your trip – especially if you’re going off-road and away from any shops! Create a list of what you think you’ll need and go over it with other family members because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Packing water should be done carefully as well because dehydration can become an issue for both kids and grown-ups alike if enough liquid isn’t packed.

camping with kids

3. Remember the essentials

A good quality tent and sleeping bags are a given, but don’t forget to pack smaller essentials like matches, a first aid kit, and water purification tablets too. Having things like plasters and scissors to hand can be the difference between a successful camping trip and a nightmare one!

camping with kids

4. Think about things like car seats

This is especially important when traveling long distances in a car or van that isn’t your own, or if you’re traveling abroad. Proper car seat usage is really important and will help make for an adventurous camping experience that they’ll never forget!

camping with kids

5. Relax the rules and have fun!

One of the reasons camping can make for such a great family holiday is because it’s out of the ordinary and gives everyone the chance to get away from it all. So if they don’t have a bath or brush their teeth twice a day don’t worry about it – just relax the rules and have fun!

camping with kids

Have you been camping with kids recently or are you planning a new trip? I’d love to hear about your experience!

This is a collaborative post.

If you liked this you may also enjoy reading:

Clever ways to fit 3 kids in one bedroom

10 reasons to take kids glamping

The REAL mum’s guide to the UK’s best family-friendly festivals