As spring sets in, your thoughts might be turning to spending more time in the great outdoors – and what better way is there to enjoy some family bonding in nature than camping with kids? Instead of being glued to screens all day, you’ll actually get to spend high-quality time together while appreciating nature’s gifts. 

I know this might not sound like your idea of fun when you consider all the planning and packing involved, but we’ve done it enough times that I’ve learned some great tricks to make it easier. Here are my best tips for those who are new to camping with kids.

1. Camp between seasons

I really don’t recommend camping in summer or winter if it’s your first time. While both are beautiful times of year to camp for different reasons, you’re simply going to need too many things to make it comfortable if it’s too hot or cold outside. Instead, try camping in milder weather a few times before you brave winter or summer camping. In fact, spring is the ideal time to give camping a try, so start making your plans!

2. Go for just one night

If you’ve never camped before, I highly recommend going for just one night. This is perfect for getting everyone used to the concept, and it means you won’t need to pack too much. In fact, we can pack in under an hour for an overnight camping trip and unpack in another hour. It’s easy to find a single night where you can fit in a camping trip, and as an added bonus, if your family ends up hating camping for some reason, you won’t be stuck there for too long!

3. Camp with friends

Camping with kids is a great opportunity for family bonding, but there are some good reasons you might want to bring along friends, cousins, or even grandparents. First, if you have a toddler, you’ll be glad you have some extra adults around to help keep an eye on them while you’re cooking or packing up. It’s also useful if you’ve somehow forgotten something important at home, like a bottle opener or soap – chances are, your friends will have remembered it, so you won’t have to go without. Camping with family and friends also means you’ll have more help putting up the tent!

4. Don’t overpack

You can find a very comprehensive camping with kids checklist online, but keep in mind that you are not going to be stranded on a deserted island. If you really, truly need something you haven’t brought, you’ll be able to hop in your car and go and get it. However, you probably need a lot less than you think, and you’ll have much more fun if you’re not lugging so many things around!

5. Plan easy meals

The beauty of camping is its simplicity, so don’t get too caught up in making the perfect meals. Burgers and hot dogs over a fire are camping classics, but there are lots of other simple things you can cook that are a little different to the norm, and are healthier for your family. 

Once you start camping for a few days at a time, you’ll want to have a good repertoire of camping-friendly recipes to draw upon. That’s why I’ve compiled a free resource full of everything you’ll need to plan your camping trip. Whether it’s your first, third, or tenth time, you’ll find it super handy. It includes a wonderful list of recipes, a meal plan and a shopping list template, along with a comprehensive packing list and more. That way, you get to benefit from all the lessons I’ve learned the hard way!

6. Be careful with food storage

Whilst we do not have bears in Malta, we do have plenty of insects and rats – and if you’re reading this blog from somewhere else in the world it’s likely you camp in bear country. If it’s the latter, I am definitely not the expert on that, but you can find plenty of resources online (here’s one).
If you’re camping where there are no bears, I’d still suggest you’re careful to some degree. Any food that has been opened should be stored in an airtight container to avoid rats of insects making their claim. Alternatively, just pack up the food and lock it in the car.

7. Cook before it gets dark

It is so much easier to cook when it’s not pitch black darkness! Plan to start at least an hour before sundown. That way, you have plenty of time to cook and clean as you go too.

Download my FREE digital planner: The Ultimate Planning Camping Spreadsheet here and kick your camping plans into high gear.