As a natural playground, a family camping vacation is an ideal way to expose the younger to the joys of the great outdoors. On a camping trip, children of all ages will discover many things to attract them, including a star-strewn sky, the faraway cry of an owl, and the smallest of bugs going about their business in the soil. We’ve compiled some tips for camping with kids to help prepare them for the adventures. Camping can kids become more aware of their surroundings by opening their eyes and awakening their senses.

At Home, Practice Camping

Suppose your children aren’t used to being outside, set up a tent in the backyard or even within your house. Allow them to spend time in it and sleep in it so that they develop used to a new sleeping environment. Consider a family day trip to a nearby park. Spend a half-day or more at a lakefront or park to watch how your children respond.

Allow Children to Assist in The Packing Process.

Give your kids the responsibility of packing their camping goods (based on a list you’ve made). Double-check your child’s packing work before leaving the house. Keep your children organized by having them pack personal goods in a duffel bag and urging them to always return those items to the duffel bag. For easy identification, each child’s duffle should be a distinct color. Here’s a camping checklist (you don’t have to carry everything on the list).

Kids’ Favorite Foods

Include your kids in food planning to make them excited for the trip. Find out what they’d like to eat and what treats they’d enjoy. Pack things you know they’ll enjoy; now isn’t the time to try something new in the kitchen. Keep ready-to-eat food on hand if you’re on the road or at the campsite.

Choose the Best Campsite

Choose campsites with features that are appropriate for your family. Ballfields, beaches or swimming areas, streams or rivers, and playgrounds are available at some campsites; others include picnic tables, flushing toilets, and hot showers. Start small, stay near home, and select more established campsites with plenty of facilities if it’s your first time out. Gradually advance to more isolated or adventurous locales and longer expeditions. Inquire about other families’ top kid-friendly choices. Make arranging a vacation a family affair. Ask your children for suggestions for things to do or see when you arrive at your location. Take their suggestions seriously.

Recreation.gov allows you to search for public lands campsites by amenities or activities such as berry harvesting or fishing and also has additional resources and tips for camping with kids. Hipcamp is a fantastic website for discovering private lands campsites around the United States (and worldwide).

Research Projects

Check near your vacation for any day hikes or other fun activities. When the youngsters declare, “I’m bored,” be prepared with some possible suggestions. Easy nature pathways are marked on bulletin boards in more developed campsites. Can I rent a boat or bike? Prepare for treks by planning ahead of time and reading hiking guidelines for families.

Organize Your Equipment

To make it easier to reach your camping stuff when you arrive at camp, organize everything in totes. Keep your cooking supplies, tent, sleeping bags, and other equipment in separate sections using transparent plastic bins or cardboard boxes. Everything linked to the kitchen goes in one container, box, or bag while sleeping stuff goes in another. Having your belongings sorted ahead of time can help you stay organized for your next trip.

Make a camping checklist to ensure that you don’t overlook anything crucial.

Layer Up and Keep Warm

Check the weather forecast and prepare your children for the changing elements. If there’s a chance of rain, pack raincoats (as well as a few inside activities!). Although it’s bright and sunny during the day, temperatures might dip lower at night. Layering is great so children can respond to temperature fluctuations by taking off garments or as required. Because babies and newborns don’t move nearly as much as older children, they usually need an extra layer. Our post on how to dress kids for the outdoors may be more advice on how to dress kids for the outdoors.

Anticipate Potential Obstacles

You are the greatest judge of how your kid will react in different scenarios. Make an effort to troubleshoot probable issues ahead of time. Is your youngster still potty-training or despises waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom? Bring a small portable toilet that you can set up just outside your tent. Is your kid an early riser? Is your adolescent a late riser and a light sleeper? Keep earplugs on hand so your adolescent may sleep in while the rest of the family eats breakfast.

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We hope you benefit from this helpful list of tips for camping with kids. Let us know in the comments where you plan to travel this summer.

Bayou Oaks RV Park is proud to help you find a beautiful place in Lake Charles to rest and recharge. Reserve your spot today!