Ultimate Guide to Camping with Kids: Tips for Magical Adventures in Nature

Hey there, fellow curators of magical childhoods – that's right, I'm looking at you! Today, I'm going to talk about camping with kids. We've been bringing our kids camping ever since my little one was less than a year old, and it gets a little easier every year. If the thought of spending a night in the great outdoors makes you cringe, I hear you. But trust me, it can be worth it, and I've got some survival tips for you!

Benefits of Getting Back to Nature

Picture this: the stars shining bright, fresh air filling your lungs, and your little ones running around like members of the Swiss Family Robinson. It's magical, I promise! And let's be real, our city kids need a little dose of nature to balance out all that concrete jungle once in a while, am I right?

For kids that thrive on change, camping is the ultimate change of scenery. They'll learn new skills, gain responsibility, and, it's the perfect excuse to distribute some chores. Camping is a survival team-building exercise, people. It's never too early to lay the foundation for post-apocalyptic readiness, right?

Camping is also a perfect way to ease your sensory sensitive kids into a world of adventure and excitement. It's a natural brain-boosting wonderland for them, pushing them out of their comfort zone and helping them develop confidence. Need a break to recharge? Your tent is like a magical sanctuary in the woods. Zip it up, and voila – instant sensory escape!

But Where to Go and When?

Don't worry, you don't need to go full Man vs. Wild. Start with something not too extreme – think drive-up sites with bathrooms and showers. I mean, come on, your little toddler is just mastering the art of potty time, so why not keep it consistent before we confuse them with "sometimes it's okay to go in the woods," right?

Think about what you and your crew enjoy: hiking, fishing, swimming, or kayaking? Find a campground that suits your interests. Check out the 2023 Camping Guide released by New York State Parks for inspiration, there are plenty of sites near New York City to explore.

Once you've found a spot and are ready to take on nature, it's time to reserve your spot in advance. Yep, you heard it right! Some sites open up for reservations a whole year ahead, so if you're already daydreaming about next summer's camping escapade, it's not too early to get your ideal spot locked in.

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More Than One Way to Camp

Just like your kids have their own unique styles, camping has its flavors too. From tent camping to car camping to glamping in a cabin, there's bound to be a style that suits your family. We've even had some friends join for the daytime camping activities and retreat to a nearby hotel at the end of the night. Anything is possible! Here, we'll talk about the most popular: tent camping. It's affordable and straightforward, and gives you the most options and flexibility when it comes to choosing a site.

Any tent that will fit your family is perfect for this adventure, we like having a 6 person tent for our family of 4 because it gives a bit more space to move around or store stuff around the sides. Only camping once or twice a year? A basic Coleman tent will do just fine. Pop-up tents are the real MVPs, it doesn't get much easier than these to set-up.

Not ready to commit hundreds of dollars to equipment you may never use again? You can always snag a second-hand tent that's in good condition or ask to borrow one from your camping-savvy friends if you're just testing the waters.

Camping Essentials

Before you go trying to squeeze everything and the kitchen sink into your car, let's talk essentials! Here is a short list that will ensure you'll be pretty comfortable for your first night in the woods. A printable version of this list is available here: Camping Essential Packing List

Camp Equipment

• Tent (with rain cover and tarp)
• Sleeping pad/Air mattress + pump
• Sleeping bags, pillows
• Portable fans
• Lighting (headlamps, lanterns, flashlights)
• Camping chairs (basic or ultra-portable)

• Dry wood (for campfire)
• Lighter/matches/firestarter sticks

Clothing

• Clean underwear & change of clothes
• Warm PJs & socks
• Cold-weather jackets
• Rain jackets
• Water shoes/sandals
• Swimsuits, life jackets (if applicable)

Toiletries

• Quick-drying towels
• Soap/Shampoo/Lotion bars
• Glasses/Contact Lens
• Toilet paper (just in case)
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent (Max protection spray and DEET-free lotion)

• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer (these travel-sized pumps can be refilled!)

Food Supplies (non-perishable)

• Drinking Water (2 gallons is usually enough for our family of 4)
• Compact camping stove + propane or large camping stove + propane

• A small pot and pan, cast iron for campfire cooking
• Roasting sticks
• Plates, bowls, utensils
• Cups
• Camping soap (hand & dish) and sponge
• Compostable trash bags

Cooler Food

• Drinks
• Raw food & produce
• Condiments

Kid stuff & Entertainment

• Portable music speakers
• Games
• Sand toys
• Glow sticks
• Water toys/Reusable water balloons

If you're camping with a baby or toddler, don't forget to pack all their essentials (diapers, wipes, favorite toys, travel crib). It's helpful to keep these items separate from your other camp supplies and easily accessible.

Another great tip for newbies – go with friends! It's like forming a parenting survival squad – someone will always have that forgotten diaper, an extra flashlight, and don't forget how kids snacks always look better from someone else's stash. If it takes a village, bring your village with you to the woods.

Camping Food

Speaking of snacks, let's talk food! You can go gourmet or keep it simple with hot dogs roasted over the campfire. Here are some of our go-tos that will save you time and energy.

• Hot Dogs or Sausages roasted over the campfire. If you bring a cast iron pan, you can make just about anything from burgers and steaks to pancakes over the campfire.
• Just add boiling water: With a small pot over a camp stove or the campfire you can quickly boil water for instant ramen, pasta (with tomato sauce or just butter), or mac & cheese. Not to mention for your morning coffee or tea!
• Soup: You can make your own or buy cans or packets from the grocery store. Heating up soup is quick and easy.
• S’mores: Nothing says camping quite like S'mores. All you need are marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey's milk chocolate.
• Skewers: Pre-cut and season some kabob meat and veggies and throw them into a sealed bag until you're ready to cook. Pro-tip, keep meat skewers separate from veggie skewers since they don't take the same amount of time to cook.
• Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas are easy to make with a pan over a camp stove when you don't feel like building a big campfire, bring along some pre-cooked shredded chicken or other protein for a heartier meal.
• Bagels and smoked salmon
• Beverages to stay cool and well hydrated.
• Coffee or tea
• Chips, snacks, protein bars: These are great for when you haven't set up your campfire yet, but also for when you're hiking or off on other adventures.
• Grab and go fruit: Bananas, clementines, grapes, apples, and berries are perfect fruits to pack on camping trips.

Alright, my savvy outdoor chefs, keep your camp cuisine in top-notch shape with good coolers. And don't forget those resealable bags and containers for your yummy leftovers – nothing goes to waste on our watch!

Now, here's a cool trick: two smaller coolers may be better than one big one! Keep your perishable meats and produce in one, and the thirst-quenching beverages in another. That way, you won't be rummaging through everything just to grab a cold drink. And if two coolers aren't in the cards, no worries! Stack the coldest goodies near the bottom, with a layer of ice packs to keep 'em frosty for the long haul.

Now, let's talk proper camping hygiene – food and trash should steer clear of your tent, my friends! To avoid any unwanted guests, curious raccoons or hungry bears, store your food in the campground's bear lockers or lock it away safely in your car before bedtime. Happy campers keep it tidy!

Check the Weather

Rain might crash your woodland party, but no worries, most tents come with rain covers, which you'll always want to secure over your tent before you go to bed. No one wants to be running around in the rain in the dark if it starts pouring at midnight. And for extra protection, plop a trusty tarp under your tent as an insurance policy against sharp rocks and damp surprises. Keep extra firewood covered and dry if you want to be able to build a nice campfire after the rain.

Don't forget to have some rainy-day activities and rain gear at the ready so the fun can continue even with a surprise shower! While a mild summer storm can add some spice to your camping experience, if Mother Nature's planning a serious tantrum, better reschedule your adventure for a sunnier day.

Getting Settled at Your Campsite

Now that you've got everything you need, here are a few tips to help you get settled in. Arrive early so you have plenty of sunlight to get set up. Our state campgrounds allow you to check-in after 3pm, if you want to arrive earlier than that, book the night before. If you want to stay later than 11am checkout, book an additional night!

First thing you'll want to do when you arrive is pitch your tent. Once that's done spray bug spray inside your tent and zip your tent back up. You'll have your own bug free sanctuary come nightfall.

Once you've got everything set up, it's time to explore! Make sure your kids know how to look out for and avoid poisonous plants, and steer clear of tall grass – these are favorite places for ticks and snakes. Send your little adventurers on a gathering mission for tinder and kindling.

If there is not an existing campfire ring, use some rocks/bricks to make one. Here is a great post on how to build a campfire with kids. This is a great time to teach your kids fire safety and caution. I've never met a kid who wasn't at least a little curious about fire, even my ultra-cautious kids love building fires, cooking with fire, and just watching it burn.

Spending a Night Under the Stars

As night falls, make sure your rain fly is secured, and get cozy in your sleeping bags. Secure handheld fans inside your tent to provide some air circulation. Cuddle up with the kids between you or position your packs along the sides to prevent them from rolling into damp tent walls overnight.

Temperatures tend to drop overnight so it's good to change into warmer clothes to sleep and tuck into cozy sleeping bags. Down sleeping bags are great for packing down small and being ultralight, but if you have allergies, these sleeping bags made with thinsulate might be a good alternative.

Packing Up and Heading Back to Civilization

When it's time to say goodbye to your camping haven, remember to leave no trace behind. Make sure you leave the campsite better than you found it. Take all your trash with you and make sure it's disposed of properly.

That also means no woodland critters hitching a ride back home. Check for ticks! Hopefully, you've been applying tick repellant and covering up, but it never hurts to do a thorough check of all your kids' (and your own) nooks and crannies.

Let's talk about some post-camping TLC for your gear. If your tent gets a bit soggy from rain or morning dew, fingers crossed for some sunny rays to dry it out before packing up. Though, I admit, I've been caught in a rainstorm once or twice. Once you're back home, just give your tent a good airing out.

Keep your gear in tip-top shape with basic upkeep. Those cozy down sleeping bags and sleeping mats shouldn't stay squished in their compression sacks – let 'em breathe! Run a vacuum attachment over your tent to rid it of any dirt or critters that tried to follow you home. And don't forget to take the batteries out of your camping lanterns and flashlights until your next adventure. Keep your gear happy, and it'll return the favor year after year.

So there you have it – your ultimate guide to camping with kids. It's a journey full of laughter, learning, and a whole lot of love. So grab that tent, pack those snacks, and take on the great outdoors!