“You’re going camping with your kids?!?”

If you have ever considered the idea of camping with toddlers out loud around other people, you are probably familiar with this response. Camping with young children can seem daunting. I know that I was nervous before our first trip and may have over planned a bit.

Our first trip, however, exceeded my expectations.

To be fair my main goals were just that no one would get hurt by the fire and that they would successfully sleep in the tent, so the bar was set pretty low. We achieved those goals and kept our toddlers happy and occupied.

Let’s be honest about those concerns after all.

• Will they sleep? I don’t know, but I don’t really consider it a guarantee when we’re at home.
• But they’re potty training! Yup. It’s a nightmare. Anywhere.
• What will they do? They’ll get into trouble. Well first you’re hilarious if you don’t think my kids get “into trouble” at home, but they will play. They will explore.

Camping with toddlers is a lot like life with toddlers. It is messy. It is chaotic. It is exhausting. And at the end of the day it is 100% worth it.

So yes, we camped with our kids when they were toddlers. We survived and you will too!!!!

Essential Tips for Camping with Toddlers

1. Camping + Toddlers = No Sleep?

Our kids actually surprised me. This was my #1 concern about taking them into the great woods, but they took naps and slept through the night.

• Our toddlers slept in their pack and plays in our tent and this was a huge success. Even though they took up most of the tent it felt like the best way to duplicate the crib environment they slept in at home.
• Sleeping bags would make more sense for kids in a big bed. Our 3 year olds did well in sleeping bags like these on our trip to Tallulah Gorge State Park.
• We followed their typical sleep schedule and it seemed that all of the time outside sufficiently tired them out.
• Depending on the time of year when you go camping, bedtime might have to be later due to the time of sunset. That was our one hiccup – when we went camping in June it was still completely daylight at their usual bedtime so we did push it back a little.

2. Camping & Activities for Kids

I recommend bringing along some easy and read-to-go activities for your toddlers to do.

There is a lot to keep them busy with walks to the bathroom, helping with campsite chores, exploring, etc – but it is nice to have something they can sit at the table and do while dinner is being prepared or when you need a little break from running around.

Our Favorite Camping Activity Ideas:

1. Sand toys – they work just as well in dirt.
2. Flashlights – endlessly entertaining.
3. Magnifying glasses – for hunting for bugs.
4. Bug Jar – for when you find a bug.
5. Books – always a go-to for me
6. Cheerio Craft (pictured above) – this is a simple activity. They string cheerios onto pipe cleaners and make a little snack bracelet. It’s easy, keeps them focused for a few minutes and then it’s a snack.
7. Markers and Nature Notebooks – give a prompt, such as: draw what you see above us or just for toddler scribbles.

It is helpful to look for a campground with a playground or beach to have another activity for them to do, but these are all camping friendly activities that work anywhere.

3. Campsite Chores + Kids

My top tip for camping with kids is to involve them as much as possible. This was one of my favorite parts about camping when I was a kid.

It is so easy to just do things for them, but the more you involve them the more enjoyable it will be for everyone – even if it requires some patience.

This true at home as well, but I think when you are camping and life is suddenly much less complicated and distracting is one of the best times to slow down, move at their pace, and involve them as much as you can.

Way to Involve Toddler Around the Campsite:

1. Collecting firewood
2. Filling up water
3. Drying or Washing Dishes
4. Setting the table
5. Sweeping the tent

ALSO READ: FAMILY CAMPING AT TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK GEORGIA

So, go for it!

Find a campsite that isn’t too terribly far from home that you feel like you’re trapped if it sucks.

Find a campsite with water or a playground – or both.

Find a weekend, just a night or two.

Pack up your gear and go. It will be chaotic and messy and totally worth it.

Subscribe Below for Weekly Family Adventure Tips!