One of life’s guaranteed adventures, besides having kids, is a family camping trip. Because when we’re talking about that trusted recipe for fun—dirt, fire, stars, and wild places—it’s nearly impossible for kids not to have a good time. But if you’re intimidated by the idea of planning your first family camping adventure, we have good news: there’s no one right way to do it.
Establish your goals for the trip
Before you head out, make a game plan with your family to avoid any unpleasant surprises (and temper tantrums) when you arrive at the campsite. At home, put out a bowl of trail mix and start sharing ideas for what each member of the family hopes to do on the trip. Maybe one kid wants to fish and the other wants to summit a mountain.
Do you prefer a secluded private campsite or feel more comfortable being close to other campers on public land? If you’re interested in a lakeside spot, you may want to plan accordingly for renting a canoe . Having at least one initial family conversation will not only help you hone in on the right destination, but getting everyone involved will keep the excitement high.
Think outside the national parks
With camping on the minds of more than 80 percent of Americans this season, according to a new Campspot poll, scoring a prime national park campsite will be tougher than usual. Take the pressure off that first family camping trip and check out some of the lesser known national parks—from California’s Sequoia & Kings Canyon to Isle Royale in Michigan. The country’s 6,600 state parks also hold their own otherworldly beauty and unique history. From Texas to New York, many state parks have even launched their own free apps chock full of insider info on nature centers, kid-friendly hiking trails, spectacular campgrounds, Black-history sites, and free bike rentals (just remember to pack your own helmets).
Glamping destinations outside the public park system are also popping up across the country, like Rustic Rook Resort near Great Dunes National Park in Colorado and Autocamp Cape Cod, which has an adventure-themed playground for kids. Popular outdoorsy booking sites like Hipcamp and Tentrr, and resources like Campendium and iOverlander, also make the process of finding a family-friendly campsite easier than ever, whether you want to pitch a tent or glamp—or have the option to do both.
Hack your packing list
By heading for the outdoors you get to leave everyday life behind, so resist the urge to fill up the trunk just because it’s there—rather, focus on being well-prepared (and organized) with the right essentials. Use a printable packing checklist,and don’t wait until the last minute to run through it.
And before you run out and buy all new gear, know that there are a handful of ways to save money and curb waste in getting what you need: pull out any old hiking apparel (from the kids closet, too) and see what should be repaired or traded in through companies like Patagonia and REI.
You can also buy used clothes for kids and adults (half off and in like new condition) from Patagonia’s Worn Wear shop, Arc’teryx’s Used Gear, and The North Face’s Renewed programs. Purchase used high quality gear from reputable places like Gear Trade, REI, and Outdoors Geek—where you can also rent everything from tents to kids sleeping bags to a GPS rescue system, with the option to buy afterward.
Get gear that’s built to last
If you don’t have much of a gear closet to vet, don’t sweat. Starting with the tent, you want something that’s roomy, wind- and rain-resistant, and easy to assemble.Ultralight Dome Pop Up Camping Tent 4 Seasons Waterproof & Windproof Tent with Removable Outer Tarpaulin, Double Layers Automatic Tent 2-3 Person Instant Tent.
The right sleeping bag must deliver on breathability, wiggle room, insulation, and water repellency. 83 L x 30″ W Fits Adults Portable Waterproof Lightweight Sleeping Bag Easy To Carry Warm Weather Sleeping Bag Comfort with Compression Sack Great for Outdoor Camping
Keep kids engaged
Nature knows how to wow kids of all ages, so you can keep the toys to a minimum. On the morning of the departure, surprise kids with a backpack.Camping trips are also a great opportunity to educate kids about Leave No Trace principles while nurturing an underlying respect for the environment. Bring Trash Pak and discover how cleaning up the trails can be fun for the whole family (even the baby up in a child carrier is watching and learning). When the fire is roaring, music is playing, and the stars have joined the party, get ready to tell some not-too-scary campfire stories or fond memories from your childhood camping trips.
Prepare for the best—and otherwise
As the old proverb goes, “Hope for the best, plan for the worst.” After your family has picked a campsite, familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Where is the closest ranger station and fresh water source? Are there bears in the area? Even if you’ve got a seven gallon water container.