More than S’mores: Camping Advice for Families

It’s not a sport for everyone, but if your crew is open to it, camping can provide wonderful memories for parents and kids alike. We consulted with experts about what families can expect when hiking and sleeping in The Great Outdoors. Be smart and safe out there—and have fun!

Stay local. “First-timers should look for a campground within an hour drive or less from home,” says Vacation Expert Meghan Khaitan, founder of the MyBuckleMate. “It takes away a lot of stress knowing you can get home quickly.”

Inform others. Make sure someone knows your itinerary before you hit the road (or woods). “Create a plan in case of emergency and be sure your whole family understands what do to in different circumstances,” says Claire Miller, Director of Merchandising—Camping, for Gander Mountain. “Be sure each person has some kind of identification and emergency contact number on them at all times. Children should always be accompanied by responsible adult.”

Consider renting or borrowing equipment. “If you have friends who camp and have gear you can borrow for your first trip, do that,” advises camp enthusiast and travel blogger Amy Bushatz. “If you don’t like camping or it’s not right for your family right now, borrowing stuff means you don’t own stuff you’ll never use again.”

Practice pitching. Teach your children how to pitch a tent. “If you have access to a tent before your camping trip, try setting it up in the backyard as a trial run,” advises Rick Vara, Director of Operations at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach, CA. “Have the children direct you step-by-step using the diagrams. Then spend some time playing with your children in the tent to help establish it as a happy, comfortable place to enjoy.”

Stay (very) hydrated. According to Miller, a water purification system is a must-have. (One to try: Gander Mountain’s Lifestraw) Khaitan advises campers to freeze jugs of water and place them in the cooler.

Don’t forget a first-aid kit, bug spray, and sunblock. Make sure you have burn remedies in that first-aid kit—you never know if you’ll burn your hand setting up the fire, or on the stove. (Be careful!) Looking for a solid sunblock for your kids? Try Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunblock Spray SPF 70+. Khaitan recommends a ticks-repellent bug spray to keep the crawlies away.

Wear comfy shoes and pack moleskin. Blisters on the feet huuurt—but if you wear the right shoes and socks, you can prevent them while hiking. Backpacker.com has some advice for soothing blisters with moleskin.

Dress accordingly. “Make sure you bring plenty of clothes. You never know when you will get caught in a rainstorm—or fall into a stream,” says Dan DiSanto, founder of CampersHike.com.

Skip the lanterns. They may provide a more campy “feel” but Bushatz says lanterns are tricky to light. “We’ve used our lantern maybe three times in several years. Instead, bring a few flashlights or headlamps.”

Know your plants—and surroundings. “If poison oak or other dangerous plants are around, show kids what they look like so they can avoid the area,” says Khaitan. Additionally, give each child a whistle they can wear around their necks and blow loudly if they’re lost.

Create a Kid’s Toy Bin. “In our family, we’re big on using bins to organize camping gear,” says Los Angeles-based camping guru Jennifer Fontaine. “There’s one bin filled with our kid’s favorite toys.” Although it may seem counter-intuitive, given you’re out in the middle nature with so much to explore, kids still get (very) bored. “Consider keeping this bin off-limits when you’re not sleeping under the stars. It will make it all the more appealing when your little one finally gets to unpack it from the crammed car.”

Prepare meals. Write down what you plan to eat for each meal and prepare what you can at home, advises Khaitan. “Marinate the meats, cut the vegetables, and wrap the potatoes in foil. Let your kids help pick out some of their favorite snacks and trail mix.” Additionally, she says, stock your cooler with simple, one-pot meals and hot breakfasts like oatmeal for fiber or eggs for protein. “Pack no-cook ingredients such as peanut butter and jelly sandwich supplies for picnics. Supplement with cheese sticks, sturdy veggies like baby carrots, lunchbox-sized apples, or fruit leather.”

Clean up. Don’t forget the plates and silverware (disposable is great — keep it simple). “And, at the risk of stating the obvious, bring a trash bag,” says Bushatz. “Leave the campsite cleaner than you found it.”

Roll with the punches. “Don't worry if some things go wrong on your first trip. You are destined to forget something that you needed,” says DiSanto. “But try to remember to enjoy the experience. We have all made our mistakes when we first got into camping—most of us still do from time to time.” Adds DiSanto: “But you will be surprised how helpful the camping community can be. Most [fellow campers] will be happy to help you in your time of need.”