How To Family Tent Camp

Family Tent Camping

Family Tent Camping is a family-owned and run business, and our goal is to provide high-quality items that we are confident in using ourselves. We strive to provide excellent value while still delivering high-quality products. Instead of simply selling items, our objective is to provide a personal touch that allows us to develop a trustworthy and long-lasting relationship with our consumers that will continue for generations to come. Family tent camping understands the value of having the appropriate camping equipment for the event or season of life in which you will be camping.

Remembering those who like the great outdoors and have adopted an RV lifestyle, we offer a lovely collection ofcamping furniture, including BiFold tables andcamp chairs with lumbar support, that is small and sturdy while remaining comfy.

For all of your outdoor fun-filled excursions, we hope you will find all you need right here at Family Tent Camping.

A Beginner’s Guide to Family Camping

Everyone of all ages It is difficult to imagine a more exhilarating rite of passage than taking a youngster on his or her very first camping trip. Families come together while toasting hot dogs and marshmallows, drawing shadow animals on tent walls, chasing after fireflies, and smelling the lovely scent of pine trees in the background. Whatever your level of expertise camping (from before children) or if you are a first-time camper trying to save money, it is prudent to be well prepared for this crucial journey.

Getting Started

Ages range from 3 to 103. A camping trip with a youngster is one of the most thrilling rites of passage that a parent can provide for their child. Families come together while cooking hot dogs and marshmallows, drawing shadow animals on tent walls, chasing after fireflies, and absorbing the beautiful scent of pine trees in the forest. We recommend that you plan ahead of time for this crucial excursion, whether you are an experienced camper from before your children were born or a first-time camper hoping to save some money.

• RV and camping shows are held throughout the year. At RV and camping exhibits, you may see trailers, recreational vehicles, and the newest technology that makes even the simplest of tasks, such as pitching up a tent, quick and simple. Believe it or not, the days of hammering stakes into the ground are long gone. Retailers who specialize on outdoor recreation Both L.L. Bean and REI have popular outdoor schools where students may learn about camping and related topics such as wilderness first aid and kayaking. In addition, Bass Pro Shops offers seasonal camping workshops. State Parks are located across the state. The Minnesota and Texas Departments of Natural Resources both provide one- or two-night camping instruction weekends that include all of the necessary equipment for beginners. It provides you with an opportunity to have a taste of camping before investing on equipment.

Do a Trial Run

When you’re ready to go camping, set up a practice camp in your backyard for the night. You may put your gear through its paces, troubleshoot any snags, and determine whether anything crucial is missing — such as fully charged batteries for lamps, insect spray, or tent poles. It will also help you to determine whether or not you will be comfortable and warm enough, as well as whether or not younger children will be able to sleep in varied environments and with different nighttime noises.

Take part in the National Wildlife Foundation’s Terrific American Campouteach June with families from all over the country – it’s a great way to start off the outdoor season.

Where to Camp

Campgrounds may be found almost anywhere: in municipal or county parks, state parks, KOA campgrounds, and private campgrounds, to name a few options. Private campsites, like conventional resorts, typically offer organized activities, playgrounds, volleyball pits, beaches, and swimming pools for its guests. In addition, you may discover cabin resorts that offer camping areas specifically designated for campers; they are perfect for families that like a more sociable and dynamic lifestyle. Look for state or national park campgrounds that are close to amphitheaters or visitor centers that provide daily scavenger hunts, geocaching, and ranger talks.

1. The majority of them may be obtained on the internet.
2. If the family dog will be accompanying you on your trip, make sure to check the pet regulations as well.
3. Some of the earlier camping restrictions can be exceeded by a minivan and a five-person tent.
4. Many state and federal campsites also offer dedicated first-come, first-served sites, assuming you can mobilize early enough to get one of the few available locations in advance.

• Modern. The facility offers warm showers and clean toilets, in addition to electrical outlets and water and sewer services for trailers and recreational vehicles. Semi-Modern. Typically, flush toilets, electricity, and/or showers are included. Rustic. Nothing more than the bare essentials, such as a picnic table, a fire pit, a level space for a tent, taps or hand pumps for water, and pit toilets, are provided (outhouses). A large number of forestry sites come within the rustic classification

Tent and Camping Essentials

If you’re going to a well-known outdoor activity region with trustworthy outfitters, you’ll most likely be able to locate equipment to rent there as well. Unless otherwise provided, you’ll want at the very least a sturdy tent and sleeping gear. When purchasing tents, seek for ones that are simple to put together and have enough floor area to accommodate all of the children and a bag or two of clothing. Inside compartments for eyeglasses and flashlights, as well as a rope clip hanger on the ceiling for hanging a battery-operated lantern, are included as thoughtful additions.

If the weather is warm, ordinary sleeping bags or air mattresses with sheets and blankets would suffice.

These sleeping bags will keep you extra warm and dry quickly if they become wet.

If you’re camping in a tent, sleeping mats can provide additional comfort and insulation; the best mats are self-inflating. With enough luggage space, fold-up cots can keep you off the ground while allowing you to store your belongings beneath.

Camper Cabins and Yurts

While camper cabins are not the most economical option for families on a limited budget, they can be a decent alternative or middle ground between the two extremes. Camper cabins, which are commonly found in state parks, provide the stability of a roof over your head as well as simple bunks for sleeping. Some cabins offer power and heat, while others have wood-burning stoves, as well as picnic tables, outdoor fire pits, and, on rare occasions, a screened-in porch; you provide everything else, including bedding and towels.

Rustic cabins and yurts are available for rent in state parks in Washington and North Dakota, among other places.

Glamping

If you need creature comforts but your children are yearning for an outdoor adventure, there’s always glamping to consider. High-end accommodations normally include big canvas tents with five-star amenities such as genuine mattresses, luxurious linens, and private showers, among other things. However, you will still be able to enjoy the breathtaking landscape of distant regions. Glamping in Montana is particularly popular since the state offers numerous luxurious choices, like Bar W Guest Ranch and The Resort at Paws Up, the latter of which includes a butler to help with meal preparation and cooking.

Related: 7 Family-Friendly Luxury Glamping Resorts in the United Kingdom

Lodging on Wheels: RVs or Trailers

Another option to tent camping is to hire a pop-up trailer (you’ll need a car with a hitch to do this) or a recreational vehicle from a company like Cruise America or Adventure Rentals. RVs, in particular, have the ability to make sleeping in the great outdoors feel downright comfortable — if not sumptuous. Of course, this is presuming that your budget has the flexibility to go that far. Make sure to inquire about gas mileage so that you may plan your costs properly. RVs and trailers are both difficult to maneuver on beautiful roadways that are small, winding, or steep in elevation.

RVs and trailers may be a great option for families looking for a little additional luxury — especially in places where unexpected snow or storms can make tent camping difficult to navigate.

Setting Up Camp

In addition to a tent and sleeping bags, a cooler, a collapsible water container, and a portable camp burner are all useful items to have. Maintain a robust plastic container or other convenient storage bin for additional needs, such as affordable plastic plates and cups, lightweight utensils, towels, roasting forks, plastic bags, a portable clothesline, an outdoor tablecloth, and flashlights, among others.

Make sure to include at least two pairs of shoes, one of which should be waterproof and the other which should be simple to slide on and off for getting in and out of a tent or trailer at night.

SafetyFirst Aid

The majority of ready-to-use first aid kits are both convenient and reasonably priced. Extras to consider include: earplugs if your child has ear tubes; hydrocortisone cream for insect bites; children’s acetaminophen (chewable or liquid); pediatric antihistamines for allergies or stings; and aloe or anesthetic cream or gel for sunburn or mild burn treatment (such as Lidocaine). In the event of a more serious injury, be aware of the location of the nearest clinic or hospital, and ask campsite employees for the phone number to contact for after-hours emergency assistance.

Tips for What to Do If Your Child Is Sick or Injured While on Vacation

Prep for Potty Time

If you have newborns, make sure to include lots of diapers, as well as emergency and sleep pull-ups for toddlers and preschoolers. Most campgrounds feature flush toilets, but because you’ll be spending the most of your time outside, you may need to improvise. Extra toilet paper should be brought along in case of an emergency or if the restrooms are unavailable. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes should also be brought along.

Make Meals Memorable

Because cooking over a campfire or in the open air is such an important part of the camping experience, include the kids in the meal planning process. Special snacks such as applesauce squeeze tubes or energy bars might be selected by the children. Prepare your own bespoke trail mix and load your “chuck box” (your portable kitchen and pantry) with easy one-pot dinners and hot breakfasts such as oatmeal for fiber and eggs for healthy protein to take with you on your adventures. Pack goods that don’t require cooking, such as peanut butter and jelly sandwich fixings, for days spent traveling or for backpack picnics.

Organise a contest at the end of the day for the most inventive campfire snacks, such as toasted marshmallows sandwiched between bananas, chocolate-covered caramels, and chocolate graham crackers, among other ideas.

Camping Activities and Fun

Bring along a few simple activities to keep you occupied, such as a ball or Frisbee for playing catch, buckets and shovels for constructing sand castles on beaches, a notepad and colored pencils for keeping a nature diary, or Mason jars for collecting bugs to study and release once you return home. Hiking, swimming, and touring will most certainly fill the most of the days, with evenings spent viewing the sunset or moonrise and putting constellations together from the stars at night. Two excellent investments: plastic playing cards that can withstand rain and dew in the morning, and headlamps that allow kids (and their parents) to see where they’re going at night when they’re out playing.

Each product and service that we recommend has been carefully selected by our team of parents and travel specialists. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our affiliate links.

Beginner’s Guide to Family Camping

If you’ve been fantasizing of going camping with your family for months (or even years), you’ve finally decided on a date and everyone is getting enthusiastic about your forthcoming outdoor adventure! Congratulations! Not only is camping a fun and cost-effective vacation option, but it also provides an opportunity for children to acquire valuable life skills while enjoying the great outdoors. Here’s where to begin organizing your family camping vacation, as well as suggestions for food, activities, safety, and other considerations.

Finding a Campground

The Best Family Campgrounds Throughout the United States Check out our preferred family campgrounds from coast to coast to assist you in deciding on the best place for you and your loved ones. Campgrounds for Families in the Top 100 Do you require other options? More outdoor places for families may be found on our newly enlarged list, which includes even more options.

Basic Camping TipsSafety

The Best Camping Tips for Families with Children Camping with children can be both tough and gratifying, and there are many factors to consider when planning a trip with children. These suggestions can assist you in making the most of your vacation. Checklist for the Most Important Items to Pack Make use of our packing checklist to ensure that you have everything you need for your family’s camping vacation. When traveling with a newborn or in harsh weather conditions, there are a few more items to consider packing.

How to Select the Most Appropriate Family Tent Your tent is your home away from home, as well as the spot where you’ll sleep and store your belongings while on your adventure.

Camping Safety Guidelines for Children Outdoor environments necessitate the use of extra caution when it comes to child protection.

Family Camping MealsSnacks

How to Create a Camping Menu for Your Family Following these five simple steps, if you’re the Executive Chef of your family’s new outdoor dining room, creating a menu for your family camping trip will be a breeze. Camping Meals Made in a Single Pot One-pot dinners are a certain way to win at family camping. Check out some of our favorite stews, chili, and other dishes. 11 Easy Family Camping Recipes to Make They are a fantastic complement to your family’s camping food because they are easy to prepare and delicious.

Camping Snacks that are a Fan Favorite A satisfying snack is vital after a long day spent outdoors.

Outdoor Activities

Camping Activities for Children That You Must Do If you’re planning a camping vacation, consider include some of these family-friendly outdoor activities.

Our favorite activities range from sing-a-longs to trail jogging and everything in between. Find activities for your ACTIVEkids to participate in.

The Down and Dirty Guide to Family Tent Camping ⋆ Health, Home, & Happiness

The most exciting event of this summer has been tent camping, which my children have been looking forward to since we rented a space six months ago. I grew up camping, and spending time in nature, away from mobile phone service and internet access, is one of my favorite ways to spend my free time. As parents, it’s important to be realistic about what we anticipate from camping with our children. Tent camping, particularly, is more of a “team building” exercise than a pleasant one. The payout, on the other hand, is absolutely priceless!

Camping Expectations

Whenever we had a camping trip scheduled as children, we would go ahead and do it, rain or shine. There were a lot of muddy, messy, and even a little uncomfortable Memorial Day camping vacations back in the day. Memories are built regardless matter whether the weather is nice or not (thinking back, I have some wonderful ones from this!) However, as a mother, I have learned when to cut my losses, end the battle, and pack everything up and leave it all behind. We choose to camp near to home for this reason, and we consider ourselves fortunate to live in a region where this is a possibility.

1. ), sleeping in the vehicle, forgetting to bring coffee (!
2. Despite having only one child, this pattern remained.
3. Are you going camping with your children or in a group?
4. Check out this article on Campground Etiquette for more information.
5. As previously said, the main difference between camping before children and camping with my first child was the fact that I brought clothing, diapers, and a baby carrier for her.
6. And so we spent some time away, allowing me to shed my ego-driven belief that “nothing will change when I have kids, I’ll figure it out,” while setting more realistic expectations for myself and my family.

Camp Sites With Water Are The Way to Go

When camping with children, I select busy campgrounds so that I don’t have to carry bear spray while preparing supper and so that I can get assistance if I need a jump or something like that. Aside from that, we prefer sites that have flowing water and are located immediately next to a supply of water. If the water is deep and within sight, and my children are wearing lifejackets, they may hurl pebbles into the lake, create a dam in the creek, dig in the soil, and generally have a good time. A lot of my children’s outdoor play involves water, and if the camp site isn’t exactly next to a body of water, it’s difficult to make dinner and clean up without giving in to pleadings to visit a river or lake.

Camping fatigue quickly sets in after a week of jerky, almonds, and water for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Even for youngsters who are capable of swimming, a swift river is perilous, and the stress it causes is not worth it. If it’s bug season, stay away from stagnant water if you don’t want to get eaten alive by mosquitoes.

My best camping tips:

A solar shower is difficult to use for showering (we prefer to believe that swimming and liberal application of deodorant keep us fresh), but it is ideal for providing slightly warm water to wash hands before meals. It is possible for the entire family to participate in washing two tubs of clothes, along with a wash cloth, scrubber, dish soap, and two or three dishtowels each tub. Maintaining simplicity in camping meals is the best way to begin, unless extravagant camping is truly your thing.

Check out the movies below for information on camping meal preparation and camping meals as I prepare them.

Camp StovesCoffee

Instant coffee is a type of coffee that is prepared quickly. Additionally, a camp stove that can quickly heat water makes brewing coffee a breeze. My attempts to get the “camping percolators” to produce anything other than gritty watery coffee-like liquid have always failed. Cold brew is also a viable alternative; simply prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Hot coffee, a gorgeous lake in the early morning light, and tired youngsters coming from their tents, still smelling of campfire and eager to start the day fill my heart with joy more than anything else.

Then it’s time to put out the fire before heading off on the adventures of the day.

You won’t do much…

.instead of simply cooking, cleaning up, and then cooking again. Simply put, that is how camping meals with children works! However simple your meals are, the requirement of washing dishes after each meal and heating water on the stove before washing in tubs makes this procedure time-consuming and inefficient. In lieu of complaining about not being able to get more done, now is an excellent moment to put into practice what we learned in Chop Wood Carry Water and appreciate the primitive simplicity of this rhythm.

Our typical day

Our average camping day begins with us waking up about 8 a.m. (this year, my children sleep wonderfully while camping! ), getting breakfast started right away and having it done by 8:30 a.m., and cleaning up by 9 a.m. Then we go fishing for a while, or we go out on the paddle board, or we just hang around whatever got wet the previous night. Cleaning up after lunch is generally less complex, but it still takes approximately an hour from start to finish. On frigid days, we’ll go fishing again or gather firewood and build a fire in the late afternoon.

Whenever possible, we strive for our regular 5:30 dinner hour, and if we’re cooking over an open fire, we try to have the fire going by 4:30 to ensure it’s done in time.

After dinner, we sit around the campfire until 7:00 p.m. to talk about the day. After that, we begin cleaning up the site in preparation for evening, as well as putting the kids to bed who need to go to bed earlier.

Camping SleepEnergy Expectations:

Children will refuse to take a nap, will have difficulty falling asleep, and will be up with the sun. As a result, we limit our camping outings to a few days and keep them quite near to home. For the second day, when excitement may still push small hikers, we plan our most exciting ‘adventure,’ while for the third day we plan more tranquil and easy activities for the days when everyone is more fatigued.

Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em

Thunderstorms in the afternoon may make for an interesting break in the tent, especially if you have tiny ones napping or older kids playing Uno. It’s going to be difficult dealing with toddlers who are always on the move. If you’re camping with children who haven’t slept well for the whole trip, even the most gorgeous bright day on the fourth day is a recipe for meltdowns. It is OK to depart early. Sometimes we reserve a campground for one more night than we intend to spend there in order to be able to spend the entire next day there, simply to feel safe and secure.

Camping Toys

Again, I try to keep things as basic as possible when it comes to recreational equipment. Rather of purchasing a half-dozen rafts and water play equipment, I try to concentrate my efforts on finding items that my children would like and use again and over again. Everyone’s version of this will be different. I’ll only carry one thing with me on a short journey (sand toys, the paddle board, OR fishing equipment). This is what we find appealing:

• We all have a paddle board that we use. With three children on board at the same time, it takes a significant amount of cooperation to go somewhere, and taking turns isn’t all that bad either
• Even for swimmers, wearing a life jacket provides peace of mind. Small children’s kayak – seeing my three children load on and almost sink the kayak (it is unsinkable) gives hours of pleasure for us all
• Small children’s raft Excessive little paddles don’t take up much space, but a $12 paddle is just what the kids desire (control!) and they take up far less space and cost significantly less than an additional kayak or paddle board. Each child will receive a bucket and shovel, with durability taking precedence above novelty. Easy-to-use squirt guns (the sort that you fill with water and then pull back on the handle to dispense) are popular and amusing, especially among toddlers who are learning how to use them for the first time. If you enjoy fishing, you will need fishing equipment. Seeing the tip of your pole twitch gives you the ultimate dopamine rush
• ).

For use at the campground, in the tent, and during the automobile journey are the following items:

• Each youngster is allowed to bring a backpack (which must have a zipper!) full of non-electronic items. If you believe your children are bringing too much, go for a smaller backpack
• For afternoon thunder storms, play Uno, Go Fish, or any card game suited for the player’s age. Frisbee, football, ladder golf, or any other active activity that is peaceful and that you may play with new friends that you meet at the campsite are all good options. Bikes are a lot of fun at campgrounds if you have the space to store them. Show the children the loop that they are permitted to travel on (most campsites are comprised of a number of loops)

Grain-Free Holiday Desserts, Breakfasts, and Side Dishes

Candied Butternut Squash, Zesty Lime Custard, Honey-Sweetened Pecan Pie, Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce, and 10 more holiday dishes that you’ll love for the way they taste as well as the way they make you feel are included in this collection of recipes.

Genius Hacks to Make Camping with Kids Fun & Stress-Free

Are you considering taking your children camping in the near future? Helpful hints for making camping with children an enjoyable experience! Taking your children camping may be both a struggle and a wonderful experience, but by following these guidelines, we can make camping with children a stress-free vacation. What you should do to prepare for your vacation Once you’ve arrived at your destination, here are some camping suggestions. In addition, there are camping suggestions for families. Anddd.

• This list of camping tips, whether it’s your first or twentieth camping trip with the whole family, may revolutionize the way you “tough it” while you’re out camping with children in tow.
• Camping was a part of my childhood.
• My spouse, on the other hand, grew up in a quite different environment.
• He was clearly concerned about our first camping trip with children, as seen by his nervousness before the trip.
• It’s understandable that he didn’t know what to anticipate, and the prospect of bringing two children who were used to a daily schedule and regular bedtimes into the mountains of Colorado sounded very.
• It wasn’t until we returned from our camping trip with the kids that he finally surrendered and recognized how much fun he had, as well as how much fun the kids had being away from home and in the great outdoors.

For those of you who need a camping checklist to ensure that you do not forget anything on your next camping trip, you may find one at the bottom of this post.

1) PACK EVERYTHING IN CLEAR TUBS FOR EASY CAMPING ORGANIZATION

Organizing your camping items before you leave is essential for being organized after you get at your campground and is the first step toward making your camping trip a pleasant one! Prepare your camping items in advance so that when you arrive at your camping location, everything is clearly labeled and easy to find. Your campground, like your home, is your home away from home, and you’ll want everything to be in an easy-to-find location so that you can find it and grab it when you need it, or in case something unexpected happens.

• Kitchen supplies
• Food and snacks
• Bathroom and bathing supplies
• Toys
• Tents and sleeping bags
• Clothes and laundry
• Music and entertainment

When you have clearly labeled bins, everything that is taken out is more likely to be placed back in the correct container, reducing the need for further organization at home. Using this method can save you a significant amount of time while planning your vacation, and you can quickly store the containers when you return home. Moreover, when you get home, you’ll know precisely where your dirty laundry is, where your kitchen supplies are, and where any food that may be salvaged is located as well.

2) SET-UP A HANDFOOT WASHING STATION WHEN YOU GO CAMPING WITH KIDS

It is vitally necessary to have a hand and foot washing station at every campground, especially if you are going camping with children. Bring a double water jug with an open/close spout to set up a hand and food washing station. The water flow is controlled by the opening and closing of the spout. These may be found at your local large box retailer and, on occasion, in your neighborhood grocery store. Additionally, collapsible water bottles (make sure you acquire more than one since you’ll need them) are useful, as they can be used again and again.

1. Make sure to place the washing basin on towels or a blanket so that when you step out of the basin, you may dry your feet right away and avoid bringing dirt or mud into your camping tent and sleeping bags.
2. Make sure you carry enough of water so that you have plenty for drinking, cooking, bathing, and a hand and foot washing station when you arrive.
3. Pack hand soap, as well as dishrags or washcloths to assist clean the dirt off your hands and between your children’s toes when you go camping.
4. The foamy hand soap containers were purchased for my home, but I preserved two of them to use in our camping supplies.

I create my own hand soap, shampoo if you need it for camping, dishes, laundry, stains, floors, and other household items, and it works well. Additionally, it is fully safe, fragrance-free, and non-toxic.)

3) MUST HAVE WHEN CAMPING WITH KIDS: A BATH STATION

If you’re camping without access to showers, there will come a moment when baby wipes will just not suffice (but don’t forget to pack an extra half-load of baby wipes for all the other times you’ll need them). Make sure to include a plastic baby bath for the infants (flat bottom baby baths provide more space) as well as an extra plastic tub for the older children that can be filled with water. Warm bath tip: fill up the bin first thing in the morning and leave it out in the sun to warm up (make sure to cover it as well so that bugs, dirt, and pollen don’t get into it).

In the case of adults, a solar-heated shower bag will come in handy when you’ve had enough and need to clean away the grime.

4) LOAD UP ON BABY WIPESANTIBACTERIAL WIPES

If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, bring along several packs of baby wipes and non-toxic antibacterial wipes (do not load kids up with hand sanitizer – so many are being recalled right now because they are dangerous and this goes straight into the bloodstream within 20 seconds of application) for those times when you’ll need to wipe the kids down but won’t be able to give them a full bath.

To clean their hands and feet before crawling into their sleeping bags, wipes are an excellent option.

5) KID CAMPING STYLE: SETTING UP SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, bring along several packs of baby wipes and non-toxic antibacterial wipes (do not load kids up with hand sanitizer – so many are being recalled right now because they are dangerous and this goes straight into the bloodstream within 20 seconds of application) for those times when you’ll need to wipe the kids down but won’t be able to give them a thorough bath.

Cleaning hands and feet before crawling into sleeping bags is also a breeze using wipes.

6) CAMPING WITH CHILDREN: BRING ALONG ENTERTAINMENT

If you’re taking kids camping, there’s only so much dirt, rocks, and bugs that will keep them entertained before they start getting into trouble or complaining that they’re “bored.” If you’re taking kids fishing, there’s only so much fishing that will keep them entertained before they start getting into trouble or complaining that they’re “bored.” Bringing a tub full of toys that are both camping-friendly and electronic-free will make your camping vacation with children a breeze, and you won’t have to worry about them getting into mischief or getting poison oak.

Camping Entertainment Toy Ideas:

• Squirt guns
• Balls (soccer, football, lacrosse)
• Sticks (soccer, football, lacrosse)
• Balls
• sBubbles
• sChalk
• sBinoculars
• sCamping Outdoor Exploring Camp Set (which is adorable! )
• Coloring Books
• Water Pen Coloring Books (they are excellent for flying and traveling with children as well! )
• Activity Books Arts and crafts (make your own walking stick or a snack necklace)
• Please print and bring these two free resources with you. Scavenger hunter in the great outdoors Nature Sensory Scavenger Hunts
• Camping Bingo – Free Download Here
• Nature Sensory Scavenger Hunts
• Nature Sensory Scavenger Hunts Magnifying glasses
• A bug catcher case
• Card games (Old Maid, Go Fish, and UNO)
• And other little items.

Bring an extra tent to use as a designated play area for your children. Your children will be able to play with their toys, and you will not have to clean up the mess caused by the toys that were left out in the sleeping and changing tent. We purchased a low-cost two-person tent specifically for this purpose, and at home, the kids will occasionally put it up in the house for “camp outs,” ensuring that it receives more than its fair share of usage. It’s convenient to have the compartments separated from one another, and you don’t have to bother about cleaning feet before they climb into the “play tent,” as you would have to do with the sleeping tent.

7) NIGHTTIME SAFETY IS IMPORTANT WHEN CAMPING WITH KIDS

For youngsters, glow sticks are inexpensive and simple to come by (try the $1 bins at Target or Michaels). String them together and put them on as a necklace, anklet, or bracelet so you can keep track of them when it gets dark. For added illumination, place glow sticks in water bottles. If you have plenty of water bottles, this may make for a fun game of night bowling before bedtime as well. Headlamps are rather affordable, and it is well worth the investment to ensure that everyone has one. The use of a headlamp wrapped around a jug of water to create a DIY luminous lantern for use on tables and inside your tent is another cool little technique.

They function reasonably well and are really useful when it becomes dark outside or when you’re looking for anything in the tent at a distance.

8) A NEAT TRICK FOR CLEAN CLOTHESDIRTY LAUNDRY

A Hanging Clothes Organizerallows you to put out clothing for everyone so that you don’t have to pick through a tub or suitcase full of clothes every day. Individual cubbies may be created for each individual or you can create one for each individual in a different color. Once your camp is set up, unpack all of your garments and hang them in the hanging clothes organizers. This not only organizes your clothing, but it also allows you to empty the container you used to store all of your clothes.

You won’t have to waste time rummaging through bins to discover all of the dirty clothes once you arrive home since everything in the laundry tub will be thrown immediately into the washing machine.

9) PACKING FOOD CAMPING HACKS

• Invest in a rechargeable light for your cooler so that you can open your cooler and find what you need without having to juggle a flashlight and sift through stuff, which is especially important while traveling at night

• Keep your matches safe and dry in a mason jar container with a tight-fitting cover. Don’t take any chances with rain, leaks, or coolers, which can all wet matches and ruin the enjoyment (and the s’mores)

• Pre-freeze water jugs in advance of your trip and they will serve as ice for your coolers and to keep your food fresh
• But, when they thaw, you will have fresh drinking water for your family. (Fill them about two-thirds of the way with water to allow for expansion when they freeze. )

• Chips with a little grease on them, such as Doritos and Fritos, may make excellent fire starts when combined with wood, and they burn much more quickly than traditional techniques.

• Organize spices for cooking in tic tac containers to avoid lugging your entire kitchen cupboard along with you on the go.

• Put condiment containers (ketchup, mustard) to good use and fill them with pre-made pancake mix for a quick and easy meal in the morning. Next time you have an empty container at home, simply wash it and place it in your camping bins in preparation for your next camping excursion. To identify what’s inside the container, remove the labels and write the contents of the container with a permanent marker.

• In order to reduce the number of tools you need to bring, consider purchasing a 12-in-1 Camping Tool (which includes scissors, screwdrivers, a can opener, a magnet, wrench, a fish scaler, a nut cracker, a jar wrench, a wire stripper, a wire cutter, a bottle opener, and a knife) so that you only need to bring this one tool rather than all 12. It’s well worth the effort

Are you looking for quick and easy dinner ideas?

Here are 30 delicious camping meals that are simple to prepare and that the whole family will enjoy.

10) INVALUABLEHANDY CAMPING SUPPLIES

Keys, wallets, phones, chargers, and other electrical devices. Keep them all together in a zip-top plastic bag (the large freezer kind). This not only keeps them secure from spills and food, but it also makes it simpler to keep track of them after you get at your campground and things become a little wild with the kids running over the place. It will be easier to keep track of everything if everything is packaged together in one location.

More Camping with Kids Resources:

• Camping with Kids: 21 Camping Games and Activities to Entertain Kids
• Camping with Kids: 21 Camping Games and Activities to Entertain Kids
• Camping Camping Food Ideas That Are Stress-Free and Simple
• Ten Camping Essentials for Families with Children That You Don’t Want to Forget
• Tick Prevention Can Help Keep Your Family Safe Choosing a Safe Sunscreen
• Safe Tick Removal
• What to Look for When Choosing a Safe Tick Removal

10 Ways to Make Family Camping Easy

Family Camping 101 is the last chapter of our series, Mamas in the Wild: How We Survive When We Choose to Be Outside, which is sponsored by REI and is available on YouTube. Real-life mom-to-mom advice and tactics for spending quality time outside with your family are the subject of this four-part series. Do you have to catch up? See the first, second, and third blogs in this series for more information. They’re jam-packed with useful information for all outdoor families!

Be a Camping Family

One of our favorite family memories, over which we may both laugh and weep, is when my parents chose to become a “campingfamily.” He and his wife had recently relocated to Idaho and were ecstatic to be able to partake in some of the amazing outdoor activities that were available to them right in their own backyard. They purchased a family tent, as well as all of the necessary sleeping bags and camping equipment, and they made arrangements for a four-day camping vacation in Yellowstone National Park.

Everything got off to a wonderful start, and my parents were feeling like camping pros by the time they had all five of their children safely tucked up for the night on the first night.

Although we cannot control the weather or the health of our children, we hope that this post will provide anybody who is nervous about camping with children with some tips and tactics that have worked for us in the past.

We receive commissions from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate and as a member of other affiliate programs.

10 Tips and Tricks forFamily CampingSuccess

For those who did not grow up camping, the prospect of taking your own children camping might be a bit scary. We’re here to inform you that camping is something that everybody and everyone can enjoy. It’s not as difficult as it appears, and with some careful planning and the appropriate equipment, there’s no reason to be terrified. The first step is just making the decision to move forward. Plan ahead of time, go outside in your backyard, and get some buddies to join you. Camping with children is much more enjoyable when done with friends.

2. Pick Your Location

We recognize that family camping necessitates a great deal more preparation than just dropping by a Motel 6. Are you unclear about where you should go next? Neighbors, friends, neighborhood facebook groups, recreation.gov, park rangers, and other people have provided us with the greatest recommendations for camping locations. Find out where individuals like to camp and what it is about that location that they enjoy. Then you may pick which location is the greatest fit for your family. What is the maximum distance you are willing to travel?

Whether you want to check off a bucket list destination like seeing new vistas in a national park or you simply want to go away for a brief weekend trip to recuperate, we have the perfect vacation for you.

When deciding where to travel, consider the recreational activities you plan to participate in, such as fishing and hiking, as well as your overall objectives for the vacation.

3. Have the Right Gear

What equipment do you have, and what do you need to get started? It is beneficial to create a brief checklist of the items you will require.

Essentials Camping Gear List:

• The following items are required: a family camping tent
• Sleeping bags (see our selection of kid-friendly options here)
• Sleeping pads or air mattress
• Lantern / headlamp
• Cooler (this one is ideal for a short trip or lunch on the road! )
• Stove, fuel, lighter
• Water and food
• Cookware. Proper eating utensils
• A first-aid kit
• Sunscreen / bug spray
• Hand sanitizer
• Appropriate attire
• Toiletries

The REI Kingdom 6tent is one of our favorite pieces of family camping equipment (there is also a Kingdom 4 and Kingdom 8 tent depending on the size of your family). This tent is equipped with all of the necessary pockets, as well as the choice of having one huge open space or two separate sections, as well as a full rain cover. Another advantage is that it is straightforward to set up. Another popular piece of equipment is our Goal-Zero lamp. If you want to hang it, you may use the legs to support it while you alter the degree of light.

Nice to Have Gear:

• Camping pillow (or an old pillow from home)
• Camping chairs (which are constructed of mesh and dry fast when it rains and protect us from getting too hot when it’s sunny)
• Sleeping bag (or an old pillow from home)
• When transporting a small child, be sure to have a portable cot, a camping shade, dry sacks, a Dutch oven (which should be heavy-duty and simple to clean), cookware cleaning supplies, firewood (and potentially a saw or an ax), roasting sticks, and other essentials.

Check out more family camping gear suggestions + printable packing lists here!

SIMPLIFY is a term that may be used to ensure that family camping vacations are successful. Reduce the number of steps in your night ritual, your meals, your packing list, and your expectations. It is not necessary to take everything, even the kitchen sink, in order to have a memorable camping trip. Some of our most memorable camping adventures have occurred when we’ve taken advantage of an unexpected day off or some pleasant weather nearly on the spur of the moment. This is proof that if you have the correct equipment, the remainder of the process may be rather straightforward.

5. Think about PlanningServing Your Meals

Before you go camping with your family, freeze gallon water jugs to keep your food cool and dry while you’re away. You should get block ice and place it in a dry bag in order to reduce the mess to a minimal if you are traveling for an extended period of time. Make sure you have a cooler specifically designated for perishable items such as dairy products. When it comes to opening this cooler, only when absolutely required Drinks and snacks that do not require ice should be kept in a separate refrigerator.

1. Remember to keep things as straightforward as possible.
2. My children have never expressed dissatisfaction with hotdogs cooked over an open fire, cut up watermelon, or s’mores for dessert.
3. Another option is to prepare your favorite freezer-friendly recipes such as chili or soup and store them in your pre-chilled cooler, which you can then reheat!
4. For our family, the easiest camping dinner is a green salad with vegetables on top and a hot dish of (rehydrated) beans, rice, and cheese on the side.
5. We avoid meals that make a huge mess because they are unappealing.
6. It may be used with pellets, charcoal, or wood, and the flame can be controlled to provide the ideal outdoor cooking experience.
7. We prefer to serve all bowl meals in a big cup when it comes to presenting them.
8. For this purpose, the Mountain Summit Gear enamel mugs from REI are great.

Purchase one that has a waterproof backing if possible. Also, store it in your car between family camping vacations to avoid losing it. It’ll always come in useful, believe me!

6. Pack Your Food Away

Don’t forget to do this step after you’ve finished eating. This one is based on personal experience. There is nothing more irritating than waking up at 2 a.m. to the sound of a raccoon chewing on Doritos outside your tent door. It has been our experience that, even when we believe our food is out of sight, the safest location to store it at night is in a secured vehicle. This is much more critical to remember while you are in bear country.

7. Always Bring the Basics

When you’re preoccupied with making certain you have all of the necessary equipment for family camping, it’s easy to lose sight of the essentials of everyday life. Make sure that everyone has a reusable water bottle, and that it is always filled and easily accessible. Dehydration is not a pleasant experience. Everyone should use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun. Consider purchasing sun-protective apparel to shield yourself from the sun. Throughout the day, reapply your sunscreen.

Do not forget to include a well-stocked family camping first aid kit, which should include a thermometer, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, a tick removal tool, insect repellent, sunscreen, and other necessary items.

8. Cater to Your Kids when Family Camping

While our children don’t require much in the way of entertainment while camping, it is crucial to keep them in mind at all times. In case your children are small, don’t forget to bring along a carrier and chariot or a bike trailer (this can also double as a seat to keep them strapped in if necessary). You may also carry along a foldable bouncy seat for babies to keep them entertained while you are doing camp chores or cleaning up. Sunshades are an excellent investment that may make or break a camping vacation, especially if you are camping in an area where there is little natural shading.

1. Here are some of our favorite outdoor baby essentials to have on hand.
2. When I was pregnant with my second daughter, I considered sending my husband ahead with the older children and staying at home since I didn’t know how I would handle a toilet training toddler.
3. If your children are older, pack bicycles, games (which are especially useful if it’s raining), and sand toys if you’re going to be near a lake or body of water.
4. Glow sticks are fantastic for older children to use at night to keep track of where they are.

9. Relax

Once you’ve arrived and gotten everything set up, take advantage of the time to relax and take in the surroundings.

Spend time with your children exploring, relaxing in the tent, going on a walk/hike/canoe/bike ride, or reading a book. You have earned this opportunity. Not quite ready to get into a tent with your family for a camping trip? Consider renting a recreational vehicle.

10. Family Camping: Leave No Trace

Don’t forget to leave the campsite/area in the same condition as you found it while you’re packing up. Send your children on a rubbish hunt to see who can collect the most trash in the area; make sure the campfire is totally out; and leave the camp location in a better condition than when you found it. We get a lot of suggestions from our children when we ask them what they want to do on the weekend. One of the most prevalent is to “go camping.” Although this is not a feasible option every weekend, family camping has provided us with some of our most cherished memories.

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Tales of a Mountain Mama will be published in 2019. All intellectual property rights are retained. Reproduction, in part or in whole, of this article is permitted with a link back to this original post and the author’s permission.