Top 10 Camping Tips for Families: Making Your Outdoor Adventure a Success

Camping with the family is one of the best ways to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and unplug from the usual distractions of everyday life. But as any seasoned camper knows, when you’re out in the wilderness with kids, things don’t always go as planned. With some preparation and clever planning, however, you can ensure that your camping trip is an enjoyable experience for everyone.

As a mum of two, family car journalist, and founder of BabyDrive.com.au, I've learned a lot over the years about camping with kids. Here are my top 10 camping tips to make your next family adventure a breeze.

1. Always Pack a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen, especially with curious kids. A well-stocked first aid kit is essential. Make sure it includes band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and perhaps even a snake-bite bandage. For me, the Survival Vehicle First Aid Kit is a go-to. It’s compact, practical, and includes QR codes for quick first aid help, restocking, and a CPR guide. Don’t forget to bring any regular medications, like inhalers, and make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip. A little planning can save you a lot of stress.

2. Make Set-Up and Pack-Down Fun

Setting up camp can feel overwhelming, especially when the kids are restless after a long drive. To keep them entertained while you get the tent set up, surprise them with a new activity or toy. On our recent trip to Mulgumpin Moreton Island, we gave the kids a totem tennis set, which kept them busy while we got everything in place.

As for packing down, having the kids help is a great way to keep them engaged. It’s amazing how quickly they can become great little helpers once they get into the rhythm of camping life.

3. Take Advantage of Online Shopping Lists

Online shopping has made camping a lot easier. We use two lists: one for everything we need for the camping trip—snacks, meals, marshmallows for the campfire—and another for our weekly groceries that we can pick up on the way back from the trip. This way, when we return, we’re ready to jump right into the week without the stress of a post-camping grocery run.

4. Know Your Vehicle’s Limits

Before hitting the road, make sure you know your vehicle’s towing capacity, payload, and roof load rating. Overloading your car is a serious risk. You’ll also want to check the tyre pressures for the added weight of camping gear and your family.

5. BYO Running Water

Having running water when camping can make life a lot easier. Portable showers, whether electric or manual, are relatively inexpensive and can help you stay clean after a beach day or an active hike. A portable water system is also great for washing dishes or keeping the kids from tracking dirt and sand into the tent.

6. Plastic Drawers for Easy Organization

When camping, organizing your gear is key. Plastic stackable drawers are a lifesaver! These simple home storage solutions are perfect for keeping clothes, food, and camping equipment tidy in the car or at camp. Each family member gets a drawer to put their clothes in, which makes packing and unpacking a breeze. They also help keep the car or camper organized and prevent items from being lost in a jumble of bags.

7. Create Camping Rituals

One of the joys of camping is establishing routines. My kids look forward to our little rituals, like having dinner on the beach while watching the sunset or enjoying a morning swim or walk together. These moments provide comfort and anticipation, especially for the kids. It’s these little rituals that make camping trips feel extra special.

8. Prepare for Wet Weather with Creative Activities

Rain is inevitable on some camping trips, but it doesn’t have to ruin the fun. Pack craft supplies like acrylic markers, scissors, and string so the kids can get creative. They can paint rocks, leaves, or shells, or even make a wind chime out of sticks. These activities keep the kids entertained for hours and help foster creativity when they’re stuck inside.

9. Assign Roles and Responsibilities

Kids love to help, especially when they’re camping. Give them simple tasks to make them feel involved and responsible. For instance, our eldest daughter makes breakfast for the whole family, while our youngest loves hammering in the tent pegs. Giving kids roles helps build their confidence and allows them to take pride in the camping experience.

10. Bring Extra Water Containers

While you’ll likely have to bring your own drinking water, it’s a good idea to bring extra containers to collect water at your campsite—whether it’s from a creek, bore water, or rain. This water can be used for showers, rinsing off after beach visits, or even for the kids to play with. Having a large drum or water container can help reduce waste and ensure that your drinking water lasts longer.

Final Thoughts

Family camping can be a fantastic bonding experience, but it also requires a bit of extra effort and planning. By following these top 10 tips, you’ll be better prepared for whatever the wilderness throws your way. From first aid kits to creating new traditions, these tips will help ensure that your next family camping trip is one to remember. Happy camping!

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Credit: CarSales.com.au