Camping with Kids

Kid-Safe Camping Tips

Late July, the ideal camping spot: Overlooking an enormous lake, plenty of wooded beauty, and a soft sand platform for our tent. In absolute heaven… until the kids set a pile of wood too close to the fire pit and set light to dry brush, and I’d pulled about fifty cactus needles out of tiny legs and fingers. It can be a full-time job just keeping the kids clean, fed, and entertained on a camping trip without the hazards inherent to the outdoors.

There are plenty of good reasons to take your children camping, though. Kids can keep themselves amused for hours just running through the trees or spotting a squirrel. Beings of eternal wonder, they can find a thousand uses for water and sandy shores.

Given the chance, your children will come home with a better understanding of nature and wildlife. Even the smallest bug can be a source of endless amazement, and an opportunity for you to share something truly special with your youngsters that will remain with them for a lifetime.

The Basic Checklist

Take your preparation seriously and you will have a successful, comfortable camping trip of two or more nights. The minimum equipment needed is:

*Tent – Take your time to find something appropriate. I have found from cramped experience that the number on the packaging which says something like “Sleeps 4” is only a recommendation. Kids take up a lot of space, so make sure you give them room for it. 

*Sleeping Bags – Once again, read the numbers. You should check the weather expected for the area you are going to camp and compare that against the rating on the sleeping bag packaging. It’s often a good idea to bring a couple of blankets as well, just in case. 

*Pillows – These aren’t as essential as a tent and sleeping bag, of course, but if you want comfort, you’re going to want a pillow.