Family Camping: More Fun Than You Think
Camping with kids has a reputation for being chaotic β and honestly, a little chaos is part of the charm. But with the right preparation, a family camping trip can be one of the most rewarding experiences you share together. No screens, no schedules, just fresh air, adventure, and memories that last a lifetime. Here's how to make it work smoothly.
1. Choose a Family-Friendly Campsite
Not all campsites are created equal when it comes to families. Look for:
- Good facilities β Clean toilets, hot showers, and a washing-up area make a huge difference with kids in tow.
- Safe play areas β A dedicated play area keeps younger children entertained and gives parents a moment to breathe.
- Flat, grassy pitches β Kids need space to run around. Avoid rocky or uneven sites.
- Shallow water access β A stream, lake, or beach nearby is a guaranteed hit with children of all ages.
- Short distance from home β For your first family camping trip, stay close. A 1β2 hour drive means you can head home if things go sideways.
- Other families β Sites popular with families tend to have a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and kids quickly make friends.
2. Get the Right Shelter
With kids, your tent needs to work harder. Space, ease of setup, and weatherproofing all matter more when little ones are involved.
- Size up β Always go bigger than you think you need. A tent rated for your exact group size will feel cramped with kids' gear, toys, and wet clothes. Add at least 1β2 to the stated capacity.
- Separate sleeping areas β A tent with a divider or multiple rooms gives parents and children their own space β and improves everyone's sleep.
- Good headroom β Being able to stand up inside makes getting kids dressed and managing bedtime routines far easier.
- Easy setup β Arriving at a campsite with tired, excited children is not the time to wrestle with poles. An inflatable tent is ideal β it goes up in minutes with a single pump, so you can focus on the kids rather than the instructions.
- A porch or awning β Essential for storing muddy boots, wet gear, and buggies outside the sleeping area.
3. Add a Canopy Shelter
A canopy shelter is a game-changer for family camping. Set it up as your outdoor living room and it becomes the heart of your camp:
- A shaded, covered space for meals, games, and downtime
- A dry area to retreat to when it rains without going inside the tent
- A safe, defined space for younger children to play
- A cooking area that keeps food prep away from the sleeping tent
With a canopy shelter up, rainy days become cosy camp days rather than disasters.
4. Pack Smart for Kids
Kids need more gear than adults β but resist the urge to overpack. Focus on the essentials:
Sleeping
- A sleeping bag rated lower than expected overnight temperatures β kids feel the cold more than adults
- A comfortable sleeping mat or camp bed β a good night's sleep is non-negotiable for happy kids (and parents)
- A familiar comfort item from home β a favourite toy or blanket helps younger children settle in an unfamiliar environment
Clothing
- Layers, layers, layers β mornings and evenings can be cold even in summer
- Waterproof jacket and trousers β kids will play in the rain regardless
- Wellies or waterproof boots
- At least one complete spare outfit per day β kids get wet and muddy faster than you expect
Food and Snacks
- Familiar foods alongside camping meals β this isn't the time to experiment with adventurous cuisine
- Plenty of snacks β fresh air and activity means constant hunger
- Easy breakfast options like porridge, cereal, or toast on a camp stove
- Marshmallows for the campfire β non-negotiable
Entertainment
- A nature scavenger hunt list β keeps kids engaged and exploring
- Colouring books and card games for tent time
- Glow sticks for evening fun
- A simple fishing rod if there's water nearby
5. Involve the Kids in Camp Life
Children who feel involved are happier campers. Give them age-appropriate jobs:
- Carrying their own small backpack with their essentials
- Helping to peg out the tent or inflate the air beams
- Collecting firewood (with supervision)
- Helping to prepare simple meals
- Tidying the tent before bed
Responsibility builds confidence and keeps kids engaged β and it takes some of the load off parents too.
6. Manage Bedtime Expectations
Bedtime is often the trickiest part of camping with kids. A few strategies that help:
- Stick as close to your normal bedtime routine as possible β stories, teeth brushing, and a familiar comfort item signal that it's sleep time even in a new environment
- Use a nightlight or glow stick inside the tent so children aren't scared of the dark
- Accept that the first night may be unsettled β most kids sleep much better from night two onwards
- Bring earplugs for yourself β campsite mornings start early when children are excited
7. Embrace the Mess and the Unexpected
Family camping is not a Pinterest-perfect experience β and that's exactly what makes it special. Mud, rain, forgotten items, and minor disasters are all part of the story. The trips that go slightly wrong are often the ones your children remember most fondly.
Lower your expectations for perfection and raise them for fun. That's the secret to a great family camping trip.
Family Camping Checklist
- β Family-friendly campsite booked with good facilities
- β Spacious tent with separate sleeping areas
- β Canopy shelter for outdoor living space
- β Sleeping bags rated for overnight temperatures
- β Comfortable sleeping mats or camp beds
- β Waterproof clothing and spare outfits for kids
- β Familiar foods and plenty of snacks
- β Entertainment and activity ideas packed
- β First aid kit including children's essentials
- β Comfort items from home for younger children
Make Family Camping Effortless
At Bestyle Camping Store, our spacious inflatable tents and canopy shelters are perfectly suited to family camping β fast to set up, roomy enough for the whole family, and built to handle whatever the weather brings. Give your family the gift of the outdoors.
Browse our family camping range and start planning your next adventure together.