Camping hacks for families: fun tips to make camping easy

Camping can be a perfect way to reconnect with nature and spend quality time with your loved ones.

However, camping with kids can be challenging, especially if it's their first time.

Fortunately, there are many camping hacks for families that you can use to simplify the experience and make it more fun - some of the best camping hacks we've seen and used a few ourselves:

Some of our top family camping hacks:

1. Create your own lantern: Place a headlamp or flashlight into an empty gallon jug of water for a makeshift lantern that will spread light throughout the campsite.

2. Freeze water bottles to act as ice packs in your cool box - freeze at home or a shared facilities freezer.

3. Use sage to repel bugs: Toss bundles of dried sage into your campfire to help repel insects and keep your campsite bug-free. We've got a whole article about how to keep bugs out of your tent.

4. Make DIY firestarters: Stuff toilet paper rolls with dryer lint, then seal both ends with a dab of peanut butter or vaseline (petroleum jelly). These are great firestarters that can be easily stored in a resealable bag. Dryer lint in egg carton sections also works well.

5. Bring a portable power bank: Keep your devices charged with a portable power bank. Plus, you can use it as a backup charger in case of emergencies.

6. If you're out walking, line your backpack with a trash bag: Keep your gear dry by lining your backpack with a trash bag before packing it up for the trip.

7. Make your own handwashing station: Tie a water dispenser bag to a nearby tree and attach soap to the top for an easy handwashing station.

8. Waterproof your shoes with beeswax: Rub beeswax onto leather hiking boots to create a protective layer that will keep them waterproof during any sudden downpours.

9. Store spices in straws: Seal one end by melting it, fill the straw with spices, then tie up or fold over the other, open with a knife or scissors. This makes them easy to transport and keeps them fresh.

10. Use foam floor tiles as sleeping pads: Buy foam floor tiles (the kind used in children's playrooms) and stack them up inside your tent for added cushioning while you sleep.

This video shows some of these ideas in a more visual format in case my explanations haven't done them justice!

Some other questions we know people think about before taking the family camping are answered below:

How to Plan A Good Family Camping Trip?

When planning a family camping trip ensure that all aspects are covered especially when it comes to children's safety by:

1. Researching kid-friendly campsites with activities that cater to their interests - if you've got older kids make sure there are activities to cater for the whole family. We know from personal experiance that as our kids have got older, we've changed the type of camp site we take them too. When they're really young everything in the great outdoors is an adventure - when they're a bit older, our oldest is 12, they want a lot more activities so we're taking them to larger camp sites.

2. Set realistic goals: Opt for easy hiking surfaces in the beginning, and plan plenty of time for leisure especially when starting camping as a family is crucial for kids to enjoy the experience and look forward to future trips.

3. Test gear before the big trip: Ensure the tent has been set up and taken down before you hop on your camping trip.

4. Involve kids in planning: Encourage children's choices on outings/activities while camping, helping them feel supported and part of your "team."

5. Choose a child-friendly camp site: Some campsites are more geared towards families with children than others; check online reviews and do background research on your location choice ahead of time.

Is Camping With Kids Hard?

A common question among parents planning their first camping trip is whether or not it's hard - The answer is maybe!

While some children might take well to nature, and love spending time in the great outdoors, others may need time adjusting or be entirely opposed to attempting new adventures .Here are difficulties parents face:

1) Lack of Sleep – Children may not sleep well at night due to light pollution or unfamiliar noises coming from nearby campers alongside general unfamiliarity of the tent - there are some great whitenoise apps you can get on your phone which have helped our kids get to sleep loads of times....although waking up to the sound of a crackling fire in the middle of the night is sometimes a bit heart stopping for an adult!

2) Toilet Issues – Not all campgrounds have standard restrooms, so instead may only have latrines which might prove difficult for younger kids.

3) Keeping Children Occupied – Away from screens and games is challenging, with camping offering the perfect digital detox solution - take lots of things to entertain them like game / coloring books / scavenger hunt print out - we've made a downloadable and printable scavenger hunt pdf here

How to Simplify Camping?

One of the most useful tips for simplifying camping is the use of a packing checklist. A comprehensive list of all the essentials will not only ensure that nothing is forgotten but also saves time in packing. Consider making separate lists for toiletries, food, camping gear, and clothing for each family member. My wife always uses her notes app on her phone - I've created a downloadable camping essentials checklist here based on one of her past camping trips with the kids.

Meal prep is another way to streamline your camping experience. Preparing all or part of your meals before your trip will save time and avoid spending hours preparing food at the campsite. Freeze food ahead of time or prep to-be-cooked ingredients in advance meaning less time prepping food while you're there.

Choosing a convenient campsite is an excellent way to simplify your camping trip. Look for campsites that offer showers, bathrooms, running water, potable water and electricity hookups if possible. Such amenities give everyone more comfortable conditions while camping. Also, consider reservations ahead for campsites as it saves you time on arrival where most campsites a first-come-first-serve basis. Simplifying your preparation with these tips will not only save you time but help you have an enjoyable adventure with your family.

Camping with Kids Checklist / Family Camping Essentials

1. Tent (including guylines and stakes)

2. Sleeping bag(s) / pads / air mattress(es)

3. Blankets

4. Headlamps or flashlights (plus extra batteries)

5. Cooler bag (for perishable goods)

6. First aid kit, including over-the-counter pain relief medication basics

7. Water bottle

8. Insect Repellent & Sunscreen

9. Clothes suitable for camping conditions especially a light jacket, sweater or even hats to put on at night.

10. Paper towels/hand sanitizer along with toilet paper/Toiletries (for those campgrounds without available facilities)/Baby wipes for quickly cleaning up young kids

11. Camp stove and pans, we love cast iron skillets and always take one camping with us

12. Always a good idea to have washing up liquid, a washing up tub and clothes, tea towels

13. If you've got young children we love taking glow sticks - the kids love playing with them in the evenings - and they make them easier to spot in the dark!!

14. Picnic table and chairs for all the family

15. Fire starters / matches etc if you're wanting to have a camp fire.

16. Food!

Fun Camping Activities for Families

1.Roasting marshmallows or making s'mores around the campfire.

2.Bringing board games, cards, drawing books just to make sure you've got some activities to do on rainy days in the shelter of your tent.

3.Making a scavenger hunt for kids with items in nature like pinecones, flowers, rocks they can find around the campsite area.

4.Opting for guided hikes in parks around and exploring nature's wonders like waterfall formations, rock climbing lessons among others

How Beginners Can Start Camping?

Camping can seem daunting and possibly even a lot of work to beginners, but with some effective advice, it can be a really enjoyable experience for every family member. Here are tips for beginners:

Start small: Begin with a single overnight stay at a local campsite before going for longer trips.

Choose easy locations: Lookout for camps that can be accessed by vehicle or short walk from parking lot making it easier to access amenities like latrines & picnic tables.

Rent gear first: Renting camping equipment like tents from companies is cheap & practical specially those who might seek the experience without investing too much initially.

Once you've got your first camping trip under your belt, you'll realise what gear is essential and what you can live without, and you'll be planning your next camping trip before you know it :)

It's a wrap

Camping is a great way to bond and create memories that last forever - and there's a growing movement of spending money to create memories rather than spending money on things....and we love camping for that.

Using these camping hacks for families will make your camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Simplify your trip, prepare adequately, include the kids in planning and choose a child-friendly campsite to ensure everyone has a great time.

Remember practice makes perfect; starting small will help beginners gain cooking skills, hiking experience and improve their gear options until confident enough for longer trips.