Tips for Camping with Young Kids
10 Tips for Camping With Young Kids
Tiny humans, big adventure! Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a brave parent looking to introduce your little ones to nature, camping with children can be one of the most rewarding family adventures. It’s a fantastic way to foster a love of the outdoors, encourage creative play, and disconnect from the daily grind. Sure, it takes a bit of extra planning (because: kids), but with the right setup—and a few tried-and-true tips for camping with young kids—it can be the kind of experience you’ll all want to repeat.
We’ve just wrapped up our final camping trip of the autumn season—and it was a cracker. Good mates, great food, and just the right amount of wild fun. Camping with friends who also have kids? Total game-changer. But if you don’t have camping buddies (yet), don’t be put off—some of our most memorable adventures were just the three (and eventually four) of us out in the bush, figuring it out as we went.
This time, though, all the kids kept each other entertained, which meant we actually got a moment to breathe. I even snuck in a hammock break—hot cuppa in hand—which gave me the perfect chance to reflect on my top tips for not just surviving a family camping trip, but loving it enough to go back for more.
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A full list of affiliate links can be found at the bottom of this post.
1. Pack the Right Clothing- and Lots of It
🧳 Camping with kids is gloriously messy—in the best way. Think dirt, mud, sticky fingers, leaf piles, puddle stomping, and mystery stains that may never come out (seriously—what was that?). It’s all part of the charm, but it also means you’ll need more clothes than seems remotely reasonable. Pack extras. Then pack a few more. And only bring clothes you won’t mourn if they come home ripped, crusty, or permanently tie-dyed with campground grime.
We don’t stress about outfit changes every time the kids get filthy (because let’s be honest—they’re just going to get filthy again). But we do prioritise comfort and keeping their body temps regulated, especially if the weather turns. If there’s rain in the forecast or we’re heading somewhere damp, we pack even more clothing—because cold, wet kids are nobody’s idea of a good time.
Layer Up
👚 Camp temperatures love a good plot twist—sunny and warm one minute, freezing as soon as the sun dips behind the trees. Layering gives you options and helps regulate body temp without the need for a full outfit change every five minutes.
Here’s what to pack:
- Long pants or leggings (great for sun, bugs, and rogue sticks)
- Short- and long-sleeved tops
- Lightweight jumpers or fleeces
- A decent jacket, especially for spring through autumn
- Warm pyjamas or sleep suits
- A wide-brim hat for sunny days, and a cosy beanie for chilly nights
And SOCKS. So many socks. Between wet grass, sandy feet, and the Sock Vortex™ that is every tent setup, you’ll go through more than you think. Just double your estimate and thank me later.
Footwear That Works
- Closed-toe shoes (bonus points for waterproof) are non-negotiable for creek exploring, bushwalking, and general adventuring.
- Easy slip-ons like Crocs, sandals, or gumboots are perfect for toilet dashes, beach runs, or lazy pottering around camp.
We’re a bit of a barefoot bunch, too—when it’s safe. I love letting the kids feel the Earth under their feet, as long as we’re not contending with spiky weeds or sharp rocks. Just make sure you pack tweezers for the occasional splinter. Nature’s not always gentle.
Dress for the Destination
- Bugs on the menu? Go long: sleeves and pants are your best mozzie defence.
- Hot weather? Loose cotton or linen keeps kids cool while still offering sun protection.
- Rain on the radar? Pack ponchos or raincoats. It could be the difference between a soggy meltdown and a joyful puddle-jumping session.
Clothes Storage
🎒 Pack each child’s clothes in their own waterproof duffel bag. Waterproof, you say? Isn’t that overkill? Hopefully! But when you’re camping with only a thin layer of tent between you and the weather—not to mention spills, mud, and mystery leaks—being over-prepared is better than being soaked and sorry. We swear by Wild Heart waterproof duffel bags (affiliate link)—two small ones for the kids and a larger one for the grown-up gear. They’ve saved us more than once.
As for the packing? Don’t waste time folding or organising—just chuck it all in. It’ll be chaos by day two anyway, and keeping things dry is the real win. Trust me: dry underpants beat neatly folded ones every single time.
2. Stay Cosy at Night
🌝 Outdoor nights are unpredictable—especially in Australia. One moment it’s balmy and blissful, the next you’re digging through your bags at 2am for another blanket… or peeling your child off the tent floor with a spatula. The secret to happy campers? A sleep setup that works with, not against, the weather.
Cold Nights
❄️ Not every kid is a fan of traditional sleeping bags (hello, starfish sleepers). If yours refuses to be zipped in, no stress—just layer them up in comfy clothes they’ll actually keep on, like thermals, trackies, and jumpers. Add thick socks, a beanie, and even mittens if you’re camping somewhere cold or up in the mountains.
For babies and toddlers, sleep suits are a game-changer. We used Morrison Outdoors bags (affiliate link) when our kids were tiny—perfect until they eventually gave in and started sleeping in standard bags.
Avoid the cold-bum blues: air mattresses can get icy cold. Add an insulating layer like a picnic rug, foam mat, or wool blanket under your child to stop the chill from seeping up. Foam roll mats or self-inflating mats are also excellent for insulation and comfort.
Warm Nights
🌡️ When tents turn into saunas, keep it light and breathable. Dress kids in cotton or bamboo PJs, or just a singlet and undies if it’s really toasty. A rechargeable fan, open mesh windows for ventilation, and pitching your tent in shaded spots can make a huge difference to how well everyone sleeps. We use a USB rechargeable fan very similar to this one (affiliate link).
Whether it’s frost on your sleeping bag or sweat on your brow, being prepared for both ends of the temperature spectrum is key. And remember: a comfy, well-dressed kid is a way less grumpy one come morning. 😉
🔋 A note on power supply
This one’s not strictly essential for a successful camping trip—but it’s made ours a whole lot easier. Since we try to avoid products that rely on disposable batteries, we feel better having a small power supply on hand, especially for longer stays.
We mainly use it for things like inflating the air mattress and recharging fans, phones, or portable speakers. I’ve been really impressed with our EcoFlow River 2 Portable Power Station (affiliate link). It even has the option to connect solar panels for off-grid charging, though we haven’t needed to—its built-in capacity has easily handled everything we’ve thrown at it.
3. Remember Sun and Insect Protection!
🌞Sunburns and 🦟 mozzie bites are fast ways to ruin a good camping trip, so we come prepared. Our essentials? Wide-brimmed hats, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and a picaridin-based insect repellent (which we’ve found to be gentler than DEET and still super effective for little ones).
When our kids were babies, we skipped sprays altogether and went for mosquito nets over the pram or cot, plus we avoided peak mozzie hours around dusk and dawn. Light, long-sleeved clothing made from breathable, UV-rated fabrics is a win-win—protects from the sun and bugs without overheating.
Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (especially after swimming or sweaty adventures), and have a cool, shady space where kids can take breaks from the sun.
Stay covered, stay comfy, and the whole crew has a better time outdoors. 👒🦟☀️
4. Set Up a Play Tent for Fun
🎪 This is one of our favourite camping hacks—especially with little ones in tow. We bring along a second, cheap tent (usually something picked up from the op shop) just for play. It becomes their own little zone, giving them a sense of ownership and independence—and giving us a break from the chaos.
It’s nothing fancy, just a space to keep hands and imaginations busy when they need some downtime or the weather isn’t cooperating. Inside, we stash a mix of durable toys, a few books, and simple art supplies.
As an American, I swear by Tinkertoys (affiliate link). When we invest in toys, we usually avoid plastic, but this is one of my big exceptions. In my family, they literally lasted for generations—and they can keep a creative mind busy for hours.
☝🏻 Rule: Kids can go in and out of the play tent freely—but the sleeping tent is off-limits unless feet are clean and permission is granted. Helps keep the sleep zone clean(ish) and gives them their own space to decompress. Plus, having a separate play space means fewer toys under sleeping bags and fewer Lego injuries after dark. Win-win.
5. Supplement Activities
🎨 Nature really is the main event when you’re camping—and honestly, kids can be endlessly entertained with sticks, rocks, and a bit of dirt. Sometimes all they need is a little nudge: “Hey, can you cross that log without falling into the lava?” A simple prompt like that can spark all kinds of imaginative play.
That said, we’ve learned that having a few extra activities up our sleeves makes a big difference—especially when the novelty wears off, moods get wobbly, or the weather doesn’t cooperate. We like to bring a mix of active, creative, and calming options that suit a variety of moods and energy levels.
Activity Ideas
🚲 Bikes and helmets – Perfect for exploring around the campground or nearby trails (and great for burning off pre-bedtime energy).
🪣 Buckets and spades – Whether it’s dirt, sand, or gravel, kids will find a way to dig. Give them tools and they’ll be busy for ages.
🌴 Hammocks – Surprisingly kid-friendly and make a great chill-out zone for reading or just swinging in the breeze.
💦 Water play gear – Think collapsible buckets (affiliate link), cups, and water-friendly toys such as reusable water balloons (affiliate link). If you’re near a lake or river, bring life jackets and establish clear safety rules.
🔦 Flashlights and Glow Sticks – Night-time play feels extra magical with flashlights (aka torches in 🇦🇺) or glow gear. Think pre-bed scavenger hunts, shadow games, or a good old boogie around the fire. We brought back a few Nite Ize reusable glow sticks (affiliate link) from the US and they’ve been a hit—eco-friendly, long-lasting, and toddler-safe.
📝 Printable scavenger hunt sheets – A fun and mindful way to explore your surroundings and spark curiosity about the natural world. I’ve put together a printable scavenger hunt just for you!
6. A Tidy Tent = Happy Campers
🏕 I’ve touched on this already, but it bears repeating: camping with youngsters can be messy—gloriously messy—but for your own sanity, having one space that feels peaceful and dirt-free-ish is everything. For momma, that sacred space is the sleeping tent.
The rule? No kids in the sleeping tent unless they’re (reasonably) clean. No shoes, no snack crumbs, no wild play. We set up mats both inside and outside the tent to catch grubby feet, and we use the tent’s little shoe flap to keep footwear dry and out of the rain. If you’re camping in Australia, don’t forget the golden rule: always check your shoes in the morning—because, well… it’s Australia. 🕷️🇦🇺
Even with the best systems, dirt happens. At the bare minimum, bring a broom and dustpan for a daily tent sweep. If you’ve got a cordless vacuum—bring it! We now pack our trusty Dyson, and honestly, it’s a total game-changer. It zips through everything from leaf litter to campfire ash, and the battery lasts long enough for a quick once-over each day, even on longer trips.
💡 Lighting is another small-but-mighty detail. We hang a couple of torches (flashlights) inside the tent so they’re easy to grab during midnight toilet runs or any unexpected nighttime surprises.
It might sound a little “extra,” but keeping your sleeping setup clean(ish), calm, and functional makes a huge difference. Trust me—future you will thank past you when everyone’s actually sleeping instead of rolling around in dirt and and whatever else your tiny tornados drag in with them. 😅
7. Sort Out Nappy Management Before You Go
💩 Still using nappies? Have. A. System. I cannot stress this enough. There are plenty of curious bush critters just waiting for you to fall asleep so they can rip into that day’s worth of nappies and redecorate the paddock in horror-movie chic. Trust me—keep those nappies out of reach.
🗑️ If you’re at a campground with bins:
- Bag used disposables and hang them from a tree, away from your tent (and nose!) during the day.
- Bin them or put them in your car before bed—don’t leave them out overnight unless you want uninvited visitors and a truly unpleasant cleanup.
🏕️ If you’re packing out:
- Bring a sturdy, sealable bin with a locking lid to contain both the smell and the wildlife curiosity. A dry bag inside helps make disposal easier later.
♻️ Using cloth nappies?
If you’re going the cloth route, hats off to you! You probably already know the drill. But if you need a refresher or want to check your setup, Clean Cloth Nappies is my go-to resource for tips on washing, storage, and managing cloth on the go.
8. Meal Plan and Prep Ahead
🥪 We’ve done a fair bit of camping over the years, so our cooking setup is pretty dialled. We actually bring our home barbecue—the Weber Q—along for the ride. It’s not exactly compact, but it is removable from its stand, reliable, and easy enough to transport. We just pop it in the box trailer with the rest of our gear, and once we’re at camp, it stays right there on the trailer for the whole trip where we cook directly from it. It’s a bit unconventional, but it works beautifully. That said, if you prefer a smaller Weber (affiliate link) or something more portable for camping, totally understandable! Do what suits your setup and space.
For extra flexibility, we also bring a trusty two-burner camp stove—perfect for pancakes, pasta, or anything that needs a quick heat-up. That said, you absolutely don’t need all that to eat well while camping. Plenty of campgrounds have public barbecues, you can cook directly over a fire (hello, hot dogs and foil-pack meals), or—with the right prep—you can skip cooking altogether.
Planning Makes All the Difference
📝 Before every trip, I sit down and map out a meal plan that covers everything—from the moment we leave the house to the moment we walk back in the door (yes, sometimes that includes takeaway pizza or a cheeky drive-thru stop—we’re only human).
Then, I prep as much as I possibly can in advance. A little work beforehand saves a lot of mess, stress, and “what’s for dinner?” once we’re out in the bush.
Breakfast in the Bush
🌄 Breakfast is usually pretty low-key— cereal and milk, fresh fruit, and pastries picked up from the local bakery on the drive in. But at least once during the trip, I like to pull out the camp stove and make pancakes. There’s just something special about pancakes in the bush: kids still in their jammies, birds chirping in the background, and everything smelling like maple syrup and campfire.
I prep the pancake dry mix at home so it’s quick and fuss-free when the time comes. On our last trip, we had a mate with an egg allergy, so I made a batch of fluffy, delicious vegan banana pancakes—a total hit with both kids and grown-ups.
And seriously—don’t forget the coffee. After a camping night’s sleep, a good brew can turn everything around. We swear by our AeroPress portable coffee maker (affiliate link). Some mornings, it’s literally our best friend. (And yes, in Australia it’s called a coffee “plunger”—I’m still not over it.)
Lunch to Fuel Afternoon Play
🥪 Lunchtime is usually relaxed and on-the-go. We go for cold, easy options like sandwiches, chips, and a pasta salad I prepped at home. It’s a fill-up-when-you-feel-like-it kind of meal—eaten sometime between morning adventures and the lead-up to dinner. This is also when my cheeky Diet Coke makes an appearance—because the kids run on pure energy, and I run on caffeine.
A Hearty Dinner to Nourish the Soul
🍽 Dinner is where we really get to play. Sam has what I’d call a healthy cast iron obsession, so we often use Dutch ovens and skillets over the fire to make stews, curries, or one-pot wonders. When we’re feeling a bit less primal, we fire up the Weber and cook like we would at home—but everything just tastes better in the bush.
A personal favourite? Barbecued corn on the cob after a day of mucking around outside. Chef’s kiss.
(I’m working on a proper list of our go-to camping dinners, so stay tuned for that.)
OMG, Snacks
🍎 Snacks are the unsung heroes of any family camping trip. I cannot stress this enough. We pack way more than we think we’ll need, because the kids seem to burn through energy like they’re training for the toddler Olympics.
Some of our snack staples:
- High-protein nut mixes (if allergy-safe)
- Muesli bars
- Yoghurt pouches
- Cheese sticks
- Easy fruit (apples, mandarins, bananas)
- Popcorn
- Crackers
If they can grab it themselves and it doesn’t melt or squish easily, it’s going in the snack tub..
9. S’mores: A Non-Negotiable
As an American 🇺🇸, camping without s’mores just feels… wrong. But since graham crackers and Hershey’s chocolate aren’t exactly everyday staples in Australia, I’ve landed on a simple swap. Chocolate-covered digestive biscuits do double duty: they’re a softer (and honestly more pleasant-to-bite) alternative to graham crackers and the chocolate is already built in. The milk chocolate melts beautifully, and by using two biscuits, you get chocolate on both sides of that gooey toasted marshmallow. The result? A perfectly balanced, ultra-satisfying s’more that might just be better than the original. (Americans, don’t worry—my patriotism is still intact).
🔥🍫🪵 They’re total crowd-pleasers, ridiculously easy, and absolutely a rite of passage around our campfire. Here’s how we make them Aussie-style.
10. Lower the Bar and Soak Up the Magic
🦄 Don’t go in expecting Pinterest-perfect serenity. Expect dirt. Expect tantrums. Expect at least one nappy blowout at the worst possible time. Camping with kids is wonderfully unpredictable, and the sooner you embrace the mess, the more joy you’ll find in it.
But alongside the chaos, expect belly laughs echoing through the trees. Expect marshmallow-sticky fingers and the warm glow of firelight on tired little faces as the day winds down.
Some of my most vivid childhood memories are of chasing bugs through the grass, gathering kindling with my sister, and falling asleep to the sound of the wind in the trees outside my tent. I want those memories for my boys too—the kind that aren’t perfectly curated, but full of wonder, the great outdoors, and togetherness.
FAQ Section
Honestly? Whenever you feel ready. There’s no perfect age—it really comes down to what you’re comfortable with. Use this article (and others like it) to help you think through what your little one might need, especially if you’re considering camping with a baby or toddler. With the right prep, even very young kids can have a great time outdoors.
Temperature is key—make sure they’re warm enough at night (layered PJs, beanies, and a good sleeping setup go a long way). Try to recreate their usual sleep environment as much as possible, whether that’s a favourite blanket, white noise app, or co-sleeping arrangement. My kids co-sleep most nights at home, so we just build a big family bed in the tent and call it a free-for-all. The good news? After a day of fresh air and full-on play, they’re usually out like a light.
Simple activities like nature scavenger hunts, storytelling, and playing with safe outdoor toys can keep children engaged. Involving them in setting up the campsite can also be fun and educational.
Start by choosing a campsite with family-friendly features—think shade, toilets, and flat ground. Keep a close eye on little ones, especially near water or fire, and go over basic campsite safety rules (like staying within sight and not touching the firepit). A well-stocked first aid kit (affiliate link) is a must.
For your first few trips, aim short and sweet—one or two nights is often the perfect amount of time. It gives you a chance to test your gear, your setup, and your kids’ tolerance for sleeping in a tent without overcommitting. Once everyone gets the hang of it (and maybe even starts asking when you can go again), you can stretch future trips to 3–4 nights or more. Think of it as easing in—less pressure, more fun.
Look for a campsite that has amenities suited for families, like clean toilets, drinking water, flat ground for tents, and ideally, some shade. A nearby creek or short bushwalk is a bonus—but avoid spots too close to water with toddlers unless you’re confident you can manage the risk. Check if the site allows campfires, has a quiet policy at night, and isn’t too far from home (especially for your first trip). Reading online reviews or searching for camping with young kids tips on local travel blogs can help you find the perfect fit.
Final Thoughts
🏕 Camping with small kids takes a bit of planning—but it’s not just for the hardcore hikers or Pinterest-perfect families with matching flannel and gourmet camp kitchens. It’s for anyone willing to embrace a bit of mess, roll with the chaos, and find joy in the magic of the outdoors.
Yes, you’ll probably forget something essential (hello, toothbrushes). Yes, you’ll inevitably get dirt in your sleeping bag, and someone will cry about a stick. But you’ll also watch your kids invent entire worlds with nothing but rocks and leaves. You’ll see them brave chilly creek crossings and glow with pride beside a campfire. You’ll roast s’mores under a sky full of stars, hear the crunch of leaves under tiny boots, and discover that pancakes really do taste better in the bush.
With the right clothes, a decent setup, plenty of snacks, and a sense of humour, camping becomes less of a survival mission and more of an adventure—one you’ll actually want to repeat.
So if you’re on the fence, here’s your nudge: give it a go. Start small. Camp in the backyard or just one night close to home. Build confidence, build experience, and build up your collection of wildly wonderful family stories.
Because when it’s all said and done, the dirt washes off—but the memories stick. 🏕️💚
Let’s Swap Stories!
Got any tips for camping with young kids that saved your sanity—or a hilarious fail that’s now family legend? I’d love to hear it! Whether it’s your go-to tip for keeping toddlers entertained in the bush, a creative s’mores twist, or that one time a possum stole your snacks (we’ve all been there), drop it in the comments and let’s trade tales. This little corner of the internet is all about sharing, laughing, and learning from each other—mud stains and all. 🌿⛺🗣️
Keep the Outdoor Fun Going at Home
Keep the Outdoor Fun Going at Home
If your little ones loved the fresh air, mess, and mini-adventures of camping, why not bring some of that magic back home? Gardening with kids is a brilliant way to stay connected to nature, nurture patience, and get their hands delightfully dirty—all without packing the car or shaking sand out of your shoes.
When the weather’s warm, the garden becomes your new campsite: watering turns into play, seedlings become little science experiments, and every worm is a celebrity. I’ve shared my favourite tips for gardening with young kids to help keep it simple, playful, and stress-free.
And when winter rolls in and outdoor adventures get a bit chillier, don’t let the fun hibernate—try some of our cheap winter activities for kids instead. They’re cozy, creative, and perfectly suited for cabin-style days at home.
Because whether you’re growing veggies in the sunshine or building blanket forts on a rainy day, the spirit of adventure doesn’t have to end when you unzip the tent.
Let’s stay connected! 🌿✨
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Looking for more? Dive into my lifestyle blog where I chat about all things joyful, sustainable, and a little bit messy—with kids along for the ride. Around here, you’ll find me digging in the garden, pottering in my sustainable kitchen, tackling DIY projects, chasing nature adventures, navigating sobriety, and prepping for whatever life throws our way.
Basically, if it involves creativity, resilience, or a sprinkle of flour—I’m probably writing about it! 🌿
Gear We Swear By (Affiliate Links)
It’s ah-mazing how much gear makes the trip smoother—and I’ve recommended quite a few favourites in this blog post. To keep things simple, I’ve gathered all the products I mention here in one spot, listed in order of appearance in the article.
These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting independent content creators like me!
| Product | Details | Get It From |
| Duffle Bag (waterproof) | We love Wild Heart! Bonus points for the bright, easy to spot yellow colour. | 🇺🇸 Amazon US 🇦🇺 Amazon Australia |
| Baby/Toddler Sleeping Bags (with arms) | Morrison Outdoors | 🇺🇸 Amazon US 🇦🇺 Amazon Australia |
| Rechargeable fan | We use a USB rechargeable fan similar to this one, which has good reviews on Amazon (ours is an Aldi special buy…ifkyk) | 🇺🇸 Amazon US 🇦🇺 Amazon Australia |
| Portable Power Station | EcoFlow River 2 | 🇺🇸 Amazon US 🇦🇺 Amazon Australia or Get it directly from EcoFlow |
| Tinkertoys | An American classic but pretty pricey in Australia- we brought our set back with us from the US. May be more economical to opt for a lower-cost Australian alternative. | 🇺🇸 Amazon US 🇦🇺 Amazon Australia |
| Collapsable buckets | Three-pack, because one is never enough. | 🇺🇸 Amazon US 🇦🇺 Amazon Australia |
| Reusable water balloons | 12 reusable water balloons by 98K (Australia) or SOPPYCID (US) | 🇺🇸 Amazon US 🇦🇺 Amazon Australia |
| Glow sticks (reusable) | Nite Ize Radiant Rechargeable LED Glow Stick | 🇺🇸 Amazon US |
| Barbecue (Weber) | Weber Q1200 (Baby Q in Australia)- a smaller, more easily transportable version of our lager Weber. | 🇺🇸 Amazon US 🇦🇺 Amazon Australia |
| Coffee press (aka coffee plunger in Aus) | AeroPress 3 in 1 portable coffee maker | 🇺🇸 Amazon US 🇦🇺 Amazon Australia |
| First Aid Kit | Outback Equipment is my go-to here for a huge selection to suit your family’s unique needs. |
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