Six Things to Know Before You Go Camping With Kids

No matter how you look at it: camping with kids is hard work!

​Things will go much smoother if you make sure you have these six things under control before you leave...

1. The Tent

• Set it up in the yard. Do it a couple times. Be sure you know how to pack it up again.
• Buy the seam sealer and put it on the tent (yes, it's insane that the tent doesn't get sealed at the factory). 
• Remember: Do not put your tent away damp or dirty! If it is really a mess the day you need to leave, it helps to have a tarp that you can wrap the whole thing in. Take it home, set it back up and let it dry out completely. Then you can pack it properly.
• I have this tent, and it is roomy for the six of us. I like that the porch has a floor (I live in snake country). There are things about it that I would change, but it really is a good tent. I can set it up solo, but my kids usually help.
• If you have a pop-up or other trailer: You still need to know how to set it up, hook it up, etc.

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2. The Stove

If you have a gas stove, this one will be easy for you! But if you are used to electric, it can be a bit intimidating to mess with a camp stove.  Before you go:

• Set it up.
• Light it up.
• Learn how to re-fuel it!
• Have a back-up plan! This is sooooo important! If there is thunder and lightning popping all around at dinner time, you may not be able to cook.

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I like our stove because the fuel tank packs right into it!

3. Dishes

Seriously. You need to have a plan for washing them. Be sure to have:

• Dish soap
• Wash cloth or sponge
• Two bins (one to wash in, one to rinse in)
• A towel to dry things with. You really can't leave anything out and expect it to stay clean!

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4. Sleeping Arrangements

Where will you sleep? What about the kids? 

• Practice inflating, deflating, and packing any air mattresses.
• If you are on the ground, be sure you have some kind of insulating camp pad. Even if it does not get cold where you are camping, the pad can save your sleeping bag from getting soaked.
• Practice packing sleeping bags up. It is harder than you would think! Teach your kids to do their bags, too! 
• Sheets! If it's warm, a sleeping bag can be overkill! I like to roll a sheet up in my sleeping bag, so I have it if I want it.
• Pillows: Maybe you find the idea of roughing it appealing, but if you are camping with kids, every ounce of quality sleep is ammo in your belt. Bring your pillows and get your sleep!

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5. Get Organized

Getting all your stuff into the vehicle is a task, but the real challenge is being able to find it all when you need it! Here's how we break down our gear:

• Cooler. Keep it in the shade during the day and in the car at night. Know the rules in bear country.
• Pantry Tub. All the dry good go in this tub. I keep this in the van at night to keep the critters out. Once again, know the rules in bear country.
• Kitchen Tub. Lighter, dish tubs, soap, pots, pans, all that stuff. My bin is pretty big, and I keep a smaller tub with a lid inside that I put general camping stuff in (like extra guyline).
• Fun Bag. Have a stash of coloring stuff, army men, chalk, shovels, etc. I keep glo-in-the-dark bracelets in ours. That's always a hit.
• Personal Gear. Each person keeps their clothes, flashlights, etc. in their own pack. It does not have to be a fancy backpack if you're not hiking. Anything that closes tight will do! The Exception: We will often keep our tooth stuff stashed in a bag in the pocket of the van door so you can get up and brush your teeth easy.
• First Aid. Know where the band-aids are. And the bug spray. And the bite relief. Knowing basic first aid skills is more important than buying a massive kit. 

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6. Food Plan

Hungry kids are cranky kids.
​Adventure Food is a MUST! -AT

Even if you're not a big menu planner, you need a plan for camping!

• Meal Plan. Know exactly what you're going to need to make each meal happen. Plan meals that let you do as much of the work at home, before you leave, as possible!
• Back-up Plan. It is not fun to watch your kids sit hungry because it is thundering and you simply can't stand out in the lightning to cook the chicken. Back-up food can be as simple as peanut butter sandwiches or looking up a pizza place that delivers to the campsite before you go!
• Adventure Food is a MUST! What is adventure food, you ask? Adventure food is 1) calorie-dense, and 2) does not need to be cooked. When you are outside all day, your kids are going to burn through their food fuel! I do not let my kids snack all day at home, but when we are camping I keep the food coming! My Pantry Tub is packed with things like Fig Newtons, and Combos, and I try to stash Hard Boiled Eggs in the cooler. Hungry kids are cranky kids.

​Don't Let It Scare You

Camping is work, but it is good work. If you take care of these six areas before you leave, you will be a more confident camping mama. And that means more fun for everyone!