Camping with Kids: Tips, Tricks and a Handy Checklist for Families

Camping with kids doesn’t have to be hard, and it definitely doesn’t have to be stressful. People often ask us, “How hard is it to take the kids camping?” or “What about canoeing with young kids? Isn’t that a bit much?” Our honest answer is, it’s not hard at all. It just takes a bit of planning, the right expectations, and a sense of humour. 

Over the years, we’ve learned a few things that made our family camping trips smoother (and more fun), and we thought we’d share them here. 

When’s the best time of year to camp with kids? 

For young families, the shoulder seasons are often the sweet spot, such as Spring and early Autumn. The weather is mild, the days are long enough for exploring, and you’re not battling the peak-season crowds. 

In Summer, we tend to choose shaded, breezy campsites near the water, and in cooler months, we pick spots with good shelter and plenty of sunlight. The main thing is to match the season to your family’s comfort level. If everyone’s warm, dry, and well-fed, you’ll have a great time. 

How long should a camping trip with kids be? 

That really depends on your family, your experience, and your goals. 

• Ages 3–6: Three nights was about the limit for us early on, just long enough to settle into a rhythm before the novelty wore off. 

• Ages 5–8: Four nights became easy and fun, with the kids finding their stride. 

• Ages 8–11: By day five, no one wanted to go home. The kids had just mastered their kayak rescues and water entries, and honestly, we adults weren’t ready to pack up either. 

Watching them grow into camping, from needing constant help to confidently leading the charge, has been one of the best parts of the journey. 

How to plan a camping trip with kids 

Let’s be real. Every parent has a picture in their mind of how camping should go. The truth is, it’s rarely perfect, but with a few simple tips, it can be memorable for all the right reasons. 

Ask for help and do your research 

Whether it’s friends, outfitters, or local camping groups, tap into experience. The best advice often comes from people who’ve learned the hard way. 

Choose the right trip for your family 

Plan a route or location that matches your comfort level. You don’t need to tackle a week-long wilderness paddle right away. Build up to it. 

Start with car camping 

Our first family trips weren’t hardcore. We parked right at our campsite, unloaded, and got set up while the kids ate snacks. Once the tent was up, we introduced them to the canoe, talked about balance, and cast a few fishing lines. Camp smart, not hard. 

Do the hard work with food at home 

Pre-cook, pre-pack, pre-plan. The less chopping and cleaning you do at camp, the more time you have to relax and explore. 

Skip the toys 

We made a rule: no toys, no screens. Instead, each kid got an explorer kit with a whistle, binoculars, compass, magnifying glass, a net, and small containers for frogs or bugs. They spent hours discovering, comparing, and proudly announcing their “finds.” 

Pack light 

Three outfits, one pair of pyjamas, and a clean backup for the drive home is plenty. Let the kids get dirty (and try to outdo them). Keep one dry set sealed in a bag for emergencies, and another in the car for the trip home. 

Try a catamaran canoe 

For families, this setup of two canoes lashed together adds stability, space, and confidence. It’s a game changer for paddling with kids. 

The Camping with Kids Checklist 

Packing for a family trip can feel daunting, but kids don’t need much more than you’re already bringing for yourself. Here are a few things that have made our adventures easier: 

• Lifejackets that fit well: Choose proper paddling vests and add board shorts or rashies to prevent chafing. Bring salve and waterproof bandages for rub spots. 

• Water rules: Everyone wears a vest near the water, no exceptions. 

• Proper sleeping bags: Skip the cartoon ones. Go for warm, waterproof, temperature-rated bags. 

• Sleeping mats: Rent or buy; they make a huge difference in warmth and comfort. 

• Shoes: Old runners beat sandals every time. Protects from hooks, mozzies, and cold mornings. 

• Sun protection: Kids waterproof sunscreen, plus soothing aloe or lidocaine cream for mishaps. 

• Headlamps: Get ones with a top strap so they stay put and no one gets blinded by dropped torches. 

• Flavour packets: If your kids aren’t keen on lake-filtered water, bring electrolyte powder or drink mix. 

• Pain relief and Stingose: A lifesaver for bites, headaches, or tummy aches. 

What to do when camping with kids 

Explore; everything is an adventure. Teach them to start a fire, spot bush animals, read a compass, or mimic bird calls. Let them lead the way. Our kids lived in their swimsuits and were in the water before we’d even had our morning coffee. We’d pack lunches and paddle out to find empty beaches, fish, or just drift in the sun. By night, they were out cold before the stars came up. That left us sitting by the fire, reading, and listening to the bush, a rare kind of peace you don’t expect to find when you first set out camping with kids. 

At the end of the day, camping with kids isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s the laughter around the fire, the muddy feet, the quiet moments by the water, and the stories you’ll talk about for years. Give your family the space to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature. The rest will fall into place on its own. 

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Thinking about your next family camping trip? Drop by Valley Outdoors for gear, guidance and stories from people who live for the outdoors.