Camping with Kids: What I Learned as a 10-Year Camp Counselor

Before launching Play Outside, I spent 10+ summers leading kids on camping trips. I was the one hauling gear, teaching how to toast the perfect marshmallow, and calming homesick campers under the stars. Back then, I had a walkie-talkie and a van full of trail mix. Now I have two kids of my own, and I bring all that experience into our family camping trips.

And let me tell you, camping with kids is less about what you pack and more about how you prepare.

So whether you’re planning your first night under the stars or already have a reservation and a packed cooler, here’s what I’ve learned from both sides of the tent flap.

1. You Don’t Need to “Rough It” to Do It Right

I’ve taken groups of kids into the backcountry and also watched my own toddler melt down 10 minutes into a hike. When it’s your own family, the goal isn’t grit. It’s connection.

Start simple. Choose a family-friendly campground with bathrooms, water, and nearby parking. Here in Florida, some of our favorites include Long Key State Park and Jonathan Dickinson State Park. These parks give kids space to roam and parents a little peace of mind.

2. Less Stuff, Better Systems

Over the years, I learned to prioritize function over quantity.

Here’s what I pack for my kids now:

A bamboo sun shirt like The ONE Shirt that doubles as a swim top, base layer, and bug barrier
One pair of quick-dry shorts and one pair of lightweight pants
A soft hoodie or fleece for cooler nights
Water shoes that stay on and dry fast
A small comfort item from home

Our versatile capsule wardrobe guide breaks this down even more. The fewer items we bring, the less chaos we manage, and the more time we spend exploring.

3. Sleep Is Sacred

If you want to enjoy your trip, protect your sleep. This applies to babies, toddlers, and yes, parents too.

Things I’ve learned:

Bring a portable crib, sleeping mat, or familiar blanket
Keep your bedtime routine (same book, same stuffed animal)
Use a white noise app to drown out strange night sounds
Layer up with something soft like our bamboo shirt for warmth and coverage
One night of decent sleep can make all the difference. Trust me.

4. Set Boundaries Before You Unpack

At camp, we always set physical boundaries on Day One. I do the same with my kids now. Before setting up the tent, I walk them around the site and say, “You can play from this tree to that log. If you can’t see our tent, you’ve gone too far.”

Other camp tricks that translate to family life:

Dress kids in bright colors so they’re easy to spot
Establish fire circle rules and review them every time
Create a “home base” with snacks, a blanket, and familiar toys

We also never camp without our bamboo sun shirts. They keep the kids protected without needing constant sunscreen reapplication. And when they’re running in and out of shade, that’s a huge relief.

5. Keep Food Easy (And Kid-Approved)

I’ve cooked for 20 kids over a campfire and two picky toddlers on a two-burner stove. Guess what? The same rules apply: simple always wins.

Some favorites:

Foil packet quesadillas
DIY trail mix
Fruit, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs
S’mores. Always s’mores.

We post lots of kid-friendly camping recipes over on our Instagram in the Camping Cookbook series. Every meal uses six ingredients or fewer, and all of them pass the “will a toddler actually eat this?” test.

6. You Can’t Pack for Everything—But You Can Prepare

Kids will fall. Someone will cry. And something will get left behind. That’s not failure. That’s part of the story.

What I’ve learned to always bring:

A sense of humor
A small first aid kit
Baby wipes for everyone
Flexibility. Lots of it.

Sometimes the hike turns into a nap in the car. Sometimes the stars come out while your toddler is screaming. But sometimes, you’ll look up from your camp chair and see your child poking a stick into the fire, completely mesmerized. And you’ll remember why you came.

Love,
Adriana
Founder of Play Outside