The first time I thought about camping with toddlers, I felt a bit worried. Would it be too hard? Too messy? But guess what? We had an amazing time! Every minute outside was worth it. My little one played freely, and we got to enjoy nature together as a family. Yes, taking toddlers camping comes with some challenges, but I’ve got some helpful tips to make your outdoor adventure fun for everyone!
Why take your toddler camping?
These days, kids spend so much time looking at screens. That’s why I think it’s super important to get them outside from a very young age. When I look back at my own childhood, my best memories aren’t about TV shows I watched. They’re about the days I spent camping with my family and exploring the outdoors with my grandad.
There’s something magical about having campfires, telling stories under the stars, playing games outside, looking for fairies or trolls in the woods, making dens, and just enjoying fresh air. These simple joys are priceless! I want to pass down that same love for adventure that I was lucky enough to have as a kid.
What are the benefits of camping with toddlers?
Let’s be honest – no matter how old we are, we all need to get outside more! Here are some really good reasons to take your toddler camping.
It’s great for children to connect with nature
When you take your little one camping, they get to see, touch, smell, and hear the natural world up close. It gives them a break from all the noise, screens, and busy stuff of everyday life. Watching a toddler discover things like pinecones, streams, and stars for the first time is just amazing!
They will be physically active
Camping gets kids moving! They’ll walk, run, climb, splash, and play all day long. My toddler sleeps so well after a day of outdoor play. All this moving around helps them grow strong and healthy, and burns up all that endless toddler energy!
It’s quality bonding time
When you’re camping, there’s no TV, no work emails, and no housework calling your name. You get to focus on each other. We talk more, laugh more, and make better memories when we’re camping because we’re truly present with each other. These shared times build stronger family bonds.
There are learning opportunities galore
The outdoors is like a giant classroom! Toddlers can learn about bugs, plants, weather, and animals. They ask questions about everything they see. “What’s that bird called?” “Why does the fire make that sound?” They learn basic survival skills like staying warm and looking after their things. These hands-on lessons stick with them.
Sensory stimulation
Think about all the things your toddler will feel, see, smell, hear, and even taste while camping! The rough bark of trees, the soft grass, the smell of campfires, the sound of birds singing, the taste of food cooked outdoors. All these rich sensory moments help their brains develop in amazing ways.
It helps toddlers embrace challenges
Camping isn’t always easy, even for grown-ups! Your toddler might try new foods, sleep in a different place, or deal with changing weather. These little challenges help them learn to be flexible and brave. I’ve watched my little one grow more confident with each camping trip.
It’s an opportunity for unstructured play
At home, we often plan activities for our kids. When camping, toddlers can make up their own games and follow their own interests. My son spent almost an hour just watching ants one day! This kind of free play helps them become more creative and independent.
You’ll make unforgettable memories!
The stories from our camping trips always come up at family gatherings. “Remember when she found that huge stick and wouldn’t let go of it?” These shared memories bring us closer together. Plus, studies show that kids remember experiences more than things, so you’re giving them a gift that lasts.
Tips for camping with a toddler
These might seem like obvious things to think about before you head out camping, but getting these basics right can make or break your trip. Trust me, a little planning goes a long way when camping with toddlers!
1. Check the amenities
Look into what facilities the campsite has, and don’t just take their word for it – read reviews! Toddlers get super messy (that’s putting it mildly), so clean bathrooms can really save the day. Check for toilets, places to charge phones, water taps nearby, windbreaks, and if you can rent or use fire pits. Knowing these things ahead of time makes everything easier.
My last camping trip would have been much harder if I hadn’t checked that our site had washing-up sinks – trying to clean sticky cups and plates without proper facilities is no fun with a cranky toddler!
2. Check the weather
What will the weather be like while you’re camping? Even if the days are warm and sunny, mornings and nights can get chilly. Onesies work great to keep little ones warm when the temperature drops in the evening.
I always check the forecast for rain, too – nothing ruins a camping trip faster than being cold and wet with no backup plan. Pack extra warm clothes and rain gear just in case. We once got caught in an unexpected shower, and my toddler thought splashing in puddles in his rain boots was the highlight of the trip!
3. Take enough bedding
Don’t skimp on bedding! Being cold at night makes for cranky campers of all ages. If your toddler sometimes has accidents at night, bring spare sheets or waterproof mattress covers.
Toddler camping beds are worth their weight in gold. They combine a bed and sleeping bag in one, clean up easily, and don’t take up much space. This leaves room in your car for extra blankets and pillows. My son’s camping bed has cute animal prints that make bedtime more fun – he actually gets excited to go to sleep (a camping miracle!).
4. Meal plan
Think about all the meals you’ll need – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and LOTS of snacks. Toddlers seem to need snacks every 20 minutes when they’re active outdoors!
Before our trips, I look up simple and fun campfire meals. Getting my toddler involved in cooking really helps – he’s much more likely to eat his dinner (veggies included) if he helped make it. He loves putting toppings on campfire pizzas and stirring pot meals with supervision.
For snacks, I pack things that won’t get squished or spoil easily: yogurt pouches, fruit purees, granola bars, cut-up fruit in containers, small boxes of raisins, crackers, and cookies. Small snack boxes help with portion control and prevent the “I ate all my snacks in the first hour” problem. You can also make camping meals in just one pot if you bring basic cooking gear.
5. Prepare for hiking/walking
If you plan to go on walks or hikes, check out some toddler-friendly routes near your campsite before you go. This saves you from carrying a tired, heavy toddler all the way back to camp! Your back will thank you.
When exploring woods, forests, or beaches, all-in-one suits keep kids warm and protected while they play. My son wears his “adventure suit” (just a simple waterproof coverall), and it keeps him clean(ish) and dry while he jumps in puddles and digs in dirt.
Remember that toddlers walk slowly and stop often. A 20-minute adult hike might take an hour with a curious toddler who needs to examine every interesting rock and stick! Build extra time into your plans and keep distances short.
6. Take toys/games
The amazing thing about toddlers is how well they play with almost nothing. They find sticks, chase bugs, run around, and climb trees for hours. Nature itself becomes their playground.
You probably don’t need to pack many toys. I usually bring a few outdoor games we can all play together. You can find these pretty cheaply at most stores. Glow sticks and walkie-talkies are also big hits and don’t cost much.
For really young toddlers (under 18 months), an outdoor playpen might help at times when you need to set up camp or cook meals. It gives them a safe space to play while you handle tasks that need your full attention.
Bubbles, balls, and buckets with shovels are simple toys that provide hours of fun outdoors. My son spent an entire afternoon filling and emptying a bucket with pine cones he collected – free entertainment!
7. Get them involved!
I added this tip because watching my toddler help out is one of the best parts of camping. It fills them with such pride! My little guy helps unload the car, set up the tent, cook meals, and even tidy up. Camping makes us slow down and take our time with each task.
When kids feel like they’re helping and contributing, it’s good for everyone. Let them be part of the process – even if it takes longer. My son now has “his job” of putting sleeping bags inside the tent, and he takes it very seriously. These small responsibilities teach confidence and independence without them even realizing they’re learning.
Camping with toddlers creates a special kind of magic. Yes, it takes more planning than camping with just adults. Yes, you’ll probably forget something important (we always do). But the joy on their faces when they roast their first marshmallow or spot a wild rabbit makes it all worthwhile.
The fresh air, the freedom to explore, and the break from normal routines benefit the whole family. Your toddler might get dirty, stay up past bedtime, and eat more snacks than usual, but they’ll also make discoveries, overcome fears, and build memories that shape who they become.
So pack those extra wipes, bring that favorite stuffed animal, and prepare for adventure. Camping with toddlers isn’t just possible – it’s wonderful. Those tiny explorers have so much to gain from time spent under the open sky. And you’ll rediscover the world through their eyes, finding wonder in the simplest things.
Next time you’re debating whether camping with your toddler seems worth the effort, take it from someone who’s been there – it absolutely is. The work you put in upfront pays off in happy kids, peaceful moments around the campfire, and family stories you’ll tell for years to come.