Quick Answer
Camping with children is either a magical bonding experience or a total disaster — and the difference usually comes down to preparation.Choose the Right CampsiteFor first trips with kids, choose a campsite with good facilities: clean toilets, hot showers, a playground, and idea...
Key Information
- Last Updated:
- 27 Aug 2026
- Category:
- Family Camping
- Reading Time:
- 1 min read
Camping with children is either a magical bonding experience or a total disaster — and the difference usually comes down to preparation.
Choose the Right Campsite
For first trips with kids, choose a campsite with good facilities: clean toilets, hot showers, a playground, and ideally a shop. Farm campsites where children can meet animals are consistently the biggest hits.
Keep Them Busy
Nature scavenger hunts, den building, pond dipping, star gazing, campfire cooking, and torch tag after dark. Bring backup activities for rainy spells.
Food That Works
Keep meals simple. Hot dogs, burgers, and toasted marshmallows over a campfire are traditions for good reason. Pre-chop vegetables at home.
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I've found that packing a cheap, waterproof tent can make all the difference when camping with kids. It provides a dry space for them to play if it rains unexpectedly.
I appreciate your tips on keeping kids engaged, but could you clarify what you mean by 'backup activities for rainy spells'? Should we bring indoor games or is there another solution?
Don't forget to check your tent's waterproofing before you go. Nothing ruins a camping trip with kids quicker than a leaky tent on a rainy night!
I've just read your tips and I'm excited to try out that den building activity with my little ones. Any recommendations on what we could make it into once complete?
Just tried camping in our back garden with the kids after reading this. They loved it! Any recommendations for family-friendly tents that are easy to pitch?
Loved this guide for our upcoming family camping trip in the Cotswolds! Can't wait to try out that nature scavenger hunt idea. Might even make a stop at the Sudeley Castle farm on our way there.
I appreciate your tips on choosing kid-friendly campsites. However, what exactly constitutes 'good facilities' for a 7-year-old? Perhaps some examples could've made it clearer.
I'm interested in this idea of choosing campsites with good facilities for kids. Can you clarify what you mean by 'good'? I'd hate to book a site that's marketed as family-friendly but isn't actually suitable for my children.
Loved your tips on camping with kids! Wondering if you've any favourite star-gazing spots near London? Our family's desperate for some night sky magic.
I've found that waterproofing your tent's seams with silicone sealant before you go can significantly reduce nighttime noise from rain, making for happier campers (both kids and adults!).
Don't forget to pack a decent headtorch for each child. The Black Diamond Storm is great as it's adjustable and has red light mode for nighttime without spoiling their darkness-adjusted eyes.
Top tip for 'star gazing' - pack a red light torch to preserve your night vision. It's a game changer!
I'm wondering if you could clarify what you mean by 'farm campsites where children can meet animals'. Are we talking petting zoos or working farms? Wouldn't it be safer and more enjoyable for kids to observe from a distance?
As a scout leader, I'd add that teaching kids simple navigation skills before you go can turn your journey into a real adventure. Map reading and compass work are fun and practical.
I've found that packing a head torch for each child with red light mode helps maintain night-time activities without disturbing others at the campsite. It's made our family camping trips smoother.
Just back from our first family camp at Lydstep Beach in Pembrokeshire. Toilets were spotless, kids loved meeting the farm animals, and den building on the beach was a hit! Thanks for the tips!
Just got back from our family camping trip to the Lake District — took your advice on the scavenger hunt, worked a treat with my two. They loved it!
I'm from Bristol and we've had brilliant family camping trips in the Cotswolds. Next time, I'll definitely bring my kids' wellies for pond dipping at our chosen campsite!
Top tip for stargazing with kids - use a red torch to preserve night vision. It's more fun (and less disorientating) that way!
I've found that packing a reliable portable charger for kids' devices can make star gazing apps and games during downtime an absolute breeze. Plus, it keeps them quiet while you're trying to put up the tent!
Loved this guide! Just wondering though, any tips for keeping little ones warm in their sleeping bags? My daughter always kicks hers off!
I've found that using glow-in-the-dark paint on rocks for their nature scavenger hunts really enhances the fun. It glows beautifully after dark!
Great points on choosing campsites & activities. However, could you clarify what you mean by 'backup activities for rainy spells'? Are these just indoor games or are there wet weather-specific outdoor suggestions?
Just got back from our first family camping trip to the New Forest. Took your advice on choosing a campsite with good facilities - Brockenhurst was perfect! Kids loved meeting the ponies. Can't wait for our next adventure!
I've found that bringing a portable camping stove with Piezo ignition makes cooking over campfire easier and safer with kids. Plus, it's great for when it rains.