Get the most out of your first family camping trip with careful preparation. Read our guide.

Taking a camping trip with your family can be a hugely enjoyable experience – especially if you haven’t done it before. However, in order to avoid common camping pitfalls, a certain degree of planning is required.

Here’s our guide to having a safe and enjoyable family camping trip.

Types of camping

If you’re new to camping, the first question is: what kind of camping trip do you want?

If you have a motorhome (RV), caravan or camper van, then you’ll probably want to make use of your investment. These vehicles will dictate the kind of camping ground you choose; not all of them are kitted out or have space for such vehicles.

Alternatively, you might choose to stay in your own tent and travel by car (or even public transport if you have time to spare). There are lots of family campsites which offer amenities

designed to make camping with children safer and easier, including things like playgrounds and pools.

Then there are other options like glamping (where you rent a luxury tent or yurt) or a camping ground with static mobile homes.

Where will you go?

Where you go is as equally – if not more – important as how you’ll go camping. Your environment will dictate the kind of experience you have. Will you choose one of the UK’s beautiful national parks, head to an area with beaches, or go elsewhere?

If you’re travelling with children, you’ll need to think about outdoor family activities. Visiting an area famed for its lofty hills might not be suitable for younger kids, while beaches with shallow, swimmable waters will be safer and more enjoyable for younger travellers.

Have a trial run

If you don’t have much experience with camping, it’s a good idea to set up the tent in your own garden and spend the night inside.

After mastering how to erect and take down your tent, you might book a night or two at a local camping ground.

After this, you’ll better understand the kind of equipment you need and want for a successful, longer camping getaway at a suitable campsite.

Invest in a good night’s sleep

You won’t be able to enjoy your camping holiday unless you get enough sleep. This means investing in sleeping bags thick enough to deal with the cold, blow-up beds, earplugs, and eye masks. When it comes to getting plenty of rest, buying the cheapest products might not always work out well (especially when it comes to sleeping bags!).

Plan your meals

Eating out at nearby restaurants, or at any camping facilities, is convenient but can be costly.

A much more affordable option is to buy a camping stove and cook simple meals outside your tent. Also, bring plenty of snacks for your group to munch on between meals: nothing kills the holiday spirit like being hungry!

You may well find that preparing your own meals becomes one of the most enjoyable aspects of camping.

NB: If you’re staying in a caravan or motorhome equipped with cooking facilities, you’ll still need to pay attention to the ingredients you bring (discovering you’ve got no salt or oil after the shops have closed is not fun!).

Embrace the dirt

Camping is an inherently mucky business – particularly if you’re holidaying with kids. Consider wearing clothes for longer than you normally would, and pack wet wipes for quick clean-ups. Most of all, try to take a more liberal approach to dirt!

Plan the entertainment

While a camping trip offers a great opportunity to disconnect from your digital life, there may be times when you’re glad of having phones and iPads.

Being able to access games, films, and social media will fill in those quieter moments, particularly if you’re travelling with children (both for them and you!).

Ensure you have all the necessary chargers, and consider buying a heavy-duty power bank to keep all your devices charged.

Don’t over-pack

Aim to pack items you will actually use – the family camping essentials. Avoid taking too many clothes and shoes – the most important thing is that clothing items keep you and your children warm and dry.

Additionally, don’t let the kids bring too many toys – just take a few choice items to keep them entertained.

Camping gear list for family trips

Here are some family camping essentials that could prove invaluable when it comes to setting up your camping area.

● Tent and (sufficiently warm) sleeping bags

● Pillows

● Blow-up beds/sleeping mats

● Camping stove with gas, pots, plates, cups, and cutlery

● Camping chairs

● Ingredients for quick-and-easy meals

● Water bottle

Essential camping items: camping with kids checklist

The following camping-with-kids checklist will help keep your little ones safe and happy.

● Insect repellent

● Basic first aid kit

● Sunblock

● Sunglasses

● Sun hats

● Snacks

● Water bottles (top them up when opportunities arise)

● Digital devices, chargers and power sources

● Toys and games

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