Top 10 Tips for Beginner Family Camping in 2024
As the warmer months approach, many families are eager to trade in the congestion of the city for some breathing room in the great outdoors. Family camping is an excellent way to disconnect from the distractions of daily life, reconnect with loved ones, and create lasting memories amidst nature's beauty.
If you’re new(er) to camping, the prospect can seem daunting. Fear not! With proper preparation and a few expert tips, your family's first camping adventure can be a resounding success.
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Here are our top 10 tips for beginner family camping in 2024.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Campground
This is a good time to check in on your ‘why’. What kind of trip do you want to have? Is your aim to relax by a body of water, to hike to some amazing views, to go somewhere where you can go on family bike rides? This will help determine much of your trip planning, so take a second to imagine yourself on this trip and decide what feels right for you.
Next, use Outdoorithm’s free nationwide campground map to explore different options. We recommend starting with either distance from your home (how far do you have the time and/or desire to travel?) or with your dream location (for instance, is camping in Yosemite your bucket list trip?). Look for places that seem to fit your ‘why’, like being near a lake or the beach.
Once you’ve identified a few options from the Outdoorithm Campground Map, play around with the weather feature by inputting your trip dates and seeing the average temperatures at the campgrounds you’ve chosen. For instance, you might be excited to go to Pinnacles National Park in July, only to realize it’ll be 91 degrees and maybe that’s not the best time of year to go.
Settled on one or two options? From the map, click on the campground official website. From there you can check out the campground amenities, like what types of toilets are provided and whether showers are available, as well as if there’s a visitor’s center or a camp store. Quick Tip: the official website will also have the reservation link.
Camping at national and state parks offers many different opportunities for immersing yourself in nature. Decide what type of place you’re interested in and follow the roadmap above to narrow it down to a place that works for your family.
Tip 2: Pack the Essentials (and Then Some)
Proper packing is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Start with sleep and kitchen basics: a family-sized tent, sleeping bags (in warmer weather, blankets work too), camping chairs (lawn chairs are less comfortable but also work), and a camp stove or grill (if you already own a small one, you can just bring that). Don't forget essentials like a cooler, utensils, plates, cups, and a water jug. Feel free to reuse items from your kitchen.
Pack a well-stocked first-aid kit, bug repellant, sun block, and any necessary medications.
Bring multiple layers of clothing for everyone, as temperatures can fluctuate so check the highs and lows (you can check the weather directly on the Outdoorithm Campground Map; just input your trip dates to see the historical weather data that time of year, plus current forecasts in the days leading up to the trip). Pack extra socks and underwear. Bring comfortable walking shoes as well as easy-on camp shoes (like Crocs).
Headlamps are great to be hands-free at camp after dark and for walking to the bathroom in the evening. You can also light up your campsite with a table lantern or string lights.
We find it helpful to bring a couple of small daypacks/backpacks so you can carry water and snacks, whether you’re going on a hike or just down to the beach.
Don't forget activities for the kids, such as nature books, games, toys, and outdoor equipment like frisbees, balls, or beach toys. If you’ll be near water also consider flotation devices and life vests.
Quick Tip: Consider bringing a pair of walkie talkies. Our kids like to ride their bikes around the campground or walk back from the beach to grab something from camp. Cell phones don’t always work and/or your kids might not have access to them. Walkie talkies are a fun way to stay safe and give your kids a little bit more freedom in the outdoors.
See our GearMeUp for a full list of our recommended gear, with budget, top, and upgrade picks across categories.
Tip 3: Plan Simple Meals
Here’s how. Cooking at camp can be a fun and memorable part of the camping experience. We recommend starting with simple yet filling, especially for first-time campers. Opt for one-pot wonders like chili, stew, or pasta dishes that can be easily cooked or reheated. Pre-cut vegetables and pre-marinate proteins at home to streamline meal prep. Don't forget to pack plenty of snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and fresh fruit. And remember, staying hydrated is crucial - double check that there is potable water where you’ll be camping and bring a refillable water bottle for each member of the family.
Tip 4: Establish Camp Rules
Before embarking on your camping adventure, have a conversation with your kids to establish some boundaries at camp. These may include staying within designated areas (e.g. don’t ride your bike beyond the campground loop), respecting nature and wildlife (e.g. don’t pick flowers; stay on trails), and following campground regulations (e.g. respect quiet hours). Involve your kids in creating your family rules, and explain the importance of following them for everyone's safety and enjoyment.
Tip 5: Embrace Campfire Fun
Gathering around a campfire brings magic to your camping trip. Don’t feel like building a fire? We love our propane fire pit. Encourage your family to unplug from screens and reconnect through classic campfire activities like storytelling (we love these kid-friendly conversation cards that double as regular playing cards), roasting marshmallows for s'mores, and stargazing. While you’re building or setting up the fire is also a good opportunity to teach your kids about fire safety.
Tip 6: Schedule Downtime
While it's tempting to pack your camping itinerary with non-stop activities, it's essential to schedule downtime for rest and relaxation. Bring books, magazines, board games, and crafts for quiet moments in the tent or around the campsite. Encourage your kids to explore their surroundings and engage in imaginative play. Remember, camping is about slowing down and savoring quality time together.
Tip 7: Pack Smart for Weather
Before your camping trip, check the weather forecast and pack accordingly (you can check the weather directly on the Outdoorithm Campground Map; just input your trip dates to see the historical weather data that time of year, plus current forecasts in the days leading up to the trip).
Layers are key, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly from day to night. I bring puffy coats almost year round since mornings and nights around the campfire can get chilly. If camping in cooler months, pack extra base layers, blankets, hand warmers, and insulated clothing.
Don't forget sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If there’s even a small chance of rain, bring rain jackets and, if you have them, rain shoes (waterproof sneakers, trail shoes, or short rain boots). Quick Tip: I like to bring my younger kids’ rainboots regardless - they’re great for running through the grass in the morning when it’s wet with dew.
See our camping with kids checklist for a run down and our GearMeUp tool for all our gear recommendations.
Tip 8: Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks
Camping is an excellent opportunity to teach your kids valuable life skills and foster a sense of responsibility. Assign age-appropriate tasks like helping to set up the tent or camp chairs, helping with meal prep, or keeping the campsite tidy. Not only will this lighten your load, but it will also keep kids engaged and invested in the camping experience.
Tip 9: Be a Nature Steward: Tread Lightly
The wilderness is a magical place, and we're lucky to be its temporary visitors. Let's treat it with the care it deserves! Talk to your family about being nature stewards. This means leaving the land just as beautiful (or even better) than we found it.
Here's how you can help:
Pack in, pack out: All your trash makes its way to the designated campground bins or back home with you.
Respect our furry and feathered friends: Animals call this place home. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing their habitat.
Leave only footprints: Sticking to designated trails helps protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
By following these simple steps, we can ensure future families get to experience the same awe-inspiring beauty of this special place.
From our last trip to Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Tip 10: Capture Memories
Try to find ways to document your family's camping adventure. Bring a camera or fully charged phones to capture candid moments, scenic vistas, and silly shenanigans. Encourage your kids to take their own photos or videos, allowing them to capture their unique perspectives. These memories will be cherished for years to come and may even inspire future camping traditions.
A unique and fun idea we heard from friends is creating a camping memories journal. They fill it out with their kids on each trip with drawings of their favorite moments. This is a great way to connect and reflect, it creates a habit of intentional memory-making, and it provides a bit of downtime. Wins all around.
Family camping is an incredible opportunity to create lasting memories, foster a deeper appreciation for nature, and strengthen the bonds that hold your family together. By following these top 10 tips for beginner family camping in 2024, you'll be well-equipped to embark on a memorable and stress-free outdoor adventure. So, pack your bags, load up the car, and get ready to explore the great outdoors as a family. The memories you make will be worth every mosquito bite and dirty campsite.