Camping with Young Kids

I agree with the other moms and I just wanted to add to them. We took our first camping trip with our two boys when they were about 1 and 3. We brought along a small 2 man pup tent that was just for the boys play area. It was great for them to play in so they weren't in the sun all day. Also, when it was time to pick up the toys they just all went in the play tent. That way the tent we slept in stayed clean and the toys weren't all around the campground. It made it so much easier for me. Camping with kids is a lot of work, but it is so much fun. We brought papers and crayons, favorite toys and stuffed animals, and buckets and shovels for playing in the dirt. We also brought along a wagon so the kids could relax as the adults took a walk. The kids would count how many birds we could find or bugs. We had smores (a capming tradition), sang songs and had simple scavenger hunts. I hope you have a great trip!

To drown out the noise of other campers and help your son stay asleep, I would recommend bringing a battery operated white noise machine. Since you never know what kind of neighbors you're going to have (some have no idea how hard it is to get kids to sleep and stay asleep) the white noise machine is nice to keep out the noise from the clueless campers. I would also suggest bringing a pack n play for the younger child, especially if he is used to sleeping in his own space. We started camping with my son when he was 6 months old, and the pack n play has been a lifesaver. Also, if he isn't walking yet, then a lot of stuff to keep him busy, since a campground isn't the best place for a little one to be crawling around. For your older daughter bring a couple of favorite toys, then lots of balls and outside toys, including buckets and shovels, etc. I agree, try to keep bedtime routine as close as normal as possible. Books etc. Last time we went camping with my just one year old, I had to resort to walking around the campsite with her in my arms until she fell asleep, since she was having none of going to sleep in the tent. Also, good idea to set up tent and let kids go inside before you get to the campground. I had a friend whose daughter was terrified of the tent when she was little for no apparent reason. They ended up packing up in the middle of the night and driving home because she wouldn't stop screaming. Have fun and don't forget the bugspray. The mosquitos can be brutal.

My son screamed all night in a campground and the only person who woke up or even noticed was my husband's mother who was sleeping in the RV near ours. We were very surprised because we though we had woke up the whole camp!

But, I think the best way to prevent your child from waking up in the first place is "white noise." We started using an old portable radio and played static when our son was very young because the sound was soothing to him (he was very colicy). Later we found that it works very well to block out noise from other sources.

You can "tune-in" static anywhere on an old radio. The one we used is only about 3 by 6 inches and takes 2 AA batteries that last for a very long time.

For you daughter, another mom said to get her a flashlight: we got my son a little lantern that is actually made for kids so it is super safe and it makes a lot of light. It also plays cute little night time forest sounds. I do not know what brand it is, it does not say on it anywhere. Last summer, he would hold it until he fell asleep. It was so helpful.

Have fun!

Congrats on your first camping trip with the kids! We love camping and go several times a year. Here's a list of some of our kids favorite activities:
bike riding through the campground
"decorating" our campsite and drive with chalk(just have her wash it with a bucket of water and a wash cloth)
collecting pine cones etc in a pail
digging in the dirt
searching for the world's most perfect walking stick
playing catch
water play-squirt guns
hiking (searching for animals or seeing who can find the most different kinds of trees, flowers, rocks, bugs, etc.)
Be sure to let your daughter have her own flashlight
We also always bring paper and crayons for some quiet time art projects. You can use found items for tracing.
As for bedtime, it's important to keep some of your routine the same. We usually try to bath the kids right before bed(if there aren't showers then warm some water and sponge bathe them in the tent). You should bring a favorite book for a bedtime story. We always take each child's pillow, my 4 year old has a special bear, and my 2 year old has a favorite blankie. Usually, the kids are pretty exhausted from a full day of activities. The first night can be the most difficult adjusting to a new place. A stroller is great to have for a evening walk if that helps your child fall asleep. When all else fails, you can always resort to putting them in the car and driving them around for a little while. It's not ideal, but if it works use it.

Let me know if you have any questions. Camping is a wonderful experience to give your children.

PS I wanted to add that if your daughter is out of diapers, I suggest bringing a potty chair. You can keep it at the campsite and avoid those mad dashes to the bathroom. Especially in the morning. :) I also keep some water in the tent, because my daughter tends to wake up thirsty. Anything to get a few more minutes of rest and avoid getting in and out of the tent. :)