Family Camping Hacks You Need To Know

Camping with the family is one of those memory-making adventures that your kids will treasure for years to come.

As a mom who loves to keep my kids off screens and fully engaged with the world around them, camping is the perfect opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature.

But let’s be real – there’s a bit of planning involved to make the trip enjoyable for everyone.

Here are my favorite hacks to keep your little ones entertained, clean, and happy throughout the camping trip!

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Family Camping Hacks You MUST Know!

1. The Ultimate Camping Treasure Hunt

Nothing keeps kids more entertained than a good old-fashioned treasure hunt. Before your trip, create a simple nature scavenger hunt list for your kids.

Think things like “find a feather,” “spot a squirrel,” or “collect three different types of leaves.” Hand them their scavenger list and let them roam (while keeping an eye on them, of course).

Not only does this keep them busy for hours, but it also teaches them about nature in a fun way. Pro tip: Pack a pair of binoculars for the kids to use.

It makes spotting birds and wildlife so much more exciting.

2. Glow-in-the-Dark Fun

Ever tried glow-in-the-dark hide-and-seek?

As the sun starts to set, crack open a few glow sticks and hand them to the kids. They’ll love playing nighttime games with their glowing bracelets and necklaces, and it’s a great way to keep them active and outdoors even when the day is winding down.

Plus, it doubles as a safety feature – you can easily spot them in the dark!

3. DIY Camp Showers: Clean Without the Fuss

One thing I’ve learned is that camping can get messy, but keeping the kids (and let’s be honest, myself) clean doesn’t have to be a hassle.

A portable camp shower is an absolute game-changer. I bring along a solar-powered camping shower bag that heats up during the day, so by the evening, we have warm water ready for quick showers.

No more dirt-covered kids crawling into their sleeping bags! If you’re at a campsite without shower facilities, this hack is a lifesaver.

4. Easy Campfire Snacks Without the Mess

S’mores are a must, but they can be sticky and chaotic with little hands. Instead, try making campfire cones.

Just stuff a waffle cone with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and even some fruit like strawberries or bananas.

Wrap the cone in foil and let it sit near the campfire for a few minutes. When it’s ready, the chocolate and marshmallows will be perfectly melted without the need for messy fingers. Want to make it easier?

Grab these reusable roasting sticks so everyone can toast their cones or marshmallows over the fire safely.

5. Tent Organization: Keep Everything in Its Place

Nothing’s worse than a chaotic tent with everyone’s clothes and toys strewn all over. I like to bring along a few hanging organizers that can easily be attached to the inside of the tent or on trees nearby.

Each family member gets their own pouch for their items, from toothbrushes to flashlights. This helps everyone stay organized, and it makes it easy to find what you need without rummaging through bags.

6. The Magic of Camping Storytime

Around the campfire, there’s nothing more magical than sharing stories. We always bring along a few fun books or make up silly stories as a family.

Last summer, we invented a tale about a family of raccoons that went on a camping trip just like us! The kids couldn’t stop laughing when I pretended to be the grumpy raccoon dad who forgot how to pitch a tent.

If your kids love stories too, I highly recommend packing a mini projector to project shadow puppets or short animated clips on the tent walls for a cozy night of stories.

7. Hands-Free Hiking for Littles

For those with toddlers who can’t quite handle long hikes yet, a lightweight hiking carrier will save the day. We like to take nature walks and explore the trails, but when little legs get tired, having a comfortable carrier makes the adventure more enjoyable for everyone.

Plus, it frees up your hands to help older kids navigate rocks or snap pictures of the beautiful scenery.

A Quick Story to Wrap It Up

I remember our first camping trip with the kids. My daughter, Lucy, was five and full of energy. She wanted to explore every inch of the forest, but by day two, she was covered in dirt and I was out of ideas to keep her busy.

That’s when I pulled out my secret weapon: the scavenger hunt. She spent hours looking for all the items on her list, and I had a moment to breathe (and enjoy my coffee).

Later that night, under the glow of the campfire, she proudly showed off her treasures—leaves, rocks, and a tiny bird feather.

She was so proud of her finds, and I was just as happy that she had stayed busy and screen-free all day.

Camping with kids is such an amazing opportunity to bond as a family and escape the chaos of everyday life. With these hacks, your trip can be filled with fun, laughter, and (mostly) clean kids!

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