How to Start Family Camping: The Complete Guide for 2025
Discover how to start family camping with our beginner’s guide. Learn essential gear recommendations and activities to create unforgettable adventures.
Last Updated on 28 May 2025
Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, unzipping your tent to reveal a misty morning vista, with your children’s excited whispers as they spot wildlife nearby! Family camping creates bonds and memories that last a lifetime, yet many parents feel overwhelmed by the prospect of taking their first outdoor adventure with kids.
Did you know that, according to data from Brittany Ferries, there has been a 22% increase in the number of families who camp at least once a year since 2014? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to start family camping—from essential gear and choosing the perfect campsite to keeping everyone comfortable, fed, and entertained in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re a complete novice or simply looking to make the transition from solo camping to bringing the whole family along, we’ve got you covered with practical advice and tried-and-tested tips for an enjoyable experience under the stars.
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Essential Camping Gear for Families: What You Need
Family camping for beginners can feel overwhelming when you see the endless lists of “essential” equipment. After years of trial and error, I can confidently say that most families overthink the gear requirements. Your family camping packing list should focus on quality basics rather than gadgets.
The Best Family Tents UK: Size Does Matter
When it comes to choosing the best family tents UK has to offer, manufacturers’ “sleeps 6” labels only take into account the number of people sleeping in a tent. Those measurements never account for your gear, midnight toilet escorts, or children who somehow need three times their body length in sleeping space. My golden rule? Add at least two people to your tent capacity, considering the number of people camping.
For most families wondering how to start family camping, a 3-season tent provides the perfect balance of affordability and functionality. Air beam tents have been our game-changer! They’re pricier, but worth every penny when you’re setting up with overtired children.
Sleep System Essentials for Families
Nothing ruins a family camping trip faster than poor sleep. Family-sized sleeping bags work well for couples, but individual bags give children more freedom to move. For kids under 10, specially designed children’s sleeping bags are better than adult ones—they’re shorter, which means less cold air for little bodies to heat up.
Toddler camping bed options require special consideration when learning how to start family camping. I’ve found that self-inflating mats are more reliable than air mattresses for adults, while foam sleeping pads work brilliantly for children. They might look thin, but my children always sleep soundly on them.
Family Camping Essentials for Cooking and Safety
Your camping with kids checklist should prioritise simple, reliable cooking equipment. A single-burner gas stove handles most family meals perfectly. We’ve found one large pot, one frying pan, and a kettle cover 90% of our cooking needs.
Family camping safety tips include having a proper first aid kit designed for outdoor use with children. Beyond basic plasters and antiseptic wipes, include antihistamines, children’s paracetamol, and hydrocortisone cream, and each child should have a whistle for emergencies.
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Choosing the Perfect Family-Friendly Campsite
Learning how to start family camping successfully begins with selecting the right location. Family camping for beginners works best when you choose campsites specifically designed with families in mind.
Key features to look for include clean facilities (cleaned multiple times daily), clear boundaries for safety, washing-up areas with hot water, and reduced vehicle access. The best family sites have playground areas and organised activities for children.
When booking, sites like Pitchup, Cool Camping, and Campsites.co.uk offer excellent filtering options for family-friendly features. Always read reviews from other families—they give the most accurate picture of what to expect.
For those considering wild camping with children, start with established campsites before progressing to more remote locations. Wild camping requires significantly more preparation and isn’t recommended for first-time camping with family adventures.
Planning Your First Family Camping Trip
Understanding how to start family camping requires a structured approach to planning. Most families underestimate preparation time, leading to stressful experiences that put children off camping.
Timeline for Success
For popular destinations, book three-four months in advance. Summer holidays require even earlier booking—I book in January or February. About a month before your trip, start checking gear and replacing anything broken or outgrown.
Two weeks before departure, create your meal plan and non-perishable shopping list. The weekend before, conduct a “tent test” in your garden if you haven’t used it recently. Three days before, start packing non-essentials and checking weather forecasts.
Creating Your Family Camping Checklist
Your camping with kids checklist should be comprehensive, but realistic. Rather than generic categories, list specific items: “large pot with lid,” “frying pan,” “wooden spoon.” Break your list into categories: Shelter, Sleeping, Kitchen, Food, Clothing, Toiletries, First Aid, Entertainment, and Tools.
Include a “Hero Items” section—things that seem minor, but can save a trip: duct tape, spare batteries, multi-tool, extra tent pegs, and safety pins. I can’t count the number of times these items have helped us.
Family Camping Meal Planning
Successful family camping for beginners requires realistic meal planning. The secret is keeping it simple, planning thoroughly, and lowering your culinary standards just a tiny bit.
Meals Children Will Eat
Children who happily eat exotic foods at home suddenly develop selective palates when camping. Focus on familiar, simple meals: porridge with dried fruits for breakfast, picnic-style lunches, and one-pot dinners like pasta with pre-made sauce or mild chilli.
Food Storage and Safety
A quality cooler is essential family camping equipment. Frozen water bottles work better than loose ice—they keep everything cold and provide drinking water as they thaw. For longer trips, use two coolers: one for immediate use and another that stays closed until needed.
Cooking Equipment That Works
Child-friendly camping equipment includes non-stick pans for easier washing up, a good kettle for instant hot drinks, and plenty of reusable plates and cups. A washing-up bowl, biodegradable soap, and a dedicated tea towel make cleaning manageable.
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Setting Up Camp as a Family Activity
Learning how to start family camping includes making your setup fun rather than stressful. We created a “camp creation ceremony”—a silly ritual where we declare the ground our home for the next few days.
Age-Appropriate Tasks
Even toddlers can contribute meaningfully. When my kids were young, they would love collecting tent pegs or small sticks for kindling. Primary school children can check the pitch for stones and help thread tent poles. Teenagers can take responsibility for entire sections, such as the kitchen setup.
We created laminated job cards detailing each person’s responsibilities. Having clear tasks prevents constant “what should I do?” questions and gives children independence and pride in the process.
Organising for Family Life
A well-organised family campsite makes daily life easier. Set up distinct “rooms”—sleeping area, kitchen/dining area, and living space under a tarp. Use transparent storage boxes for easy organisation: cooking equipment in one, food in another, toys in a third.
Establish a dedicated hand-washing station near the toilet and cooking area. Create a “shoe zone” outside the tent entrance to stop too much dirt from making its way inside.
Keeping Children Entertained
Parents often worry about how to start family camping without children getting bored. The reality is that nature provides endless entertainment. It’s a great time for children to truly be children, disconnect from technology, and be feral for a short time!
Outdoor Activities for Kids Camping
Nature activities for kids camping require minimal equipment, but provide maximum engagement. Scavenger hunts work for all ages—change the difficulty based on children’s abilities. A simple magnifying glass transforms ordinary observations into fascinating discoveries. Cloud watching, den building with natural materials, and storytelling games are games we always do when we go family camping.
Rainy Day Solutions
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, your camping with kids checklist should include indoor activities. Card games, camping sketchbooks, audio books, and shadow puppet shows using torches provide hours of entertainment.
The key is preparation and having a positive attitude. Present rain as part of the adventure rather than a disruption, and children generally follow your lead.
Evening Entertainment Beyond Campfires
Not all campsites allow fires, so develop alternatives. Glow stick games, torchlight treasure hunts, and starlight cinema using a tablet create magical evening experiences. Evening nature walks reveal different sounds and creatures, fascinating children in new ways.
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Camping with Babies and Toddlers
We’ve camped with our children since they were babies and have loved every minute. Yet, if you’ve never done it before, you might be wondering how to camp with toddlers safely and comfortably. With proper preparation, camping with very young children can be incredibly rewarding.
Sleep Solutions for Little Ones
Recreate elements of the home sleep environment—familiar sleep sacks, white noise machines, and comfort objects help signal bedtime despite strange surroundings. For toddler camping bed options, create a “sleep nest” using a toddler-sized inflatable mattress with raised edges.
Temperature Regulation
Keeping kids warm while camping requires the layer system: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Natural fibres like merino wool work excellently for base layers.
Safety Adaptations
Create safe play zones using outdoor blankets with defined edges. Hands-free baby carriers keep younger babies safe while allowing parents to work. For toddlers, backpacks with safety reins provide freedom while maintaining connection.
Seasonal Considerations and Timing
Understanding the best time for family camping trips helps ensure positive experiences. Summer camping with kids offers the most comfortable conditions for beginners, with longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures.
Spring and autumn camping can be magical, but requires additional preparation for temperature variations. Winter camping with children should only be attempted after gaining significant experience in warmer conditions.
Summer camping with kids requires sun protection. UV-protective clothing, high-factor sunscreen, and shaded areas are essential. Ensure adequate ventilation in tents and plan activities for cooler parts of the day.
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Essential Safety and Practical Considerations
Family camping safety tips extend beyond basic first aid. Establish clear boundaries immediately upon arrival—walk the perimeter with children, showing where they can and cannot go without adults.
Toilet Solutions
Camping toilet solutions for families require practical planning. Many children need overnight toilet access, so proximity to facilities matters. We always bring a portable potty, which has been very handy on our trips. Don’t forget your toilet paper and hand sanitiser as backup.
First Aid Preparedness
Camping first aid for families should include items specifically for children: appropriate dosages of pain relief medication, plasters in fun designs, a thermometer, and treatment for common camping injuries like splinters and insect bites.
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Making the Most of Your Family Camping Experience
Successful family camping for beginners requires managing expectations. Your first trip won’t be perfect—something will be forgotten, something will break, and someone will probably ask to go home. We’ve had our fair share of this over the years, and it’s completely normal.
Building Positive Associations
Introducing children to camping works best when you start small. Choose one or two nights at a campsite within an hour of home. This provides confidence that you can return if necessary without massive investment.
Keep initial menus simple, build in downtime, and prepare for disrupted sleep. The first night camping is always rough, but it improves dramatically by the second night.
Creating Lasting Memories
The magic of family camping lies not in perfect execution, but in shared experiences. Problems solved together, discoveries shared, and time genuinely spent together create bonds that last long after the tent is packed away.
Your Family Camping Journey Starts Here
If you’re still wondering how to start family camping, remember that every expert was once a beginner. The family that now camps confidently across Europe started with that disastrous first trip where everything went wrong.
How to start family camping successfully comes down to three key principles: prepare thoroughly, but expect the unexpected, start small and build confidence gradually, and focus on safety and simplicity over perfection.
Your family camping packing list will evolve with experience. Your confidence will grow with each trip. Your children will develop resilience, environmental connection, and family bonds that last a lifetime.
The outdoors is waiting for your family to discover its magic together. Take that first step, embrace the imperfection, and prepare for adventures that will become your family’s most treasured memories. Learning how to start family camping might seem daunting now, but I promise you—the rewards are worth every bit of preparation and every muddy sock.
Whether you’re planning your first time camping with family or looking to improve your existing outdoor adventures, remember that the best camping trips aren’t measured by perfect weather or flawless execution. They’re measured by the laughter shared, the problems overcome together, and the sense of achievement that comes from successfully creating a temporary home in the natural world.
Final Thoughts on How to Start Family Camping
Taking that first step into how to start family camping may feel daunting, but the rewards of shared outdoor adventures far outweigh the challenges! Throughout this guide, we’ve covered everything from selecting the right gear and finding family-friendly campsites to planning meals and keeping everyone entertained regardless of age or weather conditions.
So pack those sleeping bags, gather the marshmallows, and prepare for adventures that your family will talk about for years to come. The natural world is waiting for your family—it’s time to answer the call!
For more camping inspiration, check out our related guides:
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- The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Wales in 2025
- Stealth Camping: A Beginner’s Guide for Van or Tent Life in 2025
Happy travels!
Have you found this guide on how to start family camping helpful? Is there anything we missed that you’d include? What do you love about family camping? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Very good, comprehensive guide! I really want to take my family camping so I’ll have to check out this guide again as a reference!
Thank you! I hope you do enjoy camping when you try it! We love it!
I’ve never thought about the number of people the tent is designed for not including space for your gear. Adding two to the number of people camping is a great tip. Nice post!
Thank you! I’ve learnt from this when I first started camping. There were a few instances pre-camping with kids that I couldn’t fit my walking gear in my tent easily. I was like, so where does my stuff go?!
This brought back so many memories! I’ve been wanting to start camping with the grandkids, but honestly, it felt a little overwhelming. I’m so glad I found this—it gave me the confidence to believe we can actually do it and enjoy it. I even learned a few new tips, too!
Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful! And your camping trips don’t have to be anything crazy when you’re first starting out, but hopefully you’ll find them rewarding and enjoyable with your grandchildren.
Great article! I’m not an outdoor person, but my kids are asking at the age where they want to try camping now. So, this article is really helpful. I feel less anxious!
I’m glad you found it helpful! I think they’ll love it. As long as you’re prepared and have done as much as you can before you go, you should be okay when you do go camping with them.