Camping With Babies and Toddlers

The Ultimate Survival Guide to Camping with a Baby or Toddler

Camping with a little one might sound like a "recipe for disaster," but with the right mindset and gear, it can be lots of fun.  experience. Especially when camping at a family friendly KOA like ours. Here is how to navigate your first outdoor adventure with your little one. This article is based on our family’s personal experience doing this.  

1. Master the Sleeping Arrangement

Sleep is the biggest hurdle. We recommend that you bring as many things as you can that define their normal sleep routine. Special lovies, blankets etc.  Try to define your children’s sleeping space separate from the general hang out space. This applies whether tent camping, staying in a cabin or bringing your own RV.  Safe Sleep: Bring a travel crib, bed rails or make a pillow barrier. Do something to ensure a safe sleeping space.

• Layer Up: Light weight blankets and layered clothing can be easier and safer to work with than sleeping bags especially for infants.  Toddlers might like a sleeping bag. Basically just go with what you know your child likes. Try to keep the sleep habits as similar to home as possible.  
• White Noise: A portable sound machine can help drown out unfamiliar forest or noisy neighbors. There are many apps available for phones as well if you don’t have a sound machine.

3. Food and Clothing

• Keep it Simple  Plan easy to make and eat foods that don’t require a lot of preparation, such as Macaroni and Cheese for the kiddos, Hot Dog and Hamburgers on the grill for adults. Bring plenty of snacks and if your baby is on formula bring enough formula and bottled water for two extra days. (If you run out you can buy bottles or gallons in our store) Our well water coming out of the spigot is chlorinated and safe to drink but since it will taste different from water at home, bottled water can the best option for little ones sensitive stomachs.
• Pack a lot of clothing. Bring way more clothes and diapers than you think you need. The goal is to not have to do laundry while you are with us. But kids will get extra dirty and messy having fun camping so don’t worry we do have a laundromat open 24hrs onsite if needed.

4. Location of Campsite Matters

Choosing the right spot for your family can make or break the trip.

• Proximity to Bathrooms: Toddlers don’t always give you a lot of notice that they need a bathroom. If this is the case with your child you might want a site closer to the bathrooms.
• Playground Some families with small children like to have a site near our main playground.
• Light Sleepers. If you have a child particularly sensitive to noises, you might want to request a site that is far away from our general activity centers. 

Feel free to call us and we will help select the perfect site for you.

5. Setting Realistic Expectations

The most important gear you can bring is a flexible attitude.

• Slow Down: Setup and takedown will take twice as long, And someone will need to be watching the little ones while setup gets done.
• Simplify Meals: Don't try to cook gourmet. Use dehydrated meals or pre-prepared food to minimize cleanup.
• Routine is King: Try to stick to your child’s normal feeding and nap schedule as closely as possible to avoid overstimulation.
• Family Camping is fun. Just go with the flow.  Relax and enjoy the time together. You are making family memories together, that the best part of camping.