Camping with Kids

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity...”
― John Muir

Since returning home I've had multiple friends ask me for tips for camping with kids.  The most consistent thing about vacationing/traveling with children is that children are inconsistent. You really never know what a trip is going to throw at you (which is half the fun sometimes!)

So, my first bit of advice: throw your expectations out the door and be ready to got-with-the-flow.

However, it's much easier to "flow" when you're well prepared. Since we've been camping and road tripping with our kids since they were tiny infants we do have a few tricks and tips up our sleeves. Therefore, this week I'll be doing a 4-part series on Camping with Kids:

1) Getting There (Road Trips with Kids)

2) Camping with Littles (under 2)

3) Camping with Preschoolers (3-4 years)

4) My Favorite Gear and General Camping Preparation

I hope this will encourage you to camp with your own families. Because there is nothing quite like dirty feet, smokey fires, and starlit nights to bring you closer to those you love.

“Mom, camping is not a date; it's an endurance test. If you can survive camping with someone, you should marry them on the way home.” 

― Yvonne Prinz, The Vinyl Princess