Camping with Kids

Hi All, I just found a good deal on a family sized tent, just as I'd hoped I would in the off season. Got a Coleman with the hinged door as the couple times I 'back yard' camped with my young boys in our smaller tent it became clear that zippered doors & kids don't go well together. This season will be the first taking them campground or wilderness camping, up until now a house has been near by. They had a great time, are eager for more; in fact I probably wouldn't have bought a bigger tent if not for their asking for more camping. The wife has made it pretty clear that camping is not something she's too keen on. I grew up camping, she didn't. No problem, she's fine letting the boys (2 are 10, 1 is 7) and me go out & rough it. I'm confident all will go well but would welcome any experienced suggestions, especially about things you may not have thought of before camping. In my late teens & early 20's I camped a lot with friends. I've road tripped, fished & hiked enough with my kids that I know their disposition, so I think I've got all the basics covered. First time or 2 will be at a campground near my in-laws lake house so we have a fall back should disaster strike. As they get older though I'd love to take them to more adventurous places, further into the wilds. Would love to hear any advice from folks that have been down this road already. I of course don't remember complaining or not having fun camping as a kid, though I'd bet my parents may have a different story. DD

Get them involved in setting up and maintaining the camp site. Never forget first aid kit and make sure its stocked. Learn to let loose with them and have fun if you aren't having fun neither are they. Maintain some what of a bed time when its just me and my kids camping some of the best times are night time laying out watching the stars fishing in the dark sharing stories roasting marshmallows and hot dogs and listening to the sounds of frogs loons coyotes and owls. I also try to wake up before the kids sometimes they wake up real early so I can have some peaceful me time as a pot of coffee perculates and I think of what to do for the day. Bring lots of fluids juice Gatorade water and milk

I was a canoe camp counselor for ten years and found that if a kid is bored out in the woods it's because they lack some outdoor experience. After sitting in a canoe all day I'd take the group on a hike every evening. Lots to see and be interested in. Gathering wood ,sanitizing water, camp set up and cooking on a fire holds most kids' interest. I've been camping with my daughter since she was four. She taught her friends how to dig a "cat hole" to use as a toilet. I think it's easier to get kids out to learn camping than some adults. Now, as an adult, she calls me to go on Quetico canoe trips.....priceless!

DANNY O... I applaud You !!! As far as camping with kids, there isn't anything better ! This past summer I took my 10 year old daughter on a 10 day tour to 4 different state parks( wife doesn't camp ). Bikes, fishing stuff,kayaks,butterfly nets,star gazing books, insect books... Truck looked like the Beverly Hillbillies whenwe pulled out of the driveway ! She had a blast and we both learned a lot about each other.By the middle of the trip she was setting up her own tent and helping cook meals. If possible head to a state park, great facilities, they can spend time in the nature center, take a tour, they usually have stuff going on at night as far as tours, demonstrations, all kinds of crap to do. I was worried about the boredom also, but we built fires, played cards,ate like royalty, swam, kayaked, fished, biked, hiked... It was a great 10 days and can't wait for the warm weather to do it again. We are going a little moe remote this year, and leaving some of the comforts at home. I have camped all my life ( tents ) and for the past 3 years I have found a camping buddy and have enjoyed it so much !!! Good luck to you and keep an open mind ! Ask what they want to do, and make everything fun ! B12

Yeah, the boredom is the only worry. I'd like to leave electronics behind and occupy ourselves with nature and maybe cards or something similar. I'll probably tel then no ipod, DS etc. but pack them myself "in case of emergency"

yor kids are pretty big, so they shouldnt be too much of a chore. Plan ahead for boredom, have things to do. Try to plan ahead to go when its not too hot, and someplace where the bugs arent bad. I have 2 that are 5, a 9 yr old and an 11 yr old, been camping with them since the older two were like, 5 and 3 or something. Oh and bring sugar free drinks- they don't get so wild!