25 Genius Camping Hacks with Kids You Need to Know
Camping with kids can be a magical experience—or a major meltdown waiting to happen. The secret? Smart planning and clever hacks that make everything easier, safer, and more fun. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend in the woods or pitching a tent in your backyard, these camping hacks with kids will turn your trip into a memory-making adventure.
My family loves camping! As a family of 7, camping is a super inexpensive way to travel. We have done close to home trips and several states trips in our 1994 Pop-Up camper. So I have a few tips and tricks up my sleeve when it comes to camping hacks with kids!
1. DIY Handwashing Station
Set up a water jug with a spigot, a roll of paper towels, and a soap dispenser. It’s perfect for quick cleanups and keeps the germs at bay.
2. Glow Stick Safety
Attach glow sticks to your kids’ backpacks, shoes, or zippers so you can easily spot them at night. Bonus: they love it!
3. Pre-Make Campfire Meals
Prep foil packet meals or skewers at home and store them in a cooler. Less prep at the campsite = happier parents.
4. Use a Shoe Organizer for Gear
Hang a canvas shoe organizer on a tree or tent post to keep flashlights, sunscreen, bug spray, and snacks in one easy-to-reach spot.
5. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Download a simple nature scavenger hunt with pictures or words to keep kids busy exploring.
6. Pack a Busy Box
Fill a plastic bin with coloring books, small toys, and quiet activities for downtime or rainy weather.
7. Foam Floor Tiles for Tent Comfort
Line the bottom of your tent with foam play mats to make it softer and more insulated for kids.
8. Bug-Free Kids’ Zone
Use a mesh screen room or bug tent so kids have a space to play, snack, or nap without being swarmed.
9. Frozen Water Bottles in the Cooler
Freeze water bottles to double as ice packs—once they melt, you’ve got fresh drinking water.
10. Use Muffin Tins for Snacks
Fill muffin tins with assorted snacks to create a fun “snack sampler” tray they’ll love.
11. Glow-in-the-Dark Tape for Tent Lines
Avoid tripping hazards by using glow-in-the-dark duct tape on tent stakes and guy lines.
12. Make a Campground Obstacle Course
Use logs, ropes, and sticks to create a safe obstacle course to burn energy and encourage creative play.
13. Bring a Potty Tent
If you’re camping far from facilities, a pop-up privacy tent and portable potty can be a game changer.
👉 We keep our portable potty in our van at all times. It’s super helpful if you have toddlers/preschoolers.
14. Personalized Water Bottles
Let kids decorate their own reusable water bottles with stickers—it’s fun and reduces mix-ups.
15. Campfire Story Stones
Paint stones with images (stars, bears, tents) and let kids use them to tell stories around the fire.
16. Mini First Aid Kit for Kids
Make a small, kid-friendly first aid pouch with fun bandages, wipes, and child-safe bug bite treatment.
17. Ziplock Bag Toiletries
Organize kids’ toiletries in gallon-sized bags: one for morning, one for night.
18. Headlamp + Jug = DIY Lantern
Strap a headlamp around a translucent water jug for a soft, ambient campsite lantern.
19. Color-Coded Packing
Pack clothes in zip bags by outfit/day and label with kid names to stay organized and reduce mess.
20. Dry-Erase Checklist
Make a laminated daily checklist for each child (brush teeth, sunscreen, clean up toys) and use dry-erase markers.
21. Camping BINGO
Make a bingo card with things like birds, pinecones, tents, and firewood for a fun way to stay observant outdoors.
22. Bring a Kiddie Pool
It’s great for splashing on hot days—or for washing feet and hands before bed.
23. Use a Dog Fence Around the Firepit
I can’t tell you how many close calls we have had around the campfire. Having multiple children, it can be hard to keep my eye on all of them, especially while assembling s’mores. We picked up a dog fence at a garage sale for $5 and put it around our campfire. Gives us peace of mind and folds up small, so it doesn’t take up a lot of room.
24. Nature Journals
Download a free nature journal to draw or write about their camping experiences and findings.
25. Less Mess S’mores
We started using fudge-striped shortbread cookies and marshmallows. This reduces mess (a bit) because there is one less step you have to take to make them. They’re also DELICIOUS!
🌲 Ready to Make Camping with Kids Easier and More Fun?
Camping with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With these family camping hacks, you’ll be more organized, your kids will be entertained, and everyone will get to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned pro, try a few of these ideas on your next trip—you might be surprised how much smoother things go!
