Camping with kids hacks can make all the difference for your next outdoor overnight adventure. Recently, our large family proved that you can survive camping with 6 kids.
Yes, really.
I think we amazed ourselves too.

But we didn’t pull it off without some preparation. I searched camping with kids tips and cherry-picked the very best ones. And believe me, it made all the difference with the little ones.
The twins are now toddlers, so we felt ready to give a family camping trip a go. Hubby and I haven’t camped since, well, before having children. So, we wanted to make sure we made this experience great for everyone.
Keep reading for my favorite camping with kids hacks, so your family can have a great camping experience too.

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10 Camping With Kids Tips We Love
We’ve especially been into outdoor activities ever since the pandemic started. And like many families these days we thought camping would be a safe, fun way for all of us to travel.
We went to Manatee Springs State Park to enjoy the 800 feet of boardwalk that runs through the cypress forest. But our favorite part was swimming in the refreshingly cool spring during these hot Florida summer days.
We were able to have such a memorable time with these simple tricks. It made the trip easier, less stressful, and more fun.
Check out my favorite camping with kids hacks we used below.

1) Freeze Gallons of Water
This is so simple, but it’s a great camping tip. Fill, or buy, one or two gallons of water, freeze and use them in your cooler in place of ice. It won’t fill your cooler with water as it melts and it lasts much longer than bags of ice. Best of all, you’ll still have drinkable water in the end.
2) Rugs
You can’t always control the conditions of our camping spot. And even if you are lucky enough to pitch your tent on a lush grassy area, dirt happens. Cut down on dust and debris in your tent by placing rugs at the tent entrance, inside and outside of your tent.
Wiping your feet will help cut down on the mess and you can quickly clean up by shaking them off outside.
3) Solar-Powered String Lights
This is one of my favorite camping with kids hacks. Using solar-powered string lights is a game-changer. You don’t have to worry about plugging into electrical or bringing extra batteries. You can use solar string lights to brighten up your campsite or to light the inside of your tent.
It really takes your camping experience to the next level. You might even consider this as edging toward glamping, and it’s oh SO fabulous.

4) Bug Repellent
Using bug repellent is super important. Itchy little ones will be miserable and their frustration with itches can make you pretty miserable too. Make sure you bring plenty of spray, clips, and traps.
Spray the outside of your tent to help cut down on mosquitos, and be sure to spray shoes and clothes when hiking to help ward off ticks.
Also, place a few insect traps inside your tent to fight any creepy crawlies that sneak in. And it’s always a good idea to use a repellent or citronella candle on your picnic table to have a more peaceful meal.
5) Extra Blankets
When it comes to camping with kids hacks this may not seem earth-shattering, but it surely makes a difference. Having a stash of extra (dry) blankets can be a lifesaver. You can use them for extra layers at night, for a picnic, to sit in a dirt spot, to warm up little swimmers, and more.
Keeping these extra blankets safely in the warm, dry car can save you after spills or rainy-day leaks.
6) Baby Wipes for Everything
We’ve been bringing extra baby wipes with us everywhere since we started having babies. They are super useful and can clean up practically anything.
Baby wipes are safe to wipe up grubby hands, dirty faces, messy camping gear, and even spills in the car.
You’ll be glad you used this camping with kids tip.

7) Plan Activities
The whole idea behind going camping is to connect to nature and get away from the hustle-bustle of our tech-filled lives. So, that means turning off the screens and enjoying each other’s company.
After hiking and swimming are done it can be challenging to entertain the kids. Plan ahead by bringing games, cards, and coloring books. You will have some of the best laughs sitting around a game board.
These camping with kids hacks will save your sanity after dark and on rainy days.
8) Ziploc Bags
This is one of my favorite camping with kids hacks. Use Ziploc bags to pack socks and underwear.
Even if your camping gear gets wet you will always have a pair of dry socks to change into. This can go a long way to relieve uncomfortable or cranky littles.
And as a bonus, it makes it super easy for your children to get dressed each day.
9) Dryer Lint for the Win
Next time you go to empty your dryer lint skip the trash and start a stash. Lint is highly flammable. That’s why it’s so important to clean your dryer vent.
You can create your own starter logs by stuffing empty toilet paper rolls with your dryer lint. It saves you money, and they really work.

10) Plastic Storage Tote Bathtub
This is one of the best camping with kids hacks to keep your little dirt monsters clean.
Our toddlers need a bath practically every day in a normal situation. Add in sunny weather, swimming in nature, dirt-filled adventures, and our sweaty half-pints require a thorough cleaning without question.
Pack some of your camping gear in a large plastic storage tote. When you get to your destination, empty your supplies and use this tote ask a makeshift bathtub.

Final Thoughts on Camping With Kids Hacks
These camping with kids hacks absolutely did save our sanity. I can’t believe we had such a great time with six children.
We love our family, but it can be daunting to keep everyone happy at the same time. Especially with the twins now on the move.
We’ve been loving our Florida staycation trips over the last year or two. If you are looking for some Florida vacation ideas check out these posts on our Lake County, Florida staycation and things to do in Naples, Fl. You’re sure to enjoy these trips.
We had a wonderful camping experience, so we know you can do it too. If you have a great idea, help other families by dropping your favorite camping with kids hacks in the comments below.
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