Family Camping | Simple Hacks For Your Next Trip

Packing up & going on a camping trip can seem daunting. So much stuff to bring, just to sleep outside? 

I get it. But it's really fun, I promise. ;) 

Camping isn't for everyone, and camping with kids, isn't for the faint of heart, but our family has really loved it. And with each trip we take, it becomes a little easier than the last. If your family enjoys the great outdoors, I’m sharing a few camping hacks that we’ve learned along the way that might help you as well!

Walkie Talkies. Being able to touch base with the boys while they explore within the campsite & grounds is SUPER helpful. Plus, they feel like they have a little independence while exploring! And it's fun learning the lingo with the boys! "What's your 20 boys?" 

Lint. Yep. Lint from the dryer. We use this as a fire starter. Stuffed in an empty toilet paper roll, this DIY fire starter, works like a charm. We pack them pre-made in a Ziploc & we're set! 

A large Mason Jar. This has multiple uses. I put our matches inside & then use it in the morning to scramble our eggs for a campfire breakfast & then it serves as a glass for drinking water! I like the half gallon size best, but any Mason Jar would work! 

Mosquito Repellent Bracelets. I have to credit my mother-in-law for this one, she found these & they've been very helpful, especially when the kids don't want to get sprayed before playing. I throw one on each of their wrists and their legs too! 

A Yoga Mat or Roll Up Door Mat. This works perfect for catching the dirt before stepping inside your tent! We leave our shoes outside & under the tent to keep the sand and dirt to a minimum, so this also helps as a dry spot to put shoes back on when going outside again! 

A pool float. We use air mattresses in our tent, but if you don't have enough room for one, an inflatable pool float works great for the kids! Plus, if you're camping near a river or a lake, you've got a two-for-one! ;)

Baby wipes. Comes in handy when cleaning those sticky fingers after s'mores and wiping the layers of dirt off before climbing in bed for the night! 

Most importantly though, just have fun together! Yes, it's dirty and might be warmer than your A/C filled house, but the thing to remember is to look around & enjoy the surroundings & your family.

A couple other things I try to remember to bring are extra batteries for those headlamps & walkies and a string of lights to hang outside our tent! The lights make it a little festive & they help us to find our tent in the evenings! 

Do you have some helpful camping hacks? I'd love to hear them! Don't be afraid to pack up and sleep under the stars!! Happy adventures to you & your family!