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The first time we took our son George tent camping, he cried the entire night. Maybe he was hot, maybe the change in routine threw him off—but nobody got any sleep, and I seriously questioned my life choices around 3 a.m. It was rough on everybody. But I wasn’t ready to give up. We stayed a second night, and it went so much better. George was just 18 months old, and I knew that if we could figure out how to make it work, camping could become something special for our family.
Camping with kids can be chaotic, messy and unpredictable—but it can also be magical. With a little planning, a lot of snacks and the right attitude, you can create lasting memories in the great outdoors. Whether it’s your first trip or your 50th, here are some tips and ideas to help make camping with kids fun, safe and successful.
Choose the Right Campground
When you’re camping with young kids, location is everything. Look for family-friendly campgrounds that offer nearby restrooms (especially if you are tent camping) and sites with a mix of sun and shade. Sites near shallow creeks, lakes with swimming areas or beginner-friendly hiking trails can provide hours of entertainment. Bonus points if the campground has a playground or open field for running around. You really can’t go wrong with most Arkansas State Parks or Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds.
- Kid-friendly Camping at Woolly Hollow State Park
- Visit All 52 Arkansas State Parks
- 12 Campgrounds in Central and Northeast Arkansas
- Top 10 Arkansas Fall Camping Spots
Keep It Simple
You don’t have to pack up half your house to go camping—but a little planning goes a long way. Stick with familiar foods and keep meals easy. Think hot dogs, sandwiches, foil packet dinners and s’mores, of course. Consider a “camping tub” packed with kid-friendly essentials: a few toys, a small first-aid kit and their favorite snacks.
If your kids are young, go for one or two nights instead of a full week. This gives them a taste of camping without overwhelming anyone (you included).
Fun Activities for Kids
The beauty of camping is that you don’t need elaborate entertainment—nature does the heavy lifting. Try a nature scavenger hunt, build a fairy house out of sticks and moss or just let them splash in the water and dig in the dirt. We have a set of digger trucks that we only bring out for camping trips. They are old but feel new again since George doesn’t play with them often.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt – Make a list or use our printable guide to find leaves, bugs, feathers, acorns and more.
- Glow Stick Ring Toss – Bring glow sticks for fun after-dark games.
- Build Fairy House – Use sticks, leaves, moss, and rocks to build small structures in the woods.
- Rock Painting – Bring a small craft kit and let kids paint rocks to leave behind on the trail or keep as souvenirs.
- Creek Wading & Rock Skipping – Perfect for cooling off and exploring safely.
- Bug or Animal Watching – Grab a magnifying glass or binoculars and keep a list of what you spot.
- Campfire Stories – Go spooky or silly! Let everyone take turns making up a tale.
- Make S’mores – Let kids hunt for a stick and roast their own marshmallows.
- Leaf or Bark Rubbing – Use paper and crayons to capture natural textures.
- Flashlight Tag – A great way to burn off energy once the sun goes down.
- Biking – We love to bring our bikes and ride around the campground.
- Hiking – Hit some of the trails around the campground.
- Nature Journaling – Let them sketch what they see or write about their favorite part of the day.
- Shadow Puppets in the Tent – All you need is a flashlight and your hands!
- Card Games – Mexican Train, Uno, Skip-bo and Left, Right, Center are a few of our favorite camping games.
- Stargazing – Lie on a blanket and look for constellations or satellites.
- Fishing or Frog Catching
- DIY Obstacle Course – Use logs, ropes, cones, or anything on hand to make a fun challenge.
- Make Nature Bracelets – Wrap duct tape around their wrist (sticky side out) and decorate with found nature treasures.
- Outdoor Movie – Use an inexpensive projector to show a movie on your camper or on a sheet strung between trees.
Need more ideas? I’ve rounded up 12 Fun Camping Activities in Arkansas to help keep kids engaged and screen-free while you enjoy your coffee by the fire.
Tips for Keeping Kids Safe
Safety doesn’t have to take the fun out of camping, but it should always be top of mind:
- Set up camp rules early, like “stay where you can see the tent” or “don’t go near the water without an adult.”
- Water safety and wearing personal flotation devices should be a priority.
- Glow sticks, headlamps, or clip-on lights can help you keep track of kids after dark.
- Show kids how to recognize poison ivy and stay away from it.
- Teach them what to do if they get separated—consider safety whistles or even ID bracelets for peace of mind.
Let Them Help
Kids love to feel capable and included. That first camping trip we took as a family was a doozy, but we’ve kept at it, and our now eight-year-old is a pro at setting up and taking down the campsite. Let kids help with manageable tasks like gathering kindling, collecting marshmallow sticks or collecting rocks from the tent pad. Giving them little jobs not only builds their confidence but also makes them more invested in the experience. Plus, they’ll be too busy to complain that they’re bored.
Embrace the Mess
Dirt? Yes. Bugs? Probably. Sticky hands and wet clothes? Almost guaranteed. But those muddy faces and wild stories are what make the best memories. Bring extra clothes, a sense of humor, and maybe a towel or two just for wiping down grubby feet before bedtime. Sunset swims are a great substitute for bath time!
Camping with kids isn’t always picture-perfect, but it is memorable. When you trade screens for stars and routines for campfires, you give your kids the kind of experience that sticks with them. Whether it’s their first trip or their fifth, every outing is a chance to connect as a family and enjoy the simple joy of being together in the great outdoors.
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