Group Camping With Kids

Not everyone has the luxury of having the Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains in their backyard. Growing up north of Asheville, I didn’t realize how lucky I was. Then I went to N.C. State, where brick buildings filled the landscape as far as the eye could see. I realized my hometown peaks and valleys were a part of my being. They gained even more importance after I became a mother.

I’ve made outdoor adventuring a priority for my kids. With hiking, camping, mountain biking, white water rafting, tubing and other recreational activities readily available, there is no reason not to enjoy them year-round. During the pandemic, especially, I relied heavily on the healing powers of nature. Last fall, we experienced our first group camping trip. All together, there were 17 of us, six adults and 11 kids. We rented three campsites in the Bent Creek area in Buncombe County, just south of Asheville.

We did not camp when I was a child, and my first camping experience was in my late teens. So camping—with kids—was a new venture. The 11 children in our group ranged in ages from two to 13, so there was a lot to consider in terms of food, safety, sleeping arrangements and entertainment. 

Also, this was car camping with tents at a defined and maintained camping site, not strenuous hikes in the backcountry. The number of people in our party—and the age range of the children—meant we should put off more strenuous excursions for a later date.

Nonetheless, I learned a lot from our weekend in the woods, and I came up with this list of tips to share with others who want to take their brood on a camping trip.

Plan your meals My boyfriend and I have five kids together so we are accustomed to planning out meals. One of my favorite guiding life rules is, “Fail to plan, plan to fail.” Kids and adolescents seem to always be hungry, so it’s imperative to ensure you have everything for the main meals, especially when you’re out in the middle of the woods. Of course, plan based on the preferred diets of the participants, but we kept it easy with staples like hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, sausage, bacon, eggs, salami, fresh-cut veggies, and fruit and nuts. Camping isn’t the time to be elaborate with your cuisine. 

Pack for temperature and weather In the mountains, the mornings and evenings can be chilly, while the middle of the day can be quite warm. When camping, pack all types of clothing and layers. Don’t forget towels, because if there’s water nearby, you better believe the kids are going to find it and get wet. During our trip it rained almost the entire time. We still had fun, but we were grateful to have towels, rain jackets, bathing suits and a variety of attire. 

Bring plenty of snacks This tip is true for both kids and adults. During downtime or when hiking, snacks are vital. Also, if they have plenty of nibbles to choose from, kids won’t be continually asking when the next meal is going to be ready. Snacks are key when playing cards or board games. Ensure a variety is available for anyone in the group who subscribes to specific eating plans such as gluten-free or keto. Camping can be stressful at times, so it’s best everyone’s blood sugar level stays even. If you’re a coffee drinker, don’t forget the grounds! At the last minute, I packed my French roast press and course ground coffee, which was perfect and easy, since all you need is hot water. 

Consider downtime activities Although outdoor adventuring can take up a significant portion of your camping trip, there will always be downtime. This offers an opportunity to teach and enjoy card games like Uno, Crazy Eights, Phase 10 or gin rummy. Further, car camping offers the option of packing other activities, such as board games or corn hole boards. Kids also have amazing imaginations, so our bunch had fun playing tag around the campsites and whittling swords out of sticks. 

Test out gear and check it twice There’s nothing worse than getting all the way to a campsite to realize you’re missing a tent pole or a sleeping bag. Before you leave the house, check everything multiple times and ensure all of the necessary equipment works. Other items, such as hammocks, camping coffee mugs, pots and pans, tarps, and extra blankets will always come in handy. 

Don’t underestimate simplicity Camping is a simple pleasure of life. The combination of birds in the morning, crickets at night, wind blowing through trees, food frying in a skillet, and spending time with friends and family brings an unparalleled joy. There was no cell service at our campsite, so we didn’t have to worry about the kids asking for devices. (If there had been cell service we would have put those devices away for the weekend.) Technology and nature don’t dance well together. The only piece of tech needed is a camera, because camping offers many photographic moments.

Remember traditions There are certain camping traditions that must be honored on any camping trip. For us, some of those included preparing s’mores, telling stories around a campfire, and exploring as a group. As a mom, I’ve learned that traditions are important for children. Traditions help solidify good memories, so when you kids are grown, they want to enjoy sharing similar experiences with their own families. 

Embrace the chaos Go ahead and expect a lot of chaos when group camping with kids. As with any situation involving a gaggle of young ones, there’s going to be wildness, noise and unexpected situations. Instead of getting frustrated or overwhelmed, try to step back and appreciate all that laughter, chattering and young energy. They grow up so fast, after all. 

Our group is already planning our next camping trip. It’s hard to coordinate schedules when all of the kids are involved in various sports and extracurricular activities, but with the fun we had at our inaugural camping trip, we’re making it a priority for many years to come.