Simple preparations that transform disaster into adventure for family campers
Key Points:
- Camping expert shares six essential items parents must pack to avoid common camping disasters with children
- Expert explains how forgetting essentials like spare clothes, first aid kits, and entertainment options can quickly turn a family adventure into a nightmare
- Proper preparation is vital for family camping trips, with weather-appropriate gear being particularly important for UK campers
As the Easter and summer holidays approach, UK families across the country are planning camping trips to enjoy the great outdoors together. However, what starts as an exciting adventure can quickly turn into a disaster when essential items are forgotten.
“I’ve seen countless families cut their camping trips short because they weren’t properly prepared for camping with children,” says outdoor specialist Andy Halliday from Lexrope, a UK-based company specialising in outdoor camping gear and accessories.
Below, Andy reveals the six things parents should never forget when camping with kids, and the camping nightmares that can unfold when they do.
1. Weather-Appropriate Clothing and Plenty of Spares
Picture this: Your child steps into a muddy puddle, soaking their only pair of shoes and socks on day one of your three-day camping trip. Without spares, you’re left with a miserable child with cold, wet feet who wants nothing more than to go home.
“UK weather is famously unpredictable, even in summer,” Andy explains. “Always pack at least double the amount of clothes you think you’ll need, especially socks and underwear. Include layers for unexpected cold snaps and waterproofs for sudden downpours.”
He recommends packing clothes in individual ziplock bags to keep them dry and organised. This simple trick can be a lifesaver when you’re rummaging through a tent at night looking for clean pyjamas.
2. A Well-Stocked First Aid Kit
Nothing ends a camping trip faster than an unprepared medical emergency. From minor scrapes to more serious injuries, being unable to provide immediate care can transform a small incident into a camping nightmare.
“A proper camping first aid kit should include all the basics – plasters, antiseptic wipes, tweezers for splinters, and child-appropriate pain relief,” Andy advises. “But don’t forget items specific to outdoor adventures like anti-itch cream for insect bites, burn gel for campfire accidents, and a tick removal tool.”
He suggests creating a camping-specific first aid kit that stays with your gear, so you’re never caught without it. “Remember to check expiry dates before each trip and replenish anything you’ve used.”
3. Proper Lighting Solutions
As the sun sets on your campsite, a lack of adequate lighting can quickly become frightening for children and frustrating for parents.
“I once met a family who brought only their phone torches for a weekend trip. By the second night, their batteries were dead, and their children were terrified of the dark campsite,” Andy recalls. “They ended up driving home at 11 pm because no one could sleep.”
Andy recommends packing multiple lighting sources: headlamps for hands-free activities, a powerful lantern for the tent, and a few small torches for children to manage their own lighting needs. “Battery-powered fairy lights strung up in the tent can also create a magical atmosphere while providing comfort to children who might be nervous about sleeping outdoors.”
4. Entertainment Options for Downtime and Weather Delays
Many parents underestimate how much downtime there is during camping trips, especially when rain forces everyone inside the tent.
“I remember a family with three young children who had to shelter in their tent during an unexpected downpour. With no activities packed, the kids quickly became bored and restless. By hour three, they were tearing around the tent, eventually breaking a tent pole and causing a leak,” says Andy.
He suggests packing playing cards, travel board games, colouring books, and battery-powered speakers for music or stories. “Having a mix of individual and group activities helps manage different energy levels and interests. Don’t rely on digital entertainment, as charging options are limited and screens don’t always mesh well with the camping experience.”
5. Proper Food Storage Solutions
Food storage might not seem exciting, but it can make or break a camping trip with kids.
“A family at a campsite in the Lake District left their food in a cool box outside overnight. By morning, local wildlife had raided their entire supply, leaving them with nothing for breakfast or lunch,” Andy shares. “With hungry children, they had no choice but to pack up early.”
Andy recommends lockable food containers and proper coolers with ice packs. “Even in moderate temperatures, food spoils quickly outdoors. Always bring more non-perishable snacks than you think you’ll need, and research if your campsite has issues with local wildlife that might raid your supplies.”
6. Comfort Items for Sleeping
Parents often focus on the practical aspects of camping and forget that children need their comfort items to sleep well in an unfamiliar environment.
“Children who don’t sleep well quickly become cranky, making the entire experience unpleasant for everyone,” Andy explains. “I’ve seen families abandon camping altogether because their children were too exhausted from poor sleep.”
He advises bringing proper sleeping mats or air mattresses, familiar pillows, and beloved stuffed animals or blankets from home. “Don’t forget earplugs or white noise solutions if your child is sensitive to the unfamiliar sounds of nature at night. A well-rested family is a happy camping family.”
Andy Halliday, camping expert at Lexrope, commented:
“What I’ve learned from years in the camping industry is that the difference between a magical family memory and a camping disaster often comes down to preparation. Parents sometimes focus too much on the big items – the tent, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment – while overlooking the smaller essentials that can make or break a trip with kids.
“The trick to successful family camping is thinking through your daily routines and anticipating what might go wrong. Pack as if something will get wet, someone will get hurt, and the weather will change unexpectedly – because in the UK, it probably will! With a bit of planning, even camping novices can create wonderful outdoor experiences that their children will remember fondly for years to come.
“And remember, your first camping trip with kids doesn’t need to be a week-long adventure in the remote countryside. Start with a single night at a well-equipped campsite close to home. This gives you the confidence to try longer trips as your family builds their camping skills together.”
