SUMMER RV CAMPING WITH KIDS MADE EASY
8/5/2024
RV camping with kids is an incredible experience, and it’s the perfect way to make family memories. That said, when our family hit the road in our RV full-time, we quickly discovered how important planning can be. Not only does good, solid planning ensure things go as smoothly as possible, but it also allows you to add some educational experiences to the trip while involving the kids in planning, campsite chores, and more.
In this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of RV camping with kids, including putting together a well-planned getaway. You’ll learn how to find the best campgrounds, how to involve the kids, and how to ensure everyone has fun with exciting activities and outings.
FINDING KID-FRIENDLY CAMPGROUNDS
The first thing you’ll need to do is find a campground that suits your needs. For this, we recommend using RV Life Campgrounds to search the area you plan to visit. From there, you’ll be able to see the amenities and average price of each campground and even read reviews written by other campers. This information will help you make the best decision possible.
KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN AN RV PARK OR CAMPGROUND
Not sure what to look for in a campground when RV camping with kids? Well, obviously, you’ll want to pick a well-reviewed spot. You’ll also want to make sure the campground offers family-friendly amenities. These might include:
Playgrounds and recreational areas
Swimming pools and water parks
Safe and spacious camping sites
Organized activities and events for kids
TIPS FOR BOOKING
Once you find a campground you like, be sure to check that it is available. This is especially important during peak seasons when sites can book up quickly. If the campground does have availability, book as soon as possible to ensure you get a site.
If you have your choice of sites, we recommend picking one that is close to amenities such as playgrounds and bathhouses.
INVOLVING KIDS IN PLANNING AND PREPARATION
The next step? Getting the kids excited about the trip. You can do this by involving them in the planning and packing process.
PLANNING TOGETHER
If possible, let your kids have some say in the trip planning. Pick a few favorite campgrounds, show them the details of each one, and let them choose. Allow each child to pick one special outing that you’ll take from your campsite. Show them your travel route on a map so they can see how long the drive will be and what you might pass along the way.
PACKING TOGETHER
First, you’ll need to create a packing list and start gathering the things you need.
Some fun essentials for RV camping with kids include:
Clothing (make sure to pack layers and lots of extras for when the kids get messy)
Toys, games, and art supplies
Special snacks
These are the kinds of things your little camper can help pick out. Let them choose which games and toys to take. Ask them what kinds of art projects they might want to do. Take them grocery shopping and give them a snack budget. Help them put together weather-appropriate outfits.
Of course, you’ll also need to pack all of the less fun but oh-so-necessary camping gear and safety equipment.
Some items that you might need specifically for the kids include:
Children’s medicines and first-aid supplies
A current photo of your child/children
Baby gear (diapers, bottles, etc)
No-spill cups
High chair or booster seat
Kid-size life jackets
Beach toys
Inflatable pool or bathtub to use in the RV shower for baths
Soft floor mat for playing on the ground
Once you have everything gathered, let the kids help you load up the RV. Tell them where each item needs to go and let them deliver it. This can actually be a lot of fun, and it makes the process go more quickly than if you were loading up alone.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR A SMOOTH JOURNEY
Now that you’ve packed up, it’s time to hit the road. Here’s what you need to know to make sure the drive goes well.
PLANNING BREAKS AND REST STOPS WHEN RV CAMPING WITH KIDS
Plan for breaks at least every two hours. If you can, choose places to stop in advance, making sure to pick places where the kids can get out, stretch their legs, and play. My kids love rest stops and fast food restaurants with playgrounds.
KEEPING KIDS ENTERTAINED DURING THE DRIVE
Of course, you’ll also want to have plenty of things for the kids to do as you drive. Travel games, audiobooks, and kid-friendly playlists are all good options. We highly recommend the Harry Potter audiobooks, as well as anything Rhold Dahl in audiobook form. As far as music goes, we love the Pop Ups children’s band.
It’s also a good idea to keep plenty of snacks and drinks in easy reach. When possible, choose options that don’t melt or crumble in order to reduce mess. You can also use spill-proof snack cups and spill-proof straw cups to cut back on mess even further.
ENSURING SAFETY WHEN RV CAMPING WITH KIDS
It is important to note that motorhomes are not tested for car seat safety. This does not necessarily mean it’s unsafe to use a car seat in a motorhome, but because of the lack of testing, many families choose to install the car seats in a second vehicle that follows the motorhome.
If you do decide to install car seats in your motorhome, do so in a seat that faces forward rather than sideways or backward. It’s also best to avoid wooden dinette seats with squishy cushions. Instead, opt for a sofa with a metal frame.
Whether they are in car seats or not, it is important that all of your passengers are buckled up the entire time the motorhome is in transit.
If you’re towing a trailer, you can install car seats in the tow vehicle as usual.
INVOLVING KIDS IN CAMPGROUND CHORES
Engage the kids in campsite chores to keep them involved in the entire camping process. Have them help you set up camp by showing them how to hook up the water, put out the outdoor rug, set up a small tent, etc. You can also assign simple tasks like gathering firewood, helping prep foods to go on the grill or in coals, and cleaning up the site when things get messy.
If your kids are hesitant to help out, consider making a game out of certain tasks, such as racing to see who can clean their area the fastest or who can gather the most wood. You could also implement a rewards system using stickers or candy, something that has worked well for our family in the past.
TEACHING SAFETY AND CAMPING PRINCIPLES
It’s important that we teach kids how to stay safe and keep the plants and animals around us safe. This helps instill good habits that will last a lifetime.
EDUCATING KIDS ON BASIC CAMPING SAFETY RULES
Start by educating your young campers on basic camping safety. This should include things like staying within sight of the adults while playing outside and giving wild animals their space.
You’ll also want to teach fire safety, making sure your kids know 1) to stay away from fire, 2) what to do if their clothes catch fire, and 3) how to properly extinguish a fire at the end of the night.
Water safety is another important one. Teach kids to stay away from water if they aren’t with an adult, insist on life jackets in open water, and get swim lessons for the kids if possible.
INSTILLING “LEAVE NO TRACE” PRINCIPLES
To protect the environment, it’s also important to teach “Leave No Trace” principles. Make sure your kids know to stay on marked trails while hiking. Teach them to clean up their trash and avoid leaving food out for wild animals to find.
ACTIVITIES AT CAMPGROUNDS OR BOONDOCKING LOCATIONS
What will you do while camping? There are tons of options! Below are some of my family’s favorite things to do.
ENCOURAGING KIDS TO EXPLORE
One of the magical things about camping with kids is that you can have fun without ever even leaving the campground. Here are some awesome things to do in the campground:
Nature hikes — We love hiking, especially if the hike includes a waterfall, creek, or cave. Adding a scavenger hunt to the hike can make it more fun for little ones.
Outdoor games — Yard games such as horseshoes and cornhole are fun for all ages. If you’re feeling extra silly, try a two-legged race or wheelbarrow race. Of course, things like bicycles, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles are all good for keeping kids entertained outdoors as well.
Swimming — My kids would live in the water if I let them. If there is a place to swim in your campground, go for a dip. Use it as an opportunity to drive those water safety rules home and then have an awesome time.
Art — There’s something \special about making art in the great outdoors. Get out the paints and let the world around them inspire your young artists.
Planned activities—Many campgrounds offer organized activities. Check the schedule at your campground, and go enjoy it!
ORGANIZING FAMILY-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES
Want to get out of the campground and explore the area? We recommend it. During our family camping adventures, we’ve seen many amazing things.
Here are some tips for planning day trips:
Pack a lunch — Hangry kids can very quickly ruin an otherwise fun outing. Always pack a lunch. You’ll save money over buying overpriced meals inside of attractions, and you’ll save your sanity.
Use reciprocal memberships—We love to use our reciprocal memberships to get free and discounted admission to attractions. These include national park passes, museum memberships, and theme park passes.
Look for freebies — Pretty much every town in the country has some free things to do. Do a Google search to see what free offerings you can find. Some of our favorite attractions have been completely free.
Always carry a swimsuit — I can’t tell you how many times we’ve come across an opportunity to swim or play in the water and haven’t had a swimsuit on hand. These days, I try to always keep a swimsuit for each kid and a towel in the car. That way we are prepared for these occasions.
USING SMARTPHONES FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
For the most part, it’s best to be as screen-free as possible while camping with kids. That said, there are times when the screens can be beneficial.
EDUCATIONAL APPS AND RESOURCES
Download the following apps before your trip and use them to learn more about the world around you as you explore the great outdoors:
Sky Guide — This app allows you to identify what you see in the night sky. It’s super intuitive, meaning even elementary school aged kids can figure out how to use it.
iNaturalist — Use this as you hike to identify various plants and animals. If the app isn’t sure, the community will help you identify the plant or critter for sure.
eBird — An awesome app for bird watchers, eBird allows you to photograph and record the sounds of various birds and contribute them to a user-created database. It takes bird watching to another level.
Merlin — This app helps you identify bird songs. It’s made by eBird and is just as useful.
Geocaching — If you have kids who are hesitant to go for a hike, you might try geocaching. Use the app to find a geocache near you and then go on a family treasure hunt.
ENCOURAGING CURIOSITY AND LEARNING WHEN RV CAMPING WITH KIDS
You can also use your smartphone to record your trip. Let your kids take photos and videos and then encourage them to use them to create a digital scrapbook or a blog about your adventures. This is an excellent learning opportunity and can be a lot of fun!
As long as you plan well, RV camping with kids is a lot of fun. By choosing kid-friendly destinations, involving your kids in the process, and giving them plenty of fun things to do, you are sure to have an amazing time exploring the great outdoors with your little ones!
If you would like to reserve a stay with us and enjoy the Williamston, Greenville, Washington and Eastern NC area please give us a call 252-943-1699 or visit our website: Treeside RV Park
To reserve a spot, give us a call 252-943-1699