Camping 2025
Camping with a Toddler…
Must-Have’s and Tips
Let me start by saying: if you don’t like dirt, bug bites, or the smell of campfire smoke that lingers even after multiple washes, you might want to sit this one out.
Camping with a toddler is no joke. I’ve been camping my whole life and still haven’t gotten used to that smoky smell—and I still haven’t found the perfect hack for bug bites (though I’m on a mission, because I get them at home too!).
Some friends told me before our trip to “embrace the filth” and let the kid run wild. I tried to channel that energy… and it was harder than I thought.
So here we go. My number one tip:
Baby wipes.
Put them everywhere.
In your camper (tent, van, RV—whatever you have), by the bathroom (obviously), at the picnic tables, in your tote bag… I brought a pack with us on every walk, plus one diaper and a few essentials. Total lifesaver.
Everything else is in no particular order. Some things worked for us, some didn’t—but I hope this gives you a quick cheat sheet before you head out for the weekend.
Kid-Size Lawn Chair
My toddler loved pulling up his own little chair to sit by the fire or a family member, with his drink and snack plate. We used a hand-me-down, but [here’s a link to one similar]. Look for one with a cupholder and carrying bag—it’s worth it.
One pair for each of you! Setup and breakdown were way dirtier than I expected, and I definitely wished I had my own gloves. My son kept using everyone else’s, so I’m adding kid-size gloves to our list for next time. He loved picking up sticks (great activity!), and gloves were essential.
Tumbler
We purged our kitchen a while ago, and I was left with zero tumblers. I used a mason jar for my coffee—which was cute, but not exactly safe. I found [this one] that’s perfect for both coffee and wine (also—add those two things to your camping shopping list!).
Pro tip: Don’t get a white one—it’ll get dirty fast. Go for a fun color—it’s easier to find and adds a little joy.
Pack “Throwaway” Clothes
Here’s a game-changer: pack clothes you're not afraid to toss.
A month before our trip, I went through Jon’s closet and set aside anything he had almost outgrown—like 2T long sleeves that were perfect for spring but wouldn’t make it through winter.
I also included a few things I didn’t love. Basically, I turned our “donate pile” into a camping pile. That way, I only had to wash a few items when we got home. Some pieces went straight to the trash, and others went into our “yard work” clothes bin.
Toys You Can Wash
Bring 3–5 of your kiddo’s favorite washable toys. We brought his bike, monster trucks, and some coloring books. The coloring books were a hit with everyone—fun and easy!
Pack for You, Too
Don’t forget a few things for yourself!
Speaker: a must.
Cards or dice: next time I’ll definitely bring a simple game.
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in kid gear that you forget the little things that make your time enjoyable too.
I feel like I’m forgetting something big—but I also think keeping it simple is the best hack of all. Between cooking, cleaning, walking, collecting sticks, and bug/animal watching, the time flew by.
Got something to add?
I’d love to hear your favorite camping tip or toddler-friendly must-have.
Drop it in the comments or send me a message!
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