Extend your shade and experience the adventure sooner 
There’s nothing quite like embarking on a family camping adventure – and the great outdoors offers a magical playground where kids can explore, parents can unwind, and memories are made.
However, planning a successful family camping trip requires a little extra thought and preparation to ensure that everyone, from the littlest to the oldest, has a fantastic time.
In this blog, we’ll share the best tips of family-friendly camping so your next trip is one that’s talked about around the campfire.
Family camping tips and tricks
Here are some insights and recommendations to create an enriching experience for both children and adults.
1. Choosing the perfect destination
When planning a family camping trip, choosing the right destination is where you start. Look for family-friendly campgrounds with amenities such as clean bathrooms, showers, and kid-friendly activities. Depending on your choice of trip, some family-friendly campgrounds have kids’ game rooms, animals and even waterparks. Also consider the proximity to nature trails, lakes, or beaches for fun outdoor adventures.
2. Packing smart and light
Families often require a lot of gear, so packing smart and light can make a significant difference. Make a checklist of essential items and opt for versatile gear that serves multiple purposes. That’s everything from your camp set up, right down to your clothing.
3. Adventure-focused activities
Engage the whole family in adventure-focused activities to keep everyone excited and entertained. Plan nature scavenger hunts, wildlife spotting, and short hikes suitable for all ages. These activities not only create bonding moments but also instil a love for the great outdoors in children. Plus it keep them from that old adage, “I’m bored”!
4. Campfire fun
No family camping trip is complete without campfire fun. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, go wildlife spotting, plan games in the dark like spotlight, or marvel at the starry night sky. Setting up a designated campfire area near your car, tent and set up ensures a cosy, enclosed and safe space for quality family time.
5. Kid-friendly meals
Family camping trips are an excellent opportunity to introduce kids to cooking and meal preparation. Involve them in preparing kid-friendly camping meals like damper and campfire oven dinners, and then let the fun begin with roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Having a quick and easy kitchen setup will make cooking hassle-free and enjoyable while you’re away.
6. Comfortable sleeping arrangements
Ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep by choosing comfortable sleeping arrangements. Invest in quality sleeping bags, air mattresses, or sleeping pads. Most people set up a designated sleeping area under or beside their 4WD awning to provide a cosy space and keep the family together.
7. Embrace screen-free time
Encourage screen-free time during the trip to foster connections with nature and each other. Limit screen usage to emergencies and instead focus on outdoor play, storytelling, and stargazing. Bring board games, cards or other activities.
8. Educational experiences
Camping offers numerous opportunities for educational experiences. Identify local flora and fauna, learn about constellations, and engage in educational games to make learning fun and your trip even better.
9. Weather preparedness
This point is important because the weather can make or break your family camping trip. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially when camping with children. Check the weather often, tie down yourtent, awning and anything else that might get caught in the wind, and set up an area that is enclosed and sheltered (an awning with a wall kit can be your lifesaver when the weather turns). Destination4WD’s awnings are designed to withstand various weather elements, providing reliable shelter during rain or shine.
10. Respect nature and leave no trace
Instil a sense of environmental responsibility in children by teaching them to respect nature and practise the “leave no trace” principles. Clean up after meals, dispose of waste properly, and leave the campsite as pristine as you found it.
The versatility of awnings for a family camping trip
Awnings are an essential companion for family camping, offering unparalleled convenience and versatility. Destination4WD’s awnings serve as a central hub for family activities, providing shade and shelter for meal times, play areas, and relaxing spaces. Our freestanding 4WD awnings are quick and easy to set up and can be adjusted with wall kits to accommodate changing weather conditions, ensuring that the whole family stays comfortable throughout the trip.
Ready for a family camping adventure?
Family camping is an enriching experience that creates connections with nature and each other. By choosing the perfect destination, engaging in adventure-focused activities, and embracing screen-free time, you can create unforgettable memories in the wilderness.
The convenience and versatility of a Destination4WD freestanding awning will make your family camping experience even better by providing a comfortable outdoor living space suitable for all ages.
So pack up the gear, gather the family, and embark on a journey filled with laughter, exploration, and the joy of camping together. Happy camping!
Take a Destination4WD awning with you on your next family camping trip
If you’re ready to get out there and experience more adventures and need a freestanding 4WD awning, we’ve got you covered. Read our Destination4WD customer review here.
Check out our free standing 270 awning and if you ever have any questions, get in touch. We are always here to help and answer any questions you have.
And we have plenty of info and videos on our Instagram and YouTube.
