Camping with kids... What ages work?

[JCAMERON]

As some of you know my family just grew one stronger with our second boy; Gunnar.
Last summer, when our first boy was about 5 months old, we went camping up along the north shore and baptized him in the baptism river. (very cold, by the way) It was a great time and things worked out well with him not walking yet and all. I have a feeling camping might be a bit more difficult this summer with him walking and not wanting to be held all the time.

Does anyone have experience taking little ones camping? -
At what ages do you think taking them along is possible?
What provisions do you use to accomodate?
Any and all input is appreciated!

John

[BiggA]

My kids at that age were so accustom to sleeping in their beds we did no even try camping with them. Had a hard enough time getting them to sleep at grandmas house. It would definately be abusy weekend camping with a toddler and a baby. Lots of patience needed for sure.

[deadeye]

We often went camping with our three kids.  If I remember we went when we had two, so I guess when we had three the youngest was less than a year.  It's just more work but I don't think it bothers the kids any. 

[Mayfly]

My daughter is turning 4 this April and if it is up to me we will be living out of a tent this summer!! Last year was our first "successful" attempt at fishing. We went when she was younger but she just wanted to throw stuff over board. Last year she really got into fishing! Time was very short last summer so never got to really experiment with camping but this year we will! I cannot wait.......   

[Mayfly]

I forgot to add this...

At what ages do you think taking them along is possible?

I'm thinking 3 or 4 is the best. Sure you can take a new born along but can you fully enjoy the trip and do what you want? There is not much we cannot do with a 3 or 4 year old. Having a baby is easy enough but when camping it just limits you. I didn't even attempt it. Actually last year when she was 3 was my first attempt and that was a success as well.....

[kenhuntin]

I would say at least 4. Mosquitos and severe storms that may put a tree on top of your tent are scary to a Dad when the very young need to be tended to along with another small kid.

[Ryan]

I would agree on 3 or 4.  By that age they don't require quite as much attention.  My youngest turned 3 in October and I am thinking of taking both boys camping this summer.  It really depends on the kid though.  My oldest would not have been as interested when he was 3.  My youngest has always really been into fishing and outdoors stuff so I think he is ready.

[Jdrummer]

My advice would be to try camping in your back yard then maybe a nearby state park or something along that line. I would hate to drive a few hundred miles just to have my kid freak out and wanna go home the whole time ! From my "Dad" experience I made kinda a game with my son who now is two . I asked him if he wanted to build a fort with daddy and he got really excited ! made me smile  That same day he learned how to kick a ball , I was proud 

[Bobby Bass]

My daughter has a two year that has been camping since she was 6 months old. Her dad, my son in law has a family that camps extensively in the summer.  Fold up playpen was used till she could start walking and then after that you kept an eye on her just like you would if you were in the back yard. Pay attention to sunburn and bug bites, easier to get when you are little and don't worry about some dirt eating. The little ones seem to tolerate the cold better to and just have them sleep with you. They also bring along the lab and he acts as a good companion and baby sitter. I don't see any real reason why you should not camp because you have little ones, you might even slow down some yourself and enjoy it more. Keep it simple though. When I was young we would camp with three in diapers, I don't remember to much about them days, they are all a blur now!   

[robdoar]

My advice would be to try camping in your back yard then maybe a nearby state park or something along that line. I would hate to drive a few hundred miles just to have my kid freak out and wanna go home the whole time !

Good advice...

My wife and I took our daughter out for her first time at 6 weeks for a short 3 day camp on the St. Croix...    She did great...

It is not lightweight job, we brought a body pillow to keep her insulated, and safe from rolling, (Both her and me!) Needed to pack out dirty diapers...(odor does not improve over time)

It was a VERY relaxing time, and she LOVES camping now (Almost 2)  Her face glows when she sees a tent, (I love taking her to REI)

I would recommend it, but stay close to home JIC.   

[Mayfly]

When I was young we did a lot of camping in the Taylors Falls area. To this day I still love the area. A lot to do for kids in the area. I like interstate park on the Wisconsin side.

[Dan R.]

It is never to early to take your little ones camping here is a pic of
our granddaughter at 17 months

[Dan R.]

Looks like her mother and i can prove it   

[Woody]

I was only but a lil twig when my parents used to take me camping on Eagles Nest Campground on Winnie.  If I were to guess I'd say I was about 9 months old or so.  I never had a problem with it so long as I had my bah bah, and my blankie.  Come to think of it, the more things change, the more they stay the same!  Now as long as I have my bah bah of beer    and a blanket or sleeping bag I'm happy.     

I'd say it all depends on where you're going, the activities planned and your level of patience!  Of course I'd have all the important stuff figured out ahead of time: grocery store locations, hospital locations, nearest cell phone towers (check your providers site), things like that-just in case.   

[kenhuntin]

There is also a big difference in actual camping in the bush as opposed to sleeping overnight in the comforts of an R.V. amongst a sea of other "tailgaters".There should be no problem with a newborn in a parking lot with trees. But If someone is roughing it they should be seasoned to take a babe into the woods.

[robdoar]

John, How old are the tykes now?

If you don't have one, one of these guys (or similar), is awesome for the kiddies when hiking/camping.


Works as a backpack, high chair, and recliner for our little one.

[JCAMERON]

My oldest is 13 months, and the little guys is 3 weeks. That thing looks awesome. Expensive, but awesome. We have a baby backpack, but nothing like that. I think I'll have to get one of those soon!

[robdoar]

My oldest is 13 months, and the little guys is 3 weeks. That thing looks awesome. Expensive, but awesome. We have a baby backpack, but nothing like that. I think I'll have to get one of those soon!

It's totally worth it...  Carries them from 6 months - 3 years comfortably.  There are others like it around... I just love REI's lifetime satisfaction guarantee.

Other things that are nice to have when we take Bela camping (other than the usually, blanky, nuk, etc.):

• A jogging stroller we picked up at a thrift store, The large wheels make trails a breeze.

• Super Sized Ziplok - For dirty Diapers
• Kool-Aid singles mixers
• Body Pillow - Helpful for keeping her from rolling on her face, or us rolling on her!
• Flashlight - She loves it for some reason... :)
• Water toys / If you're near a lake/river.

Bela is old enough now where she loves to help me build fires, find wood, hammer tent stakes...  Letting her "help" i think is why she loves camping so much.

I'm sure there's more, cant think of it right now.  Let me know if you want me to elaborate on anything/have ?'s

[JCAMERON]

What provisions/precautions are made to keep mobile children safe around a fire?

[Mayfly]

What provisions/precautions are made to keep mobile children safe around a fire?

That is a good question. The same way I teach my daughter that she cannot go into a street, parking lot etc... without holding my hand and looking both ways. A stern NO.

[kenhuntin]

What provisions/precautions are made to keep mobile children safe around a fire?

It is a good thing you are thinking about this ahead of time. It shows alot of common sense. As a matter of fact my Wifes cousin was camping and at bonfire time while roasting marshmallows her young son tripped and fell backwards right on top of the fire. Most of the burns were 2nd degree but he did have a patch of 3rd. luckily they were at arms reach of him and he was only on the heat for a second. You just never know with some kids. All you can do is precaution them until they understand and not let them near if they misbehave. The boy is now in his third year of college and has not been camping since the accident.

[robdoar]

What provisions/precautions are made to keep mobile children safe around a fire?

My daughter already has a good sense that HOT means stay away.  IMHO, habit is what will make a difference...

After we build the fire, I say "daddy is gonna light the fire now"  She immediately takes a few steps back, Sometimes saying "HOT!".  She knows now that the fire is off limits, of she gets to close, we give a "Bela...  Get Back, Fire is HOT" and she goes back... When she was younger, and didn't quite understand it, we would put little rocks around as a "no fly zone"  When she entered them, we would say "No, hot!" and move her out. (Just as Tim was saying)

It is amazing how fast they learn.

[JCAMERON]

I came across this on Craigslist today. About one quarter of their price brand new. I'm heading up to grandpa's tomorrow and can't wait to trek through the woods with my oldest in this thing!

[robdoar]

I came across this on Craigslist today.

That is a great find!  I think they make a bag that attacges to that.
Just remember to get as much weght on your hips as you can, an you will have a very comfortable trip!  Let me know how it goes.  A pic would be great too!

[JCAMERON]

I got to try out that child carrier last fri. It was awesome. My oldest and I went about a mile or so back into the woods, I showed him my deer stand, jumped a deer, and he loved it. I just love being able to take him along on my adventures! I highly recommend one for any parent of little ones.

[kenhuntin]

Would you use a mosquito net on the child backpack being you cant see the child on your back?

[robdoar]

I have tried a couple of nets to no avail...  There are always gaps, and sometimes a fly gets in, but cant get out.

We just keep her in long pants, and some natural bug repellent works great.

[Phishnchick]

I think it depends greatly on the kids and also what the parents are willing to put into it.  I have been taking my kids (3 of them) camping since they were only weeks old and now they are 11, 13, 15.  They love camping and complain we don't do enough of it.  Just be sure to plan ahead and bring some comfort items for the kids.  It is definiately different then just throwing a few things together for a couple of adults and heading out, but having your kids experience and gain a love for the outdoors is priceless.

Just a thought...Some people only go to campgrounds and sleep in RV's.  I found when my kids were little, if I went somewhere that was more secluded and they had a little room to roam and investigate, it was actually easier.  In a campground, it seems like everyone is so close that you can find your self constantly telling your kid "No" because they are exploring someone else's campsite.

Good luck! and have FUN!