Camping with Children

 

delicate arch

Last week, on a lark, we decided to take our children camping in Arches National Park in southern Utah.  I picked up an enormous tent on clearance a few years ago, but all the wilderness that guy’s seen is our creepy tool shed and a few gnarly weeds in our yard.  The kids were thrilled, and we were all surprised at the length of the drive; it was shorter than expected at three and a half hours (at least two of those through gorgeous scenery).  If you’re short camping gear, craigslist is a great resource and usually inexpensive.  You can also rent gear from an outdoor outfitter (like REI). 

 

Here are a few lessons I learned about camping with young children:

1. It’s not as bad as you think it’s going to be.  It’s wacky, yes, but you know that your life at your house is wacky too.  This is just prettier and much, much dustier.  Your children will be in heaven; when I asked our six year-old if he liked the trip, he answered with a spooky deadpan face that he hoped our house burns down so that we can camp “every single day of our lives.”  Hide the matches.

the colorado river

 

 

2. Bring so much water.  More water than you ever imagined you would need for anything.  Pretend that you will be filling up a large swimming pool with only the water from your vehicle, and you’re set.  Place a jug next to your tent along with a towel to de-dust those dirty little feet before they traipse all over your clean-ish sleeping bags.  You’ll also be a thirsty bunch.

cowboy cooking

 

 

3. Buy or borrow a footed dutch oven.  Sometimes you can find these at garage sales or from a nice neighbor; they’re fantastic used because that means they’re already seasoned.  Bring a cooler with your ingredients (cut up) for a few meals–this chili was amazing with cheese on top.  Don’t forget charcoal and a lighter, a tool to pick up the hot oven lid, and a utensil for cooking.  We bring easy food for lunch and snacks like peanut butter and jelly.  

 

4. If you have a toddler, bring a pack n’ play for your tent.  Again, this is not backpacking, but car camping as it’s finest.  Perfect to keep child away from the fire when you’re cooking, and critical for that toddler (and the whole campground) to get a good night’s rest.  Baby will fuss for a few minutes while falling asleep, people at neighboring campsites will mutter and glare.  Use technique usually saved for airplanes aisles: hold “don’t mess with me, I’m doing the best I can” eye contact with glarer while vigorously rocking child.  If anyone wakes up at night, soothe quickly and quietly (I keep my children in their beds so they know it’s not time to get up), and if worse comes to worse… go  hang out in the car.

Do you have any ideas for enjoying the outdoors with kiddos?  Please share.

landscape arch