Camping with toddlers can be so challenging, but it is worth it. Here are our tips on camping with toddlers and our recommended campsites for toddlers in the UK.
At first, I was slightly apprehensive about camping with a toddler, but we loved every second. We all had lots of fun, and it was so refreshing to connect with nature and watch my child play freely. Camping with toddlers can be challenging, so we have put together some tips on how to camp with toddlers and, most importantly, have fun doing so!
Why take your toddler camping?
With technology constantly evolving, we believe it is essential to encourage children to get outdoors as young as possible. My fondest memories from my childhood have nothing to do with the time I spent indoors watching TV; instead, they are simply the long days spent camping with my family and exploring with my grandad.
Having campfires, telling stories, playing games, hunting for fairies or trolls, making dens, and enjoying being outside are priceless. It is important to continue to pass down that sense of adventure I was lucky enough to enjoy as a child.
What are the benefits of camping with toddlers?
Let’s face it: no matter how old we are, we simply need to get outside! Here are just a few of the benefits of camping with toddlers.
It’s great for children to connect with nature
Camping provides an opportunity for your toddler to connect with nature. It offers a break from the fast-paced, technology-filled world and allows them to experience the beauty of the natural environment.
They will be physically active
Camping encourages physical activity through walking, swimming, playing, and other outdoor activities, helping promote a healthy lifestyle for your toddler.
It’s quality bonding time
Camping allows for quality bonding time with your toddler without the distractions of everyday life. It creates an opportunity for meaningful interactions and shared experiences.
There are learning opportunities galore
Camping presents numerous learning opportunities for toddlers, such as identifying different plants and animals, understanding basic survival skills, and learning about the environment.
Sensory stimulation
The outdoor environment stimulates your toddler’s senses, providing a sensory-rich experience that enhances their cognitive development.
It helps toddlers embrace challenges
Camping allows toddlers to face and overcome new challenges, such as trying new foods, sleeping in a different environment, or adapting to changing weather conditions, fostering resilience and adaptability.
It’s an opportunity for unstructured play
Camping provides ample space for unstructured play, allowing toddlers to explore, imagine, and create their own fun, which is essential for their cognitive and social development.
You’ll make unforgettable memories!
Camping creates lasting memories that your toddler will cherish for years to come. These experiences can help shape their perspective on the world and strengthen family bonds.
Tips for camping with a toddler
These may seem like really obvious things to think about before heading out on your camping adventure, but getting these basic things right or wrong can really affect your entire trip.
1. Check the amenities
Check the amenities available at the campsite, then go one step further and check reviews to get an idea of what they are like. Toddlers get messy—it’s a fact! So, clean and well-maintained facilities can make all the difference in a stay. Restrooms, outlets, water accessibility, windbreaks, and fire pit hire are all important to check out beforehand. This will make your stay easier and more comfortable.
2. Check the weather
What will the weather be like during your stay? Even if you’re predicting warm, sunny weather, don’t forget about cool mornings/evenings. Onesies are a great way to keep toddlers warm and cosy in the evenings.
3. Take enough bedding
One of the worst things you can do is not take enough bedding. Nothing is worse than being cold at night and camping with disrupted sleep. Remember that if your toddler has accidents at night, you may also need to take spare or protective sheets.
Toddler camping beds are an absolute lifesaver. They are a bed and sleeping bag in one, easy to clean, and compact, meaning you will save space for extra bedding, etc.
4. Meal plan
How many meals are you going to be eating while you are camping? Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and most importantly for toddlers. Take snacks!
There are some excellent camping meal guides for toddlers online to give you a rough idea of what to pack. I researched easy and fun campfire meals before I left. There are many recipes to get kids involved in cooking. If I get my toddler involved in cooking his meal, he’s more likely to eat it, veggies included.
I built a small shopping menu and ensured that it included lots of snacks. Snacks that are easy to take are yoghurts in pouches, puree pouches, granola bars, pre-cut fruit, raisin packs, and any crackers or biscuits.
Little snack pots are really handy for taking sensible portion sizes out with you. This way, you’ll know how much your toddler is eating. You can also enjoy these easy-to-make one-pot camping meals if you have cooking equipment with you.
5. Prepare for hiking/walking
If you’re planning on walking or hiking with your toddler, check out toddler-friendly walking routes prior to the location you’re going to. This can be handy and save you from carrying an exhausted toddler back! (Your back will thank you.)
If you plan on exploring woodlands, forests, or the coast, all-in-one suits are a great way to keep warm and protected while still getting stuck and having hours of fun.
6. Take toys/game
Toddlers are so terrific with their imagination that they can play with almost no input from us. They will find all sorts to entertain themselves with, chase insects, enjoy running free, and climb trees for hours. They are surprisingly creative in using nature to entertain themselves.
You probably won’t need to pack that many toys. I usually take a few outdoor games we can all get involved with and enjoy. You can pick them up relatively cheaply. Glow sticks and walkie-talkies are also great fun and low-cost
Bringing an outdoor playpen may be helpful for younger toddlers. I recommend this for children 18 months and younger.
7. Get them involved!
I decided to add this section because the best thing about taking a toddler camping is watching them get involved and feel a real sense of pride and accomplishment. My toddler helped us unload the car, set up the tent, cook, and even tidy the tent! Spending time outdoors makes you slow down and take more time with each task.
Having them involved and feeling like they have contributed is beneficial for everyone! I highly recommend letting the kids steal the show; you teach them confidence and independence without thinking about it!
Recommended campsites for toddlers in the UK
Callow Top Holiday Park, The Peak District
Callow Top Holiday Park is a fantastic campsite for toddlers, and it’s only 20 minutes from Alton Towers and CBeebies land! Also close to Bakewell and Matlock in the Peak District. There is a heated swimming pool, a children’s adventure playground, and direct access to the Tissington Trail, where you can go cycling.
Click here for further information.
Loch Ness Shores Campsite, Scotland
Situated on the quieter side of Loch Ness, the Loch Ness Shores campsite is near the village of Foyers. It has electric pitches and grass pitches for tents and direct access to the lakeshore. The campsite is great for families with toddlers as it has a parent and baby room, a family shower room, and a play area. It’s a lovely place to stay while you’re searching for Nessy!
Click here for further information.
River Valley Holiday Park, Cornwall
River Valley is a family-run campsite in Cornwall with generously sized pitches. Its facilities are modern, including a heated swimming pool and a children’s play area. The campsite is located near St Austell, so it’s a great place to explore some of Cornwall’s beautiful beaches and exciting attractions.
Click here for further information.
River Dart Country Park, Devon
Set in 90 acres of parkland within the Dartmoor National Park, the River Dart Country Park offers amazing activities such as an adventure playground, pirate ship, wooden play fort, and toddler beach. The park also has an award-winning campsite and caravan park with pitches only a few minutes walk to the park facilities.
Click here for further information.
Drayton Manor Club Site, Staffordshire
This is a great place to stay if you’re visiting Drayton Manor, which is just a few minutes away. Drayton Manor offers everything from white-knuckle rollercoasters for the adventurous to Thomas Land, which is ideal for toddlers. On-site facilities include a play area, designated dog walk, parent and baby room, showers, and dishwashing facilities. It’s a great base camp for a toddler-in-tow holiday.
Click here for further information.
Clent Hills Club Site, West Midlands
A midlands retreat ideal for exploring Birmingham and its attractions whilst still camping close to nature. There is an on-site play area that will keep toddlers entertained. Facilities include a parent and baby room, designated dog walk, dishwashing, and Club Site Wi-Fi. For minimal pitch set-up, why not try their pre-erected Clent Hills Ready Camp tents?
Click here for further information.
Cardigan Bay Club Site, Wales
For beach lovers, the Cardigan Bay Club Site is only a 10-minute drive from the beach, so you won’t struggle for things to do when camping here. Either bring your tent or try out their Ready Camp glamping tents. The campsite itself has plenty for kids, including a play area, space for ball games, and wide-open pitches. A family shower room, dog walk, and washing machines make the site a convenient base for exploring West Wales.
Click here for further information.
Camping with a toddler is a fantastic way to encourage outdoor learning, enjoy the outdoors, and spend valuable time together. We love the time we spend camping. Prior planning and letting go of a regular schedule can go a long way.
What are your go-to tips for camping with a toddler? Let us know in the comments.
