Over 25 Camping Tips, Hacks and Recipes for Camping with Kids

 This summer we are heading out for a fun family camping adventure. With that in mind, I thought I’d round up some great Camping tips, hacks, and recipes for camping with kids. Come on in and I’ll show you my favorite ones…

Camping Tips, Recipes, and Hacks

Are you going camping this summer? Camping is such a fun way to spend time with the family. Aside from spending quality time together, my favorite part of camping is hands down, the campfire food. In this post, I’ll share some of the camping recipes, games, and activities for the campsite and some cool hacks. You’ll find links to the ideas under each image. 

First up – Games to Play

 Here are Some Game Ideas to enjoy while camping…

Here’s a Portable Tic Tac Toe Game for kids – from One Creative Mommy

Find a printable Scavenger Hunt for the kids to play at The Creative Homemaker 

Glow in the dark bowling from Growing a Jeweled Rose 

Here are some Camping Tips & Hacks to Make Life Easier at the campsite

 

If you are camping in a tent, it’s easy to get frustrated with the zipper. Use Candles to keep zippers working – found on REI

Even if you are lucky enough to have a camper, this hack is still a good idea for lighting up the site.

For tents – No more tripping over the rope when coming back from nighttime bathroom breaks – found on Instructables 

Use a laundry basket to keep shoes in one place and easily found when you need them 

Make the tent ground comfy – found on A Little Campy

For those with campers – use the mats for your patio area outside the camper 

Use a Dollar Tree crate to hold paper plates, bowls, silverware and napkins 

Keep sharp knives safely tucked away in pieces of pool noodles 

Kids get messy! Here’s a fun idea for a Hillbilly Washing Machine – found on Refashonista

You’re gonna want S’mores at some point. Here is an Easy and awesome fire starter hack – found on Kid Friendly Things To Do

Keep mosquitoes at bay. Make your own bug spray concoction with essential oils – found on Kid Friendly Things To Do

Don’t stress over the mess. Take Camping storage – found on Campers Trailers 

Or, use a shoe organizer to keep small items tidy. Just find a secure place to hang it from and stuff the pockets

 

Don’t waste valuable memory-making time drying dishes – air dry them with a mesh bag from the Dollar Tree! 

Camping Food Hack Recipes that are Kid Friendly – Glorious Camping Food

Breakfast Ideas…

How fun! Camping Doughnuts – found on Must Have Mom

Make Omelets in a Bag for an easy camping breakfast – Find Instructions, here

Make-Ahead Camping Pancakes – found on Kid Friendly Things To Do

Making bacon over the fire hack – found on Zestuous

Snacks and Sides…

Yum! Camping Nachos. Add the kids favorite toppings – found on Simply Recipes 

Corn on the cob – from Eating on a Dime

Lunch or Dinner…

 

Making Mac and Cheese for the kids while camping! – found on My Sister’s Cucina

Ham and Cheese sandwiches – found on Taste and Tell

What are good Camping Snacks?

• banana bread
• trail mix
• granola bars
• cheese crackers
• Goldfish
• graham crackers
• campfire popcorn
• cookies
• S’mores ingredients 

How long will milk last in a cooler?

• When properly stored with ice or ice packs, milk should last 2-3 days in a cooler

Fun Dessert Ideas that aren’t your average S’mores…

Campfire Cones – found on Hip 2 Save 

Campfire Monkey Bread – Found on Say Not Sweet Anne 

Tips for Camping with Kids:

• bring a large tarp to go under the tent as a moisture barrier
• don’t forget the bug spray
• have favorite snacks ready to go 
• pack flashlights
• have an air pump for mattresses
• pack rain gear – just in case
• you’ll need extra blankets for cool nights
• pack a hammock to hang between trees 
• if you can, bring bikes to ride around the campsite
• have plenty of water and juice drinks available 
• bring a portable potty and toilet paper 

Here are my top Amazon Picks for some of these Camping Tips, Hacks, and Recipe Ideas…

(affiliate links) 

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Do you need more Camping Recipes? Check out the post below…

Here’s a post with Over 30 Camping Recipes 

over 30 Camping Recipes

Make Ahead Easy Western Hash Campfire Breakfast Recipe

Happy Camping! 

~Melissa – Kid Friendly Things To Do