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The beginners guide to family camping

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The Beginners Guide to family camping

Family camping is one of the best ways to spend time together as a family if you ask us. Its quality time where everyone is outside and WiFi is scarce, making it easier for all of us screen addicts (*raises hand and admitting that this is me) to be in the present. Its the perfect way to look each other in the eyes and connect.

I have been camping since I was five weeks, and our kids have all been spending all of their naps outside during the day (everyday without fail – this is a Danish thing), and we have been camping with them before they have been 6 months.

We are both scouts and have been hiking and camping for the past 25 years. While this gives us a lot of experience with tent camping in general, there were some things we had to relearn when we became parents 9 years ago. Through trail and error, and lots of trips over the years, we have jet to face a challenge that is to great to handle when we go camping.

What is family camping

Family camping is an outdoor activity, where you make a temporary camp and a shelter outdoors. You can go camping with an RV or with a tent. There are lots of different gear that you can buy to make camping even more comfortable for you. Family camping is the same as camping, only done together as a family. Here at One Mighty Family, we always talk about family camping even when its just written as camping.

Family camping is not for everyone, and some of the things that people often note about camping is that it is dirty – dirt gets in everywhere. It can be miserable if its raining all the time. Its lots of work, and it can be smelly – think kids and adults sitting around the fire and may or may not have access to a shower.

Okay – that is all true. But here is the thing – if that bothers you to much, it is probably not for you. If you like just being together, and you believe that kids can be washed and you believe that it has value to sit together in the rain and just spend time together, you will LOVE camping.

How to get started with family camping

Now I don’t want to be smart, but I saw this picture the other day said “go outside and stay there until morning”. It can be as simple as that 🙂

Of course, its not as simple as that. You want to know where your shelter will be, and how everyone will sleep. If you have NEVER been family camping before, go easy on yourself. Stay in the backyard. Consider renting an RV and stay the night in a local campground that has toilets and showers. Keep it light and keep your ambitions low. There is no need to go with camping with all of the best equipment on the very first trip.

When you have been on your first trip and you are ready for more, you might want to consider investing in some equipment. You can find our guide to finding our family tent here, you can find a guide to different family tents here. You can find our guide on what to look for in a sleeping bag here, and what to look for in a sleep pad here. We have a full guide on where to find plus size outdoor clothes here, and a guide on what we always bring when we go camping here.

You will need to consider the season of when you go camping. You can find our full guide for winter camping here, and our guide to layers here.

You also need to consider food, bring some simple snacks, but lots of them, and have some simple meals that are easy to prepare. Maybe some activities to ensure that everyone is having a good time. Think of your favorite game to play as a family, and then bring that with you.

Tips for Success with family camping

If you want to go camping, just do it. Make it happen. While you can just wing it, I suggest that you do a little research before you head out.

  • Look for a campground with toilets and showers, and maybe even a playground and other activities for the kids.
  • Don’t plan for to long. The first time you go should not be a 2 week vacation. Go easy on yourself and test if this is a way you like to spend time together.
  • Prepare all meals. If you do not want one of the adults to do food all day, everyday, you should think about ways to prepare some food, or at least keep meals light.
  • Bring enough clothes. There will be puddles that needs a good jumping session, and dirt that will be all over the place. An extra set of clothes will come in handy.
  • Make sure everyone sleeps well.

All in all, if this is the first time you go family camping you might want to consider some of the same things that we suggest for camping with toddlers.

 

Common Questions About Family Camping

  • What do you need for family camping

  • Whats the best family camping tent

  • Can you go family camping without a car

    • There are a lot of pretty campgrounds that you can access with either bikes, or going by train and bus. You need to be willing to carry the equipment, and maybe even invest in a wagon of some sort, but it is completely doable. Research where you want to go is the most important thing I would say.

  • How to pack for family camping

    • As light as possible, but make sure you bring everything so that you are prepared. How is that for vague 🙂 Lets just say that it depends on the seasons. We have a guide on what to think about when using layers to keep  you warm.

  • What to eat when you go family camping

  • How to plan for a family camping trip

    • To plan a family camping trip you need to go through your trip mentally. How many days will you be gone, how many meals do you eat or day, and how will you sleep. Those are just a few of the questions that will help you prepare everything for a family camping trip.

The Last Thing You Need to Know about Family Camping

Family camping is a blessing. I love sitting by the campfire no just do nothing but listen to the kids talking about their day.

Family camping can also be a very social activity. Depending on the type of camp ground you choose, you will meet lots of people that all love the great outdoors, just like you!

Have you been camping with your family jet?? comment below with your best tips for family camping! I can’t wait to hear from you!

until next time

Malene.

The best tips for winter camping

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When winter camping with kids there are many things I always worry about. Are they warm enough, will there be enough for them to do – you know – worried mom things. But at the same time I love being outside together as a family, and as the weather turns cooler there are still experiences I want my kids to have, and I wish for you to have as well.

There are a few things that have been good to keep in mind every time we go winter camping with our kids. Here are our best tips.

A grown up and a child in winterclothes with snow all around them, happy together outside

You might also like: Tips for camping with toddlers

Tips for winter camping

Position your winter camp in the right spot.

Its important where you place your tent/camper on a site. Have a walk around the site before you chose where to set up. Wind can make a huge difference in how warm you feel when you go winter camping. If there is a shaded spot behind some trees or bushes, choose that over a great view over an open lake where the wind can run free.

Have enough warm clothes

One of the things we always prioritize is proper winter clothes that can withstand water and cold for longer periods of time. That is the outer layers though, and when we go camping we always bring enough dry clothes so that we can change if it gets wet. One of the things you can consider is chosing wool clothes. Wool keeps warm even when its wet, and therefore we love it for winter camping.

Always sleep warm.

This goes for any camping trip, but in winter its especially important. Consider bringing some of the clothes you would use for base layers, the layer closest to your body when you dress in layers. You can read all about layers here. I always bring warm socks for sleeping and a hat can be a good thing as well.

You will need a great sleeping bag as well. There are quite a few things to think about when you invest in a sleeping bag. You can read all of our considerations here.

You will need a great sleeping pad as well. If you are not protected from the cold of the ground it is imposible to keep warm during winter. You need to think about the size, weight, and type of sleeping pad you want to bring. You can read all of our considerations for buying a sleeping pad here.

Exercise.

Getting into bed warm is just as important as staying warm once you get there. Consider doing some light exercises before bed. I love yoga and I think this little practice from Yoga with Adrienne is perfect. Keep it light, you are going for a little heat but not to get wet from sweat.

Have a snack

Snack on something high fat/protin before you tuck in. When the body has something to burn of it works for you during the night at will help keep you warm.

Buy small heaters

These “hot hands super warmers” are genius and it almost feels like cheating. We bring these to place inside gloves or anywhere that is cold. Its a great way to heat up almost instantly.

Consider a tent stove.

If you are luck enough to have a camping tent that can use a camp oven, you could consider investing in one. We like this fronter stove from Aneway, but there are many others out there.

Have you been winter camping? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, what would be your best tip? We are always eager to learn more.

Until next time

Malene.

You might also like:

Read all of our posts about the outdoors

tent overlooking mountains covered in snow - winter tent camping hiker walking though a mountainpass with snow covered sides

what to look for in a sleeping pad

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Knowing what to look for in a sleeping pad can be hard the first time you go and buy one. Sleeping pad are so important to a good night sleep. If you have been here before, you might have heard me say that a sleeping bag is key to a good night sleep. While that is true, you can have the best sleeping bag in the world but without a good sleeping mat, you will be cold! You need something to insulate you from the ground, otherwise all of your body heat will be gone.

Any insulation towards the ground will do, but while we are at it we might as well look at some of the more comfortable options as well.

a picture of people with a rolled up sleeping pad and a campsite, and the caption "what to look for in a sleeping pad"

You might also like: Genius camping gear for babys and toddlers

What to look for in a sleeping pad

A good sleeping pad should:

  • Protect you from the cold of the ground

It might

  • Provide some comfort
  • be lightweight

Foam sleeping pads

Foam sleeping pads will protect you from the cold of the ground. They are not very comfortable to sleep on, and I should know – I have spend quite a few nights on these things. These sleeping pads are perfect to bring for sitting around the campfire though, and we often bring a few for this purpose alone. They are great because they are easy to dry, and they are light.

You might also like: 10 things we always bring camping

 

Foam sleeping pads you might like:

Read all of our posts about the outdoors

Inflatable sleeping pads

Inflatable sleeping mattresses are great, but can be bulky and they are really easily damaged. There are a few modern options that are lightweight and really comfortable, but they are more expensive as well. This is still my favorite sleeping pad (no jokes about me getting old, thanks!) and a great investment when you want to wake up well rested with no back problems. We have ones with a small hand pump that doesnt take up to much space in our equipment.

Inflatable sleeping pads you might like:

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Self-inflating sleeping pads

The self-inflating sleeping mats are a combination between air and insulation, don’t ask me how they work, but they are great. They take little to no effort to get ready and they are quite comfortable.

Self-inflating sleeping pads you might like:

Read all of our posts about the outdoors

The size of your sleeping pad

The size is really a matter of taste. The minimum size of a sleeping pad should be the size of your torso. This will keep you warm, and the most vital parts of your body of the ground. I know of people that do this because they can then keep the weight down, and still be comfortable. Personally I prefer a full size mat that will support me through the night. That is up to you to know how you are more comfortable.

Is there anything else you need help with, just let me know in the comments.

Until next time

Malene.

You might also like:

Read all of our posts about the outdoors

 

The best large family tent of 2018

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Having a large family tent should be a must for every outdoor family. Our favorite kind of holiday is one where we just load up our minivan , with supplies and a big family tent and hit the open road. No worries, just see where the road will take us, and we will be ready to make camp where ever we go.a collage of pictures of different large family tents, and the caption Large family tents - best camping tents for large families.

One of the things that makes this even better is the fact that we have a great tent. We are sure that where ever we choose to stay, we will be dry and comfortable inside our family tent. Now a family tent can be many things. Large and heavy, or small lightweight. It can be cotton or polyester, one room or with small cabins. Finally you want to think about the durability of your tent, and how much money you want to spend on it.

All of that is a matter of preference, you can read all about our large family tent and our thought on buying it here. Now a tent is one of the biggest investments you will make to have a great time in the great outdoors, so you want to do your research and find the perfect one for your family.

The best large family tent

There are a few things that you want to be true for a tent, no mater what other factors you find important. You want it to be waterproof, at least on the outer layer of your tent. If you buy a tent with a permanent floor, you want that floor to be waterproof as well.

As a family you want to really think about how much space you need, especially as a mighty family. Some of the numbers of people the tents claim to sleep are quite misleading. Think about how tall and wide you are and what space YOU need to be comfortable. We have a 8-10 people tent for our family of 6 and we would not work in a smaller one.

We have looked at all of that and have found some great suggestions for a large family tent of 2018, and beyond.

You might also like: Tips for camping with toddlers

Single cabin tents

Being in a single cabin works really well for us as a family. We love to be close together while camping. Here are some great suggestions for single cabin tents.

Helsport Varanger Camp

This being the tent we have, this is our favorite large family tent. Varanger lavvu had been a best-seller for years when in 2010 we introduced the Varanger Camp to the range, the world’s first lavvu with a camp-entrance solution! With the same durable, solid details as its award-winning namesake Varanger, it is equipped for four-season adventures; named the best lavvu for winter-use by Norway’s largest outdoor magazine.

 

    Find it here    

 

 

DANCHEL Stand Bell Tent with Wind Water Protection Flying

This tent is the perfect for that glamping experience. Its 100% cotton, has a zip in/ zip out floor, making it easy for you to ventilate all the way through on those hot days. You can add a stove if its cold, and it had quality mesh screen doors to allow a breeze without worrying about the bugs.

A good quality tent if you are looking for a cotton single cabin tent for your family.

Find it here @ AMAZON

Hasika 4-Season 10 Persons Waterproof Large Family Tent

  • A host of modern features make these shelters much more than bare-bones slumber shacks! Constructed of heavy-duty, lightweight, waterproofed polyester to brilliantly weather wind and precipitation.
  • Timeless peak-style construction affords loads and loads of interior room. Covered mesh windows allow air to circulate, keeping your camp fresh.
  • Waterproof 190-denier polyester shell is lightweight and rugged; Weatherproofed windows; Sewn-in polyethylene floor; Center steel pole support adds durability; Factory-sealed seams for superior hold and seal.
  • Enjoy the benefits of sleeping under canvas, in a yurt/tipi-like vibe without the hassle. Ideal for beach camping, festivals, garden hide out for children, re-enactments, ..
  • Bring the Hasika Teepee Tent on your next outdoor adventure, and you’ll sleep soundly knowing you saved BIG money!

Find it here @ AMAZON

 

Multi-cabin tents

Coleman 8-Person Tent for Camping | Red Canyon Car Camping Tent

  • Family camping tent can accommodate eight campers; measures 17 by 10 feet with a 72-inch center height
  • Included room dividers allow you to create three separate rooms
  • Coleman’s exclusive Weathertec System is guaranteed to keep you dry from unexpected wet weather on your camping trip
  • Tent setup is easy with its shock-corded poles and easy-to-follow assembly instructions
  • Cool-Air port and Variflo adjustable venting system allows you to adjust airflow and access gear

Find it here @ AMAZON

CORE 11 Person Cabin Tent with Screen Room – 17′ x 12′

  • Sleeps 11 people; Fits three queen air mattresses; Center Height: 86″
  • Features front screen room with closable window panels and full tent floor coverage
  • CORE H20 Block Technology and adjustable ground vents
  • Gear loft with lantern hook and pockets keep items organized and off the tent floor; Electrical cord access port (port is fully closable when not in use)
  • Includes tent, tent poles, rain fly, gear loft, tent stakes, expandable carry bag; 1 Year Limited Warranty

Find it here @ AMAZON

 

VERMONT 7SA

Outwell-Vermont

  • Advanced Air Tube System of interconnected air tubes with One-Go Inflation Technology for fast, uncomplicated pitching through just one valve
  • Royal Master Bedrooms offer more internal headroom and floor space with wide views through the all-round windows, embossed fronts and Cable Entry points for mains electricity supply
  • Large tinted windows block sun glare, ensure privacy and allow campers to stay in touch with the outdoors

 

Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent

 

  • Spacious 8-person tent has enough room for 3 queen size air beds
  • WeatherTec system with patented corner welds and inverted seams helps keep water out
  • Extended door awning keeps shoes and gear dry; hinged door offers easy access
  • Measures 16 x 7 feet with 6-foot 2-inch center height. E-Port makes it easy to bring electrical power inside your tent
  • Quick setup in 15 minutes with carry bag included for easy transportation

Find it here @ AMAZON

 

Ozark Trail 16×16-Feet 12-Person

  • 16′ x 16′ instant cabin tent/ Sleeps 12
  • Fits 3 queen airbeds/ 3-room tent
  • Includes rainfly
  • 7 fully closeable windows
  • Fully taped factory sealed seams provide dry-zone camping with leak protection
  • 14.17 x 52.36 x 12.6 in

Find it here @ AMAZON

 

Ozark Trail Base Camp 14-Person Cabin Tent

  • Sleeps 16 Fits 4 queen airbeds or up to 16 sleeping bags 6 windows and mesh roof provide excellent ventilation
  • Taped fly seams and inside binding floor for water resistance Multiple storage options include media pocket, gear hammock, 3 bottle holder pockets and 3 large pockets
  • 3 doors for easy entry/exit to each of the 3 rooms Contains E-port for easy access for electrical cord Average set up time with 2 adults: 20 minutes
  • Floor dimensions: 23.5′ x 18.5′ Center height: 83″ Carry weight: 46.7 lbs Carry bag dimensions: 28.5″ x 14″ x 14″ Square footage: 240 sq ft

Find it here @ AMAZON

 

Do you have a favorite family tent?? We are always looking for other gear to check out. Let us know in the comments!

Until next time

Malene.

 

You might also like:

Read all of our posts about the outdoors

a collage of pictures of large family tents. Caption with white with a blue background. Caption reads "Large family camping tents - Biggest and best suggestions for your family"

a collage of pictures of large family tents, with the camping large family tents - biggest and best suggestions for your family

Tips for camping with toddlers

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You love the great outdoors, but now that you have a toddler that’s put on hold right? I don’t think so. Camping with toddlers is doable, but bringing your toddler on a camping trip does require a bit more planning than just going with adults or even with older kids.

collage of toddlers going outdoors with a caption of

We are a family of 6, our kids being 8, 6, 2 and 5 months, that love the great outdoors. We have plenty of experince camping with a toddler. While many toddlers are easy to please and get excited about new things, there are some things that you can do to make sure your camping trip with a toddler is a success.

Practice camping with your toddler

First off your toddler doesn’t know what it means to go camping. If at all possible practice going camping in the backyard. It can be as simple as just putting up a tent, and hanging out there for a few hours. You can read our thoughts on buying a tent here. That way your toddler will see what it’s like to be in the great outdoors and you will get a sense of what is needed to entertain them.

It might seem like a lot of work to put up a tent to just sit out there and talk about camping but this will help them prepare them for your trip. You can talk about where everyone will sleep what you were doing all night and how they will sleep maybe even bring out a sleeping bag so they can have a nap.

Ensure good sleep

Speaking of sleeping bags- you want to make sure that your toddler can sleep in a sleeping bag. Sleeping in a sleeping bag is actually quite different to sleeping with a cover. Your legs are not free to stretch like your used to, and some kids are great at worming their way out the top of the sleeping bag.

If sleeping in a sleeping bag is not a good thing for your toddler you will be better off investing in a sleeping cot. We have one, this one from Deryan, and it’s been fantastic in every way. I love that you can zip it up all the way and our little one stays nice and warm, and easy to reach.

Now daytime naps is a different story. Depending on the weather you might not want your toddler to nap inside the tent. The deryan is still a good choise to bring outside. For naptime while out exploring we have the chariot CX2 or we simply go from a-b in the car during nap time and they sleep there. The important thing is to try and stay relaxed about Naptime changing a bit while you are out. As long as you toddler is not grumpy- try to go with the flow on this and add an extra nap if needed!

Warm clothes for sleeping

One of the worst things about being outdoors is getting cold. I hate it! And in turn I hate it when my kids are cold. Getting cold at night is the worst because getting warm again is so hard. There is no sun and keeping a campfire going through the night can be hard as well. So you want to make sure that you bring enough warm clothes for sleeping. I love wool clothes for my kids, because that’s a great warmth for the kids, and I make them sleep with socks as well. You want to make sure you adjust the clothes for the climate you are in and you know your child. If your child is a warm sleeper you want to adjust to that.

 

changing station

Changing diapers in the great outdoors is not always a good experience. As with everything else in our family I try and respect my child when they need a diaper change. That means making sure they are not exposed to the elements, I try and shelter them as best I can. If at all possible I set up a changing station inside the tent. I have a soft waterproof mattress and plenty of wetwipes.

 

Backpack with toys

While there are plenty of things to play with in nature, we always try to bring some toys that are recognizable. One small backpack that our toddler can carry himself. We have this Fjallraven Campus Ace 6L Backpack. It also serves as a great trainer of times to come, our older kids now carry a little more of their own equipment, and they will carry more as time goes, and they grow.

You might consider packing a few books. Here are some of our favorites about camping.

Bring more clothes – seriously MORE

Toddlers are adventures by hart, and while they explore they will get, wet, dirty and cold. A fresh set of clothes will be needed ALL THE TIME. While you are camping washing might not be an option, so bringing alot of clean clothes is a great idea. That and lowering your standards of what clean is 🙂

Lower your ambitions

Now while a great camping trip out into the middle of nowhere is what you dream of, that might not be the best place to start. Start small, close to home or at least a place you are familiar with, bring easy to make food, something that you know your toddler will eat, just go for a night or two, and try to not to have to many plans.

Scout your destination

Make sure that you know where you are going, and what the facilities are there. If possible, drop by to check it out. That way you are prepared to talk to your toddler about what to expect, what games you will be able to play, and it will be easier (easier, not easy :-)) to establish some rules.

What is your best experience about going camping with a toddler??

Comment below – i would love to hear all about it.

 

Until next time,

Malene.

 

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Tips for camping with toddlers - Camping can be made a better experience if you are prepared - here are some camping hacks for camping with toddlers. #toddlers #camping #campinghacks

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