Camping with kids can feel like you’re moving house especially if you’re used to more minimalist trips. But with the right preparation, it can become one of the most rewarding and luxurious ways to spend time together and connect in nature. From muddy mornings in the woods to marshmallow-filled evenings by the fire, camping offers kids the freedom to explore and parents a chance to slow down and relax.

Camping helps kids get outside and engage with nature (screen-free fun) and while it may look a little chaotic at times, that’s part of the charm! Here’s are some of our tips on how to make your next family camping trip a success, without overpacking or overthinking it. 

• Eating
  We invented gastro-camping so we definitely have food covered. We cook for our guests each weekend, serving up delicious dinners and breakfasts from our camp kitchens. For more on this check out our guide to Gastro-camping. Keeping kids fed and hydrated is non-negotiable. You bring the snacks, we’ll take the hassle out of the evening meal!
• Sleeping
  When camping with little ones, you ideally want to recreate a sense of home comfort in a new environment. Bring your usual bedding and pillows or a snug sleeping bag. We have hot water bottles to keep children cosy and our pre-pitch tents come with comfortable airbeds. My go-to is an eye mask and ear plugs but some people prefer to wake up to the sound of birdsong or chickens (they are often found by the kitchen at Westerlands).
• What to pack
  Here are a few essentials to bring:
  – Warm clothes – the beautiful skies above our campsites get cold at night so lots of layers and spare socks
  – Flip flops – for the shower or ease when you’re in and out of tents
  – A torch
  – Shampoo and shower gel – we have lovely hot showers for our guests so make the most of them!
  – Drinks to accompany dinner at Chapel Field (BYO), we have a bar at Westerlands
  – An off-road buggy or carrier to stop little legs getting tired on walks in the South Downs
  – Bikes for cycling around the site – not essential but fun for the kids

Camping with kids isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. Yes, it takes more gear, more planning, and a bit more patience. But in return, you get shared adventures, outdoor play, and moments that stick in beautiful places. With the right setup and a flexible mindset, your family camping trip can be less about stress and more about luxury under the stars and will form part of the stories you’ll tell for years to come.