How to Plan Your First Family Camping Trip (Without the Stress)

You’ve decided to give camping a try — but now you’re staring at a pile of gear (or a blank browser tab), wondering how to turn the idea into something that actually works.

You’re not alone.

For most families, it’s not the campfire or the tent that feels overwhelming — it’s the everything else: What do you pack? Where do you go? How do you keep it simple without sacrificing fun?

Here’s the good news: Your first camping trip doesn’t have to be epic. It just has to be enough.
Enough to feel like an adventure.
Enough to create one great memory.
Enough to make your kids say, “Can we do that again?”

Camping is one of the easiest ways to hit pause on busy family life — but only if it’s planned with presence, not pressure. This guide will walk you through exactly how to make it happen, from choosing your site to prepping food and gear, with confidence at every step.

And if you want to feel really prepared? Don’t miss this guide to outdoor safety for confident parents and kids — because peace of mind is the most important thing you can pack.

Start Close, Stay Short

The best first trips are short and close to home. One or two nights is perfect. Choose a campground within 1–2 hours of where you live, ideally somewhere with:

• Flat tent sites
• Bathrooms with flush toilets
• Easy parking access
• Shady spots and a bit of quiet

Conservation areas and provincial parks are great picks, especially ones with lakes, short trails, or playgrounds nearby.

Still feeling unsure? You can also start even smaller — right in your own backyard. It counts. Here’s how to make it magical and stress-free with our guide on Backyard Camping.

Keep the Gear Simple (And Skip the Stress)

You don’t need a garage full of expensive equipment to go camping. For your first trip, focus on comfort, not perfection — and lean on what you already have or can borrow.

Here’s what really matters:

• A tent that fits your family
  It doesn’t need to be fancy — just functional. If you’re borrowing one, do a test set-up at home to make sure you’ve got all the poles.
• Something soft to sleep on
  Sleeping pads, inflatable mattresses, yoga mats, or even folded blankets can work. The goal is to buffer the ground and keep everyone warmer.
• Sleeping bags or warm bedding
  Any warm blanket-and-sheet combo will do in summer. Don’t overthink it — layers are your friend.
• A light source for each person
  Headlamps are ideal (hands-free!), but flashlights or even battery-operated lanterns will work fine. Let kids test theirs ahead of time.
• A cooler or insulated bag
  For storing simple meals and snacks. Freeze water bottles to keep everything cool without the mess of melting ice.
• A way to cook (or don’t)
  If your site has a firepit and you’re comfortable using it, great. If not, a single-burner camp stove or even pre-packed meals that don’t need heating are totally fine.
• Don’t forget the basics:
  Wet wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper, bug spray, sunscreen, a basic first-aid kit, and plenty of drinking water.

Want a simple way to stay inspired all year long? Download our free WOW Moments guide — one memory-making adventure each month.

What You Don’t Need

You don’t need a rooftop tent. You don’t need a color-coded storage system. You don’t need to buy matching camping chairs for the whole family (though it’s nice if you have them!).

What you do need is enough to feel safe, fed, and somewhat rested. That’s it. Everything else is optional — or something you can add later, after this first trip teaches you what matters most to your crew.

What to Eat: Keep It Familiar and Fuss-Free

This is not the time for ambitious outdoor cooking experiments. Stick to food your family already loves — the kind that fuels adventures without turning you into a campsite chef.

Think: sandwiches, pasta salad, hot dogs, muffins, fruit, and all the easy, grab-and-go snacks.

Plan at least one hot meal, but keep it simple. One of our favourites? Prep-ahead breakfast burritos you can wrap in foil and warm right on the fire or camp stove. It’s a cozy, satisfying way to start the day — with minimal effort and zero cleanup stress.

And don’t forget the marshmallows.

Need more low-stress meal ideas?
Check out our full guide: Easy Camping Meals for Families: Stress-Free Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Prepare the Kids (and Yourself)

Talk about what to expect: the tent, the bugs, the dark. Let kids pack their flashlight, pick their sleeping bag spot, or help hammer tent pegs. If you can, involve them in the setup at home before you go.

The more familiar the experience feels, the more confident everyone becomes — including you.

Start Small, Stay Flexible

If you forget something, if bedtime is a bit wild, if someone ends up in your sleeping bag by morning — that’s okay.

Your first trip isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about noticing the way your kid’s eyes light up when they see the stars, or the way the world slows down when there’s nowhere else to be.

Let This Be the First of Many

Your first trip will teach you what matters — and what really doesn’t. The next one will be easier. And the one after that, even more so.

Because the truth is, families don’t become “camping families” overnight. They become them by saying yes, one small trip at a time.

This is the first one. And it’s enough.

Discover Natural Escapes

If you’re ready for a full, step-by-step system to build an outdoor family life you love, my book is for you.
Inside, you’ll find practical planning strategies, age-specific activity ideas, and real-world advice for raising adventurous, confident kids — even if you’re just getting started.

Discover the Book →

Related Posts You’ll Love

• Make This the Summer Your Family Camps Together for the First Time
• 10 Best Provincial Parks in Ontario for Unforgettable Family Camping Trips
• Easy Camping Meals for Families: Stress-Free Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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