Whatever your destination, camping solo with kids can be a hugely rewarding experience. This is one of those memories that you’ll all hold for the rest of your lives and is a time for you to truly strip back, get close, and settle into a relaxing vacation together.
Unfortunately, as any parent can imagine, camping on your own with kids can be a lot to navigate. If you thought arguments were bad at home, try chucking bickering siblings into a confined space!
But, the downsides of solo camping with kids should never be enough to stop you from doing it. You all deserve to enjoy the benefits of traveling this way. Here’s how to manage this kind of trip without losing your mind in the process!
1. Opt For A Larger Accommodation Than You Need
Just because there are two of you travelling doesn’t mean you should automatically go for a two-berth tent. In fact, doing so is the worst mistake you can make when it comes to managing your trip. Even if that tent is generous, you can bet you’ll all be cramped this way. There certainly won’t be any space for cooling off after arguments!
Instead, go for a tent that sleeps at least a few more people than you need. This will allow you all to spread out a little instead of sleeping on top of each other. With a bit of luck, a larger tent or camper could even provide individual rooms where you can all get some much-needed me-time at the end of the day. I personally love huge tents as there’s plenty of room for a camping table, heater, and plenty of room to move about.
2. Prepare for Every Eventuality
While heading into the wilderness with nothing more than the clothes on your back might seem romantic, any parent knows that this isn’t practical. Traveling with kids means you need to pack for every eventuality, and the same is true when you go camping.
Far from simply packing your children’s clothes, you’ll want to pack everything from a rain cover to a stove, and even a torch (or two) for late-night toilet trips. The more prepared you are, the more easily and harmoniously you’ll be able to deal with everything that comes your way during this trip.
If you really want to up the proverbial camping solo with kids ante, look into portable toilets that the kiddos can use during the night. They tend to be pretty inexpensive and can make for an easier camping experience, especially if you’re in the middle of nowhere.
3. Make Use of the Space Around You
It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to stick to your tent when you try camping, especially if you choose the right campsite. Even here in Australia, you could camp in amazing destinations like Whitehaven Beach and Lamington National Park. What do these locations have in common? They’re all unforgettable vacation ideas that could see you in the heart of some stunning, and pretty spacious, locations – don’t forget that camera!
Make use of that space by getting away from tent confines with plenty of hikes, exploration, or just chill time outside. This can help everyone to reset with some much-needed fresh air and thinking time before heading back to the tent or camper to sleep.
Is camping with kids easy as a solo mum? Perhaps not, but it’s a trip worth taking if you keep these pointers in mind.