It is a shame that once children arrive on the scene, plenty of people who once loved the joys of camping and discovering new campsites seem reluctant to venture far from home. Parents face a common dilemma. Whilst there is no doubt getting the kids outdoors on a camping holiday can make for lifelong memories – the question is, will they be good memories? You may well wonder whether taking the kids camping is worth the extra effort and planning, or whether limiting yourself to kid-friendly stuff is really worth denying yourself your usual camping experience.

Travel light Once they are on board for real, of course, you will need to make some practical adjustments. Travelling light is the first step. On a family camping holiday opt for a tent that’s highly portable, easy to erect and incredibly sturdy. Just add a few sleeping bags, a cooler box full of no-cook meals and hey presto – you’re camping. In reality the stove, lantern, foldaway chairs and other gear is all optional. If you are planning on trekking to a secluded camp site bear in mind you won’t be able to haul backpacking gear, plus your kids, plus your kids’ gear. Planning longer stays If your previously camping holidays were in a field with no basic facilities then remember that might no be altogether practical with young children, however campsites can be great fun and just as idyllic. What are the options? Organised campsites, moreover, with full toilet and shower blocks, shops and entertainment, are ideal for a family camping holiday. What they may lack in privacy and even aesthetics, they certainly make up for in social interaction. Nowhere is it easier to meet other families. It is a real bonus, of course, when there are plenty of other children of the same age to play with. More civilised and hassle-free still are those campsites where luxury tents come ready-pitched and fully equipped for use. Most family tents are large, apartment style, divided into separate rooms by zipped partitions. Most have all the mod cons; many even have their own separate toilet tent. campsites such as this usually give a great deal of thought to families, often providing organised children’s activities, baby-sitting, baby-equipment rental, baby packs plus strict noise and speed restrictions. If you are prepared to compromise your love of ‘raw’ camping in exchange for a few creature comforts, it may well be worth the sacrifice, especially whilst your kids are that much younger or you are just introducing them to the scene. Do remember when comparing what tour operators have to offer, that the cheapest deal may not represent the best camping holiday. It is essential to compare camp site facilities before you book. These vary considerably, from the most basic to the sublime. The range of camp site amenities may be a major factor in helping you to make up your mind. You may want to check too how far the site is from the nearest town or beach; whether there is a regular bus service, laundry facilities, equipment to hire, a swimming pool or something for the kids to while away the hours if it rains.

Setting up On a family camping holiday you have to decide whether to share one tent or have separate ones. Although two tents offers you an obvious degree of privacy from one another, using one tent is more convenient in bad weather or if you have smaller children that you might need to keep an eye on. If kids are camping in their own tent make it feel homely with their sleeping bags spread out, pillows with a familiar pillow-slip, toys plus their own pack of clothes. Pitch your two tents very close together with the children’s directly facing yours. Spread mats out on the ground between the tents to form a safe play area. Do – Let your kids participate in everything during the camping trip, even if it means more work for you – pitching tents, building fires, preparing meals, washing laundry. Make it a team effort. – Help kids build their own picture journals. Even very young children can have fun with this. Include drawings and treasures collected on outings, such as leaves and shells. They will not forget their camping holiday! Don’t – Spend long hours on the road when campsites are just a place to spend the night. Nothing creates boredom faster in children.