Camping with small kids

[ctwiggs1]

Looking for some advice from you guys.  We've got 2 under 2... Well, one turns 2 tomorrow so it'll be 2 under 3 

I'm excited as ever to get them into the outdoors as much as possible, and my oldest is showing that he loves everything about the outdoors.  Anytime we can get his jacket, hat, and boots on him he is ready to roll.  Even if he's sick he wants to "go outside play".

My wife and I want to up the camping game this year, and frankly the stuff we have just isn't going to cut it.  Ideally, we'd like to take both our dogs as well.  I don't think my dogs, two kids, and us are going to fit inside my Marmot Tungsten 2 person 

The three tents I'm leaning toward are an Alaknak 12x12, the Kodiak Canvas 10x14, and the Cabela's Outback Lodge (not liking this as much... floor looks like it'll last 2 seconds with my dogs).  My thought with the Alaknak is that if we do it right, we could all fit comfortably with plenty of space for friends to come along, and it would be great if we ever get back into big camp hunting (doubtful on that but it's possible).  Yes we will be bringing a Pack n Play.... Feel free to shun me for that but I'm terrified of rolling onto my kid when I'm sleeping. 

Any advice from others with small kids is appreciated.  Or overall family camping advice.  I didn't do a lot of camping growing up and my intro as a young adult was more back country camping so maybe I'm overthinking this a little bit?

Thanks in advance guys (and gals)

[Woodchuck]

I think the 12X12 Alaknak will get pretty small pretty quick with kids, pets, coolers, sleeping bags etc. I have the 12x20 and have taken it on several just camping trips. It really is pretty easy to set up with two adults and you have lots more space. When folded up and put away it takes less space than you might think.

[ctwiggs1]

I think the 12X12 Alaknak will get pretty small pretty quick with kids, pets, coolers, sleeping bags etc. I have the 12x20 and have taken it on several just camping trips. It really is pretty easy to set up with two adults and you have lots more space. When folded up and put away it takes less space than you might think.

Just curious how big are they when they're packed up?  Thanks for the response!

[jackelope]

I agree 12x12 and the 10x14 will both be too small. The 12x20 will be the way to go. They might work in a pinch for just your family and a bunch of kid stuff, but you'll never put friends in it. We have a 10x10 REI tent and it's tight for the 3 of us and our tiny dog. The alaknak is a cool tent and if you can swing it, you won't go wrong with the 12x20.

[Fl0und3rz]

Tag.

[BeWitty]

I bought the 8-person Cabelas Alaska Guide Tent for this exact reason! We have a 3 and 5 year old and an 80lb lab. The last two years we had a pack & play, double mattress, single mattress, and dog bed in it. If it's cold I turn on a Mr Buddy heater for a few minutes before bed. I couldn't be happier with this setup and the vestibule is perfect for laying some AstroTurf and taking off muddy boots. I like that this is some style and free standing.

[Woodchuck]

The 12x20 comes in a bag with all the poles and stakes and tent in it, it is about 4ft long. I can wrap my arms all the way around it, I am 5'9". 1 person can carry it, it ain't light but it can be done.

[jrebel]

I had a 16x20 canvas tent (we called it the circus tent) and it was perfect for our two young ones, wife and myself.  With that said, I hated how big, bulky and heavy that darn thing was so I sold it.  I would think a 12x12 would be the smallest and would prefer the 12x20 alaknak if I were to go that rout again.  We currently have a 26' trailer and that works well too.   

Otherwise just make sure you have plenty of activities planned for the young ones.  We always took a bug / insect collection kit, small shovels / rakes, plenty of balls and toys to keep them occupied.  As they grew older a BB gun was a must.   

The hardest part to having little ones camping was keeping them comfortable in weather extremes...cold or hot.  We were pretty selective on the weather when camping with our kids when they were super young.

[WSU]

Is a camp trailer out of the question?

[bracer40]

Something to keep in mind is as kids grow up they like to invite their friends and having that extra room is nice. We used a two room 10x20 tent from cabelas for years and their was enough room for the six of us, a dog, sometimes friends and we even brought baby sitters a few years to our annual 10 day trip to Cape Lookout.
Good times.

[ctwiggs1]

Thanks for the input guys!  I was kinda wondering about the 12x20 but was like "damn that's a lot of stuff for a camping trip."  Sounds like I'm not alone.

The hardest part to having little ones camping was keeping them comfortable in weather extremes...cold or hot.  We were pretty selective on the weather when camping with our kids when they were super young.

Totally get that.  I told my wife I don't see us doing a lot of camping in July or August if it's a hot summer, and that we should be thinking May-June and Sept-Oct.  July-Aug would be better months typically I think for AirBNB or cabins.

Is a camp trailer out of the question?

Yeah, we have a Durango but I just don't see the tow capability for anything over the pass except an ultralite, which would be too small.  We've looked at a lot of camping trailers and I think they would be fine... Until I add humans, dogs, gear, food, and the pass.

[Buckmark]

Get a tent trailer, light weight, affordable, easy to tow and they are a whole nicer to camp in with kids and wife than a tent on the ground.
I have had 3 in my life, 1st one i towed with a 2wd toyota pu, then a Ford Aerostar van V6 went to montana, yellowstone, glacier and all over washington with 3 boys and the wife till we upgraded to a big trailer and a suburban..

[jrebel]

http://www.jumpingjacktrailers.com/index.php

These look totally legit and you can find a smaller model that will tow with your durango.  It would give you more room to have gear as well as you have the trailer deck.  I was considering the largest so I could take the side by side with me on a more regular basis.  I wish it had a stove jack sewn in though.   

[Buckmark]

Nice little setup right here

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/rvs/6060138434.html

[Mudman]

We have learned its more about where you camp, not what ya sleep in.  What I mean is a place where they can play safely.  Too many camp areas aren't safe for lil ones.  Be it the river or lake or roads or steep hillside etc.  We don't like all the strangers in state parks with cars driving all around camps.  Outback sites are great but hard to find a clear open area without pitfalls.  Chasing them around gets old and they wind up couped up for their safety which isn't fun for anyone.  We would look for open clear areas they could roam and play in sight.  A meadow for example. We tent camped for years and its a lil rough mainly due to cleaning up and general toddler care.  Having water to wash and a warm dry quiet space is important.  Momma will go crazy due to stress if you do not provide a safe clean stress free site!