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!

[Mark Brenckle]

Nice little setup right here

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

  This is what I'd recommend as well, we had one when I was a kid (4 kids, 1 adult and a dog). Sets up quick, a little heat if you need it and running water sure makes it a little easier to clean up. My older brother continued using ours when he had 2 kids, I'm pretty sure we got 25 years of use out of that old thing.

[syoungs]

I love my 12x20 alaknak, was on the fence on that vs the 12x12 and the 10x14 springboard for 8 months or so, now that I have the 12x20, I don't regret it in the slightest, almost wish I had the biggest one, though it'd be Overkill 75% of the time.

Setup of the 12x20 only takes me about 10 minutes longer then setting up an outback lodge 12x12, if I do it by myself, with a partner, it's equal.

The 12x20 allows room to grow, and a place to hangout in bad weather if needed, plus the stove option is great. The price difference is worth saving a little more imho, and I believe resale value to be higher on the 12x20 then the 12x12.
92xj has a sweet springbar, I think it might get cramped for 4 with dogs, but I do envy that tent, would be great for when I'm rolling solo or with only one other person for sure!

[rosscrazyelk]

I have 2 kids and have 2 dogs, used to be 3 dogs.
We camped in a 8 man Westwind by Cabelas until the zipper on the rain fly broke. Now we have the Guardian 8 man. We fit no problem. Plenty of room to play if it's crappy outside. I mean unless it is bad you are outside most the time anyway.
I put down a outdoor rug on the inside so the dogs claws don't year it up. Also we put the dogs straight into the kennel once inside.

[ctwiggs1]

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.

Too rich for my blood! 

[Karl Blanchard]

Camp trailer with a shower

Honestly, I really disliked camping with small kids.  It was a full time job to keep them alive   they are 4 and 7 now and we have a blast.  They don't try and eat dirt or crawl in the fire.  They don't trip over EVERY SINGLE stick, rock, or dimple in the ground

[cbond3318]

We used the Kodiak this year during September. Our sons are 4 and 2. Loved the tent but it was about as small as we would go. My wife and I had a queen size cot and the boys each had the kids size Cots. Coolers and totes stayed outside. We will be getting the Alaknak 12x20 with vestibule this year to accommodate the growing.

If done right camping with the little ones is the best thing on earth!! Good luck with whichever way you go, being out there with them is number one , the rest is just static.

[ctwiggs1]

Camp trailer with a shower

Honestly, I really disliked camping with small kids.  It was a full time job to keep them alive   they are 4 and 7 now and we have a blast.  They don't try and eat dirt or crawl in the fire.  They don't trip over EVERY SINGLE stick, rock, or dimple in the ground

I would be lying if i I didn't admit I'm at least slightly terrified of this.

[Fl0und3rz]

Start with established camp sites, if you must.  I prefer primitive camping, but the established sights make little one camping a little easier for sure.  There is nice site at Kalaloch that has fun for the little ones. 

[WSU]

Camping when they are that age is tough.  They do fall in the fire and over every stick.  Keep those things in mind when deciding where to camp.

[grundy53]

I have a 12x12  Alaknak. Last summer I took the family camping a couple times. That's my wife and I plus 3 kids. Last summer they were 3,1, and 1. There was plenty of room even with two pack and play's. It was fun and I can't wait to do it again this summer now that they are a little older. I think your kids will be fine at that age. My twins are almost two and love being outside and they do fine. Plus it's fun to laugh at them when they trip over everything .


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[Alchase]

We started with this inexpensive Coleman tent, with a divider in the middle.

https://www.campersland.com/weathermaster10.html?gclid=CJqg24mS_9ICFRBxfgod0AAL8Q

The wife and I on one side with a queen blowup mattress, the kids on the other with blankets and sleeping bags. Once the kids started getting older we let them stay in a cheap dome tent.
I upgraded to a Cabellas West Wind 8 man for hunting.
Kids the age of yours are easy to entertain, but they need to be entertained constantly. There are some fantastic state parks in Washington, they are great for kid camping. Most even have story time when park rangers come in and tell cool stories around the campfire. Our kids loved these and the guided tours. Remember they do not know what "real wilderness" is yet, so Snipe hunts, trips to the bathroom in the dark with flashlights are an adventure to them. Exploration games go over really well. At that age they zonk out pretty early after an active day, then Mom and Dad get a little alone time. Meals can be easy, hotdogs for dinner, you can even put them on sticks and let them cook the dogs over the fire with Mom and Dads help. Lunchables are always a hit for lunch. Keep the meals simple and easy to prepare.
It is really fun to see how exited they get with simple things like tidal pools and small streams, star gazing!
Keep them dry and warm, and wear them out.
You and the kids will make memories that last forever.

[JDHasty]

Our kids have camped from the time they were born, but in a travel trailer so I am not going to be much help in that regard. 

Bridget's first trip she was about five month's old.  It was in April, to Sprague to meet up with a guy and get one of the dogs bread.  She kept taking our covers off and the wife and I nearly froze solid.  I had only my Compact II by Hunter that I had when I was single back then and it had a single double bed and I didn't bother with the heater unless it was in the dead of winter.   Then we got a Stealth 2216 Toy hauler and Elise's first trip was to Omak Stampede when she was about two weeks old.  Dale was born in May and I think his first trip was to Scootney Reservoir when he was a couple weeks old.

For our kids going camping all summer is just a normal part of life.  I am probably going to buy a wall tent w/frame soon because Bridget is really interested in tent camping more.         

[CJ1962]

My advice is to keep it small nothing bigger than a 10x12.  The tent is really only needed for sleeping.  If you have pet that can't sleep outside, than get a different pet.  As soon as the kids are a little older they will want there own tents and you won't be stuck with some huge tent that you don't need any more.  Also a lot of campsites don't really accommodate huge tents.

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[Fl0und3rz]

Great thread. 

[Alchase]

On a serious note -

Never and I mean Never forget the Smores!
You night make it through one night with only marshmallows to roast, after that their will be mutiny and blood!

The kids will be really disappointed as well

[Fl0und3rz]

[trapp01]

Awesome get them out there. me, wife , kids 2 & 4  two labs have been boat in tent camping aat banks lake Since the kids were 3 months old. Defiantly bring a pack and play. if your kids still nap and it's gonna be hot out, we picked up a battery powered fan to move some air. Also we'd bring a silver tarp to throw over the tent to darken it down for nap times. My wife doesnt understand "packing light" so we'd have to make multiple trips or sometimes tow our jon boat behind our wakeboard boat. Bug spray was huge. My kids have hardcore allergies and asthma so I made sure to have backup power, nebulizer, epi-pens and an extensive first aid kit. We used a 10x14 cheapo fred Meyer tent. Glow sticks and sun block. Have fun!

[JDHasty]

Awesome get them out there. me, wife , kids 2 & 4  two labs have been boat in tent camping aat banks lake Since the kids were 3 months old. Defiantly bring a pack and play. if your kids still nap and it's gonna be hot out, we picked up a battery powered fan to move some air. Also we'd bring a silver tarp to throw over the tent to darken it down for nap times. My wife doesnt understand "packing light" so we'd have to make multiple trips or sometimes tow our jon boat behind our wakeboard boat. Bug spray was huge. My kids have hardcore allergies and asthma so I made sure to have backup power, nebulizer, epi-pens and an extensive first aid kit. We used a 10x14 cheapo fred Meyer tent. Glow sticks and sun block. Have fun!

Every type & brand of bug spray known to mankind & AfterBite  is a must have along.