Out of Town Blog
How Can I Make Camping More Comfortable for My Family?
Roughing it isn’t for everyone, especially when your fellow campers include toddlers, teens, or anyone allergic to bugs, cold feet, and damp gear. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your camping experience without sacrificing the adventure. Here’s how to make camping more comfortable for your family, no matter your setup or skill level.
1. Choose Comfort-First Campsites
If you prefer comfort over pitching a tent — unlike the 66% of campers who prefer tent-style camping — Kampgrounds of America (KOA) offers glamping cabins, deluxe lodges and RV sites with resort-style amenities across North America. You’ll still get campfire vibes and nature access but with clean restrooms, hot showers and laundry facilities. It’s a perfect solution for how to make camping easier.
Some KOA locations include on-site playgrounds and mini-golf, which helps keep kids busy while you enjoy that second cup of coffee or a mid-morning snooze. The secure base and amenities make it a great spot for the whole family.
Book a KOA glamping cabin that has the following:
- Full bathrooms and real beds
- Private seating areas and patios
- Access to Wi-Fi, pools and general stores
2. Invest in the Right Sleeping Setup
Cots keep you off the cold ground but are not always cozy. To make a camping cot more comfortable, layer it up. A rollable foam mattress or a thick yoga mat adds layers of comfort. Top that with a fitted sheet, then tuck a blanket or quilt underneath you to keep the warmth in and the chill out for cold-season camping.
To upgrade your camping cot:
- Use memory foam toppers for better support.
- Add an insulated sleeping pad for warmth.
- Include an additional ground tarp to keep cold from below out.
3. Bring Real Bedding From Home
Sleeping bags are great for backpacking, but families often sleep better with real pillows and comforters. If you have space in your car, toss in your usual bedding. A flannel sheet set or down alternative duvet can help everyone sleep better and avoid the “mummy bag shuffle” in the middle of the night.
Using your personal bedding is also the best way to make a camping cot more comfortable. If you travel with pets, it’ll also help them feel at home in a strange place.
4. Use Lighting to Your Advantage
Lighting changes everything, and while you want to have the wilderness experience, you won’t appreciate a sudden move from city lights to pitch-dark nights. Swap your blinding flashlight for warm LED string lights along your tent ceiling or around trees, giving you more natural ambient lighting.
Lanterns that double as phone chargers are also a smart investment. With the right glow, your site feels safer and more welcoming, and it’s easier to keep track of nighttime bathroom runs.
Create a soft, cozy glow by:
- Hanging battery-powered string lights.
- Using solar lanterns around camp.
5. Cook Easy, Satisfying Meals
You don’t need to go full gourmet, but not many enjoy a weekend fueled by only trail mix and granola bars. Bring easy-to-heat meals like chili, pasta or breakfast burritos. Cooking over a campfire can be fun, but a two-burner camp stove gives you way more flexibility — and better coffee — to keep everyone’s spirits up.
Stick to simple one-pot recipes by:
- Prepping meals at home and storing these in coolers.
- Bringing a sturdy camp stove or grill.
6. Keep Bugs at Bay
Mosquitoes and flies are part of the outdoors but don’t have to be a focal point of your outing. Citronella candles, bug spray and mesh screen tents all help. Setting up your tent away from standing water and in breezy areas can also reduce bug swarms. It’s not just about comfort — with 2023 having the worst West Nile outbreak on record in the U.S., it’s about safety, too. So, take precautions against mosquito bites.
Create a bug-free zone with the following:
- Mosquito-repellent lanterns or coils
- Zip-up tents that fully seal gaps
7. Dress in Layers and Pack Extras
Mornings and evenings can get cold, even in summer. Dress in breathable layers you can easily add or remove. Pack extra socks, hoodies and hats for everyone. Cold, wet children equals cranky campers.
8. Stay Clean and Organized
It’s easier to relax when your site isn’t a mess. Color-coded bins and collapsible storage help keep track of everyone’s stuff. Use a hanging organizer for toothbrushes and soap, and consider a pop-up privacy tent for changing clothes or using a portable toilet. However, the most convenient option is to book a glamping cabin with its own bathroom facilities.
Use bins and packing cubes to:
- Separate toiletries, clothes and cooking gear.
- Pack a doormat and wipes for muddy shoes.
9. Embrace Strategic Screen Time
Sometimes, comfort means letting your little ones watch a movie after a long hike. Download everything in advance so you’re not relying on cell service. You can set boundaries like screen-free mornings or only using devices in the tent to create balance, not tech bans.
Before your trip:
- Load up e-books, games and movies.
- Set tech-free hours so the kids know what to expect.
10. Practice Before the Real Trip
If this is your family’s first trip, do a trial run at home. It’s a great way to troubleshoot setup, see what you’re missing and help your children feel more confident. Pre-camping trial runs also air out musty tents and ensure bedding is safe and hasn’t gotten rat-eaten from storage. Even one night of backyard camping can build excitement and highlight what to adjust before you head into the woods.
To test your gear in the backyard:
- Pitch your tent and set up bedding.
- Cook a meal with your camp stove.
Your Camping Trip, Your Way
So, if you wonder, “How can I make camping more comfortable for my family?” it starts with some preparation and a mindset that comfort requires a little innovation. Whether you’re going full glamping at a KOA site or just bringing an extra pillow from home, the goal is the same — happy campers and good memories.
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How Can I Make Camping More Comfortable for My Family?
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog
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