My daughter has been asking to go camping for the past year. Ever since she received her play tent and sleeping bag, it is all she could ever talk about. Last year our summer got away from us, but we were so excited to finally take our first family RV camping trip this year. We went with my parents to Mackinaw City, Michigan in their newly-purchased camper. Being newbies, we didn’t really know what to expect and we learned a lot from our first experience. We learned a lot and I am going to share some must haves for RV camping with kids.
Besides your normal packing essentials, below are my top 10 “must haves” for RV camping with kids:
1. Layers
Pack multiple clothing options for layering on cold mornings and warm afternoons. Mixing and matching is key to maximize a small amount of items to pack in your bag. Extra pieces are important to allow for your kids to get dirty outdoors.
2. Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Bringing yard games, cards, books, crayons, coloring books, and board games gives you options for passing the time regardless of the weather. We had to move indoors for a full day due to the rain. Having a variety of activities was important to keep everyone entertained at the campground.
3. Multiple Shoe Options
I was thankful I brought water shoes, sandals, slippers, and rain boots with us camping. I don’t like my feet to be wet or dirty. Having options helped keep our feet dry and clean during the rainy weather and allowed us to be prepared for any type of activity. Flip flops are a must if you plan to use the public shower facilities.
4. Outdoor Rug and Small Mat Indoors
Having a large mat outside and a small mat inside helps keep the sand and dirt out of the camper. I don’t like to be dirty, but there isn’t much you can do to get around that while you are camping.
5. Canopy Tent
A tent over the picnic table will help extend your time outdoors. The main purpose is to keep the bugs out and shield you from light rain without having to run indoors as soon as you feel a sprinkle. Our canopy didn’t arrive in time for our trip, and it was missed. I can’t wait to use it next time.
6. Extra Bedding
Extra sheets, pillows, and blankets are a must for the cold nights and mornings. Outdoor blankets are also helpful for picnics or keeping your legs warm around the fire.
7. Snacks
Even if you plan out meals or pick restaurants to try, snacks are a must in the RV camper. You never know when your little might get hangry. You will thank me later. S’mores was our go-to snack for evenings.
8. Glow Sticks or Magical Flames
The magical flame packets added a little fun to the camping experience. Watching the magical flames turn the campfire colors was so enjoyable and lit up our daughter’s eyes. Glow sticks would have also been a great addition to the evening fun.
9. Special Surprise
I’m so glad we purchased a camping themed book and toys to surprise our daughter during our first camping trip. It made our her first experience all that more special and memorable.
10. Weather Protections
If you only take one piece of advice, I hope it is this. Don’t forget the sunscreen, bug spray, hat, and sunglasses. You are definitely going to need all of these items throughout your trip.
