Camping season is upon us in North Carolina, and our family is planning many trips to sleep under the stars this year. From the mountains to the sea and all the miles in between, Justin, Jack, and I are exploring our beautiful state by way of tent.

We fell in love with camping as a family last year (you can read about our first camping trip here), and we are excited to dive even deeper into our hobby in the months ahead.

If, like us, you crave something different — a new adventure — and are interested in weekend camping trips with your toddler in tow — but you don’t really know where to begin — then allow me to share my 13 tips for how to start camping with a toddler.

TIP NO. 1

Just do it. Jump in and plan your first trip.

TIP NO. 2

Choose a campground close to home so you can pack up and head home fast if the trip goes south.

TIP NO. 3

Test the waters and only plan for one or two nights for your first trip to the woods.

TIP NO. 4

Know where the closest hospital or urgent care is in case of an emergency.

TIP NO. 5

Embrace letting your little one get dirty playing outside but understand that you won’t have access to your traditional bathroom amenities.

TIP NO. 6

Over pack for your first trip. Once you’re actually in the woods, you’ll figure out what you need and what you don’t. Take notes for next time. 

TIP NO. 7

Here are the supplies I recommend for beginners:

  • Well-stocked first aid kit
  • Family tent
  • Sleeping bags
  • Air mattress and/or sleeping pads
  • Camp chairs
  • Plates, cups, utensils
  • Lighter/matches
  • Infant Tylenol 
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Toilet paper
  • Cooler
  • Food
  • Water 
  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Cooking utensils 
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Pajamas (extra layers for sleeping)
  • Clothes (pants, shorts, sweatshirt, long sleeves, and short sleeves)
  • Shoes
  • Socks
  • Towels and wash cloths 
  • Pillows
  • Ice
  • Lanterns
  • Trash bags 
  • Hand sanitizer 
  • Fire wood 
  • Face wash, tooth brush, tooth paste, soap 
  • Charcoal

TIP NO. 8

Understand that your first time out won’t be perfect, but it will be fun if you let it.

TIP NO. 9

Pack fun but simple outdoor toys like sand pails, small shovels and mining pans to encourage curiosity and exploring outdoors.

TIP NO. 10

Talk to your littles about campsite safety: “Don’t touch the fire, it’s hot” and “Don’t wander away from our campsite; stay where I can see you.”

TIP NO. 11

If you’re super hesitant, then do a test run in your backyard or even your living room.

TIP NO. 12

Read all campground rules and amenities before traveling.

TIP NO. 13

Test all of your equipment before your first trip and make sure you know how to use it before you get to your camp site. The last thing you want to be is stressed trying to pitch a tent in the woods that you’ve never assembled before.