Heading camping but you're NOT a bare basic person? I've got you.

Travelling with kids? need to still feel like you're not completely taken over by the wilderness? I've got you too! 

Lets face it, being sticky and stinky isn't for the faint of heart, some of us it takes practice and patience to be ok with being uncomfortable. 

There is so many great benefits from getting out of your comfort zone, and being comfortable in any situation. Resilience, building emotional maturity, connecting to nature, lower stress levels... the list goes on!   I'll be the first to admit camping was NOT my thing, give me a 5 star hotel and pool side afternoons any day! Australian drop toilets? cold showers? flies?.. ew!

I've learnt a lot over the years, small tips and tricks and  I can honestly say now I love it! The experiences that has been given to me through these adventures with my family has been epic and we have created so many wonderful memories together. Yes I still have my moments when I could swap a campfire for a pool side view, but more often than not- I'd choose the campfire and the smiles on my kids faces when we wake up to bird song in the land down under. priceless!

 I have compiled a list of essentials and a few to give or take. This list has helped and saved me from being taken over by the wilderness and making my life easier, while camping. I hope you enjoy and perhaps use a few "less basic" basics to help you out too. Jess x 

Glamping with Kids: Turning Camping Trips into Magical Adventures

Camping with kids can be a wonderful bonding experience, but let’s face it—keeping little ones comfortable and entertained in the wild takes some planning. For those who want to elevate their family camping trips to the next level, glamping (glamorous camping) is the perfect solution. By adding a touch of luxury and creativity to your outdoor adventure, you can create a memorable experience without sacrificing comfort.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to make camping with kids feel like a magical retreat, including tips for packing and setting up your campsite with products that go beyond the basics.


1. Create a Cosy Home Base

Transform your tent into a haven where everyone feels at ease. Instead of a standard setup, bring items that add comfort and charm.

Ideas;

  • Luxurious Sleeping Mats: Replace thin foam pads with plush, self-inflating air mattresses that feel like a real bed. We now own a opus OP4 - we modified the mattress slightly by adding gel toppers
  • Fairy Lights or Lanterns: Battery-powered string lights or lanterns can make your tent or camper glow and give kids a sense of security at night.
  • Bell tent - We purchased an Australian made Bell tent and it was the best, it created such a glamping vibe and help up in all weather!
  • All-Weather Throw Blankets: Perfect for wrapping up under the stars or adding a layer of warmth on chilly mornings.
  • Travel pillows- We recently swapped out our large home pillows for travel ones and they're great! super comfy and less space win, win.

2. Make Mealtime Fun and Easy

Gone are the days of basic campfire meals! With a little creativity, you can whip up gourmet-style dishes that the whole family will love.

Ideas for meals Include:

  • Portable Camp Kitchen: ( if you don't have a camper!) Compact setups with built-in storage, counter space, and even a sink make cooking a breeze. 
  • Invest in a fridge! there are many great camp fridges on the market, you can even run them off camping solar panels!
  • pre make and seal your dinners: We pre make and seal our wet foods in food safe  vacuumed seal bags. these can be purchased at camp stores- perfect for curries, bolognaise etc
  • Kid-Friendly Dinnerware: Lightweight, colourful plates and cups that are easy to clean and durable for little hands.
  • pre made pancakes - a friend made camp pancakes with chocolate chips on a camp trip once and it has now become a camping standard! just grab them out the fridge or esky and heat them up on the stove or microwave!
  • Marshmallow Roasting Sticks: Extendable, child-safe roasting sticks for those quintessential s’ mores moments.

3. Add Activities That Delight

Keeping kids entertained in nature can be as simple as adding a few glamping-inspired activities.

Ideas for Products to Include:

  • Outdoor Movie Projector: Set up a mini cinema under the stars with a portable projector and a white sheet. we have ours inside the camper and project it on the wall. gives the adults a moment to sit around the campfire too!
  • Nature Craft Kits: Supplies for painting rocks, creating leaf rubbings, or building fairy houses can ignite their creativity. another product I have used is https://thelittlepotionco.com.au/ hours of fun!
  • Portable Hammocks: Lightweight and easy to hang, these are perfect for reading, relaxing, or stargazing with your little adventurers.
  • Bikes and scooters sometimes the simple things are great fun too! scout the area ahead of time to see if these are suitable for your campsite
  • Card games! Taco cat, Pizza., Uno, are our favs!

4. Pamper Everyone with Extras

A few indulgent touches can make your glamping trip unforgettable for the entire family.

  • Portable Hot Shower: A solar-powered shower bag can make cleaning up after a day of exploring feel luxurious. we fortunately brought a hot shower system for the OPUS and a shower awning. we did the double room, and made getting dressed so much easier one side for wet, the other for dry. we also put down a "muck mat" ( fake grass mat) to keep the dirt away while showering.
  • Family-Sized Inflatable Tub: Great for cooling off on hot days or for an evening "bath" under the stars. we don't take this often as water is always in low supply when we go camping, but great idea non the less!
  • Essential Oil Diffuser or Mosquito Repellent Candles or incense: Keep the campsite smelling fresh and pest-free.
  • Ethique co wash! this is the best- its a hair shampoo and conditioner in one so saves space, time and money. Its been perfect for the kids, smells great and is long lasting. I usually grab the travel size
  • Water wipes stock up on these

Mums essentials

  • Boost Lab anti aging serum  When you need that extra hydration! this works wonders.
  • Wet brush  so good for tangles for me and the kids
  • Coconut waters I love these! and not only do they replace electrolytes but give you a  little fizz in your day
  • consider clothing I always try to purchase natural fibres. they help keep you cool and warm when you need it! 
  • Think in layers! Often the weather can change in a second depending what season you're camping- I always pack a merino wool thermal ( long sleeve) for chilly nights and early mornings. A good large camping jacket, merino wool socks, Loads of hats, and rain jacket.
  • Good quality hiking boots - I love to hike so invest in the best ones you can afford if you do too.
  • Curl gel  I use the small travel size for trips, but so great for curl hair that loves moisture! I use the whole range- great products!
  • tinted moisturiser I use this all the time while camping because I will always forget sunscreen! this doubles up
  • Quick dry hair towel life saver
  • beach towel 
  • shower caddy when you have to walk to shower blocks- don't forget crocs too or shower shoes.
  • roll on moisturiser

Final Thoughts

Glamping with kids is all about combining the beauty of nature with the comforts of home. By investing in a few thoughtful products, you can make your trip easier, more enjoyable, and full of magical memories.

Whether it’s a cosy sleeping setup, gourmet campfire meals, or unique activities that spark joy, glamping can turn any camping trip into a luxurious escape that kids and parents will love.

Get ready to pack your gear, grab your kids, and head out on a glamping adventure that’s anything but ordinary. Because camping with kids doesn’t have to mean roughing it—it can be the ultimate family getaway! 

 

Jess x