First camping trip with the kids - barely survived | DadHQ

First camping trip with the kids - barely survived

NeilNew Dad

Aug 141 min read

Took the family camping for the first time last weekend at a state park about an hour away. Thought it would be fun and relaxing. It was neither. Forgot half the stuff we needed, kids were freaked out by the dark, spent most of the night listening to coyotes howl. No one slept. BUT we made it happen and drove home Sunday and everyone agreed we had fun somehow. Definitely going again but I'm buying a better tent and a camping checklist this time.

8 comments169 views

Comments(8)

KKevinNew Dad3w ago

Ha, barely survived is the honest way to say it. First camping trip always feels like you're missing something crucial. But the kids remember it forever. How'd they sleep in the tent?

MMatt R.RegularAug 14

First camping trips are rough but they get so much easier after that first one. Now my kids ask to go every month. Definitely bring more snacks than you think you need next time.

KKevinNew DadAug 14

Barely surviving is how I'd describe our first attempt too. We learned a ton though. Pro tip: pack way less stuff than you think you need and way more snacks than that.

CCarlosRegularAug 14

State parks are perfect for your first time - not too remote but still feels like a real adventure. I'm guessing sleeping was rough? Every time we camp the kids are up at like 5am.

AAdam R.RegularAug 15

Props for actually doing it. A lot of dads talk about camping but don't follow through. What was the biggest survival challenge - bugs, sleeping setup, food prep?

KKevinNew Dad3w ago

My family loves the lake house weekends but I've been thinking about getting into camping. What's one thing you'd do differently if you could go back?

CChris M.Regular3w ago

First camping trip is chaos! Did the tent hold up okay? We forgot stakes our first time out and spent the night basically holding the tent in place. The kids thought it was hilarious.

MMatt R.RegularAug 14

Just wait until your second trip. Once they know what to expect it gets so much easier. And they'll remember these trips forever. What was the hardest part - setup or getting them to sleep?