Tent camping with a toddler = my breaking point

Dec 14·1 min read

We tried overnight camping at a state park with our 2yo last weekend. NEVER AGAIN. He wouldn't sleep in the Pack n Play, cried all night, got cold even though I brought like 5 blankets, and I spent the whole time worried about bears (probably irrational but still). My wife said we should try again but different, but honestly I'm thinking we stick to hotels for the next few years. Anyone else feel like tent camping with littles is just masochism?

6 comments334 views

Comments(6)

MMark A.RegularDec 14

I feel this in my soul. Did the same thing with my 2yo, one night of NO SLEEP, and we didn't try again til age 4. Now he loves camping. Sometimes kids just aren't ready yet and that's okay.

PPat H.New DadDec 15

Next time do glamping or a cabin where he's got a real bed, dark room, familiar stuff. Gets you the "camping experience" without the tent chaos. Your mental health matters too.

EEric V.RegularDec 16

Pack n Play with a 2yo for overnight = never gonna work. They need actual space and their own familiar setup. That's on the trip planning, not you. Don't do overnights til he's at least 4-5.

JJoel F.RegularDec 15

Replying to the breaking point - one night of no sleep with a toddler IS a breaking point. You're not weak, you're just discovering your actual limits. That's valuable info for future trips.

RRich B.RegularDec 16

The cold thing gets me - parents always over-blame themselves. Kid got cold in a tent? That's just... tents? They're not warm. Should've maybe waited til he's older for tent camping.

NNolan J.RegularDec 17

The "5 blankets" thing shows you tried to parent-proof a situation that fundamentally doesn't work for toddlers. They're not ready. Your wife probably knew and let you find out the hard way lol.