Camping with a baby might sound like a wild adventure—and it is—but that doesn't mean it has to be stressful. In fact, with the right planning and gear, a family camping trip with a baby can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. The fresh air, the crackling fire, the soothing sounds of nature—they’re all magical for you, and yes, for your little one too.
But let’s be real: camping with a baby requires some extra preparation. You’ll need to think about comfort, safety, and making sure that your little one’s needs are met—whether you’re tent camping under the stars or spending the night at an RV site with all the comforts of home. Don’t worry, though—this guide is here to make sure your family camping trip is as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on the fun parts (like those baby giggles around the fire pit).
1. Pick the Right Baby-Friendly Campground
The first step to a successful family camping trip with a baby is choosing the right campground. When you’re traveling with a tiny human, amenities and ease of access become your best friends. You’ll want a spot where everything you need is close by, and where the environment is safe and comfortable for your baby.
Look for Easy Access to Amenities
As much as we love the idea of backcountry camping spots, that might not be the best option for your first camping trip with a baby. A family-friendly campgrounds that offers water, fire pits, and flushing toilets may be helpful.
Choose Safe, Calm Campgrounds
You'll want to stay in a campground that’s calm and relatively quiet—think fewer crowds and not too much traffic. Places like Santa Barbara or quieter state beach campgrounds are often less crowded, offering a relaxing environment. Look for spots with minimal hazards (like steep cliffs or rough terrain) and plenty of shade for your baby to nap in during the day.
Proximity to Baby-Friendly Activities
If you're camping with a baby, you'll want to keep the pace easy and laid-back. Find campgrounds near hiking trails with short, easy walks or a calm lake. These spots let you enjoy nature at a relaxed pace, so you're not pushing your baby too hard, and you can enjoy some quiet moments together in the fresh air.
2. Pack the Essentials for Baby’s Comfort
When you're camping with a baby, you need to pack a lot. But here's the thing: it’s about being prepared, not overloaded. Think comfort and convenience, and be sure to pack everything you need for your little one’s needs.
Baby’s Sleeping Gear
A good night’s sleep is crucial for both parents and baby. If you're tent camping, make sure to bring a portable crib or travel bassinet. These provide a safe, familiar sleeping environment for your baby. Don’t forget a sleeping bag for baby (and for you too), and extra blankets for warmth, especially if you’re camping in cooler weather. A white noise machine or sound app on your phone can help drown out any unfamiliar noises that might disrupt baby’s sleep.
Baby Carrier or Stroller
You’ll want to bring along a baby carrier to make outdoor walks easy and comfortable. A soft-structured carrier or a wrap is ideal for hikes, while a stroller can be great for strolls around the campsite or short, easy walks. Some campgrounds may also allow a stroller on paved paths, which can give you a break from carrying your little one.
Diapering & Baby Gear
When you're camping with a baby, diapering is one of the most important things to prepare for. Be sure to bring plenty of diapers, wipes, and diaper bags. Also, bring a baby-friendly sunscreen and hat for sun protection, as babies are more sensitive to sun exposure.
Feeding Gear
If you’re breastfeeding, consider bringing a portable breastfeeding cover for extra privacy, and baby bottles if you need them. A PARKIT Voyager or a comfortable camping chair will help mom sit back & relax during feedings. Nothing better than a feeding session around the fire. For formula-feeding families, a cooler with extra bottles of formula and a bottle warmer is a must. Even if you’re starting solids, baby-friendly food containers and a portable high chair or booster seat will make mealtimes easy.
3. Plan for Safety and Baby Comfort
Camping with a baby means being prepared for all sorts of conditions. From heat to cold to bugs, you’ll need to think ahead to keep your baby safe and comfortable throughout the trip.
Plan for Weather
When you're camping with a baby, you want to stay prepared for anything nature throws your way. Make sure to pack layers to keep your baby comfortable, including lightweight clothing for warmer days, and heavier layers for cooler nights. Be mindful of the weather forecast before you head out, and bring a weather-appropriate baby bunting for extra warmth at night.
Pack Baby-Approved Bug Protection
Babies are more sensitive to bug bites, so pack a mosquito net for the stroller or carrier to keep insects at bay. A baby-safe insect repellent is also a must, especially if you're camping sites are near a lake or forest area. Be sure to dress your baby in long sleeves and pants during the evening when mosquitoes are most active.
Safety First
Safety is always priority number one. Keep your baby close by, especially when you’re around the campfire or hiking. Always have a baby monitor or walkie-talkie on hand if you’re tent camping in more remote areas. For babies who are crawling, baby-proof your campsite by ensuring that dangerous items like sharp rocks, hot grills, or fire pits are out of reach.
4. Make Baby’s First Camping Experience Memorable (and Fun)
Camping with a baby is all about enjoying the experience and creating lasting memories for your family. Sure, you may need to slow down and embrace the baby-friendly pace, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
Whether you're taking a day trip to a nearby national park or setting up camp at a family friendly camp resort, the most important part is making memories together. Here's a few others things you should consider:
Take It Easy
The key to camping with a baby is not to over-schedule. Take short, easy walks, spend time relaxing at the campsite, and let your baby get used to their new surroundings. Embrace the flexibility that camping offers—if baby is tired, don’t force a hike. Take it easy and enjoy the simple things, like a morning coffee by the fire pit or an afternoon nap in the tent.
Capture Memories
Even if your baby won’t remember their first camping trip, you’ll certainly have the memories to cherish. Take photos, create a scrapbook, or simply enjoy the moment. Camping with a baby is an experience you’ll all look back on fondly—especially when they’re older and can join in the hiking, fishing, and roasting marshmallows!
Packing List for Camping with a Baby
- Portable crib or travel bassinet
- Sleeping bag and extra blankets for warmth
- Baby carrier or stroller
- Diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, and changing pad
- Baby food containers, bottles, and portable high chair
- Baby-friendly sunscreen and hat
- Baby-safe insect repellent and mosquito net
- White noise machine or app
- Baby blankets and familiar comfort items
- Layers of clothing for weather changes
- First aid kit (including baby-safe products)
- Snacks for baby and family
- PARKIT Voyager camping chair!!
Camping with kids and/or a baby is totally possible—and incredibly rewarding—when you plan ahead. With the right gear, the right campground, and a relaxed attitude, your family camping trip with a baby will be the perfect!
With a little planning, you can enjoy the best family-friendly camping California (or anywhere, really) has to offer—and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
