WILD CAMPING WITH your CHILD:
A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SUCCESSFULLY WILD CAMPING WITH KIDS
FAQ
what is wild camping?
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is it safe to take a child?
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how do i find locations?
maps, blog posts, youtube videos, forums, word of mouth - there's an incredible amount of inspiration out there.
WHAT IF MY CHILD GETS BORED?
let them!
WHAT IS WILD CAMPING & WHY SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD WITH ME?
wild camping is pitching your tent outside of an official campsite or authorised area, usually done in more remote areas like mountains, forests or by loch side.
children spend less time outdoors than ever before so it is crucial we as parents are showing our kids that adventures is more than just an outdoor activity, it’s an experience that builds skills, confidence &connection.
wild camping doesn't have to be about roughing it or surviving in the wilderness as many are lead to believe, it’s as simple as about stepping away from screens, routines & life noise to share a different type of adventure with your child.
WHAT MINDSET & EXPECTATIONS SHOULD I HAVE?
Set Realistic Expectations
your attitude around wild camping will shape your child's experience. having a calm, positive & flexible attitude can help make a trip memorable, enjoyable & leave them wanting more. approaching the outdoors with the right mindset not only sets the stage for fun, but also teaches your child how to model this mindset, how to problem solving & build their confidence.
HOW CAN I DO THIS?
- discuss your goals for the trip with your child before you go.
- keep the plan flexible - let your child lead the day.
- accept that a slower pace & lots of breaks is part of the fun.
WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?
- reduces potential frustration & stress for both you & your child.
- helps your child feel confident & prepared.
- encourages flexibility when things don’t go as planned.
Build Excitement & Confidence Before You Go
if your child feels prepared & involved before your camp then they will likely enjoy the experience more & feel proud what they've achieved.
HOW CAN I do this?
let your child help pack their gear & what they'd like to bring.
discuss what to expect; new sounds, sleeping arrangements, weather & trail conditions.
get them involved in planning; camp spot locations, researching.
WHY SHOULD I do this?
it helps reduces their worrying about the unknown.
it encourages them to try be more independent.
- builds excitement & makes them feel valued.
Embrace the Adventure, not Perfection
in the age of social media it is so easy to forget that not everything needs to be perfect or 'instagram worthy', it's about enjoying the moment & finding joy in the little things regardless how they look.
HOW CAN I DO THIS?
- make the trip sound like the adventure it is, not a chore.
- laugh at small mishaps, like soggy socks, instead of getting annoyed.
- focus on the what's happening in the moment, not what it could be.
WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?
- shows children that anything can be a learning opportunity.
- reduces stress for everyone involved & stops good moments being ruined by wanting more.
- encourages adaptability in unexpected situations.
HOW DO I MAKE SURE WE ARE PREPARED?
planning beforehand ensures you have everything you need, reduces surprises while out & allows both parents & children to focus on enjoyment of wild camping instead. being prepared isn’t just about your gear & route; it’s about having the right mindset, ensuring your safety & involving your child in the adventure from the start. being prepared doesn't mean you are overthinking or over planning the adventure, it’s about ensuring the adventure can thrive to it's best ability.
Start Small with Test Runs
if you haven't camped with your child before, or you haven't specifically gone wild camping with your child before, then it's always a good idea to try a test run either at home or close to home beforehand.
HOW CAN I DO THIS?
- set up a tent in your garden or somewhere close to home for one night.
- let your child help with packing everything & setting up.
- treat it as fun as you would the main wild camp, even small mistakes are learning opportunities.
WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?
- helps give your child a preview of what to expect.
- it gives you a chance to test gear & how routines would go.
- takes away or minimises any first time worries for both parent & child.
Plan Routes & Campsites Carefully
depending on your location & region, wild camping may have restrictions which could limit or stop your adventure. planning in advance can avoid disappointment on trail, avoid any trouble you may unexpectedly get into & avoid having to add distanc
HOW CAN I DO THIS?
- keep distances suitable for your child's hiking abilities.
- consider proximity to roads or shelters in case of emergencies.
- utilise websites like os maps, komoot & alltrails beforehand.
WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?
- it prevents long, tiring hikes for children.
- keeps you near water, shelter or escape routes if necessary.
- helps keep enjoyment up by avoiding unexpected difficulty with terrain on trail.
Create an Emergency Plan
every trip should have safety measures in place, no matter if it's just for a night.
HOW CAN I DO THIS?
share your route & detail with a trusted friend or family member.
teach your child simple safety skills & boundaries.
carry a first aid kit, map / compass & phone with a charged power bank.
WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?
gives peace of mind for parents.
teaches children awareness of basic safety rules & what they're allowed to do.
helps prepares you for unexpected situations.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A LOCATION?
use maps & satellite views
optimise the use of tools like ordnance survey maps, google maps, komoot or all trails to help you find the perfect area to camp & plan a route easily. try find 2 or 3 possible back up camp sites for peace of mind in case one spot is not suitable or already occupied.
- look for flat, firm ground which is free of sharp rocks, roots & mud.
- avoid areas which are prone to flooding like low riverbanks.
- stay away from cliffs or steep drops
- always supervise children near water.
- check for natural shelters like trees or boulders as these can block wind or provide shade.
pitch near water
ideally find a fast flowing stream or river near to your camp spot so you can have fresh water on hand to drink or cook with.
- pitch at least 50m from water to prevent pollution & maintain safety.
- always supervise children around water.
- check water is safe for washing, cooking & drinking with; use a filter or boil if unsure.
- use the noise of the water as white noise for your child at night.
out of sight, out of mind
avoid camping in obvious, exposed locations.
- avoid spots near busy roads, paths & houses.
- look for hidden clearings or small groves for privacy.
- respect other campers & leave your area tidy.
check local rules
some areas require permission or permits to camp in, so it's best to find this out beforehand to avoid any trouble.
choosing the right spot for your first wild camping trip can make everything more enjoyable, safe & memorable. the perfect location balances safety, comfort & the feeling of being 'away from it all.'
WHAT ESSENTIAL GEAR DO I NEED?
packing for wild camping is all about balance. packing too much brings the weight up which can slow you down & make everything feel difficult, whereas packing too little can leave you uncomfortable or unsafe. packing smartly ensures a good mix of comfort while keeping you & your child happy.
the general rule of thumb for managing weight is packing no more than 20% of your body weight as an adult & 10% of your child's body weight. this is not always possible however as it all depends on the gear you currently own or the amount of time you're away for etc so it's more a suggestion.
Shelter
the right tent provides protection, warmth & a sense of security. take a tent that is suitable for any wind & rain along with extra pegs & guy ropes to add more support in high winds.
- practice pitching at home so the first night isn’t dealing with something new.
- check ventilation to prevent condensation inside.
- consider a tarp for extra space to store gear in or to cook in.
Sleeping
a good sleep is essential for energy, mood & safety. sleeping bag & sleeping mat are essential, pillow & sleeping bag liner are optional extras but well worth it.
- use a sleeping bag rated colder than the lowest expected night temp.
- consider a liner for your child for extra warmth.
- insulating mats keep the ground chill at bay & stop body heat being lost.
Clothing
proper clothing protects in all weather conditions. a good layering system quick allows for quick adaptability as weather changes or for extra warmth at night.
- layering system - base layer, mid layer then outer layer.
- bring a hats & gloves as even summer nights can be unexpectedly chilly.
- pack clothes in a dry bag to keep them dry.
Cooking
take a lightweight stove & gas to cook your meals on. avoid campfires at all costs, especially in dry weather spells.
- take easy cook meals like pasta, wraps or soups.
- easy snacks like nuts, fruit or granola bars can keep you going until dinner.
Safety & navigation
safety items can give you peace of mind & he helpful in the case of small, minor emergencies. it's always better to carry something & not use it, than be in need of it & not have it.
- carry a first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister pads & any personal medications.
- bring a whistle for your child in case they get separated.
- make sure your phone is charged & carry a power bank.
- teach children basic safety rules like stay within sight or to use the whistle if lost.
Extras
a bin bag for all your waste, insect repellent & head net, suncream, trowel & sanitiser.
HOW DO I MAKE SURE MY CHILD IS SAFE?
safety isn’t about limiting fun, it’s about allowing freedom with awareness. implementing a few safety precautions will keep everyone safe without making the trip too structured or stressful.
set boundaries for your child
before heading off & when you've arrived at your camp spot, set clear boundaries to ensure their safety & give you a bit of peace of mind.
- show your child where you consider the boundary of your 'safe zones'.
- use simple rules like 'always stay where you can see the tent'.
- remind them to use the whistle (if you took one) if they're lost or stuck.
Check weather conditions
check the weather when you're planning your trip, the night before you leave & the morning of your trip. weather can change quickly so it's best to keep an eye on it & plan around it.
- pack a storm shelter in case you get caught in unexpected weather.
- make use of websites like mountain weather or bbc weather.
HAVE AN EXIT PLAN
always have a plan b or know your route back to your starting point or nearest shelter in case the weather turns, someone becomes ill or you feel unsafe in your location.
TELL SOMEONE YOUR PLANS
share your route, where you expect to camp, your backup option & when you'll likely return with someone before you leave. use a location app like life360 so you can stay in touch without constant communication.
PROTECT AGAINST WILDLIFE & INSECTS
learn what you may come across locally so you can teach your child how to behave respectfully, preventing any fear or unsafe curiosity.
- observe any animals quietly from a distance - never feed, chase them or follow them.
- store food securely to avoid attracting wildlife.
- explain that most animals are shy & will only approach if provoked.
HOW DO I MAKE MY CHILD COMFORTABLE?
Bring something familiar
your child will be in a setting they're not familiar with so brining something which they're used to can make them feel safe & less intimidated.
- a small toy or teddy is usually a safe bet.
- try keep the same routine you’d use at home; the same story, same snack or drink. these tell their brain it’s time to sleep, even in a tent.
KEEP MEAL TIMES SIMPLE
wild camping for the first time is not the time to be creative & try new foods with your child. keep to meals you know they'll love & eat happily.
- keep melas easy - wraps, pasta, porridge, fruit or instant noodles.
- involve them with cooking if safe to do so.
- snack often throughout the day so that dinner doesn't have to be a big.
DRESS YOUR CHILD APPROPRIATELY
kids can't regulate their body temperatures as well as adults can which means they lose heat faster than adults, so it's important to have the right clothes for them to add or take off depending how they're feeling.
- keep warm layers handy to add during the day
- let them sleep in thermals, a hat & gloves if it’s cold.
- have a dry clothes bag so there’s always something warm to change into before bed.
Personal space
if there's room then let them set up a small area of the tent for the things they think are important. it gives them a feeling of belonging & makes the tent feel more secure knowing they had a say in it.
comfort can make or break a child’s first wild camping experience. while adults can tolerate a cold night or damp socks, kids usually won't. they need warmth, a sense of familiarity & some form of reassurance to truly enjoy it. you can make the outdoors feel safe, cosy & have that magical feeling even when it’s cold or unfamiliar.
how do we stay hygienic & do the toilet?
Explain doing the toilet in Nature to Your Child
children can handle doing the toilet outdoors much better when they understand what to expect.
HOW CAN I DO THIS?
- try not to make it into a big deal, it's natural.
- emphasise that it’s normal, safe & something people do while camping.
- let them ask any questions as curiosity reduces worry.
WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?
- reduces any anxiety, embarrassment or fear.
- builds confidence & independence.
- helps children feel calm & prepared instead of surprised.
How to Toilet Safely and Responsibly Outdoors
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hygiene can be one of the biggest worries for parents when they first start wild camping with their kids. the thought of spending a night without toilets or running water makes it easy to imagine things becoming uncomfortable or stressful.