How to Plan a Camping Trip With a Toddler

Choose a campsite close to home with basic amenities. Save the giant national park trip for when your child is a little older. You want to be fairly close to home in case your toddler gets sick, has an emergency or is having a meltdown. Make things easier on yourself by choosing a campsite with amenities, such as toilets and showers. A campground with a playground, as well as a convenience store on-site or nearby, is ideal in case you forget something.

Pack camping essentials. You'll need a tent large enough to comfortably fit you, your toddler and any other family members who come along. A pop-up tent that easily comes together when you take it out of the bag can save you time and effort. Don't forget accessories such as a tarp to lay on the ground underneath the tent. Each person should have a sleeping bag, or you can bring a small air mattress and blankets. Bring a small grill or a grill grate that can go over your campfire for to cook food. If you want to keep things simple and are only staying for one night, pack nonperishable foods or bring along a cooler filled with ice for perishable items that don't need to be cooked. Other essential items include plenty of bottled water, cooking tools, plates and utensils, napkins, lanterns, flashlights, a first-aid kid, hand sanitizer and portable chairs.

Pack toddler essentials. Choose play clothes made of breathable materials that you can easily layer for your toddler. Pack at least two full outfits for every day of your camping trip, as your toddler will likely get plenty messy before the end of the day. Choose shoes that fully cover his feet and are ideal for walking, such as sneakers or hiking boots, which you can find in toddler sizes in many shoe stores. If your toddler is in diapers or training pants, pack double what you think you will need, as well as wipes. Other essentials include a soft hat, sunscreen and an insect repellent containing no more than 30 percent deet. Pack a separate bag full of toys that you can easily wash or sanitize when you get home, as well as those that encourage exploration like toy buckets and shovels, cups and toy binoculars.

Pack a portable playpen or crib to wrangle your toddler when necessary. Your little one may protest, but it will keep her safe and out of the way while you set up your tent and campfire and when you are cooking or breaking down camp. If your tent is large enough to fit it, your toddler can even sleep in the portable crib.

Plan to stick to your toddler's regular bedtime routine on your camping trip as much as possible. Don't make any activity plans close to his bedtime so you'll have time to get him changed into his pajamas and situated in the tent. Pack his favorite bedtime book to read to him before he goes to sleep, just like you would at home. If you don't plan on going to bed at the same time with your toddler, make sure you bring along a small, battery-operated light to keep on inside of the tent or a glow stick your child an hold so it won't be completely dark. You'll want to stay very close to the tent so your little one can see you in case he gets scared.

Make a plan with your partner to take turns keeping your toddler in sight at all times at the campsite. Anticipate that your naturally curious toddler will try to wander off or attempt to put dirt, plants or bugs in his mouth. Plan to set up a perimeter using large sticks around the campfire and your campsite as soon as you start setting up. When you get there, show your toddler the boundaries where he must not cross without a trusted adult, but don't rely on your tot fully cooperating. You'll want to make sure there are always eyes on him.

Avoid making set activity plans for the camping trip. Instead, pack items for a variety of activities and wait to see what sparks your toddler's interest when you get there. Bring along fishing equipment, including her own tot-sized rod, but be willing to go with the flow if she isn't interested. Keep nature walks or hikes open ended, without a set destination or end time, as it's likely your toddler will want to stop every five seconds to explore or get tired and want to go back to camp. Be willing to adjust and quickly change plans to avoid a meltdown and keep her camping experience positive.