Has anyone any experience of camping with a 2 year old is it a good idea or a really bad one?

Question

Has anyone any experience of camping with a 2 year old is it a good idea or a really bad one?

Answer 1

It all depends on the kid, but here are some tips:

1) You want moderate temperatures; a young child doesnt know how to deal with hot or cold very well. Though cooler temps are easier to deal with (more clothes, fire)

2) First time out, make it a one night trip in the backyard or local camp ground. That way if something doesnt turn out right you can just go home without much hassle.

3) Bring things/toys that the kid will be able to do in camp so they arent wandering off. Camp fire songs are good for that.

4) A good sleeping mat is key. If the kid is uncomfortable then they wont sleep. A rock digging into their back is worse for a kid then an adult. We can usually block it out or easily move w/o complaining.

5) Cabins are great alternatives for longer trips. They are rustic but at the same time offer some of the comforts of home especially for cooking. Cooking over an open fire with a 2 yr old can be very dangerous. Think of lowering your stove top at home to floor level... what would be the result?

6) Lots of bug spray and other repelant methods.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

It could be quite stressful.  Friends of mine took their two youngsters camping and they got up at 4.30 am because it was light in the tent so thought it was time to get up!  By 8.00 am both parents were exhausted and by 12.00 noon they had packed up and set off home!!!

A lot depends on the child and if you have older children/adults to help.  A two yr old needs watched all the time as there are many potential dangers.

Answer 3

They have fun also. If you got a small tent fill it with toys and they have a blast. Works with us.

Answer 4

Well my sister is 2 going on to 3 now. She is well behaved and only cries when we brush her hair because she is very hair sore. 2 weeks ago we went camping in the back garden. We had fun untill 2am that morning then it all went downhill ..... she was crying for her own bed. So i took her back in and she slept like a log.

Answer 5

The very first time we went camping as a family, my lil girl wasn't 2 yrs old yet, but we had a ball. During the day, she ran around, played, went on hikes with us, swam, fished and had the full outdoor experience...by night time, she was so worn out, she slept like a log.

Now every yr since then, she begs to go camping. It has become our yearly family "vacation".

Answer 6

If you camp where there are a lot of mosquitoes, it doesn't sound like a good idea

Answer 7

I would say it is fine...., but of course its must depend on the child and how it will adapt

Answer 8

Camping at any age is great fun - what damage can a two year old do, a lot more in a hotel I tell ya.