Smart Camping Hacks Every Mom Should Know

Camping with kids for the first time? These camping hacks help busy moms stay organized, stress less, and actually enjoy the trip.

Have you ever been camping with your kids? The first time can feel both exciting and overwhelming. If you’re used to running the show at home, transferring that chaos into the woods with bugs, no outlets, and unpredictable weather can feel like too much. But with the right hacks and a little prep, it can actually be one of the best memories of your summer. If we were taking our kids camping for the first time, these are the exact tips, tricks, and products we’d rely on to make it a total win. Let’s get to it!

First-Time Camping Hacks That Make Mom Life Easier

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Prep Smart to Avoid Mid-Trip Meltdowns

It’s all about prepping smart to make your first-time camping adventure the best it can be and the least stressful for you. Start by packing each family member using individual storage bins or zipper pouches so you can avoid digging through bags for everything. We like to use the gallon-sized Ziploc baggies to put each of the kids full outfits in, including undies and socks too. We also love the idea of creating a middle of the night emergency tote that is fully equipped with a flashlight, medicine, wipes, and extra pull-ups just in case.

Keep Everyone Clean Without a Shower

The lack of a shower can get dicey, and smelly, so having some items on hand to keep the people clean is worth prepping ahead. We like to pack dry shampoo, face wipes, and no-rinse body wipes that can be used in place of a real shower. You can also set up a little wash station with a water jug, soap and collapsible bin to make sure everyone’s hands stay clean. Designating a dirty clothes bag that can be sealed up separate from your other items will make sure there’s not dirty clothes mixing with clean ones. You could also designate tent-only outfits so you can reuse them each night and have everyone put them on before bed.

Make the Tent Feel Like Home

If it’s your kid’s first time camping, it will help them to make it feel more like home. We like using a queen-size sleeping bag to make snuggling easier with less fuss. We also love the clip on camping string lights to keep the tent illuminated at nighttime too. Pack a couple of lightweight throw blankets from home to snuggle in and let your kids each bring their favorite bedtime comfort item, like a stuffy or book too.

Keep the Bugs (and the Whining) Away

Oh the bugs… probably the hardest part about camping, but that’s why wee love the mosquito-repellent bracelets that can easily be worn all day. To avoid drawing bugs towards your camp, make sure to setup camp away from any standing water if you can. We like to bring citronella candles or the coil ones that we can place near our seating areas. And just in case, keep a small first aid kit handy for bug bites and unexpected scrapes.

Create Chill Time for Mom Too

Don’t forget this is your camping outing too. You don’t need to feel bad for taking your own enjoyment into account too. You could set up a hammock to give yourself some solo quiet time or a book break. You could even bring a portable power station to keep your phone charged… and your sanity… if you need a backup plan. We also like to use a battery-powered fan in the tent not only for staying cool, but for a little white noise too. And, of course, don’t forget your favorite drinks and snacks just for you too.

Build in Fun That Doesn’t Require Wi-Fi

If you’re worried about running out of things to occupy your family, try planning a nature-based scavenger hunt or bug-finding mission. You could also use roasting sticks for s’mores, hot dogs, and marshmallow competitions. And one of the coolest things we’ve found are these fire color-changing packets that really bring the wow-factor by the campfire. And when you’re looking for some fun activities to do after dinner, check out our games idea list. It’s full of all our favorite family-friendly games to keep everyone entertained, even if the weather changes your plans.

Our Favorite Camping Must Haves

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

These are some of our favorite finds to make your next camping trip the best it can be.

1. Portable Power Station – Keeps phones charged and even powers small fans or lights, giving you peace of mind in the middle of nowhere.
2. STANLEY Adventure 2 Gallon Fast Flow Water Jug – Perfect for rinsing hands, brushing teeth, or creating a quick handwashing station at your site.
3. Camping Hammock – Lightweight, packable, and fun for both moms and kids. Great for relaxing or giving kids a new “hangout” spot.
4. Battery Powered Camping Fan – A lifesaver for hot nights and cranky sleepers. Also works as soothing white noise.
5. XL Queen Size Two Person Sleeping Bag – Makes bedtime easier by keeping little ones close while staying warm and comfy.
6. Extra Large Bath Wipes for Adults Bathing No Rinse – Ideal when showers aren’t an option. Helps everyone feel fresh after a long day of hiking or s’mores.
7. Camping String Lights – Adds just enough glow to feel magical for kids and functional for moms finding the bug spray at 9pm.
8. 10 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets – Easy to wear and waterproof. Toss one on each kid and keep the bugs at bay.
9. Fitted Picnic Table Cover with Bench Covers – Makes campsite dining easier and cleaner, especially when little hands are eating off the table.
10. Duo Camping Chair Loveseat w/ 2 Cup & Wine Glass Holder – So much comfier than single chairs. Perfect for sitting with your kid or sipping by the fire.
11. Fire Color Changing Packets – The simplest way to create a little magic after dark. Kids love watching the flames turn colors.
12. Extendable Stainless Steel Roasting Sticks – Long enough to keep little hands safe but sturdy for marshmallows, hot dogs, and more.

Just remember, even though it may be out of your comfort zone, camping with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools and these easy camping hacks, you can stay one step ahead, keep the meltdowns to a minimum, and actually enjoy the experience with your family. Which of these tips do you think will help you the most? Let us know in the comments!

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