Yes, a 5-year-old can go camping-and many do, every weekend, all summer long. But it’s not the same as packing a tent for a weekend with friends. With a young child, camping becomes less about adventure and more about comfort, routine, and patience. The good news? You don’t need fancy gear or a perfect plan. You just need to adjust your expectations and prepare for the little things that trip up even the most experienced parents.
Why Camping Works for 5-Year-Olds
At five, kids are curious, energetic, and full of wonder. They’ll stare at fireflies for 20 minutes. They’ll dig holes in the dirt and call them "dinosaur nests." They’ll ask why the stars are so bright and if the trees can talk. That’s the magic of camping with a young child-it’s not about the hike, the campfire stories, or the s’mores. It’s about letting them experience the world without screens, without schedules, without pressure.
Studies show that kids who spend time outdoors before age six develop better focus, sleep more deeply, and have stronger immune systems. A 2023 study from the University of Michigan found that children ages 3-6 who spent at least two nights a month outdoors showed measurable improvements in emotional regulation. Camping doesn’t have to be a week-long trip. Even one night in a nearby state park can make a difference.
What You Actually Need (Not What the Ads Tell You)
You don’t need a $1,200 tent with five rooms. You don’t need a portable changing station or a fold-out kitchen. What you need is:
- A warm, waterproof sleeping bag rated for at least 40°F (4°C)-kids lose heat faster than adults.
- A thin foam pad under their sleeping bag. Grass is hard. Rocks are worse.
- A portable crib or toddler bed if your child won’t sleep in a regular sleeping bag. Many parents swear by the Graco Pack ‘n Play a lightweight, easy-to-set-up play yard that doubles as a safe sleeping space.
- Extra socks, underwear, and pajamas. At least three sets. Wet clothes happen. A lot.
- A small cooler with snacks, juice boxes, and one favorite meal they’ll eat even if they’re tired.
- A headlamp for you. Kids wake up at 3 a.m. and need a bottle, a hug, or a diaper change. You won’t want to fumble for a flashlight.
Leave the fancy camp stove. Use a thermos filled with warm pasta or soup from home. It’s easier, safer, and your child won’t care if it came from a can.
Picking the Right Campsite
Not all campsites are made for 5-year-olds. Avoid places that require hiking to get to your spot. Avoid sites without restrooms. Avoid sites where the nearest bathroom is a 10-minute walk through the dark.
Look for family campsites that offer flush toilets, running water, and picnic tables within 50 feet of your tent. Many state parks and private campgrounds have designated family loops with playgrounds nearby. Some even have splash pads or mini-golf. That’s not a luxury-it’s a survival tool.
Check reviews. Look for phrases like “perfect for toddlers” or “no bugs, no stress.” Avoid sites with tons of reviews saying “great for couples” or “perfect for hikers.” You’re not looking for solitude. You’re looking for safety and convenience.
Bedtime Isn’t the Same Outdoors
At home, bedtime is a ritual: bath, book, cuddle, lights out. Outdoors, that routine breaks down fast. So rebuild it.
- Bring their favorite stuffed animal-even if it’s missing an ear.
- Use the same lullaby or bedtime story you use at home. Play it on a small Bluetooth speaker.
- Keep the tent dark. A nightlight is fine. A phone flashlight is not.
- Let them sleep in the same sleeping bag as you if they’re scared. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than three hours of crying.
Don’t expect them to fall asleep at 8 p.m. They might be wide awake at 10. That’s normal. Stay calm. Sing. Hold them. You’re not failing. You’re parenting.
Food, Snacks, and the Great Snack War
Forget gourmet camping meals. Your 5-year-old won’t eat dehydrated chili. They’ll eat:
- String cheese
- Apple slices
- Crackers with peanut butter
- Granola bars (the kind that don’t melt)
- Mini sandwiches (cut into triangles)
- Hot chocolate in a thermos
Bring twice as much as you think you’ll need. Kids get hungry faster when they’re outside. And they’ll refuse to eat if they’re cold, tired, or scared. Snacks are your peace treaty.
Let them help pack their own snack bag the night before. Give them a choice between two options. That small control makes a huge difference.
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
They’ll cry because the tent is too loud. They’ll panic because a bug flew near them. They’ll refuse to use the bathroom because it’s “scary.” You’ll forget the wipes. You’ll spill juice on the sleeping bag. You’ll realize you packed two pairs of shoes and no socks.
That’s okay.
Here’s what to do:
- Stay calm. Your stress becomes their stress.
- Don’t try to fix everything. Sometimes, all they need is to be held.
- If they’re melting down, go back to the car. Drive to a gas station, get a hot dog, sit in the parking lot, and breathe. You haven’t failed. You’ve adapted.
- Take photos. Not of the sunset. Of their face when they see their first firefly.
Why You Should Try It
Camping with a 5-year-old isn’t about creating Instagram-worthy moments. It’s about teaching them that the world doesn’t need Wi-Fi to be amazing. That trees don’t need batteries to be beautiful. That quiet nights can be full of wonder.
Years from now, they won’t remember if the tent leaked or if they ate cold mac and cheese. They’ll remember the sound of crickets. The smell of pine needles. The way you held them under the stars and whispered, "Look at that."
Start small. One night. A nearby park. A sleeping bag on the ground. No pressure. No checklist. Just you, them, and the dark.
They’ll surprise you.
Is it safe for a 5-year-old to sleep in a tent?
Yes, as long as the tent is secure, weatherproof, and in a safe, well-lit campground. Always choose family-friendly sites with restrooms nearby and no wildlife risks. Keep a flashlight and first aid kit handy. Most kids sleep better in a tent than they do at home once they get used to it.
What if my child is scared of the dark?
Bring a small nightlight or a headlamp with a red filter (it’s gentler on eyes). Let them hold a flashlight. Talk about the sounds they hear-crickets aren’t monsters, they’re nature’s lullaby. Stay calm. Your calmness is their safety net.
Do I need to bring a stroller?
Only if the campsite is large or you plan to walk far. Most family campsites are designed for walking. A lightweight umbrella stroller works fine. But many kids prefer to walk or be carried. Let them set the pace.
How do I handle bathroom needs at night?
Use a portable potty inside the tent for younger kids. For older ones, bring a flashlight and walk with them to the restroom. Practice during the day so they know where it is. Keep a change of clothes and wipes in your nightstand.
Should I bring a tablet or toys?
Bring one small toy-maybe a stuffed animal or a coloring book. But leave the tablet. The goal is to help them connect with the outdoors, not replace it with a screen. If they ask for it, say, "Let’s go find bugs instead."
Next Steps: Your First Camping Trip with a 5-Year-Old
Start with a test run. Pick a weekend in late spring or early fall when it’s not too hot or cold. Choose a site less than an hour from home. Pack light. Sleep in the backyard first to see how your child reacts. Then go for the real thing.
You won’t get it perfect. That’s the point. Camping with a 5-year-old isn’t about control. It’s about presence. And that’s the best gift you can give them.
