Why camping with kids is a great idea
Camping is the perfect way for families to spend time in nature, escape the stresses of everyday life, and create unforgettable experiences together. But anyone camping with children knows that careful planning is crucial—especially when it comes to things like sleep, hygiene, and food.
For me, camping is exclusive daddy-daughter time . My wife isn't the biggest camping fan, so I take the opportunity to spend some quality time outdoors with my two daughters. There's nothing better than sitting around a campfire together, going on exciting night hikes, or enjoying nature early in the morning. But I've also learned that camping with children requires the right mix of planning, flexibility, and a few clever solutions to common challenges.
Here are my best tips from years of experience – including the secret weapon for peaceful nights at the campsite!
BOXIO SANITARY | Mobile bathroom
Proper planning & preparation
Finding the right mix of luggage
The biggest dilemma when camping with children is packing: Too much luggage is annoying, too little can quickly become a problem . Especially in bad weather, you need an infinite amount of clothes – but in sunshine, almost nothing. A good compromise: It's better to bring a few extra things that can be packed away small than to end up sitting in a wet sweater.
Choosing the right campsite
A family-friendly campsite should have the following characteristics:
- Clean sanitary facilities – ideally with child-friendly toilets
- Play areas – playground, swimming pool or natural areas
- Car-free areas – for more safety while playing
- Children's program – animation offers or supervised activities
- Good infrastructure – supermarket, restaurant or barbecue facilities
Personal experience: When we arrive at a campsite, my daughters usually disappear into the playground within a few minutes and make new friends. While I calmly set up the tent, they're completely in their element.
Tip: Book popular campsites early during peak season!
Checklist: What do I need to take with me?
The packing list varies depending on the type of camping (tent, RV, or glamping). However, these basic items should never be missing:
- Sleeping gear: Warm sleeping bags, sleeping mats or air mattresses
- Hygiene: wet wipes, wash basin, camping toilet for the night
- Kitchen: gas stove, cool box, dishes, water canister
- Safety: First aid kit, flashlights, insect repellent
- Fun & Activities: Books, games, painting supplies, ball, bicycle
Pro tip: Before your first camping trip, do a test camp in your backyard or at a nearby spot! This is often helpful for checking your gear for the new season.
Camping equipment: These gadgets make life easier
The game-changer product for quiet nights: A camping toilet
Unfortunately, we didn't have a BOXIO TOILET the first few times , but once we did, it changed everything. Parents who have been camping before know the problem: The kids don't go to sleep until late because the campsite is bright, loud, and full of excitement. At 5:30 a.m., the sun rises, the birds start singing—and the night is over. But the worst part is when someone needs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
With their own toilet in the awning, children can easily crawl through the tent, sit down, and quickly disappear back into their sleeping bags without everyone being awake. It also gives them incredible independence during the day. The BOXIO is the perfect size, so even a 3-year-old can easily use it on their own.
Cooler: Fresh food even without electricity
Especially with children, it's important to have fresh snacks and drinks on hand at all times. The BOXIO COOL ensures that we don't have to go to the supermarket every day, but ideally only once per camping trip.
Gas cooker: Safe and stable cooking solution
I used to have a small camping stove with fold-out legs. It cooked quickly, but it also caused a few kitchen mishaps. Once, my spaghetti pot tipped over right before I finished cooking – and I was really hungry! Since then, I've been using the BOXIO COOK , which is much more stable and saves me from such disasters.
Sleeping while camping – How to keep children relaxed
My daughters sleep better camping than they do at home – probably because they're out and about all day. Cozy sleeping bags and their favorite stuffed animals are a must. As an adult, I don't always sleep perfectly, because I get a child's arm in my face every two hours and regularly check to see if everyone is still tucked in. But that's part of the fun.
Keeping children busy on the go: Boredom? Not a problem!
A campsite is a real adventure for children. Our favorite spot in Schwaan near Rostock has a great swimming spot on the Warnow River and a large playground. We enjoy canoeing, biking, and hiking to the nearest ice cream shop.
Our absolute highlight, however, is night hikes . Walking through the forest with flashlights, listening to animal sounds, and then finishing with a warm cup of cocoa—it doesn't get any better than that!
The best destinations for camping with children in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
My absolute favorites:
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Schwaan near Rostock – Our favorite campsite with swimming area, canoe rental and playground -> Book now
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Markgrafenheide (Baltic Sea) – Perfect for beach camping ->
Book now
- Havelberge campsite (Mecklenburg Lake District) – ideal for canoeing tours and nature lovers -> Book now
The great thing about camping is that you don't have to travel far to immerse yourself in a new world. Often, a half-hour drive is all it takes – and paradise is at your feet.
If these campsites are too far for you, I have researched other great campsites in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania:
BOXIO SANITARY | Mobile bathroom
Top 5 campsites on the Baltic Sea
1. Campingpark Kühlungsborn
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Description: A 5-star campsite directly on the Baltic Sea with a wellness area, sauna, gym, supermarket, and restaurant. Ideal for families and Baltic Sea lovers.
Link: Campingpark Kühlungsborn
2. Baltic Sea Camp Dierhagen
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Description: This campsite is located on the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula and offers direct access to the fine Baltic Sea beach, modern sanitary facilities and numerous water sports opportunities.
Link: Ostseecamp D ierhagen
3. Ostseebad Rerik Camping Park
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Description: A family-friendly campsite with tent lodges, yoga classes, campfire evenings, and a bistro serving regional delicacies. Perfect for a relaxing Baltic Sea vacation.
Link: Ostseebad Rerik Camping Park
4. Wellness Camp Dune 6
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Description: Ideal for those seeking relaxation, this campsite is close to the beach and offers numerous wellness options and children's entertainment.
Link: Wellness Camp Dune 6
5. Baltic Sea Camping “Am Salzhaff”
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Description: Located directly on the shallow Salzhaff, this site is particularly suitable for families with small children and water sports enthusiasts. A beach bar and numerous recreational activities complete the offering.
Link: Baltic Sea Camping “Am Salzhaff”
Top 5 campsites in the Mecklenburg Lake District
1. Ecktannen campsite
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Description: This campsite is located on the southern shore of Lake Müritz and offers spacious pitches amidst pristine nature. Ideal for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Link: Ecktannen campsite
2. Campsite at Drewensee
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Description: Located directly on Lake Drewensee, this site offers pitches with lake views, a natural swimming area and numerous water sports opportunities such as canoe rentals and fishing.
Link: Campsite at Dr e wensee
3. Campsite at Leppinsee
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Description: A quiet nature campsite in the heart of Müritz National Park, ideal for canoeists, cyclists, and nature lovers. Perfect for camping in untouched nature.
Link: Campsite at Leppinsee
4. Nature Camping Two Lakes
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Description: Beautiful site directly on Lake Plau with its own private beach, boat rentals, and child-friendly amenities. Ideal for families who want to combine swimming and nature.
Link: Nature Camping Two Lakes
5. Campsite at Lake Userin
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Description: Idyllic campsite surrounded by forests and located directly on the lake. Perfect for hikers, canoeists, and families looking for peace and quiet.
Link: Campsite at Lake Userin
This selection offers a balanced mix of the best campsites on the Baltic Sea and in the Mecklenburg Lake District, ideal for different preferences and needs.
7. Frequently asked questions about camping with children (FAQ)
- At what age can you go camping with children? Even 3 years old is fine.
- Which is better: camping or a campervan? It depends on your comfort needs – we love the classic tent!
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How do you avoid stress when camping with children? Good planning, enough food, and not too much planning.
8. Conclusion
Camping with children can be a wonderful experience if you're well-prepared. A private toilet, a reliable cooler, and a portable sink make the stay much more relaxing. With these tips, nothing stands in the way of a successful family adventure in nature! 🌿🏕️
