As we kick off the new year, my husband and I are planning our 2024 summer getaway—and that means securing our family camping spot early. With our daughter now in school, we're locked into peak season, building excitement with advance bookings. If you're seeking a family-friendly summer holiday, I've compiled essential tips for camping with children based on our firsthand adventures. Ditching hotels for campsites was a game-changer—here's what we've learned to ensure hassle-free fun!
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We're not seasoned campers by trade—before kids, we jetted off to distant islands or explored far-flung spots off-season for savings and serenity. Now, with our family of three and school schedules, we're focusing on nearby escapes. Peak-season prices push us toward value-packed camping with a touch of luxury. Last year's French adventure hooked us; we're returning, Prosecco in hand at our favorite Italian-style site.
Camping shines for kids—our daughter thrived outdoors, splashing in pools and sleeping soundly, giving us relaxed family time. We picked a cozy Loire Valley site, mindful of our first long drive with her. No car tablet yet; instead, a colleague's pro tip saved the day: invest in kid-friendly audiobooks.
We grabbed Pluk van de Petteflet—a smash hit! She was mesmerized for hours by Pluk, Aagje, and Mrs. Helderder's tales. (We've memorized it now.) Check popular options below.
Read also: more tips on road trips with children
For longer hauls to France, seek child-friendly highway aires with picnics, playgrounds, and trampolines. Last year, a bouncy castle stop was pure joy—pack sandwiches and coffee, let them play out energy, then roll on.
Read also: prioritize safety with Isofix car seats
France boasts diverse campsites, so weigh large vs. small based on your kids' ages and vibe. We favor compact, car-free sites for toddlers—safer for independent exploration.
Pro tip: Pack a balance bike; ours zipped laps happily.
Large sites suit older kids with entertainment galore, but little ones risk getting lost. We skip heavy animation—a pool, ball, and bike suffice. Smaller spots foster quick friendships too.
Geared light, we rented a furnished tent last year and loved it—repeating this summer. Buying our own? Tempting post-success, but hauling gear, sleeping kits, kitchenware, tables, and chairs for weeks daunts us.
A veteran camper friend quipped: 'It's a full migration—car stuffed, kids wedged in.' Print a customizable camping checklist to stay organized, even for glamping.
True adventurers skip reservations: linger long or bail if meh, chase sun with a solid guidebook. France has spots even in peak season—search online for guides.
We lean glamping: safari or bungalow tents on small-scale sites. Providers offer luxuries like private bathrooms, loungers, hammocks—tailor to taste. Seek Dutch-run spots in the countryside for that dream escape. Perfect for luxury-loving campers.
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