Camping with Kids: Tips, Packing List, and Campsites!

Camping with kids is a lot of fun and can be an adventure your children will never forget. However, it's important to plan ahead and make sure you're prepared for everything! We'll share our best tips for a family camping holiday.

A family holiday at a campsite is fantastic. In the morning, you just open the door, and the kids are already outside exploring the site in their pajamas or meeting new friends.

There's so much to discover, no fixed meal times, no need to dress up the kids – everything is completely relaxed.

Many families who want to try camping with kids for the first time aren't sure what type of camping is right for them or what to consider for such a holiday.

We're here to help and share everything you need to know about camping with kids.

What are the advantages of camping with kids?

Relaxed holiday

Kids love to explore and play. They can keep themselves busy all day at the campsite and play with their new friends. This allows you as parents to relax and enjoy your time.

Many campsites also offer children's entertainment and childcare.

Spontaneity

Another plus: camping offers a lot of spontaneity. You can decide in the morning to literally pack up your tents and drive to a campsite with a different view, or stay longer in the same spot.

You can visit a nearby amusement park or, after a day at the beach, prepare the kids' favorite meal together. On a camping holiday, you and your family decide when and where to go, completely spontaneously.

Camping with kids of all ages

A holiday in a tent or campervan is excellent for children of all ages. If parents are bringing a toddler, a campervan offers plenty of storage space for baby equipment like strollers and toiletries.

In the evenings, you can relax and gaze at the starry sky in front of the campervan while the little ones sleep soundly.

With children, parents' time management often goes awry, so it's an advantage to have your own kitchen in the campervan and not be tied to fixed meal times.

Many young parents opt for a campervan rather than a tent for their first camping trips because it's much easier.

Additionally, camping is a fantastic way to spend time with family and create lasting memories for the children.

A night hike with the family, an overnight stay in a tent, or a visit to a campsite that offers an entertainment program – the kids are sure to talk about these experiences for a long time.

Rent a camper now!

There's something for everyone

A camping holiday can be versatile and, most importantly, tailored to everyone's interests.

For sun worshippers, a trip to the beach or pool with a sun hat, plenty of sunscreen, and a cooler with refreshing drinks is recommended.

If you like to explore the surroundings, you can grab a bike. In many places, it's possible to rent bicycles, e-bikes, or wagons.

Evenings can be made unforgettable with a night hike with the kids, especially if there's a campfire afterwards.

Many campsites also offer great activities directly on site. These include children's entertainment, tennis courts, water sports areas, and even cinemas. For adults, there are various activities such as wine tastings and cabaret.

And if it rains? Then visit a museum or spend the day playing board games.

Tip: Family-friendly campsites are particularly popular. Therefore, plan your family camping trip in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season.

Camping with kids: campervan or tent?

Before choosing a campsite, you should ask yourself the most fundamental question: campervan or tent?

Many camping enthusiasts prefer a more robust roof over their heads and enjoy traveling in a camper. It offers protection from rain and is much more comfortable, especially for families with small children.

Most campers even have a kitchen and a small bathroom, so you can stop at a pitch without sanitary facilities.

If you desire more comfort, some campsites offer bungalows, holiday cabins, or mobile homes in addition to pitches, which retain the charm of a camping holiday.

Especially in autumn and winter, such camping accommodations are a great alternative to a tent or campervan.

Which campers are suitable for camping with kids?

You want to rent a camper for your family holiday and are wondering which one is best suited for camping with kids? Here are a few pointers to help you decide.

Camping with three kids: VW California Beach

Our VW California Beach is no-frills but still ideal for camping. The VW campervan has 3 individual seats, a wide bed, and a pop-up roof, offering space for four people. There's also a cool box, and a mobile gas stove can be booked as an add-on to ensure you don't miss out on culinary delights while camping. You'll find space for luggage in the rear and inside the vehicle.

Learn more about the VW California Beach now!

Camping with two kids: VW California Coast

The VW California Ocean is equipped with two individual seats that can be converted into a double bed. Additionally, the camper has a pop-up roof, allowing four people to sleep in the vehicle.

The vehicle also features a kitchenette with a refrigerator, gas stove, and ample storage options for your luggage.

A highlight for the kids on warmer days is the outdoor shower in the rear.

Learn more about the VW California Ocean now!

Camping with kids: Camping comfort with the VW Grand California

Do you want to travel with the whole family but don't want to compromise on comfort and freedom? The VW Grand California offers many advantages.

Our motorhome not only boasts an impressive vehicle height, finally allowing dad to stand upright inside, but also thoughtful features for a perfectly successful camping holiday.

The wet room impresses with a hot water shower and toilet, while a practical outdoor shower is also found in the rear.

The well-equipped kitchenette features gas hobs, a cool box, and ample storage space for all cooking utensils.

The cozy seating areas include a children's double bed with a panoramic window and another double bed in the rear, ideal for a family of four. With two separate beds, sleeping comfort is also perfectly rounded off.

Furthermore, the vehicle is already equipped with camping accessories, including chairs and a table – everything to make your next camping trip unforgettable.

Learn more about the VW Grand California now!

Knaus Tourer Van: The camper for a family outing

Our Knaus Tourer Van offers everything you need for an unforgettable travel experience.

The motorhome features a spacious dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and sleeping berths for up to four people.

The wet room impresses with a convertible shower cabin and a toilet, making the vehicle particularly family-friendly and flexible for any type of trip.

The four sleeping berths, with bed dimensions of 194x140 cm in the front and on the slide-out bed, ensure restful nights on the road.

The full kitchen includes a two-burner gas hob, a sink, a refrigerator with a freezer compartment, and a generous work surface.

Additionally, the motorhome scores with a small rear garage for extra storage space and blackout blinds as well as mosquito nets on all windows and doors.

The equipment also includes two premium camping chairs and a table for outdoor use, an awning, a 27" Smart TV, a 230V power connection, a diesel auxiliary heater, and a 100W solar system – all to ensure comfort and independence during your journey.

Learn more about the Knaus Tourer Van now!

The Knaus Van Wave for your camping holiday

The Knaus Van Wave combines generous space with thoughtful features to elevate your travel experience. The Knaus caravan is the ideal choice for adventurers who don't want to compromise on comfort.

With a spacious dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, sleeping berths for up to four adults, and a wet room with shower and toilet, this vehicle offers everything needed for camping with kids.

The bed dimensions in the rear and the drop-down bed ensure restful sleep, while the full kitchen with a two-burner gas hob, a sink, a large refrigerator with a freezer compartment, and a generous work surface provides culinary delights on the go.

Practical details such as a large rear garage, blackout blinds, mosquito nets, two premium camping chairs, an outdoor table, a 27" Smart TV, an awning, a 230V power connection, and a diesel auxiliary heater make this motorhome a perfect companion for any trip.

Learn more about the Knaus Van Wave now!

Our online camper consultation

Are you unsure which camper best suits you and your family?

Our online camper consultation is available to help you choose the optimal companion for your needs. Simply select the features that are most important to you, and you'll receive personalized recommendations tailored precisely to your requirements.

Go to the online camper consultation!

The packing list for camping with kids

Do you dread packing every time and check ten times whether this or that has been packed? We know the feeling! Especially when camping with kids, you feel like you have to think of 1000 things.

To save you this headache in the future, we've put together a kids' packing list for you. This way, the whole family can start their holiday worry-free.

• First-aid kit
• Rubber boots
• Trainers and activewear
• Rain jacket & rain trousers
• Hoodie
• Slippers
• Sun hat or cap
• Pyjamas and cuddly toy
• Bathrobe & towel
• Kids' sunscreen
• Kids' toiletries
• Insect repellent
• Medication
• Swimwear
• Armbands
• Toys & coloring supplies
• Board games
• Books
• Bottles
• Pacifiers
• Bicycle or scooter
• Bluetooth speaker
• Child car seat
• Bed rail for the campervan bed

You can find a general packing list with all camping tips here.

The best campsites for camping with kids in Austria

Our recommendations are for campsites that are particularly kid-friendly but also offer parents a break thanks to wellness oases.

1. Ferienparadies Nattersee, Tyrol

A secret tip for all parents with active and adventurous children is Camping at Natterer See.

The children's campsite by the enchanted lake not only offers a haven of relaxation for children and parents but also plenty of opportunities for adventure.

For families who want to explore the surroundings by bike, Landhotel Seppl offers e-bike rentals.

2. Inselcamp, Attersee

On the southern shore of Lake Attersee, nestled between Schafberg and Höllengebirge, lies the Inselcamp campsite. The turquoise-blue Seeache, located right on its doorstep, offers classic Salzkammergut flair with its calm waters and wooded surroundings.

A children's playground, a football pitch, a small mini-golf course, a public lido, and much more are in the immediate vicinity – ideal for families with children who seek not only peace and relaxation but also fun in the mountains and on the water.

3. Camp Mondseeland, Salzkammergut

The Camp Mondseeland campsite has a modern and spacious climbing park with a slide, suspension bridges, and a rope jungle. A swing, a sand construction site, and a football pitch are, of course, also available.

Here, children's hearts beat faster, and a family holiday in the Salzkammergut becomes an unforgettable experience.

4. Terrassen Camping Ossiacher See, Carinthia

The Terrassen Camping Ossiacher See campsite offers a diverse range of activities for children with five playgrounds, a large indoor adventure playground, a children's beach, childcare, and entertainment (July and August).

Here you'll find sports tournaments, children's tents, trampolines, water slides, and opportunities for beach volleyball, streetball, badminton, table tennis, tennis, football, and various water sports.

Nearby are also the Ossiacher See Climbing Forest and the Ossiach Summer Toboggan Run.

The ideal campsite for adventurous families.

Conclusion: Camping with kids

Camping with kids is a wonderful way to holiday together. Nowhere else do you feel as free and unconstrained as when camping. With our tips, you're ready for your holiday. Enjoy quality time as a family and start your first shared adventure in a campervan now!