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

Camping with kids is a lot of fun and can be an adventure they'll 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 trip.

A family vacation 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 uncomplicated.

Many families who want to try camping with kids for the first time aren't sure which type of camping is right for them or what needs to be considered for such a vacation.

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 Vacation

Kids love to explore and play. They can keep themselves busy all day at the campsite and play with their new friends. As parents, you can lean back and enjoy the time.

Many campsites also offer children's entertainment and childcare.

Spontaneity

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

You can drive to a nearby amusement park or prepare the kids' favorite meal together after a day at the beach. On a camping trip, you and your family decide when and where to go, all on a whim.

Camping with Kids of All Ages

A vacation in a tent or motorhome is excellent for children of all ages. If parents bring a toddler, a motorhome offers plenty of storage space for baby equipment like strollers and hygiene items.

In the evening, you can relax and watch the starry sky in front of the motorhome while the little ones sleep peacefully.

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

Many young parents opt for a motorhome 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 kids.

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 will surely talk about these experiences for a long time.

Rent a camper now!

There's something for everyone

A camping vacation 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 provide unforgettable experiences with a night hike with the kids, especially if there's a campfire afterward.

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 in a motorhome or a tent?

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

Many camping enthusiasts want a more robust roof over their heads and prefer to travel with 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. This means you can stop at a pitch without sanitary facilities.

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

Especially in autumn and winter months, such camping accommodations are an alternative to a tent or motorhome.

Which campers are suitable for camping with kids?

You want to rent a camper for your family vacation and are wondering which one is best suited for camping with kids? Here are a few pointers that can help you make your decision.

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 so 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. This means four people can sleep in the vehicle.

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

The 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 a well-thought-out interior for a perfectly successful camping vacation.

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 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 family outings

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 194×140 cm in the front and on the slide-out bed, ensure restful nights on the road.

The full kitchen includes a two-burner gas stove, 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 vacation

The Knaus Van Wave combines generous space with thoughtful features to elevate your travel experience. The Knaus motorhome 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 a 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 stove, 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 then 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 vacation worry-free.

• First-aid kit
• Rubber boots
• Sneakers and activewear
• Rain jacket & rain pants
• Hoodie
• Slippers
• Sun hat or cap
• Pajamas and cuddly toy
• Bathrobe & towel
• Kids' sunscreen
• Kids' toiletries
• Insect repellent
• Medications
• Swimwear
• Armbands
• Toys & coloring supplies
• Board games
• Books
• Bottles
• Pacifiers
• Bicycle or scooter
• Bluetooth speaker
• Car seat
• Bed rail for the motorhome 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 enchanting lake not only offers a recreational oasis for children and parents but also plenty of opportunities for adventure.

For families who want to explore the surroundings by bike, the 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. The swing, sand construction site, and football pitch are, of course, also present.

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

4. Terrassen Camping Ossiacher See, Carinthia

The Terrassen Camping Ossiacher See campsite offers a wide 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 vacation together. Nowhere else do you feel as free and unconstrained as when camping. With our tips, you're ready for your vacation. Enjoy your time together as a family and start your first joint adventure with a campervan now!