We want to start taking camping trips with our three children, ages two, five, and six.  I would appreciate any camping advice, including any dangers to be aware of when camping with small children. By the way, we are on a tight budget.

Laura G.
Westminster, California

We have been taking our two kids (now five and two) on weekend camping trips since each was an infant.  It's a wonderful and inexpensive way to have close family time.   To keep costs down, stay at campsites that don't offer lots of frills. Bring plenty of water and liquid soap for hand washing.  A first aid kit that has calamine lotion, bee sting relief, and children's Tylenol plus the normal band-aid stuff is a must.  I always bring a bag of outside toys such as shovels, pails, balls, and trucks for the boys to play with while we put up the tent and unload the gear.

--Terri A., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I really haven't had any worries about my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter's safety on our trips.  The campfire is hot enough that she knows not to get too close, and we close up the camp stove when it is not in use and keep the lighter out of the way.  If you go to established campgrounds, the main dangers are things like poison ivy and bug bites.

When we began camping, we borrowed everything that we could -- tent, camp stove, mattresses and cookset. Trying out equipment before you invest will help you to determine what size tent you will be comfortable in -- and whether everyone in your family likes camping.

Give each child their own flashlight or light stick.

We "camped out" in my in-law's backyard to try out the equipment.  We learned how to put up the tent without the pressure of having it as the only option for the night.  Our daughter was in a familiar place and felt comfortable.  Her grandparents made a big fuss over her so she felt as if camping was the most wonderful thing.

Plan to stay at least three nights at a campground when possible.  Much of the first day is spent making camp and getting acclimated, and most campgrounds have you check out at midday, so don't stay just one night or you'll spend all your time unpacking and packing!  When you reserve a campsite, try to get one near a water faucet and near the bathrooms -- much time is used trekking for both of these things.

--Beth W., Beverly, Massachusetts

Before letting the children out to explore, it is best if an adult can look around the campsite for dangers.  Other campers may leave behind things you don't want your children playing with or swallowing.  Once we got to a campsite late and it wasn't until the next day that I saw the two-story, shear drop-off hidden behind a few trees just fifty yards from our tent!

--Julie G., Laguna Niguel, California

The library has many books on camping with children, and may also have information and maps for local, state, and national parks.  These can also be obtained for free from the state tourism board or by writing to the park directly.  Equipment can be rented from a local college or university's outing club, or a camping store such as Recreational Equipment Inc. (call 1-800-426-4840 for retail locations or a catalog).  Do not skimp on comfort items, such as camping mattresses.  Skip the freeze-dried prepackaged food.  It is expensive and tastes, well, freeze-dried.  Canned soup, spaghetti, and hot dogs are cheaper and just as easy to prepare.  Do not forget treats that give your little campers added incentive to finish a hike or camp chores.

Try to find a campsite that has flush, rather than pit, toilets.  If there are showers, so much the better.  You want your children to experience the great outdoors, but not be really uncomfortable.

At first, plan to go on easy day hikes.  Teach your children to stay on the trail, so they don't trample the vegetation or get into poison ivy or poison oak.  Do not touch or feed wildlife.  Use both sunscreen and insect repellent, preferably those without the chemical DEET.

Always carry a first-aid kit and stay current in your CPR certification.

 It sounds like a lot to learn, but it all amounts to being prepared.

--Nicole A. B., Marysville, Washington

My favorite places to camp are National Forest Campgrounds.  They tend to be family-oriented and peaceful.  Our family of four is usually the noisiest!  In some popular campgrounds it is advantageous to arrive during the early afternoon to get a good spot, or make a reservation. If you have a toddler, it's best to find a level campsite.  We discovered this when my son was one; he was continually tripping and hitting his head.

Private campgrounds are more crowded and expensive, but sometimes have a swimming pool and hot showers.  Our children have been just as happy with a mountain stream nearby.

--Ginny H., Nickerson, Nebraska

Keep meals simple.  Sandwiches, bagels, or cereal may not sound like real camping food, but they satisfy hungry stomachs and take little preparation.  We enjoy hot dogs over the fire and "foil burgers" cooked in the coals of the fire.  Wash fresh produce before leaving home.  I fry bacon at home to reduce cooking time and mess while camping.

Camp with friends.  With another family, the children entertain each other, there are more adults to care for the children and for chores, and you can share equipment.

Take advantage of campground activities.  Hiking, swimming, boat rental, biking, and naturalist programs are available at many parks.  And when it rains, be prepared with a few games, or go for a drive to see the area.

--Karen H., Grantville, Pennsylvania

Keep your expectations in line with the kids' abilities.  Don't plan an elaborate back-packing or bicycle trip to start with!  Keep meals simple.  Everything tastes better cooked on a campfire.

We invested in a larger tent that would fit a porta-crib.  Our little girls felt cozy in their cribs despite the strange surroundings.  Also, the crib safely kept them from wandering during critical times when we had a blazing fire going and were preoccupied with food preparation.
Plan a day at home to clean up and put stuff away after your camping vacation.

--Karen L., Albion, California

Take your time getting camping supplies.  Invest in a two-burner camp stove that uses propane.  Cooking over a fire can be difficult.

Be careful around fire.  We make a boundary around the fire pit by looping a rope on the ground in a big circle, far enough away so that our young son could not fall in it if he tripped.  He can't go past the line unless he is holding an adult's hand.

Use a children's harness if you plan to hike in a "dangerous" area with cliffs, lakes, etc.  Our son will often ask to wear it, as it means that he does not always have to hold hands!

Keep your expectations low.  Camping with children means that you need more "down time" just relaxing and playing around the camp.  We love camping and so do our children.  In fact, our son has requested a camping trip for his birthday!

--Tracy C., Urbana, Illinois