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Our Camping Experience: Reality vs. Expectations
What worked (And what we’d do different next time)
Packing List
Safety, Sleep & Feeding Tips for Real Life

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Keeping My Promise: Why We Said Yes to Camping with Baby

I promised myself that when our baby came, he would integrate into our life, and we would not skip out of opportunities because it could be “too hard”. Well, when I got a call asking if we’d like to go camping with our friends and their two toddlers, I immediately shut down the idea as 1,000 different thoughts raced through my mind.
What if he got too cold at night or hot during the day?
What snacks would I bring?
How would I get his sleeping space dark enough during naps? How would he even nap?
What if he refused to sleep at night.
And the list went on and on.

As per usual, I mostly heard the bad stories like, “oh we had a terrible experience, our baby did x,y and z.”. However, there were a few positive experiences in the mix of conversations that made me reconsider, and decide yes, let’s DO IT. If not for the experience, to keep the promise to my pregnant self.

In this blog post, I outline how we managed, what worked and didn’t, why it ended up being fun and something we will continue to do. I also share what our days looked like, and even our packing list (with links and product reviews).

Our Camping Experience: Reality vs. Expectations

Before we left, I had a very specific picture in my head of how this would go. And I feared for the worst. I imagined naps being a disaster, me frantically maxing out the sound machine, trying to rock a too tired baby while sitting cross legged, food getting cold while we tag-teamed soothing, and all of us sleeping like garbage (if at all). I had minimal confidence we’d actually enjoy ourselves.

But once we got there, everything ending up being much simpler than I had expected. Maybe it was the fresh air or the lack of stimulation. But our baby? He settled in and was his same happy-go-lucky self. Naps weren’t perfect, but they were completely fine. We had one car nap, but all others with in the pack n’play in the tent using the SlumberPod. He was warm at night, cool during the day, stayed happy, and spent most of the trip pointing at trees and clapping (a new found skillset).

We watched the sun rise in cozy hammocks, ate warm meals by the fire, and even laughed about how not stressful it was. That’s not to say it was effortless, but it was completely doable. And, honestly, it was enjoyable.

I left that weekend not just proud of us, but genuinely excited to do it again. It reminded me that babies are more adaptable than we give them credit for— and that often times the biggest barrier is our own stress and anxiety, not their ability to handle change.

Why It Went Surprisingly Well

Looking back, I think a few key things made this trip smoother than I had expected.

1. We planned like it would be hard (so it wasn’t)

I fully expected this trip to be a challenge (perhaps even miserable), so I over-prepared. I had backup meals, backup sleep options, extra layers, extra wipes, and even a separate bag just for “what if” moments. Queue my husband and I getting in arguements over me bring too much stuff. However, because of that, when things did go sideways (like when he blew out his diaper during breakfast), we weren’t scrambling. I was ready.

2. We kept our expectations low

This was not a trip for epic hikes or Instagram-perfect moments. My only goal was to spend time outside as a family and see how it went. To test the waters and understand if camping was in our future. That mindset helped us enjoy the wins. Like a slow morning cozied up in the hammocks or a successful night’s sleep, without stressing about the rest.

3. Our baby is, admittedly, pretty tolerant

This part I can’t take credit for. He’s used to being on the go, has always been adaptable to new environments, and genuinely loves being around people and places. I know every baby is different, so I want to be honest: his temperament made this trip easy. That said, even if your baby isn’t naturally “go with the flow,” I still think the structure of camping (fresh air, new sights and sounds, a slower pace) can be regulating. It pulls you out of the overstimulation of everyday life and into something simpler, something sensory. For some babies, that shift might not just be manageable, it might be exactly what they need.

4. We chose the right kind of trip

We kept it simple: two nights, a couple hours from home, with friends who are parents themselves. That meant support if we needed it, no pressure to “push through,” and the option to pack up if it all fell apart. Just having that back up plan, and knowing we might have to execute on it made a huge difference in deciding to go.

5. We built in margin

We didn’t schedule much. We gave ourselves room to follow his rhythms. Whether that meant an impromptu nap in the carrier or just watching the trees sway from a camp chair. That flexibility gave the whole trip a rhythm that felt manageable, not forced. We did go to dinner one night, and had some beach time scheduled, but other than that, we just allowed the days to happen to us.

What Worked (and What We’d Do Differently Next Time)

What Worked

• The SlumberPod + Pack n’play setup
  This was a total game-changer. It gave him a pitch dark, quiet space to nap. Even in the middle of the day with people around. We paired it with the Hatch Rest Go and a portable fan, and he actually took a few 2+ hour long naps.
• Overpacking on layers, blankets and different sleepsack TOG weights.
  It got colder than I was hoping for, but we had plenty of extra gear: sleep sacks, heavy onesies, even a knit beanie for the mornings. I’d rather be overprepared than waking up in the middle of the night wondering if Ezra was too cold.
• Flexible nap mindset
  We didn’t try to force naps exactly on schedule. Most naps happened in the tent, one in the car because it was so hot. Being open to both helped us follow his cues instead of fighting them.
• Lots of snacks
  We brought a lot of snacks. Yes, we brought pouches and melts and the like, but I also brought more satiating and calorie dense snacks like cheese, hard boiled eggs, etc. Having snacks bought us time when we needed it and I was less worried if he wasn’t eating as much during his meals.
• Going with other parents
  There’s just an unspoken rhythm when you camp with friends who are also in the trenches of parenting. No one flinched at a diaper change mid-dinner or leaving the lake early to put him down for a nap.

What I’d Do Differently

• Bring a bigger playard.
  My baby is active, had just started crawling and standing, and wanted to be MOVING. The playard we have does not allow for much movement, and I think he’d have enjoyed himself a bit more and would have been less clingy if he had some more room to move around.
• More shade on our tent for daytime
  Our campsite was great, we just chose the wrong place to put the tent. The sun was directly on the tent during the afternoon nap, which caused the tent to get upwards of 85 degrees. (This is why I did a car nap, was just a bit too hot). Next time, we will choose a spot that is fully shaded, especially during the afternoon.
• Bring a changing pad.
  While most of the diapered happened in the tent, it would have been nice to have brought a changing pad, that I could change him when we were around the fire, or on a table. Not a big deal, just would have made it a little easier.
• Bring a hiking stroller
  We have the Nuna Ubrn + TRVL stroller, which is amazing, just not for hiking trails. My friend let me borror their BOB, which did amazing on the trails.
• Baby monitor
  We didn’t use a baby monitor because there was no power hook up. We were right next to the tent the whole time, so I could hear him. But in the future, I might bring one just to have on hand.

What We Packed for Camping with a 10‑Month‑Old

Here’s a breakdown of what we brought (and actually used). For the full, detailed packing list with options, click here to view my Google Sheet.

Sleep Essentials

SlumberPod: Creates a dark, cozy sleep zone anywhere so your baby actually rests, even in broad daylight or noisy campsites.

Graco Pack and Play Portable Crib: The Graco Pack ‘n Play is our go-to travel crib—sturdy, reliable, and still like new after plenty of use. The full-size bassinet is perfect for younger babies, and it sets up or packs down in seconds. No frills, just incredibly functional.

Hatch Rest Go sound machine: Drowns out campground chatter and nighttime wildlife, so sleep isn’t interrupted. You can find the dupe here, which works just as good.

Portable fan: Any Battery Operated Stroller Fan is a must if you’re using a SlumberPod. It fits perfectly behind the top mesh panel for steady air circulation (which you definitely want). Battery-powered and portable, it easily attaches to a stroller, car seat, or anywhere you need.. The legs are incredly maneuverable so there’s not a lot of spots it won’t attach onto. You can buy the slumberpod fan if you prefer to stay within the brand.

Pack and play mattress with fitted sheet: The Graco Pack and Play mattress can be a bit firm, so we added a separate CertiPUR-US certified foam topper that our baby loves. This organic, OEKO-TEX certified option is soft and fits the Pack ‘n Play base perfectly. Pair it with sheets (sold separately) that come in dozens of colors and patterns.

Night Time Sleep Sack( ErgoPouch Baby Sleep Sack 3.5 TOG): This was our go-to warm sleep sack for nighttime, and our baby slept great even when temperatures dipped into the low 50s. It has fold-over hand covers and can be worn as a traditional sleep sack or with separate legs. With our baby standing and crawling, the two-leg option was perfect, and he loved it.

Daytime Sleep Sack (Yoofoss Baby Sleep Sack 0.5 TOG): Although labeled 0–6 months, my 11-month-old still uses these daily. The soft cotton makes them perfect for warm-weather naps while camping, especially on hotter days.

Feeding & Food

Feeding chair: I purchased the Baby Delight Go with Me Venture Portable Chair for this camping trip becuase it was the #1 seller on Amazon and had a 4.7 rating. But, personally I did not love it. We were stuck with it the whole trip.

I wish I had packed my Tiny Marvels Portable 3-in-1 Baby Booster instead, which is lower to ground and easier to use and clean.

High Chair: Another option is to use a table chair (A high chair that clips on to the table and doesn’t have legs). We have the Inglesina Fast Table Chair, and if you’re camping and know there will be a sturdy table that can hold your baby’s weight, this is another great option. We bring ours everywhere we travel.

Pouches and easy finger foods: I love the Serenity Kids Meat + Veggie Pouches. These are great on-the-go. The ingredients are clean, and provide nutrient dense snacks vs. the fruit heavy alternatives. You can buy these pouches 1-off at most stores, and it might be smart to do so, especially for the varieties like salmon. You don’t want to be stuck with a few if your baby hates them since they aren’t cheap.

Tommee Tippee Starter Straw Cup: Great for camping. Completely leak-proof, easy to grip, and you can monitor how much water they’re drinking, which is important when it’s hot out. It has a straw cover, which is ideal when you’re camping and there’s dirt, smoke, etc., everywhere.

Baby snacks: We brought a few different options of baby snacks, like Once Upon A Farm Snack Puffs and Yogurt melts, that can basically be eaten anywhere.

Plate and bowl: I already have the Lalo First Bites Silicone Baby Set, and this worked just fine for us. Most of the time, I just used the tray on the feeding chair, so I didn’t use plates much. Depending on the age of your baby, you might be able to save yourself some space and not pack a plate.

Play & Entertainment

Pop ‘n Go Playpen: If the site is small, not shaded or if you have limited packing room, this is a great option! It’s mesh so baby can see through it and still feel a part of the action, and you can zip your baby in, which helps if there are a lot of bugs. Plus this specific option comes with a mosquito net. It’s durable and rugged, this is a must have. The exact brand that I have is no longer available, so the Pop n’Go is a great choice.

Toys (crinkle, stacking cups): I brought most of our baby’s favorite toys, and prioritized the ones that didn’t take up much space, like the stacking cups. Keeps your baby occupied for awhile on their own in the playpen. We bought a few new toys as well, like the Mushie Shape Sorting Box, to be something fresh and new to play with.

Books: I brought a few books as reading before naps and bedtime is part of our routine. I tried to keep as much familiarity as possible, to help support consistency for our baby. The books have always been the main trigger to indicate it’s time to go down, so this helped provide that queue while we were camping.

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Hiking Backpack: This is a great hiking backpack. It’s incredibly comfortable for long hikes, and the metal frame to set your child down is great.

BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller: I borrowed this Bob stroller during one of our hikes and it performed exceptionally on the offroad traiils. If you’re wanting a great hiking stroller, this one performs well.

Safety & Health

First-aid kit (with baby-safe essentials): It’s always worth being prepared and having a first aid kit on hand when you’re camping.

Baby sunscreen and bug spray: I use a few different types of sunscreen. I use doterra’s sunscreen for our baby’s body, and then use either the Roe Wellness- Kids SPF 50 Brush On Mineral Sunscreen Powder or Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick. Both work great, but I will say the brush on is the easiest, least amount of fuss.

Infant Tylenol, Teething roll on and Thermometer (just in case): If you’re in the age range of 6mo – 1 year, I highly recommend bringing all three of these items. I haven’t had to use them while camping, but it brings peace of mind knowing that you have these available to check for a fever, etc.

Parent and General Camping Gear

Ryobi Power Inverter Power Deck: Perfect for camping, this lets you charge your phone, sound machine, fans—basically anything you need to keep the campsite running smoothly. It lasts a long time on two Ryobi 40V batteries, and you can always pack extras for even more power. Can last upwards of 8 hours.

Wonderland 6 Person Tent: Offers a spacious, airy interior with tall walls and plenty of ventilation, and it easily fits a pack-and-play with a queen size mattress for a safe, comfortable space for babies. The footprint goes up more than out, which I like that it doesn’t feel like it sprawls.

Safety, Sleep & Feeding Tips for Real Life

If you’re anything like me, your biggest concerns going into this trip were sleep, safety, and keeping your baby fed. Here’s what helped make those feel manageable:

Safe Sleep Camping with a Baby

We used a SlumberPod over the pack-and-play, which gave our baby a dark, distraction-free space even in broad daylight. We paired it with a Hatch Rest Go, and I made sure the tent was well-ventilated with a portable fan.

If you’re not using a SlumberPod, try hanging a muslin blanket to create shade or visual separation. Just make sure nothing is draped on the crib or sleeping surface. Safe sleep camping with a baby still follows the same safe sleep rules as home: firm surface, no loose items, and baby sleeps on their back.

Staying Warm Overnight

Layers were key. We used Mori pajamas, a warm sleep sack, and a beanie for cooler mornings. I tested the inside temp of the tent before putting him down for naps or bedtime, allowing me to dress him appropriately.

Also: resist the urge to overdress! Babies can overheat quickly. Trust your gut, but bring a thermometer if you’re extra cautious (I was). The ergobaby sleep sack actually sends a free thermometer and dressing guide with every purchase, and it was SO HELPFUL. See below.

Feeding

We kept it simple: pouches, snacks, finger foods, and I was still breastfeeding. I packed one small bin just for feeding gear (sippy cups, plates, bibs, wipes, etc) Having it all in one place made mealtime faster and easier.

If your baby is formula-fed or you’re bringing pumped milk, plan for how you’ll keep it cold. We used a large cooler for all refrigerated items.

Encouragement for Parents: Yes, You Can Do This

If camping with a baby sounds overwhelming, I get it. I felt the same. But it turns out, the slower rhythm of being outside, the quiet mornings, the fresh air, the break from overstimulating routines, might actually work in your favor.

Your baby doesn’t need perfection. They need to feel connected and safe, and they’ll surprise you with how flexible they can be.

Camping forced me to slow down and just be with him. And in that space, I saw how adaptable he was. How much wonder he found in being outside.

It wasn’t perfect. But it was so, so worth it.

Final Thoughts & What’s Next

Here’s what I’d say if you’re on the fence about camping with your baby:

• Start small (a night or two close to home)
• Pack light but smart (the packing list above is a great starting point)
• Follow their cues, not the clock
• Lower your expectations

And most importantly: trust yourself. You know your baby. And you’re more capable than you think.

If you’d like a more robust product overview, with dozens more products for camping, you can access my google sheet here. This sheet is regularly being added to.