Camping is my family’s go-to summer activity. I love being able to enjoy nature with my family and get in a restful break from routine. Rest works wonders for your body and nervous system… when you can combine rest with the benefits that come from being outdoors - you’ve got a recipe for success (and improving your HRV score!).

All of that being said, I know what camping trips with kiddos entail. I want you to be able to enjoy your camping trips this summer without chaos. Between the kids, the food, the ants, and the showers, camping can be a little much sometimes. Here are my top tips for keeping camping fun for the entire family.

• Bring along plenty of activities. Oftentimes, poor behavior comes from a place of boredom. Bring card games or yard games (spike ball is a favorite for a family friend of mine).

  Visit the library prior to your trip and rent a few books to read in the tent with a flashlight.

  A trip to the dollar store can get you a pack of glow sticks - and hours of fun. My kids love glow stick art!

• I don’t know what it is about camping, but my kids magically love to do chores when we’re out in the woods. My theory is that it has to be something about not being at home. They love to wash dishes, cook the hotdogs over the fire, and sweep the tent.

  Make it a game or competition and they’ll quickly become your little helpers.

• A loaded baked potato is my favorite camping dinner - it’s so easy and so yummy! Baked potatoes in the fire, ground meat on the cast iron skillet, and cheese on top.

  If you like sweet potatoes, you could roast those instead! Drizzle a little maple syrup over the top & you’ve got dessert.

• Always have sandwich fixings on hand. They’re easy to pack and so quick to whip together when the hangry (hungry+angry) moods set in.

  Go for your favorite gluten-free bread or Ezekiel Bread (higher protein and fiber, but not gluten-free).

  My favorite dairy-free cheeses come from Miyoko’s Creamery & Good Planet.

  Don’t underestimate the deliciousness (is that a word?) of using guacamole as your sandwich spread instead of mayo. Whip up a batch before you go or just smash half an avocado onto one slice of your bread.

• Think ahead and your future self will thank you. Take a family walk to scope out the good spots and write them down for your next visit. Then, book early to grab that good one! 

• Remember that elevated tent pads aren’t ideal for big families - the pad might not be big enough. Instead, go for individual inflatable sleeping mats. Most of them inflate on their own and give a little extra comfort during bedtime. I find mine at Sierra Trading Post - they usually have a better price than Amazon.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re camping? Do you have a favorite fireside meal?

I’d love to hear about it!

Respond to my question in Early Beginnings’ patient-exclusive Facebook group.

Curious what I mean when I talk about your HRV score? What is that supposed to mean?

I use CLA INSiGHT scanning technology in my chiropractic office to measure how my patients’ bodies are adapting to stress. Read about our process to learn how you can get your current HRV score - and get a plan in place to improve it!