I want to take DS camping NOW - am I crazy?

Luckie519 · September 2011

I grew up going to Disney's Fort Wilderness in Orlando, FL every May. It started out with my immediate family and then my aunt and uncle and 3 cousins. I would say I was 7ish when this started. The group continued to grow and one year, our group took up an entire loop of campsites.

Anyways, my sister and I are wanting to do something similar with our friends and families. At what age do you think it's ok to take your LO camping?

Fort Wilderness is kind of luxury camping - they have air conditioned bathrooms/showers, also running water on the campsites, and even cable hook up. So it's not like I am going to be out in the middle of the woods. There's tons of stuff to do from outdoor movies, pools, petting zoo, bicycles, etc. They even have "meet and greets" with all the Disney characters. If you live in the area and haven't gone, you need to go at least once!

I think the kid in me is wanting to take him now, even though I know at 14 months, it's not a good idea.

Just curious if any of you ladies had taken your LOs camping and at what age? Any advice?

Thanks!

Arnegard · September 2011

We took DD1 at about 17 mo, DD2 at about 16 mo and DD3 at 6 weeks, 3 months and 14 mo.

Totally doable! Enjoy!!

ETA: For me, they wouldn't nap unless I walked endlessly around the campgrounds with them in the sling. If you are used to wearing him, I'd advise taking your carrier.

PNP or other bedding for LO - DD1 & 3 get/got the PNP, DD2 we had a small tent and she slept on an egg shell mattress at our heads. Also, be prepared to have LO sleep with you. I think you said it is cabins, if you are tenting, have a drink and food for LO in the tent in case it rains and you are stuck in the tent for a bit. Lots of snacks and toys, my DD3 loved her ride-on toy, her sisters bike helmets and digging toys.

Kingston54 · September 2011

I think you can take them at any age - you just have to be willing to do it. I am not. Haha.

gingerfamily · September 2011

I wouldn't. Then again, I'd never take DD camping unless it was in a hotel. LOL.

ZacksBride · September 2011

we took ds camping in key west in a tent when he was 7 months old. worked out fine. i say go for it

bergs720 · September 2011

I have no advice based on experience because we haven't tried it yet (but want to). But I had three different friends try to take their kids camping in the last month or so. They were about 28 months, 24 months and 20 months. All three didn't even make it through the first night and they all came home early from their trips! Maybe try a one-nighter close to home before going all out, just in case??

his1stmy4th · September 2011

We have gone camping every weekend all summer long with our DD. She was a month old the first time we took her and she is 13 months now. I say go for it.

We have a camper, running water, bathroom, etc but there are plenty of people who take their kids camping as babies in tents.

SailorGray · September 2011

We've been taking DS camping in a tent since before he was even a year. We just take his PnP (well, we just bought him a folding toddler bed we have yet to try out) and that's about it. I am not going to say it's easy, b/c it does throw their sleep off a bit, but it's not bad. The places we have stayed def do not sound like Fort Wilderness. The last place only had a portapotty. Fine for toddler; not fine for 7 month preg mommy b/c, well, sometimes a portapotty just isn't cut it.

JoBieger05 · September 2011

lol we're going camping next week at the beach. And we'll be in a tent and DD is going

and she's 14 months.

Abinormal · September 2011

We've taken DD camping several times, the first time that we took her, she was actually 7 months old and she did great! However, we've only taken her camping in a pop up camper, which my parents own. I've also only taken her camping, with my parents, and they help out a lot with DD's entertainment, lol!

DH and I had a conversation yesterday about how we think we're ready to take DD camping on our own. This means we'll be camping in a tent, since my parents own the pop up, but I think she'll do just fine. We plan on buying a queen size air mattress for us and a small folding cot for DD. I don't think we'll have any issues, but my DD is very easy going and an amazing sleeper, not matter where we are.

Arcadia1114 · September 2011

We took Liam last year at six months and this year at seventeen months in a tent. We broughtthe PNP. He played nonstop all day and slept better there than he did at home. We ate a lot of simple food: Pb & J, cereal, etc. He had his first hot dog camping. Pack extra clothes because he will get dirty. I had him shower with me since we couldn't do baths. We had a great time and plan to go next year.

SailorGray · September 2011

Abinormal:

We plan on buying a queen size air mattress for us and a small folding cot for DD.

We bought the Regalo Cot from Amazon for DS. He hasn't used it yet, but it seems to be nice

Jenelle101 · September 2011

We took DD camping when she was 14 months. It was SO fun. The only problem was when it was time for bed, she had a hard time falling asleep because she was so excited that Mommy and Daddy were in the same crib (tent). So...she literally ran around the tent for an hour and then passed out by our feet. She LOVED getting dirty and being outside for a few days. It was worth it. Luckily there weren't a lot of campers near us, so when Kayla would cry or scream, it didn't bother anyone.

lite-bright · September 2011

We tried around 17 months with DD1, and it was a disaster.

We had our tent open in the house a few days before we went, to get DD1 adjusted to it. She'd play in it and seemed fine, but when we were at the campground and it was time to sleep -- no way. Shrieking bloody murder. We even got her to sleep in our arms outside the tent or in our car, but as soon as we tried to move her into the tent with us, she'd wake up, realize where she was, and start screaming until I promised to take her back to the car.

We went to a hotel in the middle of the night because of it and cut short the camping part of our trip. I felt bad for our fellow campers, because she was SO loud and upset.

I think if it had been a cabin, it might've been different. We've done plenty of trips since then where we've stayed in hotels or condos. But we won't be trying tent-camping again for quite awhile. :P

epona3 · September 2011

Camper & cabin camping we've done twice, and it was pretty easy. We just brought the PNP with us.

We want to try tent camping this fall, but we need to get a bigger tent to fit her PNP in. I think it will be fine as long as she has her place to sleep and plenty of toys!

hersheykiss · September 2011

E has been camping 3 times now, once last Labor day weekend, once this past June and then this past weekend. She loves it and loves to get dirty. She has a blast.

llc730 · September 2011

We took DD about a month ago. We used one of these

https://www.target.com/p/KidCo-PeaPod-Portable-Travel-Bed-with-Air-Pump-45-Red/-/A-11317563

DD loved it. Overall she slept great including a good nap. She did wake up super early both mornings but we just brought her back to bed with us and dozed for awhile longer. I totally don't think you are crazy but you definitely have to figure in your LOs temperament.

melody921 · September 2011

With all those amenities, it's totally doable. We took DS camping at 15 months, and it was challenging bc we were in a tent, it rained all weekend, and he doesn't sleep well with us right there. But he did great with hiking around and being outside, so I'd say go for it.

SoldiersGreenBean · September 2011

Why is 14 months not a good time?

We've gone multiple times this summer, and the kids all have a blast. By and large, DH and I have a good time too.

WonderWoman27 · September 2011

I NEVER go camping...but my cousin does and she just had a baby boy in the end of May and 2 1/2 yr old and 5 year old and they have been camping already! I'm sure you can do it if you wanted to.

SeaStar430 · September 2011

Allie went for the first time when she was 3 weeks old. Then she went almost every weekend for the next year. We do have a 31' camper, so not exactly roughing it, but like you said, neither is Fort Wilderness. I'd definitely go.

ryry1977 · September 2011

We took Cedric last year before he turned one and he did great. We are taking him again this month at 24 months old. I don't think they are ever too young:)

babyrichsmama · September 2011

We've been camping since DD was 4 months old and she LOVES it. As a matter of fact, we went this weekend since it was cooler around here than it has been in forever and you couldn't wipe the smiles off her....she had a blast. Actually this morning she asked to go "fish Daddy" (fish with her daddy) like we did all weekend. Of course its more work and packing, but totally worth it memories!

Want a personalized experience?

I want to take DS camping NOW - am I crazy?

Re: I want to take DS camping NOW - am I crazy?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards