Camping With Kids: Make Sure the Whole Family Has a Great Time

Camping with Kids | Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge

Camping with kids can be one of the most rewarding family adventures and can create core memories your children will remember for years to come, so long as you plan it right! At Camp Margaritaville Resort Pigeon Forge, we make it easy to have unforgettable experiences with all the fun, comfort, and convenience you need. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teens, here are a few tips to make sure your family camping trip is a fun time for everyone involved.

Pack Smart: Essential Items for Family Camping

Before heading out on your next great adventure, make sure you pack all the essentials to keep your family comfortable, entertained, and safe to keep you stress-free on the road. When camping with kids, they tend to need a little more gear than adults, so being properly prepared can make a huge difference in how your trip begins. Make sure you pack the following to avoid potential headaches later on:

Extra layers and changes of clothes
Additional layers are a must for unpredictable mountain weather. Light jackets are great for cool evenings, with thick sweaters and raincoats for if the weather turns. Bringing plenty of spare socks and shoes is also a great idea, especially in the rainy season, where puddles and mud will make short work of your clean and dry footwear. It's also always a good idea to bring swimwear, goggles, and flip-flops for days at the pool or lake. Finally, closed-toed shoes or sandals with straps are perfect for running around or taking short hikes.

Snacks
Snacks are an absolute must for any long trip, but especially so when camping with kids. We recommend packing a mix of healthy options and tasty treats to keep up your energy between meals. Popular choices include granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and a few candy bars that can double up as rewards for good behaviour. Snacks are especially useful if your child has a particular comfort food or tends to be a picky eater.

Sun Protection
This is one that's never left out of our packs, no matter the weather or the time of year. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses take up virtually no space and are essential in keeping you and your family sheltered.

First Aid and Bug Protection
This is another item that never ceases to be necessary and should be a staple in every car, not only when camping. A stocked and up-to-date first aid kit is incredibly important and should be checked regularly, especially before taking a trip. Bug repellent and mosquito nets, while not quite as important, can often be the difference between an enjoyable evening and an itchy, sleepless night.

Downtime Activities
You'll also want to prepare for any downtime and transitions, times between meals and activities where kids can find themselves bored and looking for things to keep themselves occupied. We recommend packing books, coloring supplies, travel games, or even a tablet with a downloaded library of movies for long car rides and quiet evenings in.

Surprises
Bring some magic to your trip by sneaking some extra items in without your kids seeing. Glow sticks, a new travel game, or ingredients for s'mores can turn a pleasant evening into something truly special that the whole family will look back on fondly.

Take Advantage of Natural Entertainment

When camping with kids at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge, boredom isn't in our vocabulary. Whether your kids are after high-energy thrills, or if they prefer more relaxed, hands-on play, there is a wealth of activities both on site and beyond.

• Fin City Entertainment Center: Packed with classic arcade games, duckpin bowling, and a cozy lounge area, Fin City is a great place to hang out to relax as a family, or to let older kids enjoy a bit of independence in a safe, entertaining space.
• Outdoor Activities: Let the kids burn off some steam in the playground, challenge each other to a game of pickleball on the courts, or make a splash at our resort-style pool complete with a water slide and splash pad. There's also plenty of lounge chairs to kick back and relax nearby.
• Camp Margaritaville Events: Keep an eye out for our seasonal events, live music, and kid-friendly activities we host throughout the week. From tie-dye stations to poolside games and outdoor movie nights, everything is designed to make your trip unforgettable.

Plan for Some Grown-Up Relaxation

Camping with kids is extremely rewarding and incredibly fun, but it's also exhausting. That's why at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge, we make it easy for parents to step away, relax, and recharge while the kids enjoy their vacation.

When the kids are playing in the pool, stretch out in a lounge chair, soak up the mountain sun, and enjoy a margarita or tropical cocktail from the poolside bar. Prefer something a little more chill? Sign the kids up for one of the many activities we offer, and grab a seat at Fins Bar to enjoy a bite to eat and some cool drinks, and, in the evenings, enjoy some live music performances. Just because you're on a family vacation, doesn't mean you don't deserve some time for yourself. There are plenty of ways for you to get some rest and enjoy some good vibes while the kids have their fun.

Camp Margaritaville Resort in Pigeon Forge is more than just a place to park an RV or check into a room; it's a one-of-a-kind family getaway that mixes our famous laid-back spirit with the magic of the Great Smoky Mountains. Camping with kids has never been easier or more enjoyable. Book your stay today and give your family an experience they'll be talking about for years.