9 Kid-Friendly Campsites For A Fun Family Vacation

Looking to get away with your family and spend some time outdoors? Look no further than these kid-friendly campsites and family friendly campgrounds. 

9 Kid-Friendly Campsites For A Fun Family Vacation Whether You’re RV Camping or Tent Camping

Is it possible to take your family on a camping adventure that is actually fun for everyone?

Yep, sure is.  The secret to making sure that you have a fun family vacation while camping is kid-friendly campsites and choosing your comfort zone for camping.

There are so many family-friendly campsites in the United States that I decided to break them down into kid-friendly campsites at national parks, campsites for kids that have cabins…and for the purist, good old tent camping.

So no matter what your camping style is, you can find a park that will make for the most fun family vacation you have had in years.

Don’t forget the road trip activity set and to use these genius camping hacks to make camping with kids anywhere a stress-free and fun experience.

 

Best Kid-Friendly Camp Sites at National Parks

National Parks are favorite destinations for many people. They also happen to be a great way to get into nature with your kids. Full of knowledgeable park rangers who give educational activities and presentations, stunning views, and a variety of camping adventures, they really are national treasures.

Remember when you visit National Parks (and even State Parks) to join the Junior Ranger program at the park.

They will give you a booklet full of hands-on activities and even a list of wildlife to watch for. When you finish the packet your kids can turn it back in and get a patch that is specific to that park. The more parks you visit, the more patches your kids can get.

 

Bryce Canyon in Utah

No matter the season, this park has stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities to keep your family having fun your entire visit.

With the largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) on Earth combined with certified dark skies, this camp will make your family fall in love with our world and nature. You’ll have a sense of awe and wonder that will stay with you long after you return to the hustle and bustle of your normal life.

Hiking is the most popular activity at this scenic park, with the best day hikes being Mossy Cave (0.8 mile) and Navajo trail (1.4 miles). Remember when hiking even these short trails to bring water and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and get ahead of the debilitating hunger that stops kids in their tracks.

 

Acadia National Park in Maine

Acadia National Park gets 3.5 million visitors a year, and for good reason too. From its famous fall foliage to beautiful winter landscapes, it’s the perfect place for scenic drives and hikes. In the winter, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are very popular activities.

In the summertime, you can go swimming in the Atlantic at Sand Beach. But if you would rather hike, Wonderland Trail is a 1.5-mile hike that is perfect for families and beginner hikers. Remember to bring your binoculars to take in all the wildlife.

Plus, you can’t miss Thunder Hole. I know it’s a name you will never forget but it is an experience you will never forget either. When the waves hit just right, the rock crevice sounds like thunder booming. Sometimes you even get a burst of sea spray.

 

Everglades National Park in Florida

If you are looking for more adventure in your camping trip, look no further than Everglades National Park.

But…that’s just a swamp, how fun can that be? You’d be surprised! It is more than just a swamp! Particularly for kids—it is a super cool adventure. It is also a booming ecosystem full of wildlife.

While you are there grab an airboat ride and spot some real-life American alligators along with snakes and a large variety of waterfowl.

You can find a campsite to pitch a tent or there are some cabins you can rent.

 

The Best Campsites for Kids with Fantastic Cabin Options

Don’t have a tent or would rather not tent-camp? No problem! Here are three great options for campsites with cabin facilities. Don’t forget to grab your camping packing list, too!

 

Jellystone Park (Various Locations Across the US)

Jellystone Parks are a great place for both first-time campers and lifelong camp fanatics alike. It combines nostalgia for parents and fun campsite experiences for kids like swimming, water parks, fossil digs, geocaching. Some locations even offer archery classes! End the day by roasting marshmallows with Yogi Bear and BooBoo.

With more than 75 locations spanning the US and Canada, there is likely a Jellystone Park near you.  You can camp your way with RV, tents, or rent one of their fantastic cabins with en suite bathrooms.

Some locations have tepees, treehouses, and glamping tents. They even offer yurts!

If you are on the fence about going camping or on a more traditional camping vacation, I feel like this offers the best of both worlds.

 

Herkimer KOA Park in New York

This fun camping resort offers beautiful rustic treehouse cabins. This park is a stargazer’s dream because they offer an Astronomy Lodge with its own observatory that has a high-powered telescope. You will also find hammocks to sleep under the stars.

Do you have a little rock hound?  You can take them to discover their very own Herkimer Diamonds. Equipped with a hammer, your family can be real diamond prospectors. Even better? You get to keep anything you find, including fossils, diamonds, and gemstones.

 

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

Not only is the probably the most iconic, and scenic National Park but it offers very comfortable cabins with modern conveniences.

After you take in the majestic views of the world’s largest canyon, there are many things to do with your kids. While I do not advise descending to the bottom of the Grand Canyon (it takes up to 16 hours to hike down and climb back up), there are other hiking opportunities that are more family-friendly like hiking the South Rim.

You can also catch Native American dances that are absolutely beautiful.

But don’t be surprised if their favorite memory is riding a mule through the Grand Canyon.

 

Best Kid-Friendly Camp Sites for Tent Camping

Do you want to find a great place to tent camp with the family? These three locations are scenic and offer excellent tent-camping locations that are kid-friendly for camping with the family.

 

Sequoia National Park in California

Known for its giant namesake trees, being at Sequioa will make you feel like to traveled millions of years to the past where around any tree you might find your favorite dinosaur.

This park is great for tent camping and backpacking. While you are there, keep your eyes open for local wildlife like deer and even black bears.

Don’t forget to go visit General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world. It’s more than 103 feet around and 276 feet tall.  That’s 27 stories tall! It is sure to impress even the most reluctant camper.

Families will love the campsites for kids at Lodgepole Campground and Dorst Creek Campground for the convenience of flushing toilets.

If this is your first time camping, make sure to check out this helpful post with 10 must-know tent camping tips for beginners.

 

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

No campsite list is complete without Yellowstone National Park.  The park boasts a spectacular abundance of wildlife but is particularly famous for the bison.

Yellowstone Park was the inspiration to create even more National Parks that now can be found in every state, protecting millions of miles of nature and wildlife including endangered animals.

And you can’t leave the park without seeing Old Faithful.  If you are worried about it being too busy, once you leave the landmarks you have plenty of room to explore on your own.

There is a multitude of campsites for tents. Some have flush toilets and running water and some are more rustic. This vacation will be one your children remember for life.

 

Big Bend National Park in Texas

Big Bend National Park is full of beautiful Texas scenery but also is a certified dark sky and will give you some of the most awe-inspiring views of space.

You might just agree with the song. “The stars at night are big and bright! Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

But stargazing isn’t the only reason you should make the trek to this National Park. There is also a gorgeous canyon to hike, Santa Elena Canyon. If you have young children and don’t want to hike, you can just stop at some of the viewpoints and get a view of the canyon.

In the warm months, bring your bathing suits and rent a kayak and explore the Rio Grande or just go for a cool refreshing swim.

 

Kid-Friendly Campsites: Final Thoughts

I hope in this list of kid-friendly campsites you found the perfect vacation spot for your family.

But this is in no way an exhaustive list of fun campsites for families, which means I may not have given you a choice close enough for a camping vacation for your family.

So I wanted to leave you with a few quick tips on how to find a great campsite for your family so that you can have a memorable camping adventure.

 

Quick Tips for Choosing Campsites for Kids

1. Eliminate any parks or campsites that do not offer the accommodations you want. Some people want to camp tent but other families may want some more modern comforts that RV camping and cabin camping can offer. Accommodations are a great way to shrink your list of potential sites.

2. Next, consider the activities your family likes. If you want fishing and swimming make sure that the camp has a lake, river or beach for your family. Hiking trails, kayak rentals, park ranger lead activities, and other activities can help you narrow your list even further.

Once you have a shortlist, you can always have your family vote for where to go. Wherever you end up, you are sure to go home with plenty of fun shared memories, and lots of nature and science-based material to revisit in later years!

By the way, if you need fun activities to keep your children content in the car en route to your destination, check out these printable activity sheets, or grab this road trip game pack for kids! Happy traveling!

 

More Camping Posts:

• 10 Must-Know Tent Camping for Beginners
• Printable Family Camping Packing Checklist
• Camping with Kids: 21 Camping Games and Activities to Entertain Kids
• 30 Stress-Free, Easy Camping Food Ideas
• Genius Hacks to Make Camping with Kids Stress Free