Ah, the great outdoors!
The open road, the wind in your hair, and the pitter-patter of little feet in a cosy campervan. We started camping with Ella when she was 9 months old and have never looked back. She is 13 now and loves camping more than ever. Travelling with kids in a campervan is a wild adventure that promises unforgettable memories and its fair share of hilarious moments. Buckle up, fellow parents, as we embark on a journey filled with laughter, chaos, and the occasional meltdown!
Packing for Campervan Travel with Kids
The journey starts with packing (the bit I hate the most).
Packing for campervan travel with kids can feel like a military operation. You’ve got your own clothes, the kids’ things and the wonderfully unpredictable British weather to plan for.
”So, where do you start?
The first thing is to give everyone an area in the van for clothes, and that’s all you have, and packing cubes are a must. The essentials: underwear, socks, toiletries, a waterproof coat, and lots of jumpers are a must. After that, it’s a free-for-all; everyone has their favourite comfy clothes, so pack what you find comfy.
The great thing about camping is that you can be yourself. I love a good pair of dungarees, whereas Ella loves a big, baggy t-shirt and shorts. You need to be comfy and warm when camping. The Lambert family motto is if it doesn’t fit in your area, it has to stay behind.
My issue is shoes; I have been known to bring 7 pairs and only wear one all week. Matt is the last-minute packer and empties his wardrobe in his area; men don’t need much, and Ella likes to be prepared for every eventuality, like a favourite dress for dinner at a 5-star restaurant. (We have been known to stumble into a festival while camping; we have not done the 5-star restaurant yet.) If we forget anything, you probably didn’t need it anyway.
A well-designed layout makes family trips much easier, which is why our bespoke campervan conversions are designed around how you actually plan to use your van.
Making the Campervan Journey Fun for Kids
So all packed and ready to go, Satnav on and playlist picked. We have a family camping song we play on every trip. Off we go, no wait, I have forgotten my phone. So, back home. Luckily, we are only ten minutes away. Next, what do you have for lunch? Pit stop at a supermarket to get lunch and pack the van with food. Wait, did someone pack the dog food? Yes, we have forgotten dog food before.
We have various games, but the best one is the number plate game, which can be very funny. The journey is part of the adventure.
Choosing campsites for Family Campervan Trips
Over the years, we have visited campsites and still visit occasionally. Campsites give you a base, and if you are new to camping in a van, it’s a great place to start. Having an awning can help if you need a bit more space.
However, setting up an awning can feel like solving a complex puzzle, with tentacles of ropes and poles extending in all directions. And of course, while we are fighting with the awning, the kids want to explore every nook and cranny of the campsite. Ella’s first job is to find the toilets and showers and to see if the campsite has any animals. But the more you set up the awning, the sooner you become seasoned pros, and you can sit back and watch the other campers struggle with awnings or tents, knowing it only took you 5 trips to figure it out.
Over the years, we’ve stayed at plenty of campsites, and they can be a brilliant place to start if you’re new to campervan travel with kids. Sites such as Riverside Gardens offer a useful base while you get used to life on the road, with the reassurance of proper facilities close by.
Easy Campervan Meals for the Family
Mealtimes when camping are great. You can cook in the van or move outside to a BBQ or an open fire. Ella loves helping create meals. One of Ella’s favourites is a curry and campfire naan bread.
We created some great meals, like chilli nachos, homemade apple crumble, sausage ‘n’ mash, and the humble cheese toastie. Having a dog is a bonus, as you have a hoover to hand if you drop things, and, of course, a campfire wouldn’t be complete without toasting marshmallows.
However, as foodies, we do like to eat out too and support the local area with a quick Google search to find the best place to eat.
Bedtime and Night-time Tips in a Campervan
Navigating night-time routines with kids in a campervan is a whole other adventure. A top tip is to have a good torch to hand, which is a must for night-time trips to the loo. Let the kids make their own bed and take a teddy bear or two so they feel safe. It’s an adventure; trying to stick to the same routine at home won’t work and will end in meltdowns and tired adults.
The kids will be excited to be away in nature. We had a wind-down routine when Ella was little: hot chocolate and sitting around the campfire for a bedtime story. We would stay up for one drink, then go to bed for the early start in the morning. Now that Ella is older, stargazing is our night-time fun – lying on the grass looking up, trying to spot the Plough and the Orion’s Belt, and if we are lucky, seeing a shooting star.
Why Campervan Adventures Create Family Memories
Amidst the chaos and laughter, there are moments of pure magic. Snuggling up under the stars, sharing stories that end in giggles, and witnessing the wonder in our kids’ eyes as they explored the great outdoors — these are the moments that make the campervan adventure truly unforgettable.
Campervan Travel with Kids: Embrace the Adventure
Travelling with kids in a campervan is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from frustration to sheer joy. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the mishaps, and cherish the memories created along the way. After all, it’s not the destination that matters most, but the journey and the hilariously unforgettable moments that make it all worthwhile.
So, to all the brave parents out there embarking on a campervan adventure with kids, buckle up, stay flexible, and get ready for a wild ride filled with love, laughter, and a dash of mayhem. Happy trails and may your campervan escapade be a hilarious and heart-warming tale to tell for years to come!