Age

[dashboardc33]

It really depends on the parents, the child and the environment. If the parents seem comfortable, and the child is healthy and is pretty laid back, I would say that it is fine. Also, are you camping in the middle of no where or are there other tenters nearby?

We took our daughter when she was 3 months old. There was still snow on the ground. Of course we brought a heater for inside the tent to keep her warm at night. We stayed two nights and she did just fine. She actually slept better than she did at home. She greatly enjoyed the off-roading as she sat in the back seat looking around, not fussing once.

[ponderosa]

My daughters have always loved to be outside. They've always been very happy being carried down the trail. My first baby was a terrible sleeper, but for some reason always slept better outdoors. We used to go camping when she was tiny, just so I could get a decent night's sleep. Having babies has never stopped us from camping and hiking, from the time they were infants just a few weeks old. Most of our camping is as far off the beaten path as we can get, seldom in established campgrounds. My profile pic shows me carrying my oldest daughter about 15 months old on a backpacking trip in the Sawtooths. I was a few months pregnant with my 2nd daughter. The issue isn't the age of the child; it is the outdoor confidence/skills possessed by the parents. Honestly, the tough stage isn't when they are babies. It's much harder when they are mobile, strong-willed, curious little toddlers with no real understanding of safety. It's a lot of work with a 2-3 year old, but still very much worth it.

[MissyKitty]

Excellent post Grandpa, i could have not said it better. It also depends heavily of the child, some just love camping while others do not want to spend time in the woods. I know this because two of my friends have both twins. And interestingly in both pairs only one of the twins likes to go camping, the other wants to spend time at home.

[kat74]

The youngest my kids have gone camping is when they were 9 months. At least that time they can enjoy the outdoor and don't have to be held throughout. With good warm clothing at night and day if its cold and everyone enjoys the camp experience without risking sickness.

[chuckdee]

My first camping experience i do not remember but have a scar to remember it! I was 4 months old and my sister was 8 at the time, pushing me in a stroller when she hit a rock. I proceed to fall forward and smack my forehead on a sharp rock. Stitches w/no novacaine shot. Apparently it traumatized my mother enough to not go camping again until i was 5.

[dkramarczyk]

Originally Posted by dinosaur

I believe that it depends on your own age. The older you are, the older you want the children to be. It is much easier to take a respectful 12 year old than it is to have a three year old you constantly have to watch, following them around saying "Don't touch that!", "Get away from the water!", or "Don't pet the skunk!".

This does not mean that a three year old is not an absolute joy. But.....you'd best keep your eyes open.

That sounds like the exact type of situation I'd go through with my own kids. They like to create adventure, wherever they are, whether I want them to or not.

[Grandpa]

Had lunch with a 19 yr old granddaughter yesterday. She found a couple of hours between classes and her job. She is all excited about our August backpacking trip. She said the one thing that gets her to daydreaming when not studying or working is remembering all those wonderful camping and backpacking trips we took. More than the dance competitions and more than all her athletics. Yes, any hassle, incumbrance or inconvenience taking kids camping is one of the most rewarding hassles you will ever endure.

ps, she now wants to know if we can plan a Machu Picchu trip next year. hmmm I bet I know why I got invited.

[Cory]

I'm 17, and have been camping only a few times before i took a lot more interest into it last year. I believe its a good idea to take kids between the 4 and 5 year old range just rarely. If it wasn't for the fun i had first gone i probably wouldn't like it as much as i do. "And From 12-18, if they have been taught, foreget it, they will be off on their own with like friends. If no experience, they will be whiney, cranky and in general...teenagers." Is wrong if you ask me. I'm 17 and find myself dragging (not quite) friends out to go camping and living in a suburb some of the friends i'd think would hate it end up loving it and ask when the next trip is...

start them early, i agree, but its never to late. A 13 year old may have more fun trying something new than a 4 year old..

[littlefire]

I never would have thought to take babies so early, but now you all are making me want to go camping this weekend! Perhaps I'm letting my wee bug limit me a bit too much. Thanks for the advice!

[Hikenhunter]

I think the younger the better. when they are very young it might be wise to stick to shorter stays like 2days and 1 night but spent your time teaching them the skills they will need to be confident and knowlegeable when they get older.