Family Camping Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know
Camping with children is wonderfully safe when you know what to look out for.
The risks are manageable and mostly predictable, which means that with a bit of preparation and a few sensible habits, you can relax and enjoy the trip rather than spending it anxious about what might go wrong.
Here are the family camping safety tips that every parent should know before their first trip, and a few reminders worth keeping in mind even if you are an experienced camping family.
Family Camping Safety Tips: Fire
Safety around fire, whether it’s camping or anywhere else, should be at the forefront of your mind as a parent.
Here’s some key family camping safety tips when you’re thinking about setting up a fire.
The two-metre rule – Young children should stay at least two metres from a lit fire unless directly supervised by an adult. Establish this as a non-negotiable rule before the fire is ever lit, so children know the boundary before it matters.
No running near the fire – Running children near open flames are a serious hazard. Establish the campfire area as a walking-only zone while a fire is burning.
Long sleeves near the fire – Synthetic fabrics can melt or catch fire quickly. Natural fibres, cotton, wool, are more fire resistant. Dress children in natural fabrics for campfire evenings where possible.
Water always close – Keep a bucket of water beside the fire at all times. And remember, embers are dangerous too. A fire that looks out is often not out. Hot embers can persist for hours after flames have died down.
Camping Safety for Kids: Tents
Next up your tent. This is not only something you need to stay safe around, as there are dangers, but it is your home while camping, so has extra importance, you need it.
Tent pegs and guy ropes – These are a genuine trip hazard, particularly in low light. Walk the pitch with children when you first set up and point out every peg and rope. Bright coloured guy rope is significantly safer than natural coloured cord.
Always have a torch accessible – Keep this within the tent. Night time navigation to the toilet block is one of the most common sources of stumbles on a campsite.
Never use a camp stove or gas lantern inside a tent – Carbon monoxide poisoning from gas appliances in enclosed spaces is a serious and unfortunately not uncommon camping hazard. Always cook and use gas appliances outside.
More Family Camping Safety Tips
Being safe around your fire is of course very important, and using your tent safely is key too.
However, there’s plenty more to think about, so here’s some other family camping safety tips to keep in your mind for your next trip.
Sun Safety
Apply sunscreen before children go outside in the morning and reapply at least every two hours. SPF 50 is better than SPF 30 for fair skinned children or full days in strong sun. Do not forget ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of feet. A sun hat is non-negotiable for young children in direct sun.
Water Safety
If your campsite is near a river, lake, or the sea, establish clear rules before children are anywhere near it. Children should know before they see the water that they cannot go near it without an adult present. Natural water in the UK is significantly colder than children expect, cold water shock can affect even strong swimmers. Never let children wade into rivers above knee depth without adult supervision.
Food Safety
Meat and dairy products need to be kept properly cold. A cool box with adequate ice, kept in the shade and opened as rarely as possible, should maintain safe temperatures for two to three days. If in doubt about whether something is still good, throw it away. Carry hand sanitiser and make hand washing before meals a non-negotiable habit, particularly for young children.
Getting Lost
Give every child an easy way to identify your pitch, a distinctive flag, a brightly coloured windbreak, or a simple description of where you are on the site. Older children should know the campsite name and your mobile number. For very young children, a simple wristband with your mobile number gives peace of mind on larger sites.
For more advice on making your camping trips run smoothly, visit our family camping tips section, check out our ultimate family camping checklist, and explore Camping With Kids for everything else.
