Camping with young children can be one of the easiest ways to unplug, spend quality time together and introduce little ones to nature. The experience can also come with plenty of challenges if you choose the wrong campground.
Long walks to the restroom, a lack of activities or noisy neighbors can turn an exciting family getaway into a stressful weekend. That’s why it’s important to know which campgrounds are best for families with young children. Here are five to try and five to skip.
The 5 Best Campgrounds For Families With Young Children
These five destinations consistently deliver on the essentials families with young children look for.
1. Kampgrounds of America
KOA is one of the best campgrounds for families with young children because it gives you plenty of ways to fill the day. Many locations feature swimming pools, playgrounds, jumping pillows, mini golf, hiking trails and seasonal activities, so your children can stay active while exploring the outdoors at their own pace.
You can enjoy quieter moments, too, like teaching your kids how to fish, cooking dinner over the campfire, or ending the evening with stories and s’mores.
Key Features
- Many campgrounds welcome pets with dedicated play areas.
- Online booking makes planning your camping trip easy.
- A wide range of camping options are available, including unique stays like Glamping Tents, Airstreams and Yurts.
2. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
If your kids love packed schedules and themed experiences, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park delivers more of a family vacation than a traditional camping trip. Its camp resorts pack plenty of daily entertainment.
Depending on the location, your family can cool off in pools or water slides before heading to laser tag or an obstacle course. Younger children also have lots of opportunities for photos, games and story times, thanks to character appearances by Yogi Bear and Boo Boo.
Key Features
- There are themed weekends year-round, such as Chocolate Lovers Weekend.
- Hands-on children’s activities, including foam parties and wagon rides, are offered.
- Find more than 75 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
3. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground brings together the feel of a woodland retreat with the perks of staying at Walt Disney World Resort. Spread across 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, it’s a place where your family can spend the morning spotting deer and rabbits in nature, then head to the expanded Meadow Swimmin’ Pool to have fun. Your family can also fill the day with archery, horseback riding, canoeing and campfire evenings.
Key Features
- Manage check-in and room access through the My Disney Experience app.
- Some campsites are pet-friendly with access to Waggin’ Trails Dog Park.
- RV rentals can be delivered and set up before you arrive.
4. Ocean Lakes Family Campground
Ocean Lakes Family Campground combines beachfront camping with enough activities to keep your children entertained from morning to night. Its mile-long stretch of Atlantic coastline includes 20 beach access points, so reaching the sand is never a long walk. Away from the beach, Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center is the hub of action with pools, a lazy river, water slides, mini golf and a game center. Practical amenities are equally impressive.
Key Features
- The Nature Center Discovery Lab introduces children to local marine life.
- Bicycle rentals make it easy to explore the campground.
- Camptown Center features a grocery store, restaurant and laundry facilities.
5. Bethpage Camp-Resort
Bethpage Camp-Resort offers families various ways to enjoy an active vacation right on its property. Set near the Chesapeake Bay, the resort features five swimming pools, a waterslide, playgrounds, and daily activities like arts and crafts. While your child enjoys hay wagon rides, you may spend the afternoon kayaking, crabbing or relaxing by the water. Between activities, the Poolside Cafe and the Bethpage Miniature Golf & Ice Creamery make convenient stops for lunch or a sweet treat.
Key Features
- Bike rentals offer another way to explore the resort.
- Waterfront sites are available.
- The campground is close to many of Virginia’s popular attractions.
Criteria For The Best Campgrounds For Families With Young Children
Every campground in this roundup was selected using the same family-first criteria. Each one consistently makes camping easier and more enjoyable for parents with toddlers and young children. Here are the features that were considered:
- Family-friendly activities and recreational facilities
- Clean restrooms and shower buildings
- Safe campground layouts with room for children to play
- A variety of accommodation options
- Easy booking and helpful customer support
- Positive reviews from families
Quick Comparison
This table compares the campgrounds based on their accommodations and features that make them a good fit for camping with children.
| Campground | Best For | Accommodation Options | Family Highlights |
| KOA | Overall family camping | Tent Sites, RV Sites, Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins, Glamping Tents | More than 500 locations, playgrounds, pools, jumping pillows, family activities, flexible camping styles |
| Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park | Kids who love entertainment | Tent sites, RV sites, cabins, yurts, treehouses | Character meet-and-greets, water attractions, themed weekends and daily activities |
| Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground | Disney-loving families | Tent campsites, RV campsites and cabins | Fort-themed water play area, archery, horseback riding, canoeing, woodland setting |
| Ocean Lakes Family Campground | Beach camping | Tent sites, RV sites, beach houses | Direct beach access, water park, lazy river, playgrounds, family recreation |
| Bethpage Camp-Resort | Activity-packed family vacations | RV sites and cottages | Five pools, waterslide, mini golf, arts and crafts, movie nights, kayaking and fishing |
5 Campgrounds You Should Avoid When Camping With Young Children
A beautiful location doesn’t always mean a family-friendly camping experience. It’s important to know which campground types can make traveling with young children more challenging.
1. Primitive or Backcountry Campgrounds
Primitive camping means staying at campsites with few to no amenities, which means they typically lack running water, toilets, showers and nearby parking. They can be rewarding for experienced campers but challenging for toddlers or preschool-aged children who need frequent breaks and familiar comforts.
2. Adult-Oriented Party Campgrounds
Some private campgrounds cater to groups looking for lively weekends full of music, social events and late-night gatherings. Families with young children may find that the noise and atmosphere make early bedtimes difficult.
3. Campgrounds With Limited Family Amenities
Not every campground includes playgrounds, open play spaces or activities for children. If your kids need room to run around between hikes, a campground with few family activities can leave everyone feeling restless.
4. Remote Campgrounds Far From Basic Services
Camping in remote areas has its appeal, but families with young children usually benefit from being reasonably close to grocery stores, fuel stations, pharmacies and medical facilities. Easy access to essentials offers extra peace of mind if plans change unexpectedly.
5. Campgrounds With Busy Roads or Unsafe Layouts
Before booking, take a closer look at the campground map. Sites located beside busy internal roads, steep slopes or unfenced bodies of water may require constant supervision.
Have S’more Fun
The five campgrounds on this list offer the activities, accommodations and family-friendly amenities that help make camping with young children more enjoyable. A little research before booking goes a long way toward creating a camping trip your whole family will remember for the right reasons.
Author Bio
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about health and fitness. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates on his work, and subscribe to Modded Minute for more!
