Family Camping Traditions to Start This Year

Simple Ideas That Create Memories—and Keep Everyone Coming Back for More Ask any family who camps regularly, and they’ll tell you: it’s not just about the gear, the tent, or the weather. It’s about the moments that become traditions—the little things you look forward to, year after year. Whether it’s toasting marshmallows the same way every time or choosing a “tent captain” for each trip, these rituals help turn camping into something truly special. And the best part? You can start your own camping traditions right now—even if you’re brand new to it. Here are some of our favourite family camping traditions to try this year. Some are fun. Some are thoughtful. All are easy to make your own.

1. The First-Night Feast

Make the first meal of every trip a celebration—whatever that looks like for your family. Maybe it’s:

• Hot dogs with all the toppings
• Tacos cooked together over the stove
• A pre-made lasagna heated in a Dutch oven
• Takeaway chips picked up on the way to the campsite

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something everyone looks forward to. We often pair it with a big cheers using plastic cups and fizzy pop under the fairy lights.

2. Tent (or Trailer Tent) Decorating Contest

Each family member gets a small part of the tent—or their own corner—to decorate.

• Fairy lights, flags, or bunting
• Drawing a “tent flag” or campsite welcome sign
• Name tags above sleeping bags

It’s fun for kids and gives everyone a sense of ownership of the space. We sometimes vote on “cosiest corner” or “best sleeping bag setup.”

3. Family Campfire Story Night

Set one night aside for proper stories around the fire. You can:

• Take turns telling made-up tales
• Share family memories from past trips
• Use a story dice or prompt cards
• Record your stories and listen to them next year!

Some families even write one big story together, adding a sentence each around the fire. It’s always chaotic—and hilarious.

4. One New Camp Recipe Every Trip

Try cooking one new thing each time you go camping. It could be:

• A campfire dessert
• A breakfast skillet
• Foil packet meals
• DIY pizzas on flatbreads

Let the kids help choose and prep. Over time, you’ll build your own family camping cookbook—complete with favourites and flops!

5. The Campsite Walk

Make it a tradition to explore the campsite as soon as you’ve finished setting up.

• Walk the perimeter
• Find the loos, the bins, the playground
• Check out the views or paths nearby

You’ll get your bearings—and it’s a great way for kids to burn off energy after the car ride. We call it the “Pitch Patrol.”

6. Photo-in-the-Same-Spot Tradition

Each year (or each trip), take a photo in the same pose or spot. It could be:

• Everyone in front of the tent
• Sitting on your camp chairs
• Jumping mid-air (harder than it sounds!)

Over the years, you’ll have a lovely series showing how your family, gear, and campsite choices change.

7. The “No Screens After Sunset” Rule

Not every family will go for this—but it’s one that sticks. As soon as the sun starts to dip, put phones and tablets away. Light the fire, get out the games, talk, toast marshmallows. It sounds small, but over time it creates space for connection and calm. And the kids learn to love it—eventually!

8. Campsite Games Tournament

Create your own mini Olympic games that run across the trip. Ideas:

• Sack races (use sleeping bag bags)
• Frisbee accuracy challenge
• Water balloon dodgeball
• Tent peg throwing (from a safe distance!)
• Marshmallow stacking contest

Score it over the weekend and award a prize (we usually give out a pine cone “trophy” on the last night).

9. Camp Journal or Scrapbook

Bring a notebook on every trip and take turns writing in it. Include:

• The campsite name and date
• The weather and meals
• Funny things that happened
• Drawings or doodles from the kids
• Photos or pressed flowers taped in later

This becomes a beautiful family memory book that grows with each trip.

10. Always End With Hot Chocolate

No matter what kind of day you’ve had, finish with hot chocolate before bed. It’s a comforting way to wind down—and it gives everyone something to look forward to even when they’re tired or chilly. You can add:

• Whipped cream and sprinkles
• A secret marshmallow hidden inside
• A toast around the fire before turning in

Small tradition, big impact.

Why Traditions Make Camping Even Better

When you start your own family camping rituals, you create rhythms your kids will remember for life. It turns each trip into part of a bigger story. The first-night meal, the fire stories, the silly games—they become the moments your children talk about years later. And honestly? They give us as parents something to look forward to, too. So try just one or two on your next trip. Make them your own. And before long, camping won’t just be a trip—it’ll be a family tradition in itself. Looking for more ideas to make your camping trips unforgettable? Explore camplinq.com for family-friendly campsite tips, creative games, and real-life guides from campers who’ve been there.