Camping with kids can be equal parts magical and exhausting. And honestly, it usually is both.

In our latest Rooted Conversations podcast episode, our Cofounder, Kirsten, is joined by her close friend, Abby Carey, as they share the reality of family travel: it takes work, requires flexibility, and rarely feels like a true vacation. But it also creates some of the sweetest family memories.

If you're planning a camping trip, road trip, or summer adventure with little ones, you're going to want to hear what they had to say:

Shift Your Expectations

One of the most helpful mindset changes? Think of it as a trip, not a vacation.

Traveling with kids still includes packing, feeding, cleanup, bedtime routines, and all the little moments that need your attention. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth doing.

As Abby shares in the episode, getting away can be a chance to "sharpen your axe"—stepping away from everyday routines and returning more connected, refreshed, and present.

Divide Responsibilities Before You Leave

A smoother trip often starts before the car is packed.

One practical tip Abby swears by is clearly dividing responsibilities. In her family, her husband, Ryan, handles the driving and RV logistics while she manages food, packing, and planning.

Whether you're camping or road-tripping, assigning responsibilities ahead of time helps reduce last-minute stress and decision fatigue.

Pack for Real Life

The best travel setups aren't about bringing everything; they're about bringing the right things.

A few favorite camping essentials mentioned in the episode:

• Scissors for quick food prep

• Ziploc bags for leftovers and kid messes

• A battery pack for charging devices

• Motion sickness patches for travel days

• A tote or bin for keeping dirty shoes outside sleeping areas

Small items like these can make a surprisingly big difference once you're on the road.

Embrace the Simple Hacks

Sometimes the best camping tips are the simplest ones.

One favorite from the episode? Keeping shoes in a dedicated container outside your sleeping space to help keep dirt under control.

Simple traditions, like making coffee at the campsite each morning, often become the moments everyone remembers most.

The Magic Usually Outweighs the Hard

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the episode is that kids don't need a perfect itinerary to have a great trip.

They need fresh air, freedom to explore, snacks, people they love, and space to make memories.

Will there be messes? Absolutely. But there will also be happy smiles and stories you'll talk about long after the trip is over.

Listen to the Full Conversation

For more honest reflections, practical camping tips, and encouragement for this season of parenting, be sure to listen to the latest Rooted Conversations podcast episode with Kirsten and Abby.

Listen Here: Camping And Traveling With Kids ft. Abby Carey

And if you're gearing up for summer adventures, remember: start small, keep it simple, pack for real life, and leave room for a little mess and a lot of memory-making.

Before You Go...

For everyday family travel support, it also helps to keep a few soft, hardworking essentials close:

^^ A roomy Willow Tote can make it easier to keep snacks, wipes, extra clothes, and on-the-go essentials in one place.

^^ A Multi-Use Cover is helpful for the unpredictable moments that come with feeding and outings.

^^ And a soft Muslin Lovey can bring a little familiarity when naps, car rides, or bedtimes happen away from home.