Cookies are essential for the smooth and secure operation of our website. They help us to monitor performance and provide you with an optimized, personalized user experience.
The cookie settings can be adjusted at any time in the footer of the page.
When camping with children, the most important thing is choosing the right motorhome. Preparations should include a well-thought-out packing list and a few ideas for activities on the road, so that the vacation remains relaxing for both parents and children.
Camping with kids promises one thing above all else: pure nature and adventure. But to ensure your family vacation in a motorhome doesn’t turn into a stressful experience, there are a few things you’ll want to plan carefully in advance. We’ve put together a list of which campgrounds are particularly family-friendly and what to keep in mind when choosing the right motorhome.
Find the Right Motorhome for Your Family Size
A common source of stress is wondering whether everyone will actually be able to sleep well at night—especially when the children go to bed earlier than their parents.
When choosing a vehicle, be sure to consider
Separate sleeping areas: Models with a lift-up bed, an alcove, or a separate children’s room in the rear allow children to sleep while the adults continue to sit together comfortably.
Bed sizes: Not every “kids' bed” in a vehicle is suitable for taller kids. Check the dimensions, especially for older children or teenagers.
Storage space: Enough room for toys, books, and maybe even a balance bike or small bikes makes everyday life on the go much easier.
Especially when renting a camper for the first time, safety is a major concern.
Before you book, you should clarify the following points:
Isofix anchors and seat belt options: Not every motorhome offers the same safety features for all seats. Be sure to ask specifically how many Isofix anchors are available and whether they can be used while driving.
Child seats: You can add a child seat directly when you book with us. This saves you from having to carry extra luggage when traveling by public transportation.
Securing items inside the vehicle: Make sure that cabinets, drawers, and loose items can be secured while driving so that nothing flies around.
Fall protection for beds: Especially loft beds and alcove beds should be secured with a strap or railing to prevent falling out
Camping Packing List for Families with Children
When traveling with kids, you often need more than just a toothbrush and a sleeping bag. It’s the little things—like their favorite stuffed animal—that ultimately make the difference between a relaxing trip and constant stress in the camper. To make sure you don’t forget anything, we’ve put together a list of the most important items for you:
Child seat (if not included in the rental)
First-aid kit with child-friendly bandages and a clinical thermometer
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, UV-protective clothing)
Favorite stuffed animal and familiar objects for bedtime
Audiobooks, books, small toys for on the go
Rain gear and rubber boots for bad weather
Enough snacks for the trip
Campground or campsite with kids?
Whether you prefer to stay at a campground or a parking spot ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the features of your camper.
Campground
Campsite
Infrastructure
Permanent restroom facilities, electricity and water supply, and often a changing table.
Not always available. However, it is possible if the vehicle is self-contained (has its own shower/toilet, kitchen, and power supply).
Activities for Children
Playground, pool, and often other kids to play with
No organized activities, but pure nature right on your doorstep
Safety
Fenced-in property, no passing visitors
Depending on the location—check the location and surroundings in advance
Privacy
Usually more crowded, more hustle and bustle
Much quieter, often alone or with just a few other vehicles
Flexibility
Reservations are usually required (especially during peak season); fixed check-in and check-out times
Perfect for spontaneous trips, ideal for road trips without a set itinerary
Costs
Rate per night and person, fully equipped included
Partly free or inexpensive, but with no services included
Best suited for
Families with young children who value structure and safety, or those new to camping
Families with older children or experienced campers who prefer peace and quiet and independence
Finding the place that's right for your family
Not every campground is automatically family-friendly. It’s worth checking the following points in advance:
Access to the water: a gentle slope into the water and calm coves are safer for small children than steep shores or strong currents
Activity options: A playground, bounce house, or indoor play barn are especially invaluable when the weather is bad
Restroom facilities: separate children's restrooms, diaper-changing stations, and short distances to the campsite make daily life much easier
Childcare Options: Entertainment programs or kids' clubs give parents a chance to take a break every now and then
Nearby attractions: amusement parks, zoos, or sights for days when the weather forecast isn't looking good
Location & Noise: Proximity to a highway or railroad track can disrupt sleep—it helps to check recent reviews
Germany's Best Spots for Small Campers.
Family-Friendly Campgrounds for Families with Children in Germany
You don't have to travel far to give kids an adventure. Germany has plenty of family-friendly spots that people tend to underestimate.
The advantage of camping in Germany: a short drive, less stress on the first day of vacation, and, above all, more time for the family.
Guest card for discounted excursions in the region
Camping with Kids by the Sea
Sand for digging, water for splashing around—hours of fun that would otherwise require some creativity to come up with.
If you prefer a Mediterranean vibe over the North Sea or the Baltic Sea, you’ll find some of Europe’s most family-friendly coastlines in Italy, Croatia, and France.
Family Camping in Italy
The Adriatic coast is particularly popular with German families—wide sandy beaches, gently sloping waters, and many campgrounds with their own water parks. In Emilia-Romagna and around Caorle, campsites are often shaded by pine forests, just a few steps from the sea. If you’re looking for a cultural break, Venice and Ravenna are just a short trip away.
Family Camping in Croatia
Istria is a top choice thanks to its short travel time from Central Europe, gently sloping beaches, and modern campgrounds. The numerous water parks are a real highlight for kids. Those who prefer exploring islands will find quieter coves with pebble beaches in Kvarner Bay (e.g., Krk) and in Dalmatia. A trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park is a classic choice for families who also want to experience something on land.
Family Camping in France
On the Atlantic coast (Brittany, Vendée, Charente-Maritime), the tides and dunes offer plenty of variety—ideal for older children who want to try riding a wave. Those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere will find shallower waters on the Côte d'Azur along the Mediterranean. Many French campgrounds offer mini-clubs for children as young as 3, as well as tropical water parks with slides.
Additional things to keep in mind when choosing your (international) campsite
Beaches that slope gently (safety first)
Shade near the beach, because the midday sun in the south is much more intense than on the Baltic Sea
It's just a short walk from the campsite to the water (especially convenient when the kids are tired)
Entertainment programs/kids' clubs, in case you two want to take a breather
4 Tips for Dealing with Boredom and Motion Sickness
The trip itself is often the biggest test of patience for both children and parents. Here are a few ideas that have proven effective:
Schedule breaks: Taking a break every one to two hours at a rest stop with play areas helps children and parents recharge.
Preventing motion sickness: A seat facing forward, regular fresh air, and small, light snacks can help prevent nausea.
Keep them occupied: Audio plays, “I’m Packing My Suitcase,” counting games, or a little travel journal to draw in will make the kilometers fly by.
Plan realistic stops along the way: Sometimes less is more. It’s better to plan for an extra stop than to stress yourselves and the kids out.
With good preparation, nothing stands in the way of your camping adventure
A motorhome trip with kids requires a little more planning than a spontaneous city getaway. But that’s exactly what makes it so unique and unforgettable in the end. With the right motorhome, a well-thought-out packing list, and a few insider tips, nothing stands in the way of your family adventure.
In Germany, the Baltic Sea and the North Sea are particularly well-suited for camping with kids, with their gently sloping shores, calm waters, and many family-friendly campgrounds right on the beach. Internationally, the Italian Adriatic, Istria in Croatia, and the French Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts are especially worth visiting, as the waters and beaches there also slope gently, and many sites additionally offer pools, water parks, and childcare.
What are the essentials for camping with a child?
In addition to standard camping gear, a first-aid kit with child-friendly bandages, plenty of sunscreen, your child’s favorite stuffed animal for bedtime, and rain gear for rainy days are especially important. The complete packing list further up in this post will give you a good idea of what to bring.
At what age does it make sense to go camping with children?
In general, camping with babies is possible as long as you have the right gear and a well-established routine. A quiet campsite and plenty of quiet spaces for nap time are especially important. Many families find camping with toddlers to be particularly relaxing because children are more active, can fully experience nature, and can entertain themselves on the campground.
What are the benefits of camping with a child?
Camping brings families closer to nature, encourages independence and a spirit of adventure in children, and offers plenty of opportunities for social interaction through playgrounds, other children at the campground, and activity programs. Plus, destinations in Germany or neighboring countries are just a short drive away. Less travel stress means more relaxed time as a family.
