Whoop! Summer is almost here and you’ve decide to go camping with kids. You have your must have camping gear. You have planned your camping meals, and decided on the camp activities with kids. Now you just need to know the best kid friendly camping spots in North America. There are some great kid friendly camping spots in North America. Since each family’s interests are different, you may not think every camping spot is ideal. When it comes to kid friendly, though, these places are the best and they have locations all across North America for your family to experience.
Campground Directory of North America: RV, Campground, Campsites & Camping ReservationsNational Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States, 8th Edition (National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States)
National Geographic Guide to State Parks of the United States, 4th Edition (National Geographic Guide to the State Parks of the U.S.)
Best Kid Friendly Camping Spots in North America
National Parks
National Parks often have camping and are very affordable making them excellent for families. They have the natural beauty of our world just outside your tent, camper, mobile home, or cabin. Your family will love to hike and explore these beautiful places. National Parks have Junior Ranger program where kids can take a test (which will actually help them experience the park) to become Junior Rangers and get a badge.
YMCA Campgrounds
There are often YMCA Campgrounds located close to national parks. We recently stayed at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park and it was one of our best vacations ever. While we chose to stay in a cabin, the activities available for the kids were phenomenal. We practiced archery, played animal detective, attended an Elk Ecology course, learned about night creatures, did parachute games, played mini golf, star gazed, and so much more.
State Parks
Many State Parks have a variety of campgrounds available to suit your needs. Finding a state park nearby can be a real treat when it comes to camping. Some state park campgrounds offer “value camping” with lower rates that vary depending on the day and season AND you can reserve your spot online. We have a few locally, but one that I love to visit is Pere Marquette State Park in Illinois. It is less than an hour from home, has awesome trails, overlooks the river, and has cabins available should you not want to rough it. We’ve also enjoyed Pomme de Terre State Park and Cuivre River State Park right here in Missouri.
KOA Campgrounds
These campgrounds are well kept and have pools, playgrounds, and some have ponds. KOA Campgrounds are all over North America so it is likely there is one near some place you want to visit. They often have theme weeks and fun activities for your kids.
Jellystone Parks
While not as widely located as KOA Campgrounds they are very kid friendly. They have pools, playgrounds, ponds, fun activities for kids, and of course the symbol of their campground Yogi Bear. Your kids will be sure to enjoy staying at a Jellystone Park with themed weeks like KOA Campgrounds.
Disney Parks
Yes, I said Disney Parks. You may not have known it, but Disney Parks have campgrounds. You know at a place that focuses on making dreams come true, that your family will have a GREAT Time. They will get to enjoy the Disney Park while still enjoying camping. In addition the cost of camping at Disney is well below what it costs to stay in one of the hotels. Think of it, Mickey Mouse and S’mores in one vacation! SCORE.
Your Own Backyard
Never forget one of the best places right where you are. It has all the convenience of home, since you are at home. It gives you a little change in scenery though. You can make sure that you do activities that you normally wouldn’t do or haven’t done in your local area. It is a fun way to feel like you have gone away when doing a Staycation.
Pick one of the best kid friendly camping spots in North America and make memories to last a lifetime. You won’t regret it.
