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Kids find everything about camping fun and exciting, even chores! My kids are non-stop on our heels the minute we pull into the camping spot asking a million questions and that’s the perfect opportunity to put them to work.
Fun Jobs and Chores for Kids at the Campsite
Here are a few easy chores for kids to do at the campsite that they find fun! Getting them involved in setting up camp keeps them involved and interested, plus they gain a better understanding of what’s involved in setting up camp. My kids are 5 &3 and they have been doing these jobs since my youngest was 1.5 years old.
As they get older, they’ll be able to help with even more.
Carrying things out of the car
Camping requires a lot of gear and unloading it is one of the first tasks to do when you arrive. Take advantage of the kids’ enthusiasm for helping and have them carry what they can to the dining area.
Hold tent stakes
Give them the job of holding and dispersing the tent stakes when Dad needs them. They love this!
Collect Sticks
Show them what kindling looks like and have them look around the campsite (within eyesight) for it. You’ll need it later to start a fire. This job also works great if you have older kids and you want to send them a little farther away for some peace and quiet.
Chopping Fire Wood
This hatchet is very very dull, so don’t worry. We still teach him to be careful with the blade and he always has so much fun chopping away at a log of firewood. Even if he never actually cuts any.
“Fetch” Things
Gotta love the old PA dutch lingo there, right? If we’re doing something and need something out of the tent or car, we send them to go get it. If we’re thirsty, they get us a drink from the cooler.

Meals
Most meals we prepare at the campsite allow the kids to get involved with prep or even cooking. Once they get older, you can even turn some of the meal planning duties over to them at home and that will take a big load of work off your shoulders.
Dishes
Kids actually love playing in soapy water and believe it or not, they can be responsible for washing things, like dishes, at a pretty young age. You’ll have to check their work though, so maybe have them start with rinsing or drying.
Throwing away trash
This one goes along with “fetching” things, but you can have them put things in the trash bag too. Little things like this may make me sound lazy for not putting my own trash away, but it keeps the kids involved and learning to keep our camping area clean.
Did I miss any jobs or chores for kids that you do on your family camping trips? I’d love to hear them!
More Activities and Tips for Family Camping
