Camping with Kids: Tips for a Fun Family Experience

Camping with kids can be one of the most rewarding ways to bond as a family while enjoying the great outdoors. But it also comes with unique challenges that require a bit of planning and patience. At Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, we believe that a successful camping trip with kids combines preparation, creativity and a spirit of adventure. Whether you’re new to camping or a seasoned pro, here are some tips to make your family camping experience fun and memorable.

How to Make Camping with Kids Fun and Stress-Free

1. Plan Ahead with a Camping Checklist for Kids

One of the keys to stress-free camping with children is preparation. Creating a camping checklist with kids in mind helps ensure you don’t forget essentials. Along with typical camping gear like tents, sleeping bags and cooking supplies, add kid-specific items:

Favorite toys or comfort items
Kid-friendly snacks and plenty of water
Extra layers for changing weather
Flashlights or headlamps for night-time fun
First aid kit tailored for kids

Having this checklist handy will keep everyone happy and comfortable, and reduce last-minute scrambling.

2. Choose a Family-Friendly Campsite

Pick a campsite that’s easy to manage with kids—look for level ground for tents, access to restrooms, and open spaces where little ones can safely roam. Sites near water or trails are a bonus, offering built-in entertainment.

Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is an ideal base for families, with riverside camping and close access to outdoor experiences. Whether you’re launching into a scenic float on the Shenandoah or unwinding near a quiet trail, our location helps make setup simple and keeps the fun close by. Explore our family-friendly adventures.

3. Keep Activities Simple and Engaging

Stick to activities that spark curiosity and don’t require too much structure—think scavenger hunts, skipping rocks, fishing or stories by the fire. A little discovery goes a long way with kids.

At Harpers Ferry, you can mix in new experiences like ziplining, rafting or tackling a kid-appropriate ropes course—all designed with safety and fun in mind. These outings are a great way to burn off energy and try something new together.

4. Make Meals Fun and Kid-Friendly

Involve kids in meal preparation to keep them engaged. Easy, tasty camping meals like foil packet dinners, s’mores or trail mix let children participate and enjoy the process. Remember to bring plenty of snacks.

5. Be Flexible and Patient

Camping with kids means adapting to their moods and needs. Expect that plans might change, naps may be necessary and some activities may need to be shortened. The goal is to create positive memories, so focus on fun and connection rather than strict schedules.

Plan Your Camping Trip at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center

Camping with kids is an incredible opportunity to unplug from screens, enjoy nature and build lasting family memories. At Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, we’re here to support your outdoor experiences and help your family explore the beauty of nature safely and joyfully. Ready to start your next family camping adventure? Contact us for expert advice, guided trips and local camping recommendations!

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It…

Hilary Buxton

15:57 09 Jun 25

The staff are friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. We did flatwater tubing and it was a good route; you can do multiple runs--we did two. We stayed overnight in one of the camping cabins so that we could enjoy the brewery on the property without having to worry about driving and had and had a great time--good beer, live music, pizza, amazing views. There was an issue with our cabin at first and Scott, the property manager, took good care of us and rectified the issue quickly. I've tubed with them twice so far and will definitely be back.

Todd Peterson

02:29 04 Jun 25

We went on a rafting trip this past Sunday. Wow, what a great time! Our raft guide was Hannah. She did such an amazing job. Her knowledge about the river and how to navigate the raft down the rapids can't be beat. It was a thrill I won't forget!! Hannah also had us stop at unique places like streams and falls that I have never seen before. She was also a lot of fun to talk to and kept us laughing with her jokes. Thanks Hannah for a wonderful adventure I will never forget.

Brett Peterson

23:34 01 Jun 25

We had an amazing time visiting the Harper Ferry adventure center. Hannah was an amazing guide to go rafting down the river with. Her jokes, personality, and in depth knowledge of the river made it a truly memorable experience. A nice plus is also the brewery right on sight, serving well over 50 beers on tap. Will be back!!

GAIA LEAH ROTEM

19:48 26 May 25

Me and my family had such an amazing experience at the rope course. Our instructor Logan was very kind, and attentive, he provided very clear and helpful instructions while keeping it professional and fun. Thanks to his advice I was able to do the most difficult part of it successfully, thank you.

Kinja Knepper

18:59 08 Nov 24

Brought my 3 boys out for some birthday fun zip lining this morning. The boys and I had the best time and they are still raving about it asking when we can come back! Matt and Tristan (I hope I got their names right) were fantastic guides and made the boys feel super confident in what we were doing. We will definitely be back to try out the other adventures another day soon!
Birthday boy thanks yall for the best birthday trip he's had yet! His words lol.

Jennifer Surles

13:41 04 Nov 24

We spent the weekend enjoying their cabins, ziplining and we took on the challenge of the ropes course. The bathrooms were nice and clean, and the showers were hot. We had 10 boys and 4 adults from Troop 847 (Spotsylvania Va) and they made sure that we had a great scout-friendly experience. The young men were taught how to safely use the equipment, but the guides kept it fun and encouraged the young men to challenge themselves! Will definitely be planning to use this company again!

Peter Hart

18:53 26 Oct 24

Zip Lining was a fantastic experience. Abby and Logan made us all feel safe but also never get too nervous. Best guides ever. We had so much fun and they made us feel very welcome. Great people who love their job. Couldn’t ask for better guides and a better time.

Dayne Murphy

16:45 16 Oct 24

The Kids working the adventure center were amazing and had so much fun with us and made the atmosphere a whole lot better

Reza Farsi

23:14 12 Oct 24

Had an amazing time ziplining at my friend's bachelor weekend. I am terrified of heights but Logan and Caiden did and excellent job of making the whole experience more enjoyable and laugh filled. Will come back whenever I'm in the area

Joel Frick

19:37 06 Oct 24

Fantastic experience in a one-of-a-kind environment! Super friendly guide Tristan also talked about historic events and landmarks during our rafting trip. Highly recommend it!

Alexander Johnson

14:36 03 Oct 24

The employees were very patient and helped us with any issues we had. We had a great time, would recomend

Trinity Bunting

16:40 24 Sep 24

Staff was very friendly and everyone enjoyed their time would go again.

Teri Gunter

16:21 24 Sep 24

I absolutely love it!! The staff was super friendly, and we were all laughing and cracking up. It was just such an amazing experience to be able to go. Anyone that goes should definitely do the tires because it really challenges you but it's worth it.

kyla okeefe

19:15 21 Sep 24

we had so much fun, thank you hfac and spider for an amazing time!

David Hinds

18:09 21 Sep 24

We had a fabulous experience rafting with the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. It is a top-notch operation, and our guide Chris was great! Not only does he have a library of jokes to tell he also has a wealth of knowledge of the history of the area and the local wildlife. Given the lack of rain this summer the river has been lower than normal but given Chris's 18 years of experience he was still able to take us down the more fun route which travels both the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. The trip itself was great but the day was topped off with fabulous views from the outside area of the brewery owned and operated by the Adventure Center located and on the property. Chris is not only a great guide but had great recommendations for the food we should try and the area of the brewery where we could get a great view of the Potomac just beyond the historic town of Harpers Ferry. I would highly recommend Chris and Harpers Ferry Adventure Center if you are considering a rafting experience.

anita williams

12:31 17 Sep 24

We had logan and Tristan as guides. Poor guys had our women's group of six. They were awesome. Very patient with us. They made our trip very fun. Thank you guys! I would have love to do the 2nd level of ropes course but could not get up that straight pole. I feel like they should offer steps to it. Or if there was something behind me like a wall, I could have made it. Food for thought.. none the less. Us 6 ladies had a great time

Karan Kumar

21:02 16 Sep 24

Went Rafting here for the first time and it was a blast! Our guide Chris was hilarious and so knowledgeable of the rich history of West Virginia.

Qinfen Song

17:26 15 Sep 24

woops！ So delicious！I never taste this Chinese food in US before. Let me feel i am in China. Recommend to everyone！

Thane Gum

15:54 13 Sep 24

Fun

Isaac Johnson

15:51 13 Sep 24

Great service, had a great time

Ty McCloud

15:51 13 Sep 24

Easy to use and enjoy ropes course with plenty of challenges for thrill seekers along with a much easier section for those who are afraid of heights. Plenty of well experienced and well caring staff members.

Samuel James

15:45 13 Sep 24

scott baber

01:59 12 Sep 24

Went on a company outing, due to time of year water was down but still had a great time. Charlie -boy was our guide and was great! Get ya a Paw Paw!

Mike

13:41 05 Sep 24

The camping is really good if you want to reconnect to nature

Vicki Wheatley

02:12 01 Sep 24

What a great time! It is a must do if you are visiting Harper's Ferry WV. Ask for Cody he was a great, knowledge and laid back tour guide!

Sandy Flip Flops & a Backpack Full of Love

03:05 27 Aug 24

We went white water rafting in August. The water levels weren't very high but we still had a blast! It was totally worth doing. Every staff we spoke to was very nice and our guide, Charlie, is the BEST!! He was so knowledgeable, super friendly, an all around fun. We will be coming back next year.

Sandra C

18:19 25 Aug 24

Had a great time!!! Went twice! Parked, they offer life vest and tubes then they shuttle you to put in location took about 2 hours to float down to take out location (big orange hvac sign). Very friendly in the little hut where you pay, and very friendly where you get tubes. Will definitely go again. Was on a Sunday 50$ for everything 30$ if you bring your own tube.

Christina Gaffos

23:32 01 Aug 24

We had a blast! Chris was our guide and seemed very knowledgeable. The river was low due to the drought but it didn't stop us from having a blast. We rafted and zip lined. Both were great! The brewery on site was wonderful as well with a great view!

Lydia Thompson

14:50 07 Jul 24

Our group of 4 had the absolute best time flat water tubing! The team was all incredibly nice, helpful, and contributed to the great experience. We 100% plan on doing it again. Sarah was particularly very sweet and drove us separately after our group didn’t fit on the main bus!
Be mindful of the water level because we were walking through rocks to avoid getting stuck a good bit and water shoes are definitely recommended

JOSEPH LEONGUERRERO

16:49 30 Jun 24

We had a great time on the zip line course at the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. We did the 9 am tour to avoid the summer heat. The tour guides did an excellent job explaining everything and keeping safety a priority. Will definitely return again soon. It was a lot of fun! Thank you to Jack, Matt, Zander, and Colin who led the zip line tour. We may be 65 and 60 years old but still enjoy getting out and doing things that excite you.

Yaira Ramos

13:38 09 Jun 24

The best experience ever. I am horrible with names but our guide was the sweetest girl in the group. The main guy Chris is hilarious and every single other guy in his group yesterday afternoon. They all are humorous, respectful and very informative. They made the experience 20/10. I will definitely go back.

Mz Pao

17:27 20 May 24

Alex was our Guide during rafting💕I even said I was the only one English speaker that I will translate to the other guys and he was patient enough to pause and give me time to explain to my group in Spanish😊 If your are looking to have a great time please ask for him!! He will make you laughing and is very knowledgeable about history and the area🫶🏻 it was my first time rafting and it was a blast. He also recommended the Brewery and I was not disappointed I loved the beet cheese 🧀💖 I will visit again💕

Kathleen Nelson

19:49 05 Feb 24

Exciting enough for the twenty something's, gentle enough for my grandkids, great time for all

Kelly Rhodes

01:04 06 Nov 23

Excellent experience! Group of kids did the zip line tour and had an absolute blast. The guides Logan and Caden were excellent! So fun and everyone felt very safe and comfortable because of them.

Gabriel Lee

17:56 05 Sep 23

We went white water tubing here with a party of 10 people and had blast. The initial bus ride to the drop off point was a bit long but they sent us in right away. The entire trip down stream took about 2 hours. The water level is a bit low and towards the end the water does get fairly shallow and you need to be careful with the slipper rocks. The white water wasn’t intense at all with it maybe passing as a category 1 not the 3-4 as noted but that was also due to the low water levels. Definitely pack sunscreen and water shoes and you’ll have a great time

Liam Amiri

13:11 27 Aug 23

This adventure center is very well organized and safe. Loved it.

Just make sure before coming for water activities you are wearing proper shoes and you have phone and wallet bags that can be attached to you at all time. Don't lose your stuff in the water...

Alexia Strickland

15:11 14 Aug 23

I normally do not write reviews but A group of us went for my boyfriend’s 29th birthday and had a blast. Bella and Kayden were the absolute best Zipline instructors. They were fun, personable and informative with our instructions. We did the Zipline/White water Tubing package and enjoyed the whole day. The facilities were clean, friendly staff, and the team were very accommodating to our requests even when they didnt have to. Definitely want to come back!

Elizabeth Houston

03:47 26 Jun 23

Such a great and full day for our family! Would highly recommend! We did ropes course and rafting. Patrick was awesome with the ropes! He was helpful and so patient. My 10 year old was not feeling the 3rd level fall-but really wanted to do it. Patrick really encouraged him in the best way to jump to it! We had a break in between and the Harpers Ferry Brewery next door was an added bonus we could walk to easily (we went back after too). We ended the day rafting with Liam as our guide. What an experience! He was very friendly, funny and confident on the water. He went out of his way for us to get the most out of the rafting experience. Such a great day-we all really enjoyed ourselves.