Camping with kids is an unforgettable adventure filled with fresh air, nature play, and family bonding. But when the sun dips behind the trees and the forest gets quiet, it’s time to guide your little explorers into a peaceful sleep. Just like at home, a consistent bedtime routine helps kids wind down and feel secure. The difference? This one happens under a canopy of stars.
Here’s your guide to creating outdoor bedtime routines for little campers—so every night ends with calm, cozy, and magical moments.
1. Stick to a Familiar Sleep Schedule
Even though camping feels like a break from routine, your child’s internal clock still craves structure. Try to follow your normal bedtime window, whether it’s 7:30 or 9:00 p.m.
Why it matters:
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Prevents overtiredness (which can lead to crankiness and restless sleep)
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Keeps the transition from campsite to home smoother
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Gives kids a sense of security in a new environment
Tip: Watch the sunset together—it’s a natural cue for winding down.
2. Freshen Up with a “Camp Bath”
While camping might not include bubble baths, a clean-up ritual helps signal bedtime. Use wipes or a basin of warm water to wash faces, hands, and feet. Brush teeth together near the camp sink or portable wash station.
Optional night prep kit:
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Baby wipes
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Toothbrush & toothpaste
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Pajamas
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Clean socks or slippers
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Towel or washcloth
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Bug spray and lotion (gentle and kid-safe)
Tip: Change into soft, comfy pajamas to help shift from “explorer mode” to “snuggle mode.”
3. Story Time by Lantern or Flashlight
Just like at home, storytime is a comforting ritual. Bring a few favorite books, or make up a story inspired by your surroundings—maybe a friendly raccoon or a brave squirrel on an adventure.
Ideas for storytelling:
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Classic picture books
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Short adventure or animal tales
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Camp-themed books like Curious George Goes Camping or Pete the Cat Goes Camping
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Shadow puppets using flashlights and your hands
Bonus fun: Let kids pick a special “camp story rock”—a painted rock or nature token that you place on the book while reading.
4. Campfire Wind-Down
If your little ones are still awake during campfire time, make it a soothing part of the routine instead of wild and rowdy. Share soft songs, silly poems, or calming campfire chats.
Ideas to keep it mellow:
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Sing lullabies or folk songs (e.g., You Are My Sunshine, Kumbaya)
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Roast one final marshmallow as a “sleepy treat”
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Watch the embers fade while cuddled in a camp chair or on a lap
Tip: Use soft red or amber lights after dark to help preserve melatonin production for better sleep.
5. Make Their Sleep Space Cozy
The tent is their bedroom in the wild—so make it cozy, warm, and safe-feeling. Lay out a kid-friendly sleeping bag, a familiar blanket or stuffed animal, and consider using a small camping mattress or pad for extra comfort.
Camp sleep gear for kids:
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Sleeping bag rated for the expected temperature
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Pillow from home or a soft travel pillow
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Favorite plush toy or security item
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Fleece blanket for layering
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Nightlight or headlamp with red light setting
Bonus idea: Decorate the tent with glow-in-the-dark stars or fairy lights for a magical bedtime environment.
6. Establish a “Lights Out” Ritual
Let kids know what comes just before sleep: maybe a lullaby, three big yawns, or a gentle forehead kiss. Having a short, repeatable closing routine signals that the day is truly done.
Examples:
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“Goodnight trees, goodnight moon” chant
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Everyone makes a wish on a star
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Flashlight flicker countdown from 5 to 1
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Snuggle up and say “Sweet dreams, campers!”
7. Prepare for Early Morning Wake-ups
Nature doesn’t come with blackout curtains. Birds chirp early, and sunlight filters into tents quickly. If your kids are light sleepers, prepare for earlier-than-usual wake-ups and have a soft morning activity ready.
Helpful gear:
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Sleep masks (for kids who tolerate them)
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Earplugs or white noise app
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Picture books, coloring, or quiet toys ready for dawn play
Tip: Let them help make a morning “quiet kit” before the trip!
️ 8. Rainy Night Alternatives
If rain keeps you in the tent, the bedtime routine can still go smoothly. Turn the sound of rain into a soothing soundtrack and enjoy quiet, close-time as a family.
Rainy night tips:
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Create a tent fort inside your shelter
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Use a tablet for a short audio story (downloaded beforehand)
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Tell “rain adventures” using imagination or puppets
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Enjoy the coziness of sleeping under a gently tapping roof
✨ Magical Memories Begin at Bedtime
The best part about outdoor bedtime routines is that they’re not just about sleep—they’re about building memories, creating comfort in nature, and bonding as a family.
Camping might feel wild and different to your kids, but with a warm routine and some creativity, bedtime becomes something they’ll look forward to each night.
At Walnut Acres Campground, we believe peaceful nights lead to happy campers. With the stars above, the gentle rustle of trees, and the glow of a lantern, your child’s bedtime can become a magical moment of connection, calm, and wonder.