Roof Top Tent Camping with Kids: A Family Guide

Few things create family memories quite like camping adventures. Waking up together in a roof top tent, cooking breakfast at sunrise, and exploring the Australian bush offers children experiences that screens and structured activities simply cannot replicate. But camping with kids requires different considerations than adult-only trips.

This guide covers everything from safety considerations and age-appropriate expectations to keeping children entertained and choosing the right tent for your family's needs.

Safety First: RTT Considerations for Children

The elevated nature of roof top tents introduces safety considerations that don't exist with ground-level camping. Understanding and addressing these is essential before your first family trip.

Ladder Safety

The ladder presents the most obvious risk for children. Establish clear rules from the start:

• Children should always use the ladder under adult supervision until they demonstrate consistent safe climbing
• Teach the three-point contact rule: always have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder
• No running, jumping, or playing on or near the ladder
• Adults go up first to receive children at the top, and down last to spot from below

Fall Prevention

Inside the tent, prevent falls by:

• Positioning children to sleep between adults or against the tent wall (not near the opening)
• Ensuring all zippers are fully closed before sleep
• Teaching children that the tent entry is off-limits without an adult present
• Using a small portable barrier or positioning the ladder so it's not easily accessible from inside

Age Guidelines

While every child is different, general guidelines suggest:

• Under 2: Possible but requires extra vigilance. Portable barriers and co-sleeping work well.
• 2-5 years: Can enjoy RTT camping with constant supervision and assistance on ladders.
• 5-8 years: Beginning to manage ladders with supervision, understanding rules.
• 8+ years: Generally capable of independent ladder use once trained, though supervision remains important.

Choosing the Right Tent for Families

Family camping with an RTT requires adequate space. A tent advertised for two adults will not comfortably fit two adults and children for multi-night trips.

Size Considerations

• 3-person tents: Suitable for two adults and one small child, or two adults on short trips with kids sleeping elsewhere
• 4-person tents: Accommodate two adults and 2-3 children comfortably, or provide luxury space for smaller families
• Annexe additions: Ground-level annexes attached to the RTT can house older children, providing extra space while keeping the family together

Feature Priorities for Families

• Easy setup: Getting camp established quickly while managing children is valuable
• Headroom: Space to sit up and dress children inside the tent
• Multiple entry points: Easier access without climbing over sleeping family members
• Good ventilation: Multiple bodies generate heat and moisture
• Interior storage: Pockets and organisers keep small items accessible

Preparing Children for the Trip

Setting expectations before departure makes the trip smoother for everyone.

Pre-Trip Practice

• Set up the tent at home and let children explore it
• Practice ladder climbing under controlled conditions
• Do a "practice night" sleeping in the tent in your driveway
• Let children help with setup tasks appropriate to their age

Explain What to Expect

Talk through the experience beforehand:

• Where they'll sleep and what it will feel like
• What toilet arrangements will be (this is a big deal for kids!)
• What animals or sounds they might encounter
• The rules and why they exist

Keeping Kids Entertained

Happy children make for happy camping. Plan activities, but also embrace unstructured exploration.

Nature-Based Activities

• Nature scavenger hunts: Create lists of things to find—different leaf shapes, animal tracks, specific coloured rocks
• Bird watching: Even a simple bird book and binoculars can captivate children
• Rock collecting: Kids love collecting (establish rules about what comes home)
• Bug observation: Magnifying glasses turn ordinary bugs into fascinating creatures
• Star gazing: Roof top tents offer great views—learn some constellations together

Camp Activities

• Involve children in camping tasks—gathering kindling, setting up chairs, preparing food
• Campfire cooking (where permitted) is inherently exciting for kids
• Card games and board games for quiet time
• Journaling or drawing to record the adventure
• Simple craft activities with natural materials

Practical Tips for Family Trips

Sleep Management

• Stick to approximate normal bedtimes—overtired children make miserable campers
• Bring comfort items from home (favourite stuffed animals, special blankets)
• Consider children's earplugs if they're sensitive to bush sounds
• Establish a consistent bedtime routine even while camping

Food and Meals

• Keep some familiar foods available—camping isn't the time to push food boundaries
• Pack plenty of easy snacks for between meals
• Involve children in age-appropriate meal prep
• Bring extra water for spills and messes

Hygiene and Toileting

• Carry a portable potty for younger children (especially for night use)
• Baby wipes solve many cleaning challenges
• Establish hand-washing routines with biodegradable soap
• Scout toilet locations upon arrival so children know where to go

First Aid for Families

Expand your first aid kit for children:

• Child-appropriate pain relief medication
• Antihistamines for allergic reactions
• More bandaids than you think you'll need (kids love them even for invisible injuries)
• Antiseptic cream and wound wash
• Tweezers for splinters (inevitable!)
• Any regular medications your children take

Managing Challenges

Even well-planned trips encounter difficulties. Here's how to handle common issues.

Homesickness and Fear

• Acknowledge their feelings without dismissing them
• Maintain connection through familiar routines
• Have a "safety plan" children know about—what happens if they're scared or uncomfortable
• For first-timers, choose campsites closer to home

Weather Changes

• Have backup activities ready for rainy periods
• Embrace puddles and rain (with proper gear) as part of the adventure
• Know when to adjust plans—miserable conditions don't build character in young children

Roof top tent camping with children requires more planning than adult trips, but the rewards are immeasurable. Children who grow up camping develop resilience, nature appreciation, and family bonds that last a lifetime. Start with shorter, easier trips, build skills and confidence together, and before long, you'll have capable young adventurers eager for the next journey.