Blog A Survival Guide to Camping With Teenagers!

Once upon a time, taking your kid on a family camping holiday made you the best parent ever. But then, seemingly overnight, that adorably excited little face has morphed into a perpetually unimpressed scowl. Spending school holidays in the family caravan with you? Worst. Idea. Ever.

It’s enough to break your heart. It’s enough to make you want to leave them out with the hard rubbish!

But don’t give up on the family holiday just yet. It’s not too late to create the best camping memories ever – yes, even with your moody teenager!

Top Tips for Caravanning with Teens in Tow

Teenagers hate being told…well, anything. It doesn’t matter what you say, your teen is programmed to think your ideas are wrong/cringe/the absolute worst. However, it is possible to plan a holiday that everyone will love – but to do that, you need to get your teen involved. Here are some ideas to inspire your teen to get on board with family holidays.

Planning the Trip: Ask your teen for input

Don’t just tell your kid about the upcoming caravan trip – ask them to help you plan it. You’d be surprised how well teenagers respond to being asked their opinion. Of course, the final decisions are ultimately yours, but by giving your teen a say in at least one element of the holiday, they gain a sense of autonomy and something specific to look forward to.

If the destination is non-negotiable, ask for their input on camp sites or parks to stay at. You can provide several pre-approved options and let them make the final choice – or you can ask them to research places and pitch their favourites for your consideration. The key is to be open to their suggestions and clearly explain any parameters (like budget or essential amenities), so they don’t waste their time researching places you were never going to say yes to.

Sleeping Quarters: Give teens their ‘own room’

Your van could be luxuriously spacious and come with the comfiest bunk beds on the market, and still, your teen will be desperate for their own space. The answer? Pack a tent or swag. It’s a great option for your teen to retreat to – to sleep and for some alone time after a whole lot of family togetherness.

Think of it like Christmas Day at the in-laws – you love them (mostly), but sometimes you hide in the bathroom longer than is strictly necessary. It’s fine – everyone needs a breather now and then. And let’s be honest, teens aren’t known for smelling the greatest, so you might just appreciate the breather even more than your teen!

Activities: Choose age-appropriate solo adventures

The older our kiddos get, the more freedom they’re looking for. And teens are looking for MAXIMUM freedom. In the city, this can make parents extremely nervous. The beauty of camping holidays is that they provide opportunities for teens to expand their boundaries in a safer and slower-paced environment.

Depending on your holiday destination and the age of your teen, they might take a surfing lesson, try geocaching, walk to the local shops for lunch, go fishing, or do some mountain biking. Encourage them to research the area and make a list of things to do there. Discuss expectations and rules so that everyone is on the same page. Not only is this a brilliant way to build trust with your teen, but they will also learn to trust in themselves and their growing capabilities.

Some teens may be nervous about solo adventures – so if they ask you to join in on their chosen activity, grab this gift with both hands. This may involve dealing with the gross business of worms and hooks, or your ego taking a hit as you eat your teen’s dust on the bike trails, but trust us, these are memories you’ll both hold onto for a lifetime.

Stopover Sites: Opt for teen-friendly places to stay

The biggest objection teenagers typically have to family holidays is that they’ll be away from their friends for too long. If bringing a mate along is not an option, the next best thing is to go where the teenagers are. Teens are social creatures, but if there’s no one their age around, they can become withdrawn and sullen. This is a serious condition and quite contagious, so don’t let a case of ‘moody teen’ ruin your holiday!

Holiday parks are a popular choice with families because they usually offer a range of teen-friendly amenities and activities. Common areas with ping pong tables, etc., are a great way to keep bored teens entertained, and they can mingle with others their age.

Other Ideas for Camping with Teenagers

Teenagers often respond well to being trusted to take on more responsibility, and camping trips provide a relaxed environment for passing on life skills.

• Give them chef duties: Cooking snags on the alfresco kitchen BBQ is a simple place to start.
• Let your teen drive: Holiday road trips are a great way to log Learner hours. However, not all states and territories allow L-platers to tow a caravan, so check the rules first.

Find the Ultimate Caravan for Camping with Teens

JAWA campers are designed to accommodate families with even the fussiest teens, offering a blend of off-road adventure capabilities, effortless alfresco living, and all the interior comforts of home. Browse the range today.