Jeep Camping in Colorado with Kids

The sound of wolves howling in the distance, the smell of pine filling our noses and the memories that I cherish to this day. I can't seem to get over this camping experience. It was beautiful, adventurous, and felt so magical. This campground is known as Trujillo Meadows. It sits at 10,000ft above elevation, situated between tall mountains, pines and a beautiful lake. We drove from Albuquerque and it was such a gorgeous drive, especially when you are going through Chama. When we got there, we were one of the few so it felt serein and secluded.

We found an amazing spot overlooking the lake and nestled between trees. We set up camp, hiked to the lake and just simply enjoyed every minute out there. I dream of this campground all the time and hope we can return one day.

At the time, we had a 4-door Jeep Wrangler, with a Smittybuilt rooftop tent. It was so fun!! As a family of 4, we fit pretty well but it was getting snug. The tent opened on all 4 sides and the kids loved playing up there. It was their own little fort. I loved the ambience of it in the mornings with the rising sun and at night when I put my bulb lights on it.

I grew up camping as a kid. My family is from northern New Mexico and the mountains up there are just amazing. When our son came a long, then daughter, we knew we would expose them to the fun and adventures of camping. Adventuring and being outside in nature only intensified when our kids came along. We continue to explore all the beautiful places around us, our kids in tow. My husband didn't grow up camping, so it took some exposure to it to make it like it. We "camped" a lot while in the Army but of course it's not glamourous. Camping on your own, with your own gear and gadgets, enjoying smores under the fire, makes for more memorable family events.

Because our babies were so small and they couldn't just hang out in the rooftop tent alone, for safety reasons, so we pitched a small tent on the ground for them to play in. They had this insane view of the lake and as a mama, my heart was so happy to see them playing outside, the way kids are supposed to.

We involved our oldest with the camp chores and he was ecastic. Kids naturally want to help because they are eager to learn everything we are doing. Dad supervised him as he learned to use a small axe. I got to enjoy sitting in the tent nursing baby girl and just enjoying the calmness of everything around us.

I think the hardest thing about camping with kids is at first, you expect to be able to relax, sit back and enjoy the view. In reality, kids will be even more eager to explore so you're constantly following them to make sure they're okay, they're not touching poisonous plants, and in our case, not to close to the edge cliff. The weather changes fast in the mountains, so maintaining proper warmth was always my challenge. With the challenges though, comes the reward, making memories with your family in beautiful places.

Here are tips and tricks we have learned over the years.

PLAN AHEAD

Make a list, double check, triple check it. I always make a packing list with my husband so we don't forget the essentials. One time, we forgot diapers for our baby (yes, diapers, I know, how does a parent forget diapers?). We camped so remote we couldn't just drive to a small store to get more so... check your list multiple times. New to camping? Don't know what to pack? Check out our camping gear checklist.

PLAN YOUR MEALS

With no freezer out in the wild, it's hard to take enough meat and produce without worrying of it spoiling so we plan our meals ahead of time. I take enough food for each main meal for however many days we will be out there. I than take extra nonperishable items for snacks. This has worked out great so that we don't waste food.

PACK LOTS OF LAYERS

With kids, we are always worried if they're cold, too hot, just right. In the mountains, the weather changes fast so I always take summer to winter layers. We camped in Colorado in September and I am so glad I took gloves and beanies because once the sun set behind the mountain, the chill came and the kids needed those layers.

PACK A FIRST AID KIT

Injuries and small cuts/scrapes are inevitable, especially out in the wild where children are running free. I always pack a Family First Ait Kit and add calamine lotion (in case we run into poisonous leaves).

PACK VEHICLE EQUIPMENT

Before we head out, we always assess our car and make sure the essentials are topped off. We take with us, an extra tire, air compressor, jump starter kit, etc.

KNOW THE WILDLIFE

I always research the area where we will be camping. It's imperative to know what kind of wildlife are in the area to keep your family safe. Most campgrounds have websites that have valuable information on what to know and how to stay safe. From bear safety to campfire safety, it's important to know before you go.

PACK KIDS TOYS

I always let the kids bring their favorite toys, books, stuffed animals. Kids need something to help them feel like home. My son loved taking his dump trucks, shovels, Hot Wheels and exploring with them in the wild.

DON'T FORGET THE BUSPRAY

Those pesky bugs will come out. Pack some bugspray, tick spray, etc and protect you and your little ones from those little critters.

HAVE FUN

Don't over do it and become stressed with the planning. If you plan ahead, check your list, you'll be set up for success. Let the kids be a part of the planning process. Let them help you set up the tent and camp, let them help with camp chores. It'll make for a memorable camping experience.