I’ve been taking my older daughter out since she was 2 from backpacking trips to car camping and normally take both my Daughters 6yo and 2yo on day trips. when we are able to plan vacation time together my wife joins us on larger / longer adventures from weekend camping to a week long Overland trip annually.

I "take" my lovely wife, 5 year old boy, 2 year old girl, and 2 black labs. For more adventurous trips (read backpacking, hiking uphill or ground camping) the wife generally stays behind and enjoys some kid free time. Both of my kids have been doing trips since they were 6mo-ish. My kids love "dad camping" probably because all rules are out the window (besides safety) and they can free range and binge eat junk food.

“My father always said there are four things a child needs: plenty of love, nourishing food, regular sleep, and lots of soap and water. After that, what he needs most is some intelligent neglect.” –Ivy Baker Priest

We used to take our kids backpacking and of course ”nicer” tent camping, but they havent joined us yet on an overland trip.....most because we have a 2dr jeep. However, this summer my parents are joining us on an overland trip around Oregon and they are hauling 2 of our kids and gear. Looking forward to it! So....we shall see how it goes with our 15, 13 and 11 year old kids sharing a small tent. HAHA.

My Wife and kids have an entirely different view on what is good camping. They are into the numbered campsites with close by amenities. I can usually get the kids out for a day or two.

Mama Miner normally only accompanies me on day trips anymore. My son Josh has his own rig now and enjoys our trips. Clark the dog accompanies me on many of my trips. He's a moocher around meal time!

At one time, our family of four traveled and camped together extensively, but years went by. Decades even, and family camping trips seem to have gone into the past.

I do try to make sure that "my" NWOL trips are family friendly, 'cause I think one of the most important things we can do, is to raise our children with an appreciation for the wild places.

Guy