campermom

We never camped when I was little. But it just seemed like so much fun, I worked up the courage to do it and off we went. My son was 5 when we went this past year for the first time. He already knows how to "go" in the woods, he loves to climb trees, play/swim in the water, scramble up rocks, and see the wildlife. Sleeping thru the night is never an issue. Only after 9 days on the road did he want to watch cartoons. Without those distractions, your kids can focus on what is available, they will soak up everything they see and hear when your out there. You get to teach your kids about what you think is important. My son has already earned his wildlife conservation belt loop and academic pin for cub scouts. He will be earning the Leave no Trace Award in the spring with any luck. I do have some hints for when you take a kiddo camping.

Keep a routine.
We try to eat a hearty meal, so we have the energy to stay longer and play longer, leaving the snacks behind.
Have him carry his own pack. Along with snacks, he can put his "collection" things (leaves, rocks, feathers) in there. Also, have a whistle, rain poncho, flashlight, tissues, ziploc, and a toy in there. You just never know.
Bring paper and crayons for pre-bedtime activity. He has made books about the parks we've visited.
Bring toys which relate to the specific park you are going to. We brought plastic alligators to Brazos Bend, Armadillos to Perdernales Falls, Owl to Inks Lake, etc. That way you don't have to shell out the extra cash at the gift shop and they can have a toy to play with that helps reinforce what they've seen and learned.
Bring extra underwear and bottoms. Sometimes they sleep to sound. For the same reason, bring a seperate sleeping bag/air mattress for them, something which dries quickly. A cotton blanket from home won't do if bedwetting could be an issue.
River shoes double as shower shoes, they are handy to have.

When the kids are still much younger, theres more to bring. Just have fun showing them around the great outdoors.