Camping with kids: tips for a family roadtrip

Hi, I'm Pia, and I write on my blog "Die Flashpackerin" about traveling with kids. In my book "Vanily – VANLIFE & FAMILY", I also show how parenthood can become an adventure in a rolling home. As a family with a little son, we are always on the move in our van named Kurt, exploring idyllic and family-friendly camping spots in the Hinterland. We found one spot almost right on our doorstep and realized that the family van life adventure is often not far away. For the second spot in the Allgäu region, we were willing to travel a bit further, and it was more than worth it with a premium view. So, let's go – here's our Hinterland travel report!

Warm sun rays shine through the windshield onto our faces, while the breeze flows in through the open window. Sitting together with my husband and our son in our van for half an hour already feels like a holiday. We left the city behind a while ago, and now the passing rapeseed fields are giving way to dense rows of fir trees. We're in the heart of Thuringia, as the surroundings become more rural, and the roads windier. Finally, we spot a large wooden sign with "Farbenkinderhof" written on it – we know we have arrived!

We are allowed to park our rolling home on a wonderfully soft meadow. It is surrounded by the dark-green edge of the forest, large pastures, and an idyllic old farmhouse. As soon as the engine is turned off, our son can't contain his excitement. No wonder, as there are horses grazing right next to us. The idyllic setting here in the Thuringian Woodland, above the Saale Valley, is perfect. The equestrian center has two spots for campers, around 40 horses, a cow, cats, a donkey, and a dog. A riding lesson is taking place in one paddock, next door, the horsewoman is cleaning a horse's hooves, and in the stable, the four-legged ones are getting fresh hay.

After our son has played, frolicked, and petted the horses and had dinner in the midst of nature, he finally falls asleep in bed, tired and happy. We sit outside our van for a while, breathing in the fresh air, and listening to the sounds of nature. Just a short drive away from our home, we already feel deeply relaxed!

Just as we had hoped for. We wanted a place far from tourism and traditional camping sites. However, we still didn't want to miss out on electricity, a toilet, and the ability to set up our table, chairs, and a playmat in front of the van. After enjoying a coffee in the morning sun, petting the cats, and visiting the horses, we reluctantly leave this first campsite behind.

Here you can find more about the tent and camper site at host Ronja:

Our next destination: the Forggensee lake. Upon arrival, the little one enjoys splashing around in the cool water after a long drive, and we adults marvel at the beautiful mountain panorama that frames the sparkling blue water like a picture. Refreshed, we drive up the mountain road for another five minutes until we finally reach our next Hinterland spot on a farm in Roßhaupten.

Farmer Franz warmly welcomes us and shows us around the premises. He tells us about his daily life. In the cowshed, we get to feed the animals with him, and he shows us the adorable calves and plenty of floppy-eared bunnies in the rabbit hutch. Our son is absolutely thrilled, but we are sure that this spot is also wonderful to enjoy the tranquility even without children.

For us, one of the most beautiful side effects of staying in the Hinterland is getting to know the faces behind the campsites in nature, having personal conversations with the warm-hearted hosts, and gaining a unique insight into their work and life.

For dinner, we buy a bottle of wine from their own production and some freshly baked bread from the small farm shop.

That the fresh and delicious bread doesn't get stuck in our throats is nothing short of a miracle, considering the view from our campsite. Parked right next to the large green pasture, we gaze out over the expansive valley, the glistening lake, and a breathtaking mountain panorama. This is truly camping with a premium view.

Here you can find all the information about this beautiful spot in Roßhaupten:

We can hardly believe our luck with this campsite, and on this very night, as the full moon illuminates the valley over the mountain peaks, we know: We want to come back to the Hinterland soon!

More family-friendly places for camping with children in the Hinterland: