Smores, stars, and sensory-friendly survival. Camping sounds magical in theory: stars overhead, crackling campfires, the sweet joy of marshmallows for dinner.

But if you're camping with someone who's autistic, that rustic dreamscape can easily turn into a confusing sensory obstacle course. New routines, unfamiliar environments, weird noises at 3 a.m.—what could possibly go wrong?

Still, don’t give up on the idea of camping just yet. With the right prep and realistic expectations, camping can be a genuinely great experience. (Yes, really. We promise.)

Here are some tried-and-true tips to help make your trip a little smoother, a lot more predictable, and—hopefully—actually enjoyable for everyone involved.

Before You Go: Prepare Like a Pro

1. Preview, Preview, Preview

Use videos, photos, or even Google Street View to show where you’re going. Talk through:

What your tent or cabin will look like
What kind of bathrooms there will be (this is a big one!)
What noises they might hear at night
What the routine will look like—meals, hikes, downtime, etc.

2. Do a Practice Run

Even a backyard campout or a tent in the living room can help ease into the idea. Let them get familiar with:

Sleeping in a different bed
Flashlights or lanterns
The general vibe of “outdoor living”

3. Create a Visual Schedule

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something to show:

When you’re arriving
What the main events are (e.g., hike, campfire, fishing)
When you’re going home

Predictability = safety = calmer brains.

What to Pack (Besides Patience)

Noise-cancelling headphones (nature is loud—who knew?)
Comfort items (weighted blanket, stuffies, tablet, etc.)
Favorite snacks (familiar food goes a long way)
Extra everything (clothes, batteries, wipes, emotional bandwidth)
A “safe zone” setup (tent, corner of a cabin, or even a car spot for decompressing)

Bonus tip: Glow sticks are great for low-stress lighting and sensory play. Toss a few in your kit.

While You're There: Flexibility Is Key

Let Go of the “Perfect Trip”

It might rain. There might be a meltdown. You might end up driving home early. That doesn’t mean the experience wasn’t worth it. Small moments—like laughing by a fire or spotting a frog—matter more than completing every planned activity.

Balance Activities with Downtime

Nature can be overwhelming and exciting. Alternate high-stimulation moments (like a hike) with chill ones (reading in a hammock, coloring, or just sitting quietly watching the lake).

Use “Safe Food” as Anchors

You don’t need to force new foods on top of everything else new. There’s no shame in eating mac and cheese from a thermos while surrounded by pine trees.

After the Trip: Decompress Gently

Coming home is a transition too. Plan for:

A day of quiet (if possible)
Time to process the experience (talking, drawing, scripting)
A chance to revisit the good parts (photos, souvenirs, stories)

Camping with autism doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s trip.

You can go for one night. You can sleep in a trailer with Wi-Fi. You can leave early if it’s too much. What matters is making memories your way.

Because the goal isn’t a Pinterest-perfect wilderness escape—it’s connection, growth, and maybe just one really good marshmallow.

Camping with Autism: 3 Tips for a Fun (and Less Stressful) Adventure