Not Your Average Family Road Trip: RVing With Our Baby Across Northern Canada

When our newborn arrived, we thought our summer camping plans were off the table. Could we really go camping with a newborn? The idea seemed daunting at first—packing up our little one and hitting the road in an RV wasn’t going to be easy. But camping has always been a huge part of our lives, and as an outdoor and travel photographer, summer trips are a busy time of year for me. So, instead of parking the RV for the season, we decided to take the plunge. And as it turns out, camping with our nine-month-old wasn’t as scary as we had made it out to be. In fact, it ended up being an amazing experience full of memories we’ll never forget.

Go Big or Go Home: The Dempster Highway
Once we committed to hitting the road, the next question was—where do we go? In true fashion, we didn’t pick just any camping trip. Oh no, we decided to tackle one of the wildest, most remote journeys Canada has to offer: the Dempster Highway. My mother’s response to telling her our plan is probably what you’re thinking, too. “Are you crazy?”
Maybe a little. But if we were going to introduce our daughter to camping for the first time, it might as well be somewhere epic. The Dempster Highway isn’t your average road trip. This rugged, isolated stretch of highway weaves its way through jaw-dropping landscapes in the Northwest Territories and Yukon. It’s not the kind trip you take if you’re looking for a relaxing drive or one most people would choose to take with a 9-month-old in tow—but that’s exactly why we chose it. We wanted our daughter to have an adventure right from the start, and what better way than conquering one of Canada’s toughest highways as a family?

Why Choose an RV Trip with a Newborn?
Camping with a newborn can feel like a logistical nightmare—setting up tents, managing sleeping arrangements, and figuring out where to feed or change the baby can be overwhelming. But with RVing, it makes all those challenges much more manageable. The convenience of having your own space with the comforts of home eliminated a lot of the stress for us. Feeding and diaper changes, a kitchen to prepare meals, a warm space to escape bad weather, and easy access to all our essentials without digging through Rubbermaid containers of camping gear made all the difference.

Lessons Learned from the Dempster Highway
Our journey along the Dempster Highway was an unforgettable experience. And we learned a lot along the way! Here are some of our most important tips and learning lessons from our journey.

1. Choose Baby-Friendly Campsites
Not all campsites are created equal! When you’re RVing with a little one, finding the right campground makes all the difference. We scouted out campgrounds using the campground finder tool on gorving.ca, and found campsites that had bathrooms and facilities, easy access to water, and nearby access to activities. Some places even offered baby gear rentals, which was a pleasant surprise.

Also, think about your power needs. Depending on the time of year that you’re camping, you will want to regulate the temperature of the RV for your little one. And if your baby relies on electrical items like a bottle warmer, white noise machine, or nightlight, you’re going to need some extra juice. Check to make sure your campsite has electrical hookups and that your RV has a reliable power source, whether it’s a generator or solar panels.

2. Planning Days Around Baby’s Routine
If there’s one thing we quickly figured out, it’s that when you’re RVing with a baby, they’re the boss! Her routine dictated what our days looked like. We planned everything around her nap and feeding schedule so we could keep it as close to normal as possible. We timed our drives as best as we could around her nap schedule so we could cover long stretches of driving in relative peace. When she woke up, we’d pull over, stretch our legs, and enjoy some family time outside, taking in the views while she explored her new surroundings.

3. Have a Backup Plan
No matter how perfectly you plan, camping always finds a way to throw you curveballs. As lifelong RVers, we knew that we had to be ready for whatever came our way—whether it was a sudden downpour, a surprise sniffle, or even a friendly campsite visit from a grizzly bear (we didn’t have that on our bingo card for this trip).
So, we had our backup plans locked and loaded. Indoor activities? Check. Nearest hospital? Mapped. Travel insurance? Absolutely. Bear Spray? 2 cans. Knowing we had a plan B (and sometimes a plan C) gave us peace of mind when the unexpected popped up and helped us roll with the punches.

4. Manage Expectations
Just like at home, every day can be different, and putting your little one in a new environment is a big change for them. We quickly realized that the best approach was to take things really slow, allowing our daughter time to adjust to her new home on wheels and different environments. Instead of packing our days with activities, we learned to enjoy the simplicity of spending quiet time together around the campfire or in the RV.

5. Make a List and Check It Twice
When RVing with a newborn, packing is an art form. Take the time to pack thoughtfully and there’s no such thing as too many lists! Here’s a streamlined list of some must-haves:
Clothing & Diapers: This is one circumstance where overpacking is recommended! We overpacked on layers so we had something for whatever Mother Nature decided to throw at us. Pack enough diapers for your entire trip…and then double it! This was important for us along the Dempster Highway where convenience and grocery stores were few and far between.

Feeding Supplies: From breastfeeding essentials to a stockpile of formula and homemade baby food, we came armed and ready. Bottles and a compact high chair were must-haves for smooth mealtimes on the go.
Sleeping Stuff: A portable crib fit snugly in the RV, giving our daughter a familiar place to rest. Plus, we brought a white noise machine which really helped during our longer travel days in the RV.
Safety Kit: Our first aid kit was stocked with baby-specific things like infant Tylenol and a digital thermometer. A portable baby monitor let us enjoy the outdoors while keeping a close ear on our daughter napping inside the RV. Plus, a car seat is a must, so be sure to double-check local laws to ensure you’re following the correct rules for car seat use in an RV.
Entertainment: Pack familiar toys and books, plus a few new surprises to keep things fresh. Simple outdoor activities, like tummy time on a blanket, were like a whole new adventure for our baby as she soaked in the sights around her.
Mobility Gear: Baby carriers and sturdy backpacks allowed us to explore hands-free. We also ensured our stroller was up to the challenge of the terrain.
Sun & Bug Protection: We loaded up on baby sunscreen, sun hats, and lightweight clothing to shield her from the sun. Plus, insect repellent and mosquito nets were essential for keeping those bugs at bay.

Our Final Tip
My final tip for any parents thinking about bringing their baby on a camping adventure is to consider taking an RV. This journey wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable if we were weighed down by extra camping gear, tents, and all the rest. If you haven’t been RVing before, I would recommend visiting gorving.ca to learn more, and you can also use their website to find out where you can rent one.

I know camping with a newborn might sound like a wild idea, but trust us—it was one of the most rewarding experiences that we wouldn’t trade for anything. You may not necessarily tackle the Dempster Highway, but there are so many places to explore with an RV. And with the right prep and a positive mindset, you can create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Our RV trip taught us that we don’t need to put our adventures on hold just because we’re parents now. And more importantly, it reminded
us that even the most remote corners of the world can feel like home when we’re together.

GUEST-AUTHORED ARTICLE: BC PARENT
Contributed by: Nicole Alexander, Professional Photographer & Avid RVer, chris-
nicole.com / Instagram: @chrisandnicole_