Children often love camping, but it's important to keep in mind their particular needs when planning a trip. What kid doesn't love tents? They're like small houses more suited to their small size. That being said, long hikes through strange areas and scary night-time sounds can be frightening for kids - and if you're far away from civilization, you can't exactly tromp through the woods in the middle of the night to bring them back to comfort.
It can help to make the tent more like home. Bring a toy, a stuffed animal or books with you to read to your children. Use a camping lamp or other such lighting instrument to keep the tent safe-looking. Earplugs might be warranted if the night sounds in particular are frightening your child. Don't tell horror stories or talk up the dangers of bears or mountain lions - it will just make your job more difficult. Marshmallows are a time-tested camping treat that will help calm down your child and give them something enjoyable to do when the sun goes down.
If you can manage it, see if you can bring one of their friends - or siblings - with them. An older sibling in particular can be very comforting to younger children who might otherwise be unnerved by the strange experience of camping. Humans evolved living like this - it's not impossible to get a modern child accustomed to the sounds and challenges of living in nature for short stints. Chores that children might otherwise be annoyed with get exciting when you're going camping. Give them things to do like helping raise the tents, setting up bedrolls or gathering kindling.
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