Detaching from his moods -- whatever they are -- is in your best interests since you are not able to go no contact with him completely.
Hurting people hurt people. Best explanation I can give. It's why it is important to remember that we are responsible for our own feelings and what we do with them.
Wanting to feel better and have a more positive outlook is something healthy people do. Addiction isn't healthy. Neither is codependence, but codependence sometimes feels more noble or self-sacrificng. It's still unhealthy.
Now, I can understand not being able to discontinue contact because of the kids. But why the camping trip together? Why put yourself in a position to have to squash your very valid feelings? Why the pretense that everything between you is fine?