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It’s wintertime now; however, I am sure you are already planning your family camping trip for next year. You don’t have to be an outdoors expert to pack for a successful trip. There are lots of ways to get prepared and make sure that you take along the right stuff.
Make sure to check out this camping with kids checklist, which includes must-haves to help you have the best camping trip.
If you are packing for more than one kind of family trip, you can also use my Ultimate Travel Packing List for Families to stay organized before you leave home.
Camping With Kids Checklist – What To Pack
I took my kids on our first camping trip ever earlier this year, and I couldn’t find any comprehensive camping checklists that listed everything I needed. So, I put together a family camping checklist to make it easier for families to go on their first camping trip.
The Basics
These are the first items I would add to any camping with kids checklist because they cover sleep, safety, lighting, and basic campsite comfort.
Tent
If you plan to tent camp, make sure you find the best tent for your family. Don’t forget to practice setting it up before going on your family camping trip.
First Aid Kit
Don’t leave home without a first-aid kit, and take it with you on any hikes or excursions while you’re camping. Cuts and burns can happen, so make a first aid kit one of your top priorities when packing.
Rope
A solid piece of rope can go a long way, so make sure you take some with you. You can hang wet clothes to dry and even bail someone out of the water with it, should the need arise.
Pocket Knife
A pocket knife, or a Swiss Army Knife, is a camping essential and is so easy to pack. You will have not only a knife but also small scissors, a corkscrew, and, of course, a knife. Make sure you keep it out of reach of your younger kids, but make sure your older kids know how to use a pocket knife properly.
Tarp
Whether you need to place it under your tent to keep it dry or use it as a shield against inclement weather, a tarp is a must-have. An interlocking floor mat is also a great option.
Box of Matches
Although a lighter does the job, you should always have a full box of matches as a backup in case the lighter doesn’t work.
Maps
Even though our smartphones have GPS, there is nothing wrong with keeping an old-fashioned paper map on hand as well,, just in case. There may not always be a signal in the camping area you end up in.
Sleeping Bags
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it can be an oversight. Make sure to pack sleeping bags as well as extra blankets.
Air Mattress
In addition to sleeping bags and extra blankets, it’s nice to have an air mattress or sleeping pad for extra comfort.
Headlamp or Lantern
You don’t want to be roaming around in the dark to use the bathroom, so bring a light!
Insect spray
There will be bugs, so make sure you are prepared by packing bug and insect repellent, either in a spray form and/or citronella candles.
Chairs
You can really rough it and sit on the ground or a log, but foldable camping chairs work wonders for comfort. Especially because there won’t always be a picnic table around, having your own seating can make or break your camping experience.
Solar-heated Shower Bag
Not all campgrounds have bathrooms, and at some point, you’ll need to shower, and this solar-heated shower bag will come in very handy.
Glow in the Dark Accessories
Glow-in-the-dark Rope and Glow-in-the-dark Tent Peg are both important when setting up your tent. This is so that no one trips over the tent at night when stepping out to use the bathroom.
Solar Powered Charger
You will need to charge your phone and whatever other electronics you pack, so make sure to pack a solar-powered charger.
Bluetooth Speakers
What’s a camping trip without some fun and music? A waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker will do the trick and keep the camping fun going.
Other Camping Supply Basics
Firestarter
Firewood
Bedding/Bed sheets
Portable crib or toddler bed
Pillows
Kids stuffed animals
Floor mat
Plastic baby bath
Basin to wash stuff
Personal Care Items
Clothes
When packing clothes for camping, make sure not to pack anything that you don’t want to get dirty or stained. Expect your kids to spend a lot of time playing in the dirt, grass, and outdoors. And expect their clothes to get very dirty. Make sure you pack enough clothes on your camping packing list.
Pajamas
After playing all day, the kids will need clean pajamas to change into after their baths.
Shoes
Make sure to pack a variety of shoes for your camping trip, most importantly, hiking shoes, a pair of sandals, and water shoes.
Outerwear
Even in summer, it can get cold because most camping spots are near lakes or at higher elevations. So you’ll need to pack a jacket or sweater, hat, and gloves.
Toilet Paper
Campground bathrooms do not generally come stocked with toilet paper. Make sure to take your own.
Toiletries
As with any trip, pack all your toiletries, but in smaller bottles. This is so that they can stow easily and make sure to pack enough for everyone.
Sunscreen
It doesn’t matter if it’s bright and sunny or not; a good sunscreen is necessary to apply every day while outdoors.
Other Camping Personal Care Items
Towels
Washcloth / Loofah
Beach blanket
Wipes for dirty hands
Diapers for younger kids
Camp Kitchen
This is one part of the camping-with-kids checklist you do not want to skip. Hungry kids and missing cooking supplies are not a good mix.
Camping stove
No matter what time of year you decide to go camping, always take a camping stove and be prepared to make a few meals. We loved using the Coleman Classic Propane Stove. Make sure to buy enough propane so you don’t run out. We ran out of propane on our last day, mid-breakfast, and it was no fun… hungry kids = a disaster.
Eating Utensils
Pack up a set of plates, forks, spoons, knives, and cups so you are all set for meal time, like this Coleman 24 Piece Enamel Set. It is easy to wash, and you don’t have to worry about it breaking.
Cooking Utensils
A frying pan, a cast-iron skillet, a pot, and this Camping Cookware Kitchen Utensil Organizer are must-haves if you want to enjoy a good meal. Don’t forget the marshmallow-roasting sticks and the stove coffee pot for your morning sanity.
Sealed containers
Be sure to pack up any leftover food inside sealed containers and put them away so the critters and bears don’t get to them. Rubbermaid makes really good Tupperware that I use at home too.
Cooler
Remember that there are no refrigerators when camping, so a cooler with ice is an absolute must-have to keep all your food fresh.
Cleaning supplies
It’s important to have biodegradable soap, sponges, and dish rags along with a few basins for washing and rinsing dishes.
Other Camp Kitchen Must Haves
Reusable Water Bottles
Paper Towel
Trash Bags
Cooler
Portable high chair or booster seat
Table cover
Food
Food takes up a big part of any camping with kids checklist, so plan meals before you shop. It will save you time, money, and stress once you get to the campsite.
Snacks
Pack lots and lots of snacks, not only for the road, but also to eat in between meals when camping. A few great ideas are chips, crackers, nuts, fruit (carrots, grapes), yogurt, popcorn, granola bars, trail mix, jerky, boiled egg, string cheese, tuna, sardines, Goldfish crackers, bread, fruit pouches, dried fruit, and gummy bears.
Spreads
Nutella is great because it goes with everything. Also, not only is peanut or almond butter a great source of protein, but a jar has a really long shelf life.
S’Mores
What’s a camping trip without s’mores? This was the highlight of our trip, so make sure to pack marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
Water
If you are not camping near a water source, you will want to have an ample supply of water jugs. You’ll need some reusable water bottles, too.
Other Camping Food
Formula for babies
Powdered milk
Powdered hot chocolate
Coffee
Check out this list of great food items to make on your next camping trip
Fun For Kids
The fun section of this camping with kids checklist is just as important as the food and gear. Kids need downtime activities, especially when adults are setting up, cooking, or cleaning.
Kids Toys
Always make sure to pack a few toys for the kids to keep them entertained during downtime while on your camping trip. This Outdoor Exploration Set has lots of kid-sized camping gear to keep your kids busy. The Kids Adventure Set is packed with kid-sized camping gear, and the Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club AquaScope lets kids look underwater, which is great when camping by a lake.
Books
Make sure you pack books for your kids to read. Bedtime stories are even more interesting when camping. This list of camping books is perfect for camping with kids.
Writing Materials
During downtime, or while waiting for dinner to be ready, your kids will love practicing their writing skills. So make sure to stock up on writing materials.
Outdoor Toys
You’ll also need to pack outdoor toys the whole family can enjoy together.
You can also let older kids pack a small backpack for themselves. Give them a short list with pajamas, one comfort item, one book, one toy, and their water bottle so they feel involved without overpacking.
Other Camping Fun For Kids
Bubbles
Chalk
Squirt Guns
Balls (soccer, football, hand toss)
Glow sticks
Play tent
Scavenger hunt list
Card games
Binoculars
Kids Camera
Kids fishing gear
Scooters
Bikes
Frequently Asked Questions About This Camping With Kids Checklist
1. What is the most important item to pack?
The most important item to pack is a first aid kit because small cuts, burns, bug bites, and scrapes can happen fast when kids are outdoors. After that, focus on shelter, water, food, lighting, and warm layers so your family stays safe and comfortable.
2. How do you pack light with kids?
To pack light with kids, plan outfits by day, repeat outerwear, use packing cubes, and choose items that serve more than one purpose. For example, a tarp can protect the tent, cover gear, or create shade. Keep toys simple and pack only the ones your kids will actually use.
3. What should kids pack themselves?
Kids can pack their pajamas, one stuffed animal, one book, one toy, their water bottle, and their shoes if they are old enough. I still recommend checking their bags before leaving because kids may forget basics or pack too many unnecessary items.
4. Is a printable checklist available?
Yes. A free printable PDF version of this camping checklist is available so you can print it, save it to your phone, or use it while packing the car. It is a simple way to make sure you do not forget the little things before your family camping trip.
Your kids will love camping just as mine did, but to make the trip memorable, make sure you have all the family camping essentials you need from my Camping With Kids Checklist – What To Pack.
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You can read more about our camping trips below:
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Ready to Book Your Trip?
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