Last updated on September 1st, 2024 at 02:53 am
Tent camping is a staple activity in our family. We live in our fifth wheel camper full time, but like to get out tent camping as often as we can. We love the rugged accommodations and the chance to connect with nature. It’s also our secret tip for traveling on a budget. Camping with kids is so much cheaper than staying in a hotel!
Our boys love camping. We have taken both boys camping as young as 4 months old. We get a lot of comments about how we must be crazy to take them camping that young, but with the proper preparation and gear it makes for an enjoyable experience.
Fast forward a few years, and we’ve got this camping thing down to a science. I’m here to share our essential camping checklist and must-have outdoor camping gear for kids, so you can skip the learning curve and jump straight to making amazing memories with your family under the stars.
Table of Contents
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Why Camping is Great for Kids
Before we dive into the details of what to pack, let’s talk about why camping is such a fantastic activity for families. In our hyper-connected world, camping offers a rare opportunity to unplug and reconnect with each other and nature. It teaches kids valuable skills like problem-solving and resilience, fosters a love for the environment, and creates lasting memories. Plus, it’s an affordable vacation option that can be as simple or as adventurous as you want it to be.
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What Age is Appropriate for Camping?
We firmly believe that you can bring kids camping at any age, as long as you’re thoroughly prepared. The biggest concern for bringing a young baby camping is keeping them warm at night while practicing safe sleep. You’re likely better off camping with little ones at destinations where it won’t get too cold overnight. Later on in the article I talk about the safe sleep sleeping bag we use and recommend. Most importantly, if you’re camping with a young baby make sure you have a backup plan and you don’t hesitate to leave and find a hotel if it gets too cold.
The Importance of Proper Preparation
I can’t stress this enough – the key to a successful family camping trip is preparation. Having the right gear can make the difference between a miserable night in a leaky tent and a cozy adventure your kids will beg to repeat. Here is my ultimate camping checklist and favorite outdoor gear for kids to make your next camping trip one for the books!
Camping Checklist Essentials
Shelter
Your home away from home is crucial. Invest in a good quality, family-sized tent that’s easy to set up (seriously, easy set up is key when you’re camping with kids). This is the one we currently use. We like how easy it is to set up, the vented ceiling, and that it’s made to block 90% of sunlight which helps us get a bit more sleep in the morning since the bright sun doesn’t wake the kids.
Sleeping Bags
A quality sleeping bag is something I recommend investing in. You will thank yourself later. We like these 20°F rated ones for the adults and this one for our 5 year old. For the baby, I highly recommend a sleeping bag from Morrison Outdoors (I’m not an affiliate, but hey if you work for the company I would love to be!). They are the only sleeping bag I would recommend using with an infant.
Air Mattress vs. Sleeping Pad- Which Wins?
We’ve tried both mattress pads and an inflatable air mattress, and an air mattress works better for us. I recommend a queen or king size mattress, that way if it gets colder than expected overnight there is room for the kids to cuddle up with you and stay warm. This is the one we currently use. We like the built in pump when you have electricity, but we usually don’t camp with hookups. We keep a manual pump like this one handy. We’ve steered away from battery powered pumps because it seems the batteries are always empty when you need it. We also have a set of these floor mat puzzles at home that we bring camping and place under the mattress for extra insulation.
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Blankets and Pillows
Always bring more blankets than you think you’ll need! If you haven’t camped before, I promise it’s going to get colder at night than you are expecting. Nothing will ruin a camping trip faster than freezing all night. I say this from experience.
Clothing
Pack for all weather scenarios. I always bring at least one extra set of clothes per day for the kids because, well, kids. Layer up with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers. My biggest piece of advice is to not forget warm socks, hats, and gloves, even in summer – nighttime can get chilly! A good pair of socks is a game changer. We all have merino wool socks, they keep your feet warm and dry. The adults use these and the 5 year old uses these. For babies, I highly recommend getting a merino wool sleeper. They are definitely an investment, but so worth it. They are lightweight but keep baby toasty warm without overheating. Since they are pricier I purchased a size up when we first bought one so baby could wear it for months.
Food and Water
A good cooler is worth its weight in gold. If you are able to buy a quality cooler, it is worth it to not deal with constantly melting ice and soggy contents. We pack easy-to-prepare meals like pre-made sandwiches, fruit, and veggies for lunch and dinner ingredients that can be cooked over a campfire or portable stove. Don’t forget plenty of snacks – hungry kids are cranky kids! S’mores ingredients are non-negotiable in our family – it’s not camping without them!
We like to use one of these cooking racks for cooking over the fire instead of hauling a grill with us when possible. It adds to the experience. Don’t forget cooking supplies such as pots, pans, utensils, plates/bowls, and trash bags. Also bring paper towels, dish soap, and a sponge for cleaning.
For water, we typically bring a few gallons of water from the store. We do keep a water filter with us just in case, though. If you think you may rely on a water filter, practice before you go.
Safety Gear
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential. Ours includes band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers for splinters, and any necessary medications. Each family member gets their own flashlight or headlamp– kids love having their own light source! Don’t forget bear spray if you are in bear country.
Comfort Items
Let your kids bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. It provides comfort in an unfamiliar environment and can help them sleep better. Kid-sized camping chairs make them feel included and give them a cozy spot to sit around the campfire.
Entertainment
While nature is the best playground, it’s good to have some backup entertainment. We pack outdoor games like frisbees and balls, a nature exploration kit with magnifying glasses and bug catchers, and some books or tablets for downtime in the tent. A deck of cards is great for all ages and takes up minimal space.
Age-Specific Gear Recommendations
Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-4)
For the littlest campers, bring a portable playpen or travel crib for safe sleeping and playing. A hiking carrier is great for nature walks. I always recommend this one. This is one of those items where it’s worth it to purchase the quality brand. We’ve been able to use the same one for years with both of our kids. Lastly, I highly recommend getting a battery powered sound machine. It’s very quiet out in nature and your kiddo might need some background noise to fall asleep.
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Young Children (ages 5-8)
Kids this age love having their own gear. Consider a small backpack for them to carry their own water bottle and snacks. Binoculars and a simple camera can encourage them to observe nature. A journal for drawing or writing about their adventures is also fun.
Older Children (ages 9-12)
Engage older kids by giving them more responsibility. They can help set up the tent, gather firewood, or even plan and prepare a meal. A multi-tool (with parental supervision) can make them feel grown-up and useful.
Other Necessities
- Firewood (check regulations at your campground)
- Ponchos
- Swimsuits, swim diapers, pool toys
- Towels
- Shower caddy if you plan to use campground facilities
- Shower shoes (don’t go barefoot in the showers)
- Hiking boots
- Water shoes
- Battery pack to charge your phone. I prefer unplugging from social media when camping, but it’s nice to have for photos or when the kids need Ms. Rachel
- Sunscreen (my fav reef safe sunscreen)
- Insect repellent (natural insect repellent)
- Utility knife
Tips for Successful Camping with Kids
Involve your kids in the planning and packing process. It builds excitement and teaches them valuable skills. Practice setting up your tent in the backyard before your trip – it’s a fun family activity and ensures you know how everything works.
Never store food within your tent and make sure your site is cleaned up before you leave or go to bed. Wildlife will waste no time destroying your belongings.
Plan some kid-friendly activities like scavenger hunts or stargazing, but be flexible. Some of our best moments have been unplanned, like an impromptu mud pie making session after a rainstorm.
Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude. Things won’t always go as planned, but that’s part of the adventure. Your kids will follow your lead, so if you’re having fun, they probably will too!
Budget-Friendly Options
Camping will ultimately save you money while traveling, but camping equipment can be a big cost up front. If you can’t borrow from family and friends, many outdoor stores offer gear rental services. This is great for trying out camping or for items you’ll only use occasionally. We used this option when we flew to Yosemite to backpack Half Dome. REI made the process really simple and affordable. Additionally, don’t be afraid to buy second-hand equipment – just check it carefully before your trip. Look for multi-purpose items to save space and money.
Printable Camping Checklist
To make your life easier, I’ve created a downloadable PDF checklist that you can print out and customize for your family’s needs. It includes all the essentials we’ve discussed, plus space to add your own must-haves. You can find it at the end of this post.
Conclusion
Camping with kids might seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and gear, it can be an incredible bonding experience for your family. My essential camping checklist and must-have outdoor camping gear for kids will help ensure you’re ready for anything nature throws your way.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s about creating memories, fostering a love for nature, and spending quality time together away from the distractions of everyday life. Nothing beats spending time together in the great oudoors.
Happy camping!
Wanting to add a day hike to your camping itinerary? Check out this packing guide for the essentials from Sarah’s Cozy Life- Everything You Need to Bring in Your Hiking Day Pack.
I’d love to hear about your family camping experiences! Have you tried any of these tips? Do you have any must-have gear to add to the list? Drop a comment below and let’s chat.
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