Catherine - Savvy Family TravelCamping with our kids helps us disconnect from the hustle of daily life and connect with each other in new ways.
This comprehensive camping with kids checklist will walk you through everything you need to know about camping with kids; essential packing lists, pre-camp prep work, meal ideas, camping hacks, and more.
Stick around to the end to download our printable Camping Checklist!
Camping with Kids Checklist
Things to Do Before You Camp
For me, camping is much more laid back and enjoyable when I put in extra leg work pre-trip. Here are the key things I routinely do before we leave home.
Selecting a Campground and Campsite
Carefully select a kid friendly campground. We have a camping with kids checklist when it comes to picking a campground and specific site too: i.e. Has a body of water, fire ring is a must, good tree cover, bathhouse, etc.
Preparing for Camp
- Plan low-prep meals that can be easily prepared over a fire or camp stove.
- Chop, mix, or marinate whatever food items you can in advance.
- Practice tent camping in the backyard if its a first time for any of your children.
- Talk about what to expect.
- Download Apps. Our favorites while camping are Seek (identifies plant and animal species), Geocaching (think, treasure hunts), and AllTrails (reliable hiking details).
- Find out if there is a Junior Ranger Program.
- Download an offline map if you’ll be in an area with poor connectivity.
Packing Efficiently for Camping
- Use weather proof bins that can be outside during the day and tossed in the trunk of our vehicle when you go to bed. Label each one.
- When you load the bins into the car, try to put the ones you’ll need first where they’re easiest to access. Don’t forget to have food easily accessible for a quick bite after your long drive! It’s never a good idea to set up a campsite while feeling hangry.
- If you’ll be in a tent, keep clothes inside a plastic bin in case of leaks or pooled water on the floor.
- If you’re in an RV, consider packing kids clothes in an over-the-door organizer.
- If you’ll be setting up after dark, make sure to have lanterns and headlamps easy to find.
You can find more of our camping hacks and ideas in our full camping with kids guide.
What to Pack: Camping with Kids Checklist
I’ll start with some family specific items being diving into some general camping necessities.
At the end of this article is a link to download our free printable camping with kids checklist.
Kids’ Comforts
To ensure everyone is comfortable, consider bringing some creature comforts from home. Favorite pillows or blankets can help kids settle in at night even in an unfamiliar setting. Don’t overlook comfort items like stuffed animals or nightlights too.
Even if a sound machine isn’t used at home, some white noise in a tent goes a long way to drown out noises other from other campers, morning birds, wind rustling, etc. that may hinder sleep.
My kids always get jazzed to have their very own camping chair, so if your kid is 4 or under, consider the small kids’ chairs so they can easily settle in without having to climb up (and probably tip.)
Don’t underestimate how chilly evenings can get. Pack some extra blankets to make sure everyone is cozy warm at bedtime.
Rain doesn’t stop kids, they’re way more tolerant of any weather than adults can be. So make sure they stay dry while they adventure in soggy weather with quality rain gear and boots. We found rain suits to work well on our young kids.
Toys & Games
One of my favorite things about camping is that my kids entertain themselves far better than at home, even though our house is littered with toys!
That said, there are still some basics we pack to supplement all their nature play.
Early morning quiet activities might earn parents a little bit more shut eye and the neighbors will be grateful to. Bring some activities, or even a tablet, to entertain little ones who may rise with the sun in your tent.
Packing bikes, scooters, and helmets is a great way to get around a campground and also for them to make friends with other kids. Make sure to bring bike lights for rides after dusk.
Fishing is a great way to pass the time and get some relaxation at the same time. Bring a kids fishing pole, bait, and a tackle box.
If there are any paved areas near your camp site, consider packing chalk.
In case of rain, or for evening down time, bring travel sized games like Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza, Spot It, Magnetic Chess, Old Maid, Yahtzee and Cribbage.
Nighttime play is more fun and easier to monitor if your child is glowing so grab some glow sticks for the evening.
Kites are great active options as well if you’ll have a wide open space. For sporty kids, consider a ball or frisbee. We really like the foldable or “pocket” frisbees which hurt way less when a sibling is accidentally hit in the face.
Lately, we’ve really been enjoying our inflatable kayak. If your family wants to get out on the water, consider bringing a kayak or SUP board.
Camping Gear for Kids
Pack a backpack for each child with their essentials, like an insulated water bottle, snacks, a container with a lid for collecting treasures, binoculars, and perhaps a nature guide and journal.
Bring wide brimmed hats to shield their eyes (and skin) from the sun.
We have lots of fun catching bugs so a bug box and butterfly net are essentials.
Walkie Talkies are great for function or kids’ fun. There’s a number of times my husband and I have to divide and conquer at the campground and since we often do not have cell service, walkie talkies are ultra useful.
If you have very young kids, but want to take longer hikes than their little legs may be ready for, consider a backpack carrier.
For kids who are not yet toilet trained, don’t forget diapers, wipes, and cream. If you’re in the midst of potty training, toss in a potty chair.
Kids’ First Aid & Medicine Bag
Our family is a walking buffet for mosquitoes. So I make sure to have plenty of bug spray and multiple bite remedies and relief ointments. We really believe that the Bug Bite Thing helps with our reactions to bites. We also bring allergy medicine to help reduce the reaction.
Sunscreen is up next. We like Blue Lizard best for bodies and Unseen Sunscreen for faces. We keep a small bottle of aloe in our back for after sun/minor burn care.
Band aids and antiseptic cream should be easy to access in a first aid kit and also a few spares that go everywhere you do. Make sure your first aid kit also has gauze and tweezers.
For junior strength medications, check out our full travel medicine bag which goes everywhere with us.
Shelter and Gear
When it comes to camping, having the right gear for shelter and comfort is crucial if you want to look back on the adventure with any fondness. No one has a good time if they can’t sleep!
Start with a spacious tent or a reliable RV/Camper. (Did you know you can rent campers? If you would rather not sleep on the ground, look into rvshare.com which is like Airbnb but for campers.)
Setting up camp is easier when you have everything you need at hand, easy to access as you unload your vehicle. For tent camping, ensure you have a reliable tent, stakes, and a mallet for setup. Pack extra stakes, rope, and a pocket knife to secure tents or tarps in unexpected weather conditions. Bring along a repair kit for those unexpected rips or tears.
Additionally, it’s wise to bring a tarp or ground cover, which helps protect the bottom of your tent. A tarp is also useful to create extra shade or for rain cover.
For RV campers, double-check your hookups and bring an extension cord just in case.
Make sure to bring plenty of lighting. Instead of lanterns we usually travel with Dewalt Work Lights and extra batteries. Grab a couple small handheld flashlights and we also recommend headlamps for each kid. This makes late night walks to the bathrooms/showers so much easier!
If you have the space, a portable canopy may come in handy to keep the kids cool while they play or give you a little added shelter when its rainy.
Next, pack sleeping bags, plus extra blankets, pillows, perhaps an air mattress, camping chairs, and a tablecloth or picnic blanket.
Consider packing a small dustpan and brush to keep the interior of your tent or RV clean. This will help maintain a tidy space and tackle any dirt tracked inside.
To keep your phones going, consider a solar charger or high capacity power bank if you won’t have electricity at your site.
Clothing and Footwear
Opt for layers that can be easily added or removed depending on the weather. Basic items include t-shirts, long sleeves, jackets, and rain gear. Always pack an extra set of clothes for those inevitable spills or accidents.
Footwear is equally important. Sturdy shoes for hiking and exploring are a must. Consider water shoes for any water activities and flip-flops for shower use. Keep everyone’s feet comfortable and dry with moisture-wicking socks.
Don’t forget hats and sunglasses to protect from the sun, and pack plenty of spare underwear and pajamas for the kids.
Cooking and Cleaning Checklist
Campfire cooking is one of the joys of camping! Bring a portable stove or camping grill, along with propane or charcoal unless you plan to cook over the fire pit. Pack pots, pans, and cooking utensils, as well as plates, cups, and cutlery for each family member. Cast iron pans, pie irons, and dutch ovens are great for cooking on charcoal or over the fire.
Bring biodegradable dish soap, sponges, and a washbasin for easy dinner cleanup. Consider a collapsible drying rack.
Something that is often overlooked is a place to cleanup the kids without walking to a bathhouse. Setup a hand wash station with a water dispenser and bottle of hand soap.
A cooler is vital for keeping perishables fresh. Don’t forget ice packs or bags of ice and enough food storage containers or zip-lock bags to keep leftovers safe.
Speaking of food storage, bring kids’ lunch boxes to easily back picnic lunches if you’re hitting the trails or spending a day away from the site.
Food and Snacks
Packing food that is easy to prep and clean up after makes a huge difference when you’re camping with tiny humans.
A generous supply of snacks is crucial for maintaining sanity. Think trail mix, granola bars, and fruit snacks. Pack plenty of water and other beverages to keep everyone hydrated.
Bring along a few special treats to enjoy around the campfire, such as marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for making s’mores. Beyond s’mores, try banana boats or campfire cones, where kids can stuff a cone with marshmallows, fruit, and chocolate before wrapping in foil and roasting over the fire.
Fueling the Fire: To start our fire, we DIY fire starters by stuffing dryer lint into empty toilet paper rolls. Don’t overstuff, or the fire doesn’t get enough oxygen. Of course, you’ll also need firewood. Firewood should be purchased within 10 miles of the property to protect trees from bugs carried into the campground.
Personal Hygiene Essentials
Prepare a shower bag of all your personal items. This should, at a minimum, include: wash cloth, towel, shampoo, conditioner, razor, body wash, skincare, and a hairbrush. It may be helpful to pack a compact mirror as well.
A portable shower or solar shower bag can be a game-changer for a more comfortable camping experience. If showers aren’t available, a simple washcloth and bowl of warm water can work wonders.
Pet Gear
For families who camp with pets, make sure to pack pet food, bowls, and a leash. Bring along any necessary pet medications and a favorite toy.
Get your Free Printable: Camping with Kids Checklist
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Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links on which (at no additional cost to you) I may earn a small commission. I promise to use any kickback to explore more of our incredible world. Read full privacy policy here.