Family Camping trips are a great tradition from generation to generation; the best part is that there is no age limit! Bring your babies, toddlers, older kids, tweens, and teenagers along for outdoor adventures they are sure to remember.
Just be sure to checklist the best camping Gear that suits you and the kids as they grow up. Camping essentials change along with safety guidelines, national park regulations, and what will personally provide the best camping experience for everyone involved.
Planning your trip location, drive time, and gear is essential to ensure everyone is prepared to relax, have fun, AND not forget the tent in the garage!
Planning the Right Gear for Your Kids
Camping with the kids can be so much fun! Just make sure to plan accordingly in order to avoid stress once you arrive at your destination. Here are a few tips to make sure all your camping trips go smoothly from now on.
- Make a list- Write down all the camping essentials like sleeping bags, tents, chairs, food, water, and extra clothes. What I found works the best for me is to go to each room in the house to see if there is something that triggers an “I need that” moment.
- Bathroom essentials are necessary camping gear- towels, soap, shampoo, and cheap flip-flops for park shower stalls.
- Kitchen supplies will transfer to the camping cooking essentials- pot and/or pan to cook over an open fire, utensils, cups, and plates for eating, and don’t forget the napkins.
- Bedroom- clothes that are ok to get dirty, hiking shoes, and an extra pair of socks in case of rainy weather hikes.
- Sleeping gear- some kids don’t sleep well away from home, so consider including their bed pillow in the kids camping gear pile.
- Pack early! – Aside from essential household items everyone will use, pack camping- specific gear like sleeping bags, tents, and games in the back of the vehicle so, all you need to do on travel day is grab the basics, load the kids, and start your family camping trip.
- Know your destination and what activities you can do there- You don’t have to have every day or every minute planned out. Still, if you know you are staying at a national park or a campground with many provided recreation activities, you may not need to pack as much. Also, if there are water activities, you will need to adjust what you pack.
Take a look at all the kids camping essentials you need to cover daytime, nighttime, and every type of camping experience you and your kids enjoy! If you are gathering your own gear, or looking for a great camping gift, this list is pure gold!
Setting up Camp with your Kids
Every family camping trip starts with unpacking the car and setting up camp. Doing this with kids can get a bit tricky, so why not let them help. They can get their gear out and pick their spot around the campfire, set up their own area to hang out, and unpack any games they want right away.
Check out this great gear that makes it fun AND easy to set up camp with your kids.
Kid-sized Camping Chairs
This camp chair comes in pink or gray and has a rocking feature that allows for full relaxing evenings by the fire. It is easy to lean forward and eat from, or for those fidgety kids that don’t like to sit still even when they are sitting, they can rock away.
When the kids are done, it easily folds up to be out of the way. It always makes storing it at home a breeze. It holds up to 125 pounds, so it is great for toddlers all the way up to the older kids, so they will get many years’ use out of these comfy campfire rocking chairs.
Camping Mattress
Whether you use a mattress for sleeping at night, a base to put sleeping bags on top of, or a comfortable spot for the younger kids to play on outside, these mattresses are great! They have an antimicrobial top to help avoid mildew and mold, so don’t worry about putting it right in the grass.
It is thin enough for babies and toddlers to crawl around on without fear of falling to the ground but durable enough for older kids or your “bored” teenager to lounge on and read a book.
Size options come in twin, full, or queen, so you can get one big enough for the whole family to hang out together!
Micro Camping Towel Set for Kids
Grab this 3 pack of microfiber towels and be ready for every occasion. There are 2 sizes to choose from and many color options, each with 3 sets of fast-drying towels. They are super soft and absorbent, and will quickly become essential camping gear each year.
The uses are endless with these camping towels. The sand brushes right off; they are soft enough to fall asleep in the sun, and because they dry fast, you won’t have to wave them out the window on the way home to dry them!
Kids Hammock
What better experience than lounging back in a hammock between two trees? The kids can swing gently in the breeze while looking up at the sky and stars. It is easy to set up, with heavy-duty straps and carabiners to keep them off the ground.
Not only are they easy to set up and take down, but storage space is nothing but the compact bag it comes in. Toss it in the back of the vehicle and toss the worry of fitting it with the rest of the camping gear out the window. Super light and portable!
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
The clip-and-carry JBL speaker is not only waterproof but so easy to carry around that anyone can take it with them wherever they decide to go. It can clip onto your camping chair near the lake, the campfire, or a belt loop while going on a family hike.
On one charge, they have up to 10 hours of playtime and come in an array of bright colors. They are rugged and sturdy; great for camping!
Setting out to Explore the Great Outdoors
What better way to create memories on a family camping trip than having outdoor adventures! Here are some of the most popular camping essentials for the younger kids to learn on the go and the older kids to continue exploring nature.
Magnifying glass, Binoculars, Compass
Snag this kit, and the kids will be ready for any outdoor adventure that comes their way. A compass to find their way, binoculars to catch birds from afar, and a magnifying glass to spot nature’s smaller creatures.
Butterfly Nets
Catch and release easily with these telescoping nets. Easy to spot from afar and better to attract butterflies with the same bright colors as the flowers they seek to find. The adjustable handle makes it easy to stow away when not in use.
A fun way for little ones to learn about nature first hand.
Field Guides and Small Kids Action Camera
Grab this field guide for kids before heading out on your future family camping trips, and encourage the kids to explore and find various things in nature. These activities will have kids learning without even knowing it!
Don’t forget the camera to capture all the memories!
Pocket Knife
Don’t get caught without the number 1 camping essential gear for everyone. Having a Swiss Army knife handy provides a tool for all occasions and a safe way for older kids to learn responsibility while enjoying nature. Plus, many serve as a handi multi tool.
Camping Water Bottle and Hydration Packs
As part of the essential camping gear, grab an easy-to-carry water bottle for each family member to stay hydrated. These hold 12 ounces, have a straw for spill-proof drinks, and a loop to attach to a bag.
Keep some hydration packs handy to get those electrolytes back in your system to avoid dehydration while hiking and exploring.
Walkie Talkie
A great way for the kids to tell each other what they find during their outdoor adventures and for parents to stay in touch for safety. Each handset also has a channel lock to prevent children uses other channels, such as the emergency line.
For kids, they make a great gift and add a level of extra protection while they are out and about.
Camping Mess Kit
Clean-up is simple, and this pack comes with everything one needs to enjoy meals during your camping trip. BPA-free and packable, grab one for everyone and add this to your camping essential gear list.
Kids’ Trekking Poles, Paracord Bracelets, and Outdoor Footwear
Be sure to gear up with these camping essentials before hiking on your next adventure. A trekking pole ensures safe footing.
These paracord bracelets also include a whistle, fire starter, and a compass- the ultimate camping gear.
Get each kid in a high-ankle pair of hiking boots to help avoid twisted ankles and ensure a comfortable adventure on any hiking terrain.
Telescope
Instead of lugging around a stand and bag, snag a couple pocket telescopes. The kids can share and check out nature everywhere with ease. Plus, they come in cool colors for each kid.
Insect Repellent Bracelet
Every family camping trip should have a pack of deet-free bracelets to keep the bugs away. No one wants to spend their day swatting at bugs. Snag a pack before heading out and enjoy up to 72 hours of bug-free fun!
Camping Adventures After Dark
The essential camping gear list doesn’t stop when the sun goes down; it just changes a bit. Don’t forget to pack these kids’ camping gear items for indoor and outdoor nighttime adventures.
