What a joy it is to camp as a family! Along with all the joy can come stressful moments as well. Packing can be tricky, and knowing what to bring can get overwhelming. After camping with our kids for the past six years, we have compiled a list of the best kids camping gear! We hope this helps you decide what to bring on your family camping trips. But remember, at the end of the day your kids are making some sweet memories, stay focused on that and you will be set.
Getting ready for a camping trip with young kids?
You came to the right place. We absolutely love camping as a family, and I am so excited for our trips this summer! We have camped in a small tent, a big tent and currently we camp in a pop up camper. The main focus of this post is to share with you the most practical and useful gear that makes our family camping trips so much easier!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Our favorite camping gear for kids – here it is!
I’ve organized the camping gear into five categories:
- Mealtime
- Bedtime
- Playing + Exploring
- Practical
- Relaxing
Here’s everything you’ll need for your little campers!
Mealtime
Meal time can be a lot of fun if you prepare! We try to make a lot of things ahead of time to get the most out of our trip. Here are some make ahead camping meals that the entire family will enjoy! We use disposable dishes for just about everything to cut back on dish washing time.
Most camp sites will have a picnic table, so one thing we always bring is a tablecloth. This one is great for family camping because it’s fitted, waterproof and wipeable!
Kids Cups
Hydro Flask 12 oz. Kids Water Bottle
This Hydro Flask water bottle is one of the highest rated water bottles for kids! It’s made of stainless steel, features a straw for easy sipping and a slip-proof bottom – which is great for little hands!
CamelBak Eddy+ Kids 12 oz Bottle, Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel
CamelBak’s are our go to for camping! We just love the quality and durability of them. Especially the stainless steel ones, like the one above. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, durable cup – this is a good start for your kiddos.
Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup
These Munchkin 360 cups are a great option for babies and toddlers. This is our go-to cup for camping and everywhere else! It doesn’t leak, it’s super easy for little hands to hold on to, and it helps teach little ones how to drink from a real cup.
Travel High Chairs
Omniboost Travel Booster Seat with Tray
When your little campers are still in need of a high chair, this travel booster seat will save the day! We have used this for traveling so many times, and each time I’m so thankful we got it. I love the one above because it’s washable (and all the mama’s said “Amen!”).
Summer Pop ‘n Sit SE Highchair
If you’d rather a high top travel high chair, these are great too! It’s made for six months and older and holds up to 45 pounds.
Coffee Time
If you’re going on a family camping trip, there are a few essential items you’re going to want to bring. Coffee is definitely at the top of our essentials list when packing. That said, let’s look at the options for how you can make coffee while camping.
If you are in a camper with electricity, a simple coffee pot will do. But if you’re tent camping or primitive camping, we recommend getting a Percolator.
Coleman Gas Camping Stove
Having a camping stove will really make your camping experience much easier. We used this one when we tent camped, and it was perfect for what we needed and we had a great time cooking on it!
Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
It wouldn’t be a family trip without s’mores! This is something the whole family will enjoy. And these little marshmallow sticks are perfect for little hands. These would also make a great gift for your camping friends!
Bedtime
Everyone knows that sleep can make or break your family camping trip. Having the right camping gear is so important for good sleep! Unfortunately there are no separate rooms when you are tent camping or camping in a small camper. A white noice machine is essential for us when camping!
So let’s go through what else has helped us get great sleep when camping with kids.
This will vary based on whether you are tent camping or using a camper. We highly recommend getting a cabin tent for family camping. They may be bigger than what you need to sleep, but it’s so convenient to have the extra space and to be able to walk around in it. And it’s perfect if you need to bring a pack ‘n play!
Since you’ll have your own bedding in a camper, here are a few recommendations for tent camping gear for older kids.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Coleman Youth Self-Inflating Camp Pad
A sleeping pad is great to put under your child’s sleeping bag. It helps provide padding and insulation.
Favorite Camping Books
When we’re all snuggled in and ready for bed, we love to bring out some of our favorite books to read with the girls. It’s a great way to make some family memories. Here are some great books to bring for little kids:
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee
Playing + Exploring
Some of our favorite camping memories are when are kids are simply playing. Some things we try to always have on hand are bubbles, glow sticks and chalk. We leave the toys at home and only bring things that will spark curiosity and get them exploring in nature! Here are a few ideas to do just that:
Backyard Exploration Critter Case
Walkie Talkies for Kids
We got these last year for our girls and they absolutely love them! They have a good range and are pretty easy for them to use. They have so much fun with them!
Water Shoes
Binoculars
Magnifying Glasses
Rain Boots
Kids Hiking Backpack
Practical
Now for the practical things you’ll need for your outdoor adventures. Bring more baby wipes than you think you’ll need! We use these so much when camping. Also, don’t forget the bug repellant. It’ll be a life saver! Here are few more practical things we like to take with us:
Head lamp for kids
Flashlights
First Aid Kit
Ergo 360 Baby Carrier
If you have kids under 45 pounds, you will definitely want to bring a child carrier! At some point during your trip, one of your kiddos will most likely be tired when you’re out exploring. My baby carrier’s have been a life saver for taking kids on hikes or just holding one for a bit while they need a break. The Ergo 360 is my go to for camping trips because I can wear them forward facing or on my back.
Relaxing
Kids Camping Chair
Hammock for kids
Wrapping up the best camping gear for kids!
I hope this list of gear helps you a little bit as you prepare for your family camping trip! It can be overwhelming at first, but each trip get easier. You’ll start to form your own list of what to bring and you’ll be pros in no time!
I found this Camping Essentials Checklist on GO Outdoors and I think it will be helpful when you’re ready to pack. We wish you well on all your adventures. Hope you have a blast!
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