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Checklist for Camping with Kids

Camping is a great way to go beyond simply hiking to really inundating oneself in the wilderness. Whether you’re planning to pitch a tent as a ‘base camp’ for a few nights or are opting to camp in addition to backpacking (which may involve establishing a new camp site every night), camping with your family and kids can be an exciting adventure.


Bringing children along for a camping excursion - whether it be for one night or several - involves gearing up for more than the essentials. Indeed, children require more items to stay interested, entertained, comfortable, and safe. Review this checklist to ensure that you’ve stocked your gear appropriately for camping with kids, and review checklists for RV and car camping if you’re planning on bringing those vehicles along as well.


Click here  to download a printable PDF shopping list.


Camping with Kids: The Essentials


There are certainly many items that one can stock in their pack for a camping trip, but depending on your route, your experience levels, and your planned activities during your hiking excursion, you may need to bring some or all of these essentials along for the journey. Different seasons, geographical locations, and camping styles could require more or less of these items, but be sure to review this list in its entirety if you’re planning to camp primarily with your tent.


As an additional point to keep in mind, children will likely not be able to carry much of the burden of packing or hauling any of these items, so keep those things in consideration if your camping involves more than simply ‘setting up camp’, as you’ll be hauling your gear plus theirs as well.

Item

Why You Need It

Camping Tent

Portable Shelter

Tent Footprint

Added Protection for Tent Bottom

Tent Poles and Repair Sleeve

Repair Structural Integrity of Tent

Tarp or Screen House

Additional Protection from the Elements

Backpack (Adult)

Secure Storage for Gear Transportation

Backpack (Child)

Storage for Smaller Frames

Day Pack

Transport Gear for Quick Day Hiking Trips

Pack Cover

Shield Your Pack from the Elements

Carabiners

Secure Items to Your Pack and Persons

Air Mattress

Comfortable Sleeping Base

Mattress Repair Kit

Repair Minor Damage to Air Mattress

Pump

Inflate Your Air Mattress

Sleeping Bag

Insulated Sleeping Equipment

Sleeping Pad

Additional Sleeping Comfort

Stuff Sack or Compression Sack

Compress Sleeping Bag for Portability

Pillows

Head Support for Sleeping Comfort

Mallet or Hammer

Secure Stakes into the Ground

Hammock or Cots

Portable Sleeping for Warm Weather

Portable Outhouse

Private Toiletry Needs

Portable Shower

Private Showering Space

Pet Tent, Bed, and Supplies

For Those Bringing Their Pets


Cooking Gear


When camping, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve packed the appropriate items in order to sustain yourself and your family. While trail mix and other snacks are good for day hiking trips, longer camping trips will likely require more preparation for hot, sustaining meals. Children typically need more snacks than adults, and you’ll want to ensure that all of your food items are liked by kids in the party (unless you want grumpy, grumbly bellies along for the ride).

Item

Why You Need It

Freeze-Dried and Prepared Food Items

Larger Meals for Sustenance

Camping Cookware

Portable Cookware for Larger Meals

Stove with Fuel

Portable Cooking Equipment

Dishes, Utensils

Portable Food Containers

Water Filtration System

Purify Water On-the-Go

Windscreen

Keep Flames Protected from Wind

Charcoal or Firewood

Fuel Source

Grill Rack

Grill Food Items Atop Cooking Source

Dutch Oven

Cook Soups and Large Batch Items

Portable Coffee/Espresso Maker

Make Coffee/Espresso On-the-Go

Hot-Cold Vacuum Bottle

Keep Drinks at Regulated Temperature

Bottle Opener/Corkscrew

Open Bottles

Can Opener

Easily Open Cans

Trash Bags

Clean Up Your Campsite

Coolers

Store Cooled Items

Ice

Keep Cold Items Chilled

Cutting Board or Cutting Surface

Sanitary Cutting Surface for Foods

Foil

Useful for Cooking and Food Storage

Portable Standing Camp Sink

Dishwashing/Handwashing Needs


Camping with Kids: Basic Gear


Beyond the essentials, many will also opt to stock for a variety of additional hiking activities that may happen along the route. When backpacking with a group, you can likely divvy up many shared items among the members so that no one person is carrying the bulk of the party’s goods, but remember that children will not be able to contribute much to this load-carrying capability.

Item

Why You Need It

Trekking Poles

Adding Traction to Help with Mobility

Binoculars

Improve Your Vision

Batteries

Portable Energy Source

Portable Power/Solar Charger

Charge GPS/Cell Phones

Rope

Can Be Useful in a Variety of Situations

2-Way Radio

Communication with Traveling Partners

Hand/Foot Warmers

Keep Extremities Warm in Cool Conditions

Energy Food/Snacks

Calories

Multifunction Watch

Track Fitness, Progress, Location

Bear Canister/Bear Bag

Suspend Food Items at Night

Lantern (with Mantle if Needed)

Portable Illumination

Lantern Fuel or Batteries

Energy Supply for Lantern

Quick-Dry Towel

Dry Gear and Yourself

Camera

Capture Images and Memories

GPS/Maps/Compass

Navigational Tools

Lip Balm

Keeps Lips Hydrated

Sunscreen

Protect Skin from Sun’s Rays

Sunglasses

Shield Your Eyes from the Sun

Flashlight/Headlamp

Portable Illumination

Hydration Pack/Water Bottle

Portable Water Source

Knife/Multi-Tool

Essential Tool

Lighter

Light Source and Energy Source

Folding Chairs and Table

Portable Seating and Relaxing Arrangements

Spare Glasses/Contacts

In Case of Loss or Damage

Shower Water Bag

Easily Carry Items in Shower


Gear for Activities


Some people simply camp as an essential to sustaining long backpacking trips, but many others opt to participate in tent camping as a way to establish a base camp as a springboard to other outdoor activities. Bring extra activities along to ensure that your children stay entertained for the duration of the trip, as simply camping in the wilderness with no planned activities can cause restlessness. Here are some additional items to consider in your tent camping stash.

Item

Why You Need It

Child Carrier

Transport Small Children Securely

Rolling Jogger

Transport Children During Jogging Activities

Bikes (with Helmets)

Active Mobility on Land

Canoe or Kayak

For Water Sports

Float Tubes or Inflatable Boats

Explore Watering Holes

PDFs and/or Helmets

Safety During Water Sports

Fishing Gear

Fish if Camping Near Water

Playing Cards, Games, and Toys

For ‘Down Times’

Frisbee

Active Fun During Calm Weather

Board Games

Family Fun During Down Times

Books

Read Up on Outdoor Adventures

Light Sticks

Fun at Nighttime

Magnifier

Study Nature Up-Close


Clothing


Camping can occur in a variety of situations and weather conditions, so your attire truly needs to match your needs. Keep in mind that there can be drastic temperature swings, especially when one is camping at different altitudes.

Item

Why You Need It

Wicking T-Shirt and Pants

Warm Weather Attire

Kid Visor

Kid-Friendly Sun Protection

Long-Sleeve Shirt

Sun Protection

Tanktop

Light Torso Protection

Thermal Underwear

Cold Weather Base Layer Insulation

Jacket or Insulated Vest

Keep Warm in Cool Conditions

Bandana or Buff

Keep Hair Off of Face

Stocking Cap/Beanie

Insulation for Head

Insulated Gloves

Thermal Protection for Hands

Rain Jacket

Shield Yourself from the Elements

Child’s Rain Gear

Kid-Friendly Rain Gear

Windbreaker/Pullover

Light Torso Protection

Technical Socks

Comfort and Insulation for Feet

Child’s Vest

Gear Storage and Insulation


First Aid/Emergency Gear


As with any outdoor activity, you’ll want to ensure that you always bring your first aid essentials along for the trip. Hiking, backpacking, and camping in general can expose adventurers to the elements as well as unfamiliar territory, so pack to prepare for accidents or emergencies that may occur.


A good rule of thumb is to leave your trip itinerary with a friend as well as in your vehicle (under your car seat) in case you become disoriented, lost, or injured. In this manner, not only will your friends have your information, but emergency personnel can also have quick access to documents should they come across your vehicle.

Item

Why You Need It

First Aid Kit

Has All of Your First Aid Essentials

Survival Blanket

Necessary Insulation When Stranded

Fire Starter

Light Fires in Survival Situations

Insect Repellant

Keep Bugs at Bay

Anti-Itch Cream and After-Bite Relief

Combats Itchiness from Brush and Bites

Toiletry Kit

Useful When out in Wilderness

Bear Spray

Detract Bears

Biodegradable Soap

Sanitation for Persons