Hey girl, let's chat about the best camping with kids checklist.
Going camping with your kids is supposed to be fun and do you know what makes it the best it can be, when you have everything you need for them.
As a mom of 4 myself, I am going to give you the complete camping with kids checklist I use every time so we don’t forget a thing.
You are going to learn about all the camping with kids essentials like kids camping tent, kids camping gear, kids camping chairs, and more.
After learning about all of these items on this camping with kids checklist, you are going to be incredibly prepared for your camping trip.
Let's jump into the best camping with kids checklist every parent should know about.
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Best Camping With Kids Checklist
Whether you are camping in a tent or camper of some sort, you will need to have a camping with kids checklist on hand.
It makes preparing and packing so much easier!
We go camping in a tent, but this checklist could just as easily work for a camper.
Remember, even if it is stressful at times (and you know it will be – EVERY TIME) try not to show it. Your kids just want to have the best adventure with you.
I hope you have a great time.
Where To Go Camping With Kids
There are so many places where you can go camping these days.
But if you are just getting into camping with your kids, I would recommend practicing camping in your backyard – if you have one.
Trust me on this, your kids will be pumped! It is something different for them so they will be excited.
You won’t have to worry that a bathroom is too far away in the middle of the night. And you won’t have to worry about packing food either.
If you are brave and go to a campground, try to pick a place that isn't too far of a drive from your house. You will end up with cranky kids by the time you get there if it is too far away.
Try to get a campsite close to the bathroom. One of our kids always has to go to the bathroom at the night!
Food for Camping With Kids
Food
Whether you are new to camping with your kids or are a seasoned pro at it, make things easy on yourself when it comes to food!
I always take the time to prepare a lot of the food at home before we leave. And let me tell you, girl, this helps so much – especially when the kids get hangry!
And just because you are camping doesn’t mean you have to eat only junk food. Include some healthy food too!
Some easy camping food ideas include:
- Sandwiches
- Hot Dogs
- Build your own Lunchable – Include Sandwich meat, cheese slices, and crackers
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Donuts for breakfast
- Lots of pre-packaged snacks – pack more than you think, you don’t want to run out
- Water
- Gatorade
- Juice Boxes
- Smores Ingredients
Cooler
I like packing all of the food in coolers, even if it doesn’t need to be kept cold.
My favorite camping coolers are these 2.
Other Food Essentials
Depending on what you bring you will also need to pack the following:
Plates - this is one of the few times a year I like to use paper plates
Utensils – plastic forks, spoons, knives, spatula, cooking spoons, a sharp knife
Glasses or Water Bottles
Cook Kit – a pot and or pan to cook in
Stove
When it was just my husband and me, we would bring this stove and cook food.
We haven't since, but now that our kids are older, we are planning to bust it out again this year.
Remember to bring an extra propane.
Dish Washing Kit – a tub, sponge/dishcloth, soap, and dish drying towel
Bulk Water Jug
Jetboil
Nothing like a nice hot cup of coffee after a sleep lacking night's sleep.
I love it for camping and my husband uses it on his hunting trips too.
An Extra Tarp – Have an extra tarp packed in case it starts to rain. You can sit under it or get food ready under it.
Plastic Table Cloth - Use on the picnic table.
If your kids are anything like mine, they drop food on the table at home and then still eat it. This will still happen when you are camping.
Don’t forget clips or weights so the table cloth doesn’t blow off in the wind. You can use rocks you find at your camp site for this.
Kids Camping Gear
Kids Camping Tent
All depending on how many people you are camping with, there are a couple of options for you.
We have this large tent, and I am so glad we do.
It has a high ceiling, even in the corners, so my husband and I don’t have to duck our heads when standing inside.
It is also huge! All 6 of us and our stuff fit just fine with room for my kids to grow.
If you are going to be a long-time camper, and have less than 6 people, I would still recommend this tent to you.
You won’t be sad that you have more space! And as your kids grow, they are going to need it.
We have this smaller tent too, got it when it was just my husband and me.
It is perfect for a family of 4.
It is small but there is enough room for all of you to sleep and you will have room left over for your gear.
Tarp for under the tent
Using some kind of tarp under your tent is a must.
Even on the driest summer days, the ground will still get damp overnight and go through the bottom of your tent if you don't put this down.
Kids Camping Chairs
My friend introduced me to these camping chairs and I just had to get them for my kids. SO GOOD!
They come in a small compact bag, which makes them easy to pack.
The chairs can be put together quickly and are sturdy.
They are also made to hold up to 300 lbs, so my husband and I can sit in them as well.
Hammer/Hatchet
Bring a hammer or hatchet along. Either can be used to pound in the tent stakes. I have seen my husband use a decent-sized rock for this in a pinch.
Using a hatchet has multi-purposes – it can be a hammer and a hatchet for getting small sticks for a campfire.
Small broom and dustpan
As you and your kids travel in and out of your tent, dirt, sand, leaves, and more will make their way into your tent.
That drives me crazy. You guys, I just like being neat.
This small broom and dustpan make it easy to clean your tent after you have cleaned it out but before you take it down.
Small rug
Having a small rug is so nice!
Your kids will know that there is a place to put their shoes.
I like to put one outside and one right inside the tent.
Even if it is a hot day, dew will still happen at night so a rug will help dry them.
Air mattress and pump
I am not sure how you like to sleep when you camping, but I love sleeping on an air mattress instead of on the ground. If I don't, I can barely walk in the morning.
This air mattress has been standing up to years of camping now.
We got this car pump to blow it up. It has way more power than a battery-operated pump.
Sleeping Pad
Maybe you don’t want to go with an air mattress and that is fine.
You will still need some kind of pad for your kiddo to sleep on.
We have had these sleeping pads for years. They are space-saving and add just enough cushion for your kids.Sleeping Bags
Kids sleeping bags will work just fine if you have younger kids and it won’t be that cold overnight.
If you are looking to get decent adult-sized sleeping bags for your kiddo, I love these sleeping bags!
My kids sleep so good in them.
Pack and play
Do you plan on camping with a very little one? Then you are going to need a pack and play along.
We brought this pack and play along many times over the years, and I am so glad we did!
Pillow
Don't forget to grab your pillow from your kiddo’s bed! They will sleep better with it.
Lights
You will need to bring along a lantern, flashlight, and/or headlamp for when the sun goes down. Your kiddo will love being able to use them.
It will not fail that your kiddo will have to go to the bathroom at the night.
Other Essentials For Camping With Kids
- Bug Spray
- Bug Fogger
- Fly Swatter
- Bug Bite Cream or Spray
- Sunscreen
- Sunburn Cream, Spray, Aloe
- Clothesline
- Fire starter – a propane torch work great for this
- Rain Gear – Coat and an umbrella
- Towels
- Hand Sanitizer
- First Aid Kit
- Toilet paper
- Paper Towels
- Clorox Wipes
Kids Camping Gear
Clothes – 2 sets of the following: pants, shorts, shirt, underwear, socks, pajamas, 1 of the following: tennis shoes and sandals, sweatshirt and or coat
Stuffed animal/blanket
Toothbrushes, toothpaste
Binoculars
Bring some small binoculars along so your kiddo can better explore nature!
These binoculars are small, light, and durable for little hands to carry.
Rain Boots
My kids have always had this brand of rain boots and we have never been disappointed!
Even on sunny days, when you are hiking in the woods there still may be some muddy and wet areas.
I will continue to buy this brand as long as I can for them.
Camping Activities for Kids
Have some kind of plan of attack when it comes to activities you can do with your kids. If you don’t, they can get stir-crazy in a hot minute.
The following is a list of activities my kids like to do when we are camping.
Hiking
Play with outdoor balls
Games – we bring one or two board games along to play in the tent. We make sure to put them in the car overnight so they don't get damp.
Cards
Journal
Scavenger Hunt
Books To Read
Shadow puppet show
I hope you have the best time sharing your love of camping and the great outdoors with your kiddo!
This post was all about the best camping with kids checklist.
Let me know if I missed something on this list and I will be sure to add it.
We have many years of camping with kids left and I can use all the tips and tricks I can get.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.