Choosing the right tent and other family camping gear is critical to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Practice setting up your tent at home before heading out to the campgrounds.
What is real camping?
Wet wipes are a must for washing hands before meals, wiping down children before crawling into sleeping bags and keeping everyone clean away from the campsite toilet.
1. Tent
Whether you’re an experienced camper or an outdoor newbie, the kind of tent you choose will play a big part in how well your family camping trip goes. Look for a large tent that’s easy to set up and offers enough space for everyone to sleep comfortably.
Look for a tent with a tarp floor, which can prevent rainwater from pooling inside the tent. Also, remember to store your tent in a cool and dry place.
2. Sleeping Bags
Get the kids involved in creating a family camping packing list to help them learn responsibility. This helps ensure they bring everything they need for their specific needs.
Choose sleeping bags rated for the temperature where you live and where you plan to camp. Check out rectangular bags that can be zipped together and mummy bag styles that boost warmth and cut weight.
3. Sleeping Pads
If your kids want to add a little luxury to their camping experience consider getting them an insulated sleeping pad. This keeps them from losing body heat to the ground, allowing for a comfortable night of sleep.
Closed-cell foam pads are inexpensive and durable, making them popular backpacking options. They also inflate quickly, allowing for quick set up after a long day of hiking.
4. Pillows
Pillows are another sleeping-friendly item that can help you get a better night's sleep in the tent. Backpackers tend to favor lighter and more packable designs that disappear into their backpacks while car campers typically opt for a little extra comfort and bulk with options like the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow or Hest Camp Pillow.
We also appreciate pillows that offer quick, easy cleaning and curved shapes designed to nestle into the hood of mummy bag sleeping bags (like this Zpacks Medium Pillow). Backpacking-focused models like the Exped MegaPillow and Cocoon Air-Core Hood/Camp Pillow shave off excess weight with minimal impact on comfort.
5. Blankets
Kids will get a bit sweaty during camping and need to wipe their hands, feet and faces. You'll also want beach towels.
A roomy blanket like Rumpl's original Puffy blanket is a great choice for one person, but two-person models exist, too (like Therm-a-Rest's Argo). Also consider the material—cotton is cheap and comfortable but doesn't insulate well. Consider merino wool for its odor-resistant properties and breathable comfort.
6. Towels
It's a given that kids will get messy while camping. They'll probably have bits of s'mores in their hair and mud on their shoes.
A towel will help them clean off and dry quickly, especially if they're playing in the water. This one is super soft and has a handy storage bag and hanging loop. The loop also works great for securing the rolled-up towel to something to prevent it from blowing away.
7. Cooking Utensils
A good-quality camp kitchen setup will make cooking at the campsite a breeze. Some people even bring collapsible water jugs with an open/close spout for a hands-free washing station.
Games and entertainment are a must for family camping trips to encourage kids to unplug from screens and get active. A few board games and sports equipment like frisbees are a great way to keep everyone entertained.
8. Water
Kids and adults will need a way to wash hands, faces, feet and arms when camping. Water jugs with open/closed spouts or collapsible buckets are great choices for this purpose.
It is always a good idea to bring towels for washing off mud and sweat and even to dry off a wet tent. Layered clothing is also ideal for camping as temperatures can drop at night.
9. Lights
Ample lighting is a must when camping, both for navigating the campsite and finding your way to and from the restroom. Headlamps are especially handy for hands-free lighting, and glow sticks or fairy lights can add a fun touch to your family’s campsite.
Remember to pack extra toiletries for kids, including potty-training children who might not want to make the trek outside at night.
10. Toiletries
Having the right toiletries is an important part of being prepared for family camping trips. Bring a toiletry bag posh tents or container to keep personal hygiene items in one place and easy to find.
Kids can take on the responsibility of packing their own toiletries for camping trips by creating a list and doing the work themselves. This is an excellent way to teach responsibility and help children remember their essentials.
What is a glamping trip?
