Camping on your own is an activity that’s success heavily relies on great organizational skills and a superhero-like ability to navigate a checklist. Camping with kids is like battling the final boss. But, if you can win the game, you and your kids will get to experience the wonders of nature together and do it with ease. That’s why you need to follow a camping checklist with kids to make sure you have what you need.
What Should You Take Camping With Kids?
Whether you are a seasoned camper or as new to exploring the great outdoors as your kids are, it is important to know what to take camping with kids so you pack the right gear and equipment. Do your research and follow curated checklists, such as this one, to keep you from having to say, “Am I forgetting something?”
Gear To Help You Get a Good Night’s Sleep
The most important thing you can do to make your camping trip a fun and memorable experience for everyone is to make sure you and your kids get good sleep. Make sure you pack the essentials to ensure everyone will be well rested.
Tent
Tent sizes are based on how many people they can sleep. While those sizes are technically true, it usually means there is just enough room to sleep everyone. We recommend choosing a tent double the size of the number of people camping to guarantee there is plenty of space for storage and a spot to hang out if it rains.
Sleeping Bags, Pads, Pillows, and Blankets
Sleeping bags are a must-have when camping because they are easy to clean, waterproof, and provide warmth once the sun goes down. Adding extra pillows and blankets is a great way to keep your tent cozy. And if you want to bump up the luxury, opt for sleeping pads to keep everyone off the hard ground and your back from giving out before your first hike.
Dress for the Weather – All the Weather
Part of the fun of camping is exploring nature, which means dirt and mud and water and bugs and, well you get the picture. Make sure you have enough clothing for each day you will be camping, and then bring more.
Essential Clothing
- Base layers
- Socks and underwear
- Swimsuits
- Rain gear
- Windbreakers, sweaters, and/or coats
- Pajamas
- Gloves and hats depending on the time of year
- Shoes of all varieties
- Flip flops
- Water shoes
- Sneakers
- Hiking boots
A great hack for packing the mounds of clothing you will need is to use space-saver bags. Not only will they cut down on space, but they are also great for storing wet and dirty laundry.
Personal Care
Camping is a great way to be close to nature and experience what roughing it is all about, if you want. For those who like to be as close to nature as we are to in-door plumbing, some essentials will make camping a little easier.
Toiletries
Bring important comforts from home, such as toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and bug spray. Packing travel-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, moisturizer, and body wash will help save space.
First Aid
New adventures mean new ways your little ones can get hurt. There are countless options to purchase the right size first aid kit for your family.
Towels and More
Beach towels, shower towels, wash rags, and shower shoes are all necessities for any camper. Just in case items should include medicines like pain relievers, a thermometer, and aloe.
Don’t Forget – They’ll Be Hungry!
Camping involves adventures that burn calories, lots of calories. It is crucial that you pack all the snacks and favorite foods your littles enjoy to stave off the hanger that exploring all day can cause.
Food
We could list the typical camping foods like hot dogs and s’mores, but you know your family best and what foods they will eat. Pre-planning, prepping meals and packing plenty of snacks will ensure you have more time to spend with your family and your kids will stay happy between them.
Kitchen and Dining Gear
Different campgrounds allow for different types of hot food preparation so it is important to research where you are staying to determine what gadgets you can use. For most camping trips, however, you can’t go wrong with the usual suspects.
Cookware Essentials
- Stove or grill
- Matches or lighter
- Cooler
- Pots, pans, and aluminum foil
- Cutting boards, knives, and food storage containers
- Cooking utensils like tongs, spatulas, and measuring tools
- Oven mitts, dish towels, and napkins
- Plates, bowls, cups, and eating utensils
- Washing receptacle, dish soap, and a sponge or wash rag
Some campgrounds will provide seating, others won’t. Bring tables and chairs to ensure you won’t end up eating on the ground. Don’t forget garbage bags, paper towels, and an all-purpose cleaner to keep your campground clean.
Be Prepared for “I’m Bored!”
Even if you camp at a resort full of amenities, kids can always find a way to be bored. Rainy days and lulls in the day can make for some stir-crazy kids, so don’t forget to pack the fun stuff.
For a Rainy Day
Books, board and card games, and arts and crafts will all help pass the time. If you trust your tracking abilities, bringing some of your kid’s favorite toys and stuffed animals can make these rainy days even more fun with a little piece of home.
When the Sun is Shining
Water toys, fishing gear, shovels, buckets, bubbles, and lawn games are all great things to pack to make sure your kids stay entertained all day long. If you know you will have great views of the night sky, a telescope can be a fun and educational activity.
The Little Extras Can Make All the Difference
While you can get away with camping successfully with everything we’ve mentioned above, there are those little extras you can pack that will make the experience that much nicer.
Elevate Your Camping Experience
- A sound machine for little ones who aren’t used to the sounds of nature while they sleep.
- A small vacuum or dustpan to clean up the inevitable crumbs that will be all over your tent floor.
- A collapsible wagon for when your kids change their mind about walking.
- Nightlights if your littles struggle with the dark.
- Charges for any electronics you bring.
- Lanterns, flashlights, and headlamps to aid in navigating the grounds at night.
What to Put on Your Checklist When Camping With Kids? Everything.
Our complete checklist for what to take camping with kids has everything you will need for a successful trip. Of course, there will be those unique items specific to your family we might have missed. As long as you use this checklist to confirm you have all the essentials, add in your parenting skills for the rest, and your family will deem you the superhero of camping.
Contact us at Southern Oaks RV Resort to reserve your spot.