The beginning family camping checklist provided below is a great resource to help you prepare for the camping experience, especially if you are new to camping or have never camped with kids before. It can be overwhelming to figure out which items are necessary and which ones you can forgo, as well as finding ways to reduce costs. However, this checklist will give you a solid foundation to begin with.
For those who are new to camping, it is advisable to pack all, or almost all, of the items listed, even if they may not be necessary.
It is more advantageous to have excess camping gear rather than insufficient. Make note of the items you can do without and decrease the amount of gear on your upcoming trip.
Packing extra gear while car camping is not a problem, but making a personalized family camping checklist of the gear your family specifically requires simplifies the planning process for future trips.
Camping Checklist
You can use this fairly basic family camping checklist to meet your family’s specific needs. Feel free to add or remove items as necessary. A printable version of the checklist is available for you to use and check off supplies to ensure you have everything you need.
These items are essential and typically expensive. Borrow or invest accordingly.
- Tent
- Ground cover/tarp
- Sleeping bags (or sheets & blankets)
- Sleeping pads or air mattresses
- Portable crib for younger kids
- Pillows & kids’ favorite items for sleep time
Camp Shelters
The most crucial item for any family camping checklist is a camp shelter.
Tents
Investing in a high-quality tent is the ultimate and most valuable expenditure for camping.
Remember that each tent has a designated capacity rating, but it is important to note that the stated capacity is often a snug fit. In many cases, it is advisable to consider a larger size.
Equally important is the choice of a tent suitable for the weather. We recommend a 3-season tent as the most suitable option for the majority of family campers, unless you have intentions of camping in snowy conditions.
The REI Basecamp 4-Person Tent is one of my preferred camping tents. Despite being a little expensive, it boasts convenient setup, exceptional durability, and ample space.
If your family is large like mine, you also have the option to choose a larger version of the tent called the REI Basecamp 6-Person Tent.
Tent Accessories
Everyone should include a rainfly, tent footprint, vestibule, and stakes as fundamental tent accessories on their family camping checklist.
To maintain a dry tent, a rainfly and footprint are useful. Additionally, a vestibule provides a covered outdoor space for storing hiking boots and gear. Lastly, stakes are necessary to secure the tent during heavy rainfall.
If you are anticipating heavy rain, make sure to bring additional tarps. Place one tarp under the tent and hang another tarp above it to ensure adequate protection.
Once you return home, a tent repair kit proves to be a helpful accessory after having used duct tape for patching in the field.
There are numerous additional items that can be beneficial for tent camping, such as a tent rug that prevents dirt from entering, a tent fan that keeps the tent cool, or a winter tent heater.
Alternative Camping Shelters
Not all campers find a standard camping tent suitable.
Over the past few years, I have developed a fondness for hammock camping.
Although it may not be the best option for families who want to sleep together in one shelter, it becomes extremely enjoyable when your children are teenagers and everyone desires additional space.
Our top camping hammocks include the Snugpak Jungle Hammock and the Snugpak Tropical Hammock.
Sleep Systems
Sleeping Bags
When choosing a sleeping bag, the temperature rating is perhaps the most crucial aspect to consider.
When considering which bag to choose, we recommend opting for one with a temperature rating that is approximately 15° lower than the lowest temperature you anticipate. It is certainly preferable to be overly warm rather than excessively cold during camping.
I am a huge admirer of REI’s sleeping bags on a personal level.
I won’t specify a particular model because the correct choice of sleeping bag for you is dependent on the shape, temperature rating, and your personal preferences.
It should be known that all sleeping bags produced by REI’s store brand are both comfortable and durable, while being reasonably priced.
Sleeping Pads
While a sleeping pad may not be an absolute requirement, we can guarantee that you will never regret including it on your family camping checklist!
The NEMO Switchback is a great choice for a budget sleeping pad, whereas the REI Camp Bed Inflatable, which is slightly pricier, is more suitable for individuals who prefer air pads rather than foam pads.
The Exped MegaMat Duo 10, which is like an air mattress, is a highly comfortable inflatable sleeping pad for two people, making it a suitable choice for family campers.
Furthermore, when it comes to air mattresses, the REI Kingdom Insulated Air Bed is ideal for individuals seeking an exceptional camping experience; however, it is crucial to ensure that your tent can accommodate its size beforehand.
Clothing & Helpful Equipment
The list may vary based on the timing of your camping trip, the amenities provided at the site (such as bathrooms and water), and the duration of your stay.
- Clothing (plus plenty of extras for the kids!)
- Pajamas
- Jackets, hats & gloves (it gets cold at night)
- Diapers/nappies (if applicable)
- Camp chairs
- Beach blanket
- Baby wipes (they’re good for just about everything)
- Basic first aid kit
- Toiletries (for each member of the family)
- Toilet paper
- Camp towels (one per person)
- Flashlights/headlamps (one per person) Fire starting tinder, kindling & firewood for the fire pit
- Matches or lighter
- Insect repellant
Camp Kitchen
To maintain simplicity in our camp meals, we opt for a minimal camp kitchen. Additional items can be included if necessary.
- Camp stove & propane/butane
- Plates, cups & utensils (plastic utensils help to keep it simple)
- Cooking utensils, pots & pans
- Cooler with ice
- Reusable water bottles for everyone
- Portable high chair or booster seat for younger kids
- Food items for meals, plus plenty of snacks
- S’mores supplies (graham crackers, marshmallows & chocolate)
- Water & other drinks of choice
- Formula or baby food for infants as needed
- Paper towel
- Trash bags
Fun & Games
Most children do not require a lot of entertainment. Being active and spending time outdoors is typically sufficient, but having these items can be useful:
- Bubbles
- Glow sticks
- Scavenger hunt list or camping bingo
- Play tent
- Favorite games, coloring books & crayons
- Deck of cards
- Field journal and writing/drawing implements
- Books for bed time
- Camera
- Binoculars (for stargazing & wildlife spotting)
- Fishing gear/license and bait
