Do you have a camping trip with your family on your summer bucket list? Whether you have intentions to explore one of the national parks or simply a small-town campground, camping offers a fantastic outdoor experience that is worthwhile for the entire family, despite the effort it requires. (Indeed, it is work.) The prospect of considering all the essential items to bring when camping with kids can easily become overwhelming, but there’s no need to fret; we’re here to assist you!
Making a list is a helpful way to stay organized and ensure that no important items are forgotten, whether you’re an experienced camper or new to camping. It is also a great way to create lasting family memories. We will assist you in creating a comprehensive family camping packing list, so that you are well-prepared and can have an enjoyable and well-equipped experience.
To ensure that your backcountry trip is successful, it is crucial to plan thoroughly. Unlike regular trips, you cannot simply drive to obtain any forgotten gear or food. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review your packing list before embarking on your journey. (Refer to the packing list provided below.)
When packing for a backcountry trip, you need to strike a balance between carrying everything you may require and ensuring your pack is not too heavy, since you will be carrying it.
Before you pack, do your research
Before starting to pack, it is important to conduct research on your campground/campsite to become familiar with the available facilities and resources. Campgrounds can vary greatly in terms of the amenities they offer. Generally, established campgrounds provide basic amenities such as bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, water spigots, trash/recycling facilities, and firepits. Additionally, some campgrounds may also offer extra amenities like playgrounds, splash parks, stores, restaurants, bike/boat rentals, hammock hook-ups, ice makers, electricity, hot tubs, movie nights, zip lines, laundry facilities, wifi access, swimming pools, nature crafts, yoga classes, and many other options.
Before you head to your local campground, it is advisable to check if they have provided information online regarding the layout of the particular campsite you have booked. This will allow you to determine the amount of space available and what amenities are already provided. For instance, certain campsites may offer water access, a fire pit, a picnic table, and even electricity. On the other hand, some sites may not have any of these facilities, requiring you to be fully prepared by bringing your own supplies. In any case, it is essential to pack a variety of items to ensure a successful trip.
Pick the right route for your family
When we venture into the backcountry, we utilize canoes to transport ourselves (it’s worth noting that there are also backcountry sites that can be accessed by hiking trails.) Consequently, we transport both canoes and equipment across several lakes by means of portages. While some portages are brief, merely encompassing a few meters around a beaver dam, others are notably lengthier.
When picking a route, I look at official park maps (we camp at Ontario provincial parks), which show canoe routes and portage lengths. Then I look for other maps, online comments and trip logs that give me an idea what a route is like.
Tip when camping with kids
When a child is cold, they tend to be in a bad mood. Remaining warm becomes difficult when one is damp. As my kids often got wet while they searched for snakes and frogs along the shoreline, I always make sure to pack plenty of extra dry clothes and footwear for them.
Tips for kid safety in the backcountry
When our children were young, we made sure they had whistles on them in case they were to become separated from us.
When cutting wood with kids in a back-country setting, I prefer not to bring an axe along. While I believe it is important to teach children about axe safety, I do not consider the back-country as an appropriate place for practicing these skills. Instead, I opt to use a folding saw for this purpose.
Water shoes serve as an effective method to avoid cuts and scrapes, given that clam shells, as we have learned firsthand, can lead to severe gashes.
When swimming, consider having your kids use life jackets based on their age and swimming ability.
How to acquire your camping gear affordably
To save money while still getting everything you need, here are a few ways to find camping gear at a lower price. Since camping gear can be costly, it is worth considering purchasing your items at a discounted rate. Second-hand equipment, although not brand new, can be just as excellent and cost significantly less. The best option is whatever suits your family’s budget and requirements.
- Check your local “buy nothing” or yardsale sites on Facebook.
- Look for camping gear rental services near you; by renting, you can test a product to see if you like it before taking the plunge on a purchase.
- Buy in the off-season or during big sales; prices are sometimes better.
- Borrow from friends.
- Ask for camping gear as gifts from family or friends for holidays or birthdays.
- Check thrift stores; this is where we found our cooler & camp chairs.
- You local “dollar store” should have inexpensive utensils, tablecloths, flashlights, and snacks.
Camp packing tip: make your own list
The contents of every family’s camping packing list will vary depending on factors such as the timing and location of the camping trip, the ages of the children, the weather conditions, available amenities, personal comfort preferences, previous camping experience and skills, and numerous other factors. To assist you in creating your own customized packing list, we have provided a family camping packing list as a starting point. This list includes all the essential items, as well as numerous optional items that you may or may not choose to bring. It is not necessary to bring everything on the list as camping is about embracing a simpler lifestyle and bringing only what is necessary for your personal comfort.
We strongly advise using our list as a starting point to inspire you, but create your own packing list and revise it after each camping trip. It will evolve over time as you come up with ways to enhance your camping experience, as your children mature, as the seasons shift, and as you become more accustomed to camping. Having your own list will help jog your memory concerning items that are significant to your family. Prior to packing, ensure that you mark each item on your list as packed and then verify it again (just in case you became distracted while packing).
Camping gear for babies and toddlers
No child is too young to go camping, but parents understand that babies and toddlers require more attention compared to older children. The same goes for the camping equipment we need to bring. Regardless of whether it’s their initial or subsequent camping experience, there are certain items you might consider bringing for your babies and toddlers while camping. Here are a few of our top suggestions:
- Pack and play – This can be a safe spot for your child to play in outside at the campground and can also serve as a bed inside your tent.
- Outdoor gate – An adjustable play gate can allow your child to play safely on the ground while still being enclosed within a safe area.
- High chair – If your baby or toddler is used to eating in the same high chair daily, you may consider bringing it. This will make mealtime easier for everyone!
- Kid carrier – A hiking backpack or carrying sling can be helpful, especially when you go on adventures.
- Sound machine – If your campsite has electricity, a sound machine can be helpful to drown out the extra noise during nap time or at night.
- Stroller – Besides being a great way to transport your little one, a stroller can also help carry gear.
- Comfort items – If your child is used to sleeping with a special baby, stuffy, toy, or blanket, be sure to bring it!
Make a covered area
To create a sheltered space for storing empty packs and to provide cover in case of rain, we hang a tarp. This arrangement also serves as a cooking area and a potential dining space if necessary, preventing the tent from becoming overcrowded due to its already limited size.
Leave no trace
Make sure to teach your children the importance of cleaning up after leaving a campsite. On occasion, we have come across sites where previous campers seemed to have been influenced by reality TV survival shows and had cut down various trees near their campsite to create furniture, but unfortunately, it takes a long time for the trees to grow back.
