The latest article

Camping With Kids #3: Gear Up! Essential Camping Equipment for Families

You don’t need a trailer full of gear to start camping with your kids — but having the right essentials makes all the difference. This guide walks you through the must-haves (and what to skip), how to pack smarter, and the gear that actually makes camping easier when little ones are involved.

Gear Up! Essential Camping Equipment for Families

🎒 1. The Golden Rule: Pack Light, But Pack Smart

Here’s the truth: more gear = more stress.
But less gear = less comfort.
So what’s the sweet spot?


Ask:
✔️ Is this item essential for sleep, safety, or sanity?
✔️ Can this serve more than one purpose?
✔️ Will my child actually use this?

Start with the basics, then add age-specific gear.


🏕 2. Family Tent Essentials: Size, Setup, and Comfort

When camping with kids, your tent is your bedroom, playroom, and shelter. Choose wisely.

🛏 What to Look For:

  • Capacity: Go bigger than needed (e.g., 4-person tent for 2 adults + 1 child)

  • Height: Standing height makes dressing and diapering easier

  • Ventilation: Mesh windows help with airflow

  • Ease of setup: Practice at home first


Optional Add-ons:

  • Footprint (tent base mat)

  • Vestibule or awning for gear storage

  • Tent fan or mini lantern


😴 3. Sleeping Systems: Warm, Safe, and Toddler-Proof

Good sleep = a happy family trip. Invest here if anywhere.

🧸 Must-Haves:

Age Group Suggested Setup
Babies Travel crib or play yard + warm sleep sack
Toddlers Sleeping pad + toddler sleeping bag or blanket from home
Preschoolers Kids' sleeping bag + foam mat or inflatable pad
Parents Double sleeping bag or individual + pad


Tips:

  • Bring familiar bedding to help kids sleep better

  • Use a noise machine app or fan if your child is sensitive to sound


🍽 4. Kitchen Essentials: Simple, Safe, and Kid-Friendly

You don’t need a full outdoor kitchen — just a few core tools.

🔥 Cooking Gear:

  • Portable stove or grill (with fuel)

  • Lightweight pots and pans

  • Lighter or matches (in waterproof container)

  • Cutting board, knife, serving utensils

  • Biodegradable soap and dish bin


🍼 For Families:

  • Baby bottles or sippy cups

  • High chair or portable booster

  • Bibs, wipes, and kid-safe utensils

  • Collapsible snack container

  • Cooler with ice packs (and backup dry snacks)


🧼 5. Hygiene & Bathroom Gear: Keep It Clean

Camp hygiene matters more with kids. Plan ahead for:

🚿 Essentials:

  • Wipes, hand sanitizer

  • Toothbrushes + paste

  • Trash bags (one for diapers, one for general)

  • Wet bag or dry sack for soiled clothes

  • Portable potty (if needed) or potty seat adapter


Tip: Pack a small "bathroom tote" that goes with you on every bathroom trip.


👶 6. Baby & Toddler Gear That Makes Camping Easier

Here’s what experienced camping parents swear by:

  • Baby carrier or hiking backpack

  • Sunshade or pop-up tent

  • Play mat or padded floor blanket

  • Clip-on fan for tent naps

  • Nightlight or glow stick for nighttime feeds


Optional but helpful: portable white noise machine, baby-safe bug spray, and a lightweight stroller with big wheels.


🧰 7. Organize Like a Pro: The Family Camping Bin System

Avoid chaos by creating camping bins by category:

Bin Contents
Sleep Bin Tents, mats, sleeping bags, blankets
Kitchen Bin Stove, utensils, dish soap, fuel
Hygiene Bin Wipes, TP, first-aid, towels
Kids' Bin Toys, books, art supplies, bubbles
Clothes Bin Zip-top bags by day or person


Bonus: Use clear bins or color-coded duffels for easy access.


🧯 8. Safety Gear You Shouldn’t Forget

Your kid won’t thank you for packing it — but you’ll be glad you did:

✅ First-aid kit with child-safe meds
✅ Headlamps (one for each person)
✅ Bug repellent + anti-itch cream
✅ Sunscreen and sun hats
✅ Whistle on a lanyard (for older kids)
✅ Emergency contact info on a wristband or tag


⛔ 9. What You Don’t Need (Seriously, Leave It)

Avoid overpacking by skipping:

  • Full-size high chairs (too bulky)

  • Fancy campfire cooking tools (start simple)

  • Too many toys (nature is the toy)

  • Duplicates of the same item (assign who carries what)

  • Anything “just in case” that isn’t related to safety


Keep it minimal but intentional.


✅ Quick Checklist: Essential Gear for Family Camping

Category Essentials
Shelter Tent, tarp, sleeping bags, pads
Cooking Stove, fuel, cooler, utensils, soap
Eating Plates, cups, bibs, baby chair
Sleeping Nightlight, comfort toy, layers
Safety First-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray
Kids Books, games, snacks, backup clothes
Hygiene Wipes, towels, trash bags, hand sanitizer

📌 Up Next:

Part 4 – Camping With Toddlers: Tips for Ages 1–3

What changes when your camper is barely walking, potty training, or still on naps? In Part 4, we’ll break down toddler camping strategies — from bedtime to playtime — that actually work.