Camping is one of the best ways to spend time with your kids. Not only is it affordable, but it also offers an amazing opportunity for the family to bond through shared work and activities. But going camping with kids isn’t the same as camping with your friends. From choosing the right place to ensure that your little ones have a safe and fun camping experience, there is so much to plan! A family camping trip requires planning and a lot of supplies. But how do you know what to pack? Well, not to fret. We have curated a list of important essentials list for a camping trip with kids! With the right planning and a well-prepared kit, you can have an amazing camping experience.
Questions to ask yourself before packing!
Before you start packing the essentials, you’ll need to figure out what exactly you’ll need. Here are a few questions that will help you assess your camping needs based on your camping trip.
Is the area safe for camping?
So you have found the perfect geography for camping but have you done more research on it? You will need to take permits to camp in certain places and if you are found camping without a permit, your trip will be cut short and you’ll end up paying a hefty fine. Most of the camping sites are also home to wildlife, stay far away from spots that are too deep into the forest. We are pretty sure your children will like attending nature’s call without a bear lurking around.
How long will you be camping for?
The number of days you will be camping determines what you’ll need to take. For instance, a camping trip of a day or two might not require you to take any cookware but the same can’t be said for long camping trips. Knowing the duration of your trip will also help you pack the right amount of food, necessary clothing, and more.
Are you going to be far away from the city?
Are you going to be camping close to the city or out in the deep wild? If you are going to be camping out in the wild, away from civilization, you need to realize that you’ll probably be far away from all the benefits civilization has to offer like medical aid, shelter, and food. While escaping into the wild can be fun, you have to worry about your children’s safety. If you are staying far from the city, pack additional medical supplies, food, water, clothing, and make a note of the closest hospitals and stores.
Do you have friends/family who can lend you equipment?
We know that camping equipment can be quite expensive. Even though we suggest purchasing it yourself as it is a good long-term investment, we know that not everybody can afford it. Contact your friends/family to check if there is any camping equipment you can borrow. Another way to find good deals on camping supplies is by buying them online.
Essentials to pack for camping with kids!
Shelter essentials
- Tent- A good-quality tent is one of the biggest essentials of camping. We suggest getting a big family tent to ensure everyone is comfortable. Bring along all the essentials you will need to set up your tent too, including a tent repair kit.
- Tarps- Unless you like sleeping on mud or twigs and leaves, you will need to bring a tarp to put under the tent to cover the ground. You can get another tarp to cover up the tent in case of rain.
- Sleeping bag or Mattress- Depending on what’s comfortable for you and your family, you can either opt for a mattress or sleeping bags. A big mattress will take up a lot of space in the tent, so we suggest getting a small mattress for you and the spouse and cute sleeping bags for the children.
Food essentials
- Snacks and food items- Regardless of whether you are camping for a day or a week, you’ll need to bring snacks – and lots of it. Nuts, biscuits, cookies, dehydrated fruits, muesli, granola bars, jerky, and bagels are some of the popular choices for camping snacks.
- Cookware- You can’t solely depend on snacks when you are camping. Basic camp cookware essentials such as a camp stove, portable grill, and pans/pots will help you cook some delicious yet simple meals.
- Paper plates and cups- We suggest bringing along paper plates and cups since they are easy to use. Once you are done using the plates and cups, you can either bury them or burn them in the campfire.
Clothing essentials
- Rainproof jackets- It’s important that every member of the family carries a rainproof jacket for when they are camping. While the tent might protect you to an extent, the jackets are imperative for when you are outside.
- Extra set of clothes- The key to a good camping trip is being prepared beforehand for all kinds of situations. We suggest bringing along an extra pair of clothes which can come in handy in case your clothes get dirty or the temperature drops and you need to bundle up. You might also want to pack some blankets or shrugs that can either be laid down on the floor or used as a cover-up.
Safety essentials
- Flashlight/headlamps- Nights can be quite scary for children, especially when camping in nature. Get every member of the family a battery-operated flashlight or headlamp to use in the dark.
- Matchsticks- While it can be fun to try and start a fire the caveman style with a couple of rocks, it can take ages. We suggest keeping some matchsticks in handy just in case the caveman idea doesn’t work out too well.
Other essentials
- Chairs or mats- You can’t be cooped up in the tent all the time and sitting on the bare ground is hardly comfortable. We suggest getting foldable chairs and mats to put around the tent for when you are sitting outside.
- Mosquito repellent- This is a must for when you are out camping. A mosquito repellent will not only protect you from those pesky mosquito bites but also from some deadly diseases.
- Sunscreen- Unless you want to return from your camping trip with red, itchy, burnt skin, we suggest carrying a good sunblock with SPF 30 and above for the family.
- First aid kit- There are chances that your children might get hurt when they are exploring the campsite. It is better to be prepared beforehand with a well equipped first aid kit that has all the tools to treat bruises, burns, scratches, and allergic reactions. You might also want to carry some basic medication for emergencies.
Camping can be an amazing activity with your kids if you take all the safety precautions and pack the right things. Let us know in the comments below about your important essentials for a camping trip with the kids!
If you are going to be driving down to your destination, you might want to check our guide on road trip essentials.
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