Everything You Need to Bring On a Family Camping Trip
Family Camping Essentials to Consider as
You Make Your Family Camping Checklist
If you’re asking “What do I need to go camping with my family?” you’re in the right place, because we have spent a lot of time thinking about just that.
Over the years, many trips to myriad campgrounds in varied conditions have helped us narrow down the family camping essentials we always bring – the stuff you absolutely need – and let us create a flexible list of the best family camping gear to also consider; those things that are convenient and/or fun and make the experience better, but are not necessarily essential family camping supplies.
We’re going to get right into the list of family camping must haves, but note that what’s necessary for a family camping trip varies based on your group’s needs and based on where you’ll be setting up camp. We’re not considering camp chairs or a folding camp table essential, for example, but if the site you chose does not have a picnic table or other seating, camp furniture may be essential for you. (Also, some “essentials” here are optional but highly recommended.)
Family Camping Checklist:
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- Tent (with needed stakes, rainfly, etc.)
- Air Mattresses (or cots or foam pads)
- Pillows
- Stove with fuel (or supplies for making a cookfire)
- Camp kitchen tools (knives, ladle, cutting board, e.g.)
- Cutlery, plates, bowls, and cups
- Cooler with ice or cold packs
- Paper towels, sponge, disinfecting wipes
- Coffee, water, food
- Headlamp
- Lantern
- Spare batteries and/or charging block
- Matches, lighter (consider flint and tinder, too)
- Sun block
- Hand sanitizer and/or soap and water
- Trash bags
There you have it, the minimum gear a family needs for a successful camping trip. We go into detail on things like the best family camping tents, the best sleeping bags for kids, and other specifics elsewhere, but generally speaking in the broad strokes, those are the must haves.
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Next, here is a list of the “not quite essential gear” but camping equipment you will be very glad you brought along.
- Blankets (for sleeping or lounging)
- Tarp (for under tent or quick rain shelter)
- Sound machine
- Backpacks/daypack
- Towels/chamois cloth
- Ax or hatchet, saw
- Multitool and/or Swiss Army Knife
- Table cloth, hardware to secure it
- Duct tape
- Firewood
- Laundry kit
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- Birding/Wildlife Guides
- Marshmallow/hotdog roasting skewers