We love to camp while on family road trips, staying in campgrounds and exploring national and state parks and historic sites nearby. We have hiked in gorges, rafted down a gently flowing river, explored caves, visited a glass museum, and even mined for gemstones- all while staying at a nearby campground. Camping with kids is a great and inexpensive way to travel and to explore all that a vacation destination has to offer! But I can tell you- it is a far more enjoyable family experience when you have the right gear!
Creating a comfy place for everyone to sleep, a camp kitchen that you can make a meal in, and having the right equipment for camping activities makes all of the difference! Here's what you need:
Camping with Kids: Your Tent is Your Home Away From Home!
I suppose that it goes without saying that a tent is the most important piece of camping equipment that you'll need!
You want one that is large enough to fit your family- so I suggest sizing up by +2 people. A family of 4 would be more comfortable in a 6-person tent- that way you'll have enough room for your belongings as well!
Another pro-tip: go with an instant pop-up tent This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. . They come with a built-in pole structure that makes set up quick and easy, and take down is a snap too!
And before you set up your tent, you'll want to exam your tent site and remove any large rocks (they can be rather uncomfortable to sleep on!), and you'll want to lay down a ground tarp This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. first. This will ensure that your tent stays nice and dry on the bottom.
Be sure to leave about 2 feet of tarp uncovered by the tent near the door of the tent, so everyone can sit down and remove their shoes before coming inside. A no-shoes policy helps to keep the dirt outside where it belongs!
Investing in a camping air mattress This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. is always a wise choice (we use four queen-sized air mattresses and just wedge them all together in the tent, sleeping two per mattress), and be sure to get one with a rechargeable pump (it can be charged ahead of time or with a car charger).
Of course, everyone will need a comfy sleeping bag This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. as well. There are two-person bags This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. available if you and your spouse want to share- or we just unzip two single bags and put one down on the air mattress to sleep on and use the other as a blanket.
Create Your Camp Kitchen!
There is nothing like waking up in the morning to the smell of bacon frying on the camp stove, and coffee brewing right alongside! (Even better when it's your spouse that wakes up first and gets breakfast started!)
A 2-burner camping stove This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. (fueled by propane) is just what you'll need to play camp chef!
We like to set up our camp kitchen under a pop-up canopy This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. – which gives you a nice break from the sun (or a light rain shower) when cooking!
I also recommend having two of these 2-gallon water jugs This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. on hand. You'll want one for water (for drinking, cooking, and washing hands), and one for lemonade (which we refer to as “bug juice” while camping!)
You'll also need a good-sized 3-day cooler This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. to hold everything that needs to stay cold (burgers, hot dogs, eggs, juice).
And rather than using disposable plates and utensils (which are not good for the very environment that you are there to enjoy!), I suggest purchasing some camping dinnerware This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. that can you wash after each meal using biodegradable dish soap This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. ! (We bring along a set of these wash tubs This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. for scrubbing and rinsing).
You can search the woods for an appropriate s'mores stick (my husband always carries his Leatherman pocket knife This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. to clean up and sharpen the ends), or pack along these extending s'mores sticks This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. from home!
Looking for some camping recipes? These foil packet cheesy fries, grilled taco nachos, lemon chicken with potatoes, and shrimp fajitas are all camping favorites!
Make Your Camp Cozy!
Many campgrounds include a picnic table at their campsites, which is great for meals, but it's tough to pull up a picnic table next to a campfire and feel comfortable! We also pack along camping chairs This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. to relax in.
You'll want to have a lantern This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. or two stationed both inside and outside of your tent, as well as a few flashlights This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. on hand for those late-night walks to the bathroom.
Equipment for Camping Activities When Camping with Kids!
Camping is just sleeping outside in a tent and making smores over the campfire. You'll want to get out and enjoy the wilderness too!
If hiking is part of your camping plan, be sure to get a trail map for the area, and use the Geocaching app to look for hidden treasures with your kids. Make sure that everyone carries a refillable water bottle This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. and a snack along the trail!
If there's a lake or a meandering waterway nearby- consider an inner tube This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. or an inflatable kayak This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. or paddleboard This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. .
And no camping trip is complete in our family unless we spend some time fishing! We take along a couple of these fishing rods This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. and fly fishing rods This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. on every trip!
Planning a Family Road Trip? Here are some more tips that might help!
- How to Plan a Great American Road Trip
- Packing for a Road Trip: How to Pack the Inside of Your Car
- The Best Car Coolers for a Family Road Trip
- 8 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials!
Want to Check Out Some Great Road Trip Destinations?
- Seabrook Island SC with Kids
- 8 Things to Do in Williamsburg VA with Kids
- 5 Reasons to Visit Mammoth Caves with Kids
- Washington DC with Kids
- 7 Reasons to Visit Lake Placid with Kids
Farber@WhiteNoiseMachines says
Preparation is essential for any outdoor adventure. Having the necessary supplies and equipment can make a difference in your overall enjoyment and experience. Sleep is such a factor for folks, especially new parents. You’ve got to get your sleep! So i recommend, for car camping, a 2 1/2 inch thick extra wide sleeping pad. . They are so comfortable, you don’t need to fear sleeping on the ground. Also, ear plugs and white noise machine (if you have any): It would be perfect when you’re sleeping in close quarters, it’s kinda noisy