Family Camping Checklist: A Complete List of Essential Gears

Essential Gear For Camping

Camping adventures and hiking trips are among the healthiest and most exciting weekend and holiday activities. You can either camp alone or bring your friends and/or family members along. Besides, there are different options and camping experiences that suit a variety of preferences. Some campers appreciate national parks or campgrounds that have some infrastructure, while others would choose to camp out in areas that are completely wild and divine.

Campgrounds have some infrastructure, which includes parking lots, roads, passageways, picnic tables, barbecue racks, tent pads, escapes from rain and sun, rentals like fishing gear, boats, various fun activities etc. Wild places have none of these. It is up to you to decide what style you prefer and, consequently, how much stuff and camping items you want to take along. So, depending on the type of your chosen campsite and camping style, it is worth looking at a handy family camping checklist to take all the appliances and food items, as well as camping accessories and outdoor gear you may need to use during your family camping trip.

There are items, that you will need anyway, so make sure they are on your checklist. We have prepared a comprehensive list that can be useful for planning your next journey. Let’s have a look!

So, the essential items to pay attention to first of all include:

• Tent
• Lighters/matches
• Axes, knives, hammers
• Toilet paper
• First aid kit
• Power banks
• Downloaded or paper map of the area
• Compass (or app on your phone)

Family Camping Tent

Family size tents are an integral part of any trip to nature with a group, so you cannot do without them. Be sure that the package includes stakes, poles, and ropes (depending on the size and type of your tent), as well as the footprint and a few extra tarps. These should keep you and your gear dry in case of heavy rainfall and if the canvas turns out to be damaged.

In addition to a tent, include the following things in your family camping checklist:

• Footprint & tarp
• Poles and stakes
• Doormats
• Rainfly cover
• Portable heaters or a camp stove for a tent (if you are planning a trip in the fall or winter)

When looking for a tent, first consider the needs of your family. It is best to choose tents divided into zones (rooms, hall, places for equipment, etc.).

Also, consider the materials and vent of your shelter, which is especially important when you are travelling with children. Well-ventilated tents maintain a comfortable temperature on both hot and cold days, preventing overheating or heat loss.

In addition, since camping is a universal hobby available at different times of the year, it makes sense to consider all-season tents, which are equally well suited for camping in warmer and cooler temperatures.

Furniture and Sleeping Essentials

Camping chairs and other pieces of folding furniture are extremely useful during a camping trip. Chairs, tables, sleep cots, and hammocks all provide additional comfort that will make your outdoor experience better. By taking folding tables and chairs you can create an entire area where you can eat, cook, read books, play board games, sit by the fire, etc. Such items are convenient and easy to transport, so if you have the opportunity to take pieces of furniture, be sure to do so, you won't regret it!

Also, sleeping essentials make your sleep more comfortable and safe by retaining body heat, which is important since the temperature always drops lower at night. A sleeping bag ensures a good night's sleep by keeping you warm and dry, while also providing extra protection from insects and bugs. Include the following items in your family camping checklist:

• Sleeping bags
• Camping pillows
• Pads or air mattress
• Blankets
• Camp chairs and tables
• Camp cot if traveling with a baby
• Hammock

An important tip when choosing which blankets to pack is to choose ones that are made of moisture-resistant materials, so you should avoid cotton products.

Flashlights and Other Lighting

Lighting items are a real must-have for outdoor recreation. This is necessary from the point of view of convenience and safety since in remote regions there are no city lights, therefore, visibility after sunset is much worse.

At night, you should keep your area lit as you will most likely want to engage in some nocturnal activities, and also the lighting will deter predators that might come to your site.

In addition, lighting is extremely important when camping with children. By using light sources you can create an illuminated path around your campsite to avoid the risk of falls and injuries.

Therefore, include these items in your family camping checklist:

• Flashlights
• Headlamps
• Candles
• Lighters
• Lanterns
• Batteries
• String lights

Outdoor Kitchen Tools

When it comes to group camping, kitchen and meals should be the first consideration. You don't have to become a camp chef and spend all your time in the field kitchen. The key is to set up your outdoor kitchen in the most efficient way to make cooking easier and also create a hygienic cooking space. So, take the following items:

• Folding kitchen furniture
• Dish soap and sponges
• Reusable water bottles
• Filters for water purification
• Food containers
• Cutting board & knives
• Cooler or portable mini fridge
• Portable grill
• Charcoal & lighter fluid
• Waterproof matches
• Kettle
• Frying pan
• Large and small bowls
• Plates and cups
• Spoons and forks
• Water jugs
• Sanitizing wipes
• Paper towels
• Aluminum foil
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Skewers, tongs, spatula, can/bottle opener
• Garbage bags
• Camp sink/ wash bins
• A tarp or shelter to separate the kitchen area from the tents

It is worth considering that campgrounds are different. This means that in some spots you can purchase wood or charcoal and also have access to drinking water on the site. In other places, such options may not be available. Therefore, it is best to stock up on drinking water in advance and take a pack of coal or a stack of firewood with you, depending on your needs.

Meals and Snacks

Each person's gastronomic needs may vary. Therefore, creating a menu and preparing food depends directly on your preferences. However, when planning a camping trip, it is worth minimizing perishable foods or eating them in the first few days. If necessary, you can take a portable mini refrigerator with you.

It is better to give preference to ready-made dishes or dishes that do not require a long/complicated preparation process. The ideal solution would be ready-made breakfasts, canned food, instant noodles, snacks, etc.

A good option for a meal checklist is:

• Breakfast. Oatmeal, pancakes, sandwiches, fruits, cereals, etc.
• Lunch. Hamburgers, sliced cheese, buns, hot dogs
• Dinner. Potatoes, vegetables, hearty meal of grilled meats, kabobs
• Dessert. S'mores (marshmallows, chocolate, crackers, skewers)
• Snacks. Jerkies, granola, chips, trail mix, fruits
• Drinks. Coffee, cocoa, juice, tea, water, alcohol

Camp Bathroom and Toiletries

Hygiene is one of the key aspects to consider when camping, especially if your nature trip lasts 4 days or more.

The best solution is to get the necessary toiletry items in advance, as well as consider purchasing portable showers and toilets that will provide you with the basic amenities you may need to enjoy your camping experience. You should be especially careful about hygiene if you are travelling with a baby, since for them a clean environment and hygiene are crucial.

So, include the following items in your checklist:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Hairbrush
• Deodorant
• Body and hand soap
• Sanitizer
• Shampoo (you can use dry shampoos)
• Conditioner
• Shower gel
• Baby wipes and tissues
• Toilet paper
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Bug spray
• Portable toilet
• Portable shower
• Detergent powder (to be able to wash dirty clothes if necessary)

You can also do some research ahead of time or watch an instructional video on how to make a portable outdoor shower or toilet yourself and what you might need to do it.

Clothing and Shoes

When making a family camping checklist in the clothing and footwear category, you should choose items designed for sports and hiking, as they are more comfortable for being in nature and provide better protection from external factors. Also, it is worth considering the time of year in which you are going camping. If you are planning a trip in the hot summer, it is best to give preference to a wardrobe made from natural, breathable fabrics, such as cotton.

If your camping takes place during the colder months or you're going to a location with sudden temperature changes at night, then clothing made from synthetic materials is your best bet.

Basic rules to consider when choosing a wardrobe to protect yourself from cold and bad weather include: Dress in layers. The outer layer of clothing should be made of things that have excellent protection from moisture and water. The purpose of this layer is to protect you from getting wet.

The inner layer of clothing should protect you from heat loss, so here it is worth choosing items made from synthetic or woollen materials. Areas of the body that need to be protected in cold weather include the head, neck, arms, and legs.

Also, when hiking, it is important to keep your feet dry at all times.

Pack the following items:

• Cap/hat
• T-shirts
• Long sleeves
• Shorts
• Trousers
• Hoodies
• Coats
• Underwear or thermals
• Socks
• Hiking boots
• Sandals
• Rain gear (raincoat, umbrella, etc.)
• Swimsuit
• Laundry bag
• In case of winter camping, take gloves, scarves, balaclava, ski goggles, etc.

You should bring extra dry clothes in case the weather gives you more rain than the sun. Besides, it is advisable to take wool clothes because they can keep you warm at night and protect you against bugs. Do not forget about blankets, either.

Camping Safety Items

Safety while outdoors is a top priority. Therefore, do not forget about the items you may need in case of unforeseen circumstances and emergencies.

Your safety items list should include:

• First aid kit (it should contain hemostatic, antiviral, antiallergic and antiseptic drugs, as well as anti-poisoning drugs)
• Personal medications
• Emergency blankets (not only are they useful in emergencies, but they are also an excellent means of protection against the cold in case of a sudden drop in temperature)
• Life jackets (if you are camping near a body of water)
• Extra batteries and power banks
• Map with marked nearest hospitals, pharmacies, shops, hotels, gas stations, etc.
• Campground administration contacts

Camping Activities and Entertainment

Besides packing items, activities are a factor to consider when planning a camping trip. Discuss interests with family members in advance and listen to their wishes. Since people are different, some may prefer more active recreation, while others, on the contrary, may like solitude with nature and relaxation.

Activities you can include in your camping include:

• Board games
• Frisbee/boomerang
• Tennis
• Badminton
• Books and magazines
• Photography
• Kites
• Fishing
• Water sports
• Horseback riding
• Exploring historical sites and attractions

Activities largely depend on where you are going. Typically, campgrounds offer visitors a variety of entertainment options and events. Therefore, when planning a trip, carefully choose a spot, and pay attention not only to the distance to the place and scenery but also to what you can do there.

Extra Tips for Your Family Camping Trip Checklist

• Not unlikely, you are going to have to do some repair work or strengthen your tent and repair your gear. There are tools and items that must be part of your checklist, such as an axe, a saw, a hammer/mallet, ropes, threads, needles, nails, and screws.
• A barbecue rack. You need to take it if you have chosen a wild campsite with no infrastructure. It allows you to burn a campfire in a safer and eco-friendly way. If barbecue is integral to your camping style, do some browsing and look for a compact and lightweight rack.
• When traveling with your family, always make a booking early, especially if you plan to visit a popular campground.
• Find out in advance about the amenities, as well as the rules of the campground (in some, for example, it may be prohibited to make a fire or stay with pets).
• Check the weather forecast, as well as the risks of natural disasters in the region where you are going before your trip.
• If you're just getting started with camping or don't like the hassle of setting up a tent, it's a good idea to consider inflatable tents, which are quick and easy to set up and all you need is a compressor or pump.