Family Camping Packing List

This is a basic packing list of what you'll need for a family camping trip. To keep things simple we like to only pack the things we really need and avoid overpacking. This list is geared towards car camping, if you're winter camping, backpacking or primitive camping there are some additional items that you will need. But this is a great place to start! There is a FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST at the bottom to make packing even easier!

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Family Camping Packing List

Shelter & Sleeping

• Tent - (Tip: Most tents barely fit the person capacity that they say. For Example a '4 Person' tent will actually only comfortably fit 3 adults. Make sure you have enough room to move around & help little ones. Our family of 5, 2 adults & 3 little kids, is able to fit comfortably in this 4-person tent.)
• Tarp or Footprint - (to lay on the ground underneath your tent so that you don't get a hole in the bottom of your tent. Footprints can be pricey to buy if your tent doesn't come with one. If you're car camping I would recommend just getting a tarp instead because they are much cheaper. However if you're going to be backpacking you will want a footprint as they are much smaller and lighter. )
• Sleeping Bags - (For a comfortable nights sleep choose a sleeping bag that is rated for at least 10 degrees colder than the temps will actually be. If you're deciding on a bag I'd recommend a 20 F degree bag because it is versatile, it will keep you warm in cooler temps & you can unzip and use as a blanket in warmer weather. Synthetic bags are great for car-camping and cheaper than down.)
• Sleeping Pads - (The higher the R-Value the warmer the pads will be. Inflate before each trip to make sure there are no holes. Factors when choosing a pad include noise, comfort, & insulation.)
• Pillows
• Eyeshade, Earplugs, & Sound machine- These are optional but very handy for a goods night sleep. We always take a sound machine camping and it helps the whole family sleep better.

Kitchen & Cooking

• Stove & Fuel
• Cook pots / pans
• Matches/lighter/firestarter
• Cooking utensils
• Can opener
• Mess kit / Plates & bowls & utensils
• Cutting board & Knife
• Cooler
• Biodegradable soap
• Disinfecting wipes
• Dish/drying towel
• Trash Bags
• Food & Snacks
• Water - Most campgrounds have water, if not make sure you bring enough for drinking & cooking or have a water source & way to filter it.

Misc Gear

• Campchairs - Most campgrounds have picnic tables. You can also always use logs, rocks, or bring a blanket to sit on.
• Camp HighChair
• Flashlights or headlamps - I prefer headlamps so your hands are free. Kids love having their own flashlights, you can find some at the dollar store.
• Lantern - Its handy to have this additional light source for things like food prep, meal time, and playing games.
• First aid kit
• Matches, Lighter, Firestarter
• Multitool
• Daypack or child carrier for hikes
• Extra batteries / portable charger

Personal Items

• Sunscreen - Remember to choose a reef safe option if swimming in any natural water sources.
• Bug Spray
• Toothbrush & tooth paste
• Medications - We like to bring melatonin gummies for the first night just in case we need help falling asleep
• PJ's & extra change of clothes
• Baby Wipes, even if you don't have a baby these are so handy!
• Toilet Paper & Hand Sanitizer + Shovel/ZipLock Baggies (if the campground does not have bathrooms). I also highly recommend a Pee Cloth! They're super handy for female campers!
• Hat & Warm layers.

Fun Stuff

• Games, Toys, & Fun Actives: frisbee, fishing poles, binoculars, card games, sand toys, kite, ect...
• Comfort item for young children (ie favorite blanket, stuffed animal or binky)
• Book
• Camera

Other & Optional

• Campsite Reservations - highly recommended these days!
• Camp table (if there is no picnic table)
• Sunshade - We used to always take one of these when camping in the desert, especially with babies.

Baby & Child Items

• Diaper and wipes
• Sun hat or shade
• Camp highchair - these are so handy to keep your little one safely contained while you do camp chores, or cook dinner ect. If they are too little for a high chair we used to bring a little baby bouncer seat, seems a little extra but really so handy to have!
• Portable crib or travel bassinet. - I've seen a lot of people take Dock-A-Tots camping but remember babies aren't supposed to sleep in these!
• Picnic Blanket - I liked to have a cushioned area for my little one to play on or do tummy time without getting dirty.
• Sound machine - especially if your little one sleeps with one at home these are so great to have,
• Baby food / Bottles

Click here to download your Free Printable Camp Packing List!

Did I miss something that you always take on your camping trips? Share it in the comments!