No thanks,
I'm already a subscriber

Enjoying what you're reading?

Subscribe via Email and never miss anything on Frog Mom!

  • OUTDOORS
  • TRAVEL
  • FAMILY
  • INSPIRATION

Inspiration for outdoors ideas, family fun, travel destinations...

Check out a recent edition
Frog Mom • Camping • Family Camping Packing List (Printable)

Family Camping Packing List (Printable)

Camping with kids is a fun family activity in the summer but preparation is definitely not the best part. What should you take and what do you need? If you’re camping for the first time or camping infrequently, a checklist is the best way to keep track of the essentials and not forget what you need. Obviously, every family is different and you will want to add or remove items but this family camping packing list includes the most popular items. It’s a good starting point if you’re camping with school-age kids. Depending on where, how long and in what weather you are camping, this list is entirely flexible.

I’ve sorted items in four categories. You can view the full camping packing list below (scroll down to the bottom) or download it as a printable here.

All Amazon links in this post are affiliate links. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post and that helps me bring you fun ideas. See my disclosure policy for more info. 

Kitchen

Food is the soul of a family camping trip. Whether you’re cooking at dinnertime or prepping breakfast in the morning, you need to have everything you need handy. My kitchen packing list includes:

    • Cooktop (make sure you try it at home or bring instructions, in case you don’t know how to connect the fuel or switch it on)
    • Fuel (Propane)
    • Matches
    • Family pot (1 quart/liter minimum)
    • Skewers
    • Camp cups
    • Frying pan or griddle
    • Knife
    • Salt & Pepper
    • Olive oil
    • Cutting board
    • Cutlery
    • Camp plates/bowls
    • Refillable water bottles
    • Cool box
    • Kitchen cloths/paper towels
    • Food (here’s a list of camping breakfast ideas)
    • Sugar/Cinnamon
    • Tea/Coffee/Chocolate
    • Pancake mix (store-bought or DIY)
    • Ziploc bags
    • Garbage bags

Tent

This section of the packing list includes everything you will need to set up camp and sleep, apart from the tent.

    • Inflatable mattresses
    • Sleeping bags
    • Lantern/night light with hook
    • Head lamps
    • Pillows
    • Bug repellent
    • Books/Kindle
    • Underwear
    • Quick dry outfits
    • Socks
    • Windbreaker
    • Fleeces
    • Blanket
    • Crocs/Slip-on shoes
    • Wool hat
    • Gloves
    • Toothbrush/toothpaste
    • Deodorant
    • Small bath towel
    • Bar soap/shampoo

Gear

This section of the camping packing list includes everything that you will need in terms of hardware and outdoor gear.

    • Camera/extra batteries
    • Portable charger
    • Head lamps
    • Multitool
    • Duct tape
    • Scissors
    • Rope
    • Hiking boots
    • Backpack
    • Maps
    • Water bottles
    • Climbing gear
    • Fishing gear
    • First aid kit
    • Emergency blanket
    • Tweezers
    • Rain poncho
    • Waterproof camera
    • Walking sticks
    • Knife
    • Compass
    • Toilet paper + Ziploc bag

Fun

Last but not least, this section of the camping packing list is all about having fun. Whether you’re planning on hiking, swimming or stargazing, you deserve to kick back and relax.

    • Glow sticks
    • S’mores kit
    • Hula hoops
    • Guitar
    • Song book
    • Ghost stories
    • Glow frisbee
    • Juggling balls
    • Camping hammock
    • Carabiners
    • Rope
    • Magnifiers
    • Binoculars
    • Sky night map
    • Bug box
    • Drawing kit
    • Wildlife guide
    • Swim suits
    • Towels
    • Sunscreen
    • Sun hats
    • Floaties
    • Sun glasses
    • Lip balm
    • Hand cream

 

Camping Packing List

More on Family Camping

Affiliate disclaimer: Frog Mom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and other amazon websites. By clicking on the links in this post, you are helping to support Frog Mom and I greatly appreciate your help.

The following two tabs change content below.

Laure Latham

Laure is an author, environmental advocate, blogger, open water swimmer and now mother. She's passionate about inspiring families to enjoy the outdoors with their children, learning to unplug and living a healthy lifestyle, giving kids life skills and exploring the world around us sharing Family Friendly, Fun Ideas for the whole family on Frog Mom.

Latest posts by Laure Latham (see all)

Comment

You might also like...