Camping is a fun, affordable and easy way to escape outdoors with your family. But nothing can ruin a wilderness weekend like forgetting an essential piece of gear.
We’ve assembled the following go-to checklist of family camping essentials to make sure you’re well-equipped for your outdoor adventure. We’ve also included additional items to consider if you’re camping with an infant or in extreme weather.
Keep these lists handy when you head out on your next family camping trip, so you can be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Family Camping Essentials
- Tent
- Tent Stakes
- Tent Rain Fly
- Tent Footprint
- Sleeping Bags
- Ground Pads or Air Mattress (with pump)
- Pillows
- Camping Chairs
- Headlamps, Flashlights or Lanterns
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing for All Family Members
- Basic Toiletries: Sunscreen, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant, Flip-Flops for Shower (if necessary) and Toilet Paper
- Towels
- Daily Medications
- Camping Menu
- Cooler with Ice
- Meals and Snacks
- Plates, Cups, Bowls and Utensils
- Cooking Utensils and Can Opener
- Large Dutch Oven, Griddle and Small Saucepan
- Drinking Water (if no potable water on-site) and Refillable Water Bottles
- Trash Bags
- Plastic Zipper Bags
- Cook Stove and Fuel
- Firewood, Paper and Matches or a Lighter
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Kit
- Camping Safety Rules List
- Optional Items: Clothes Line, Hammock and Hammock Ties, Tablecloth, Duct Tape, Daypack for Family Hikes
If you’re camping with an infant under the age of one, add these items to the Essentials list:
Camping with an Infant
- Safe Place for the Infant to Sleep (Don’t put an infant on an air mattress or in a sleeping bag.)
- Baby Monitor
- Warm Blankets for Sleeping
- Blanket for Playtime
- Toys
- Thermometer and Medicine for Fever (just in case)
- Baby Fence (for around campfire and other potentially dangerous areas)
- Bottles, Sippy Cups and Snack Containers
- Diapers and Wipes
- Diaper Disposal Bags
- Breast Pump (if necessary)
- Baby Backpack or Sling
Thinking of braving the cold, heat or rain? Add these items to the Essentials list:
Camping in Cold Weather
- Coats
- Gloves
- Hats
- Thermal Underwear
- Extra Socks
- Sleeping Bags Rated for Cold Temperatures
- Optional: Air-Activated Hand Warmers, Hot Drink Mixes, Thermoses
Camping in Hot Weather
- Screen House (to keep bugs away)
- Tarp, Canopy or Awning (to create shade)
- Bug Spray
- Swimsuits
- Beach Towels
- Hats
- Additional Drinking Water
- Additional Sunblock
- Optional: Hand-Held Fans, Spray Bottles for Misting
Camping in the Rain
- Raincoats or Ponchos
- Rain Boots
- Umbrellas
- Additional Towels (to wipe chairs, tables, etc.)
- Tarps (to keep firewood and other supplies dry)
- Optional: Deck of Cards, Board Games, Art Supplies
Finally, consider the following non-essential items for your next family camping trip:
Fun Camping Add-Ons
- Bicycles and Helmets
- Binoculars
- Books on Tree and Bird Identification
- Book of Campfire Stories
- Balls, Bats or Other Sports Equipment
- Sidewalk Chalk