Thinking of going camping with young kids this summer? We’ve got you! In this camping guide for families, you’ll get a breakdown of everything you’ll need to consider before you embark on a camping trip with young kids. Keep reading to get a final checklist to ensure you’re not forgetting anything before you set off!

 

Camping with young kids can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. It's a chance to disconnect from technology and enjoy the great outdoors together. But if you're planning a camping trip with young children, it's important to be well-prepared.

How to Camp with a Toddler or Young Kids

Camping with a toddler or young kids can be a bit more of an adventure than camping with older children or adults, but it's totally doable with a little extra planning and preparation!

 

When choosing a campsite, look for places that cater to families and offer amenities like restrooms, playgrounds, and safe hiking trails.

 

Once you've found the perfect spot, take some time to set up a comfortable and safe campsite. Choose a flat, even spot to pitch your tent and create a designated play area for your little ones.

 

Avoid campsites with steep drop-offs or rocky terrain that can be dangerous for little ones. Secondly, steer clear of campsites with a lot of noise or foot traffic, as this can be overwhelming for young children and make it difficult for them to get a good night's sleep. Additionally, avoid campsites with bodies of water that are deep or have strong currents, as these can be hazardous for young children who may not yet know how to swim.

Once you’ve set up a safe camp in a family-friendly campsite, the hard work is done. But it all starts with packing. So let’s get into it, here’s what you need to pack for a camping trip with young kids.

What to Bring Camping with Young Kids

 

1. Child-friendly tent

A good tent is essential for camping, and even more so when you’re camping with young kids. A tent provides a comfortable place for your family to sleep and relax. When looking for a child-friendly tent, you want one that has a simple set-up process so that your kids won’t be waiting around at the campsite for it to be built.

 

Here are some good choices:

• Coleman Sundome Tent
• NTK Laredo GT Tent
• Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent

 

1. Sleeping bags and blankets

Bring warm and cozy sleeping bags and blankets to keep your family comfortable during chilly nights. You can also use blankets to create a soft and safe play area for your toddler or young child.

 

1. Portable playpen or travel crib

A portable playpen or travel crib is a great way to create a safe and secure play area for your toddler or young child. This can be especially helpful when setting up camp or cooking meals.

 

1. Baby carrier or backpack

A baby carrier or toddler hiking backpack is perfect for carrying your little one around while you hike or explore the campsite. Choose a carrier that is comfortable for you and safe for your child.

 

1. Child camping chairs

Bring along some camp chairs for your family to relax in and enjoy the outdoors. Young kids may prefer a kid-sized chair that is easy for them to get in and out of.

 

1. Headlamps or flashlights

Headlamps or flashlights are essential for navigating around the campsite after dark. Let your toddler or young child hold their own flashlight to explore and feel like a big kid.

 

1. First aid kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is important for any camping trip, but it's especially important when you're camping with young kids. Make sure to bring plenty of bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other essentials to treat any cuts, scrapes, or insect bites.

 

1. A drinking flask

Keeping your kids hydrated while on the campsite is extremely important, particularly if there is going to be hot weather or a lot of physical activity.

 

Click here to shop water flasks for camping.

 

1. Snacks and drinks

Bring along plenty of kid-friendly snacks and drinks to keep your little ones happy and energized. Trail mix, fruit, and granola bars are great options for camping.

 

Looking for a food container for toddler snacks? Check out the WOLFpak bento box which comes with its own utensils, is microwave safe, and has separate compartments for your toddler’s snacks.

 

1. Toys and games

Don't forget to bring along some toys and games to keep your toddler or young child entertained during downtime. A frisbee, ball, or simple board game can provide hours of fun for the whole family.

 

Want more ideas on what to pack for a family camping trip? Check out Camping and Backpacking Essentials You Need For Your First Camping Trip.

 

1. A sturdy functional backpack

So you’ve got the toys, games, snack container, headlights, water flask, but where are you going to store them?

 

One of the most important items to bring on a camping trip with young kids is an effective backpack. It needs to be sturdy and functional, with helpful compartments to separate your gear, and be able to face cold and hot temperatures while keeping your things safe.

 

Presenting to you the WOLFpak backpack for camping. Coming in different sizes from a mini 9L camping backpack all the way up to a 45L one. Here are some of the key benefits:

 

• Ample storage space: The large capacity of the 25 - 45 L camping backpacks allows you to carry all your essential gear and supplies for your outdoor adventures.
• Durable construction: Made with high-quality materials, this camping backpack is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities and frequent use.
• Cup holders: The built-in cup holders on the sides of the backpack allow you to easily carry and access your favorite drinks while on the go.
• Comfortable to wear: The adjustable shoulder straps and padded back panel provide comfort and support while carrying the backpack.
• Versatile design: This tactical backpack is suitable for various outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and travel.

 

Click here to shop camping backpacks.

 

 

Camping with Young Kids Checklist

 

Here’s your checklist for camping with young kids - make sure to save this to ensure you’ve ticked everything off the list before embarking! And remember - have fun, create memories, and stay safe.

 

• A tent with plenty of space and ventilation
• Sleeping bags or blankets
• A study durable backpack
• Pillows
• A portable crib or bassinet for infants
• Camping chairs or a portable high chair for meal times
• A camping stove or portable grill for cooking meals
• Cooler with plenty of ice to keep food and drinks cold
• Non-perishable food and snacks
• Water bottles or hydration packs
• Baby wipes and diapers for infants and young children
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• First-aid kit with basic medical supplies
• Flashlights or headlamps with extra batteries
• Entertainment items such as books, toys, and games
• A stroller or baby carrier for infants and toddlers
• A portable potty for young children who are still learning to use the bathroom
• Extra clothes and shoes for everyone, including warm layers for cool nights