My Real-Life Guide to Packing for Camping With Kids
1. How I Learned the Hard Way
Our first family camping trip started off with good intentions and ended in a muddy, mosquito-ridden scramble for dry socks and flashlights. That was the trip I realized: camping with kids requires a completely different mindset—and a much more thorough packing list—than solo or couples’ adventures. Since then, I've refined my approach, and our outdoor getaways have transformed from chaotic to magical. Here's everything I’ve learned along the way, so you can avoid the rookie mistakes I made.
2. Essentials That Every Parent Should Pack
2.1 Shelter and Sleeping Arrangements
One thing I never compromise on now is comfort. Kids are much more likely to love camping if they sleep well. We upgraded to a family-sized tent with enough room to stretch and stand. Each child gets their own sleeping pad and sleeping bag rated for low temps—even in summer, nights can get chilly.
For extra comfort, I always pack:
- Blankets and comfort items from home (like their favorite stuffed animal)
- Portable night lights or headlamps for each child
- Rainfly and ground tarp (trust me, weather changes fast)
2.2 Kid-Friendly Clothing for All Conditions
Weather changes hourly when you’re outdoors. On one trip to the Rockies, we had sunshine, wind, and snow—all in the same day. Now I pack clothes in zippered gallon bags, one for each outfit per day per child.
My must-have clothing items:
- Base layers for warmth
- Rain jacket and windbreaker
- Hiking boots and waterproof sandals
- Hats, gloves, and at least two changes of socks per day
I also learned that letting kids choose some of their gear helps them feel more involved and excited. One of my sons picked out a neon green raincoat that he now refuses to camp without.
3. Cooking, Snacks, and Keeping Bellies Full
3.1 Meals That Actually Work in the Wild
Cooking at a campsite can be one of the best family bonding moments—unless you forget the utensils (like I did once). Now we bring a compact camp stove with wind protection and a sturdy set of pots and utensils packed in one tote.
I’ve found success with meals like:
- Pre-made burritos wrapped in foil (easy to warm over a fire)
- Oatmeal with dried fruit and honey
- Instant noodles with added protein (like chicken or beans)
For snacks, pack triple what you think you need. Trail mix, granola bars, and fruit leathers are our staples. Oh, and marshmallows are non-negotiable.
3.2 Safe Food Storage
Bears and raccoons are a real concern in many campgrounds. We always pack a bear-proof food container and never leave any food in the tent. For trips to developed areas like Pine Cliff Resort, they often offer lockers or guidance on safe storage.
4. Safety and Health First
4.1 First Aid Must-Haves
Kids fall, scrape knees, get bug bites, and somehow always end up with mysterious rashes. That’s why I pack a robust family-sized first aid kit. I’ve customized ours with extra bandages, antihistamines, hydrocortisone, and electrolyte packs.
4.2 Sun and Bug Protection
Don’t underestimate the sun or the bugs. We use kid-safe sunscreen and bug repellent every day. I even bring mosquito netting for the tent and camp chairs. After one trip in Georgia where we were swarmed by no-see-ums, I now carry a bug-repellent candle and wear long sleeves during peak insect hours.
4.3 Emergency Plans
We teach our kids basic outdoor safety before every trip—how to identify landmarks, stay put if lost, and use a whistle. I pack a whistle for each kid, laminated emergency cards with their names and our info, and a GPS tracker if we’re going off-grid.
5. Keeping the Kids Happy and Entertained
5.1 Nature-Based Fun
Not every moment has to be structured, but boredom breeds complaints. We bring magnifying glasses, bug-catching kits, sketchpads, and field guides for trees and birds. Some of our best moments came when our daughter found a line of ants carrying leaves and watched them for an hour.
5.2 Campfire Games and Evening Chill
After dinner, we wind down with stories, silly songs, and a simple card game. One rainy night, we stayed in the tent and played shadow puppets using our headlamps—something my kids still talk about.
5.3 Comfort Items From Home
Bringing a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or bedtime book can make a big difference. My youngest won’t sleep without his plush owl, which now proudly wears a tiny camping vest we made together.
6. How I Keep It All Organized
After forgetting the tent poles once (yes, really), I created a master checklist organized into categories: sleep, eat, wear, play, safety, and extras. Everything goes into color-coded bins, and I let the kids help pack so they feel involved and know where things are.
I also keep a “grab-and-go” emergency kit in a dry bag with essentials like a flashlight, whistle, snacks, wipes, a map, and a phone battery pack. It’s come in handy more than once.
7. Where to Start Your Family Camping Journey
If you're unsure where to go or want a kid-friendly place with safe, accessible trails and facilities, I recommend Pine Cliff Resort. Their campsites are clean, and they offer family amenities that can ease the transition into outdoor life for first-timers. Plus, the nearby trails are perfect for young hikers.
Whether you’re roughing it deep in the woods or staying close to modern comforts, the key to camping with kids is preparation. Trust me, once you’ve watched your child roast a marshmallow over their first campfire or spot a deer at dawn, you’ll know the effort was worth it.
