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Young child and mother roasting a marshmallow — Headlamps, s'mores sticks and smiles!

Are you getting ready for a camping trip but unsure where to begin? Whether you're a first-time camper or simply need a refresher, we’ve put together a comprehensive camping packing list for families and our top 5 camping tips to ensure your family has an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

From tent camping to RV essentials and glamping luxuries, this blog covers everything you need for the perfect family getaway. Be sure to read through to the end for a printable checklist to help you stay organized and ensure nothing is left behind.

Practical Camping Tips to Ensure an Enjoyable Family Experience

Tip #1: If you’re new to camping, borrow as many items as you can from friends or family. There’s no need to buy everything upfront until you know what works best for you and your family.
Tip #2: Plan simple meals ahead of time. Prepping meals at home can save time and stress at the campsite. Opt for easy-to-cook meals on the blackstone or on your cooking stove, and do all the chopping at home!
Tip #3: Create a comfortable sleeping environment. Whether in a tent or RV, bringing extra pillows, cozy blankets, and sleeping pads or air mattresses will help everyone get a good night's sleep. A well-rested family is a happy family. Trust me!
Tip #4: Don’t forget about lighting! For tent campers, headlamps, lanterns, and even glow sticks for kids make a big difference when the sun sets. For RV campers, extra exterior lights create a welcoming space around the campsite at night.
Tip #5: Organize your gear efficiently. Use storage bins, labeled bags, or organizers to keep things tidy. This not only saves space but also makes it easy to find what you need quickly—whether you’re in a tent or RV.

Comprehensive Camping Packing List for Families: Packing Made Easy

When preparing for a family camping trip, having a well-organized packing list can make all the difference. This comprehensive camping packing list for families simplifies the process by including everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable adventure. Taken directly from my own camping list, it covers essentials for both RV and tent camping. Aside from specific clothing and personal items, this is literally everything we bring when camping. I know when I have this list, I don't stress in the days leading up to our next trip. I recently tested this list out on our 3 week Colorado Road Trip, so it is up-to-date!

Let’s dive into what you need to pack for a stress-free family camping experience. Remember to scroll down to the bottom for a free downloadable version of this list as well.

Sleeping Essentials: Air Mattresses and Other Glamping Essentials (Because Who Said Camping Has to Be Uncomfortable?)

The key to an enjoyable camping trip often lies in how well you sleep, and that comes down to the gear you bring. Here’s a rundown of our top picks for staying cozy and comfortable while camping.

Tent in a wooded campground in Northern Michigan — Coleman tent with a much needed porch area! Great for 4 people.

Tent: When choosing a tent, cut the capacity in half if you want to stay comfortable! If it says "6-person tent," that means six people will be packed in like sardines, with no extra room for bags or gear. It’s best to plan for fewer occupants to ensure everyone has enough space. Also, consider a tent with a "porch" area where you can store shoes and other items, helping keep dirt out of the main sleeping area. Here’s the tent we use.
Sleeping Bags: Choose the right warmth rating and material.
Sleeping Pad: They have various levels of thickness when choosing sleeping pads depending on how serious and expensive you want to get.
Air Mattress: If you want something a little more luxurious than a sleeping pad, many people blow up an air mattress. (Check if your campsite has electricity or make sure you have a car power inverter or power source). Just make sure you blow up the air mattress AFTER it’s in the tent…I learned that the hard way once. Bringing an extra long extension chord is helpful.
Pillows: For first time campers, just throw your normal pillows in the car and call it a day!

Camping List for Families: Everything You Need for Outdoor Cooking

Experienced campers know that meals always taste better around a campfire. Our go-to cooking method is using a griddle, similar to a Blackstone, and we start each day with a hot cup of coffee made with a French press. We first boil the coffee on our stovetop. What’s your preferred method for cooking and coffee while camping?

Coffee Setup (French press/percolator): If you opt for a cooking stove, you can buy either a french press or percolator to brew your delicious cup of coffee! Another option, if you have electric, is to just bring a coffee maker. You can also use your car power inverter or a portable power station. Also, don’t forget the coffee mugs!!

Dishwashing Setup: Purchasing collapsible dish washing bins is a smart choice to conserve space. Many campgrounds have dishwashing stations in the campground, but if not, you can use these bins at your campsite as well. Make sure to bring dishwashing supplies.
Collapsible Cooler: We always bring a collapsible cooler for camping trips, as well as ziplock bags, since we never know exactly what our plans will be. We will pack a lunch and take off for several hours. It leaves your options unlimited!

Don’t Forget These Electronics on Your Family Camping Packing List

Bringing electronics and power sources on your camping trips is perfectly fine. However, we often get creative, especially when choosing campgrounds without electricity. Whether you're camping in an RV or a tent, here are some useful tips to stay powered up.

This Koonie fan holds a battery all night and is great for those warmer nights.

Power Station: Very important for the non-electric campgrounds you visit, and this can always be used at home as well when the power goes out!
Rechargeable Fans: A must have for warmer nights when there is no airflow in the tent. These also give a little bit of white noise for when the children go to sleep in a tent before other campers around your site do.
Extension Cords & Power Strips: Bring an extra long extension chord, as you never know how far away the power source is from your tent until you get on site. Depending on the number of tents you are bringing, multiple power strips and extension chords might be needed as well.
Sound Machine/Bluetooth Speaker: Consider bringing a sound machine to drown out surrounding noise, especially if you have younger kids who go to bed early. Also, bring a bluetooth speaker to enjoy some tunes around the campfire!

Shower Gear: Yes, You Can Shower While Camping!

Contrary to popular belief, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a shower while camping! With the right setup, you can stay fresh and clean even in the great outdoors—unless the campground has no water, no showers, and doesn’t allow solar showers. Then you’re just out of luck! Here are some tips to make it happen.

Shower Gear (Caddy, Water Shoes): Shower houses in campgrounds sometimes have benches, sometimes have hooks, sometimes have both, sometimes have neither! Be prepared for any and all scenarios and bring a shower bag that has a strap and is water proof! Always bring water or shower shoes as well.
Towels (Beach & Bath): Bring lightweight, small towels to conserve space while packing and that will dry quickly.
Solar Showers: If your campground doesn’t have a shower house, and allows solar showers, use it!!

You've Packed Everything, But Don’t Forget Your Favorite Hiking Boots

How often have you packed the entire car, ensured your kids had everything they might need, only to realize you forgot your favorite hiking boots or sunglasses? Make sure to add these to your packing list right now!

Hiking Boots & Socks: If you are planning on hiking, don’t forget the boots and socks. These can double as rain boots too if it rains and the campsite is muddy.
Accessories (Hats, Sunglasses): It is easy to forget these obvious accessories when you have so many other things to remember, but don’t forget hats and sunglasses. I don’t know about you, but if I forget my sunglasses, my weekend is ruined!
For a more detailed list and tips regarding clothing, check out our Weekend Getaway Packing List and our Top 5: Tips for Visiting a National Park.

The (Not So) Fun Things To Bring Camping: So Worth It, Though!

Camping can sometimes get messy, and dirty laundry, wet towels, and swimsuits are just as much of a hassle at a campsite as they are at home. If you’re anything like me, they can be a real stressor if left lying around. So, be prepared and have a plan for managing the mess.

Hydration Backpack next to a woman and child in Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde — Nevo Rhino Hydration Backpack

Hydration Hiking Backpacks: Always great for everyone in the family to have their own backpack to have water and snacks easily accessible on hikes. Also, these keep everyone safe in areas that have very high temperatures.
Clothesline & Towel Drying Rack: Keeping your gear dry and organized. Even when camping, you will feel more calm and collected with a place to hang towels and swimsuits that need to be reused.
Camping Chairs & Hammocks: Or what about a hammock chair?! This has been a favorite purchase of mine this past camping season. Unfortunately I had to fight over it with the kids a little too much. They treated it more like a swing.
Firewood: When camping, wait until you get close to your campsite to purchase firewood if you are traveling far distances or from state to state. Firewood carries diseases, pests and organisms that are specific to the original location and should not be spread.
Headlamps: These are a must, especially for those tent campers! When the sun sets, you don’t want to carry around a flashlight trying to be useful. Having both hands free is necessary.
Brush & Dust Pan: This is great for quickly cleaning out dirt and sand that makes its way inside of your tent. You can tell the kids to take their shoes off a thousand times, but then their feet are also just as dirty so that doesn’t help much!
Lighter: Don’t forget the lighter!! Been there, done that. (Before my camping list was created, of course.)
Laundry Bag: Another way to stay organized and your mind at ease is to bring a bag that is dedicated to all of the dirty clothes as they accumulate.
Screen House Shelter: Some people opt to purchase these to keep the bugs out, to keep the table dry if it rains and to just have another area to “hang out” in the elements.
First Aid Kit & Medicine: Always a must, especially when young children are around
Extra Water Jugs: Most campgrounds have water sources, but the spigots are spread out. Your site may not be super close to one, so it is always wise to bring a few water jugs to fill up so you don’t have to keep making extra trips to get water. These also come in handy for those campgrounds that don’t have water at all and you have to lug all your water in.

Camping with Kids Checklist: Ensuring Your Sanity and Their S'mores

Imagine how much shorter this list would be if your kids weren’t joining you! But believe me, packing entertainment for them is definitely worth it. While they’ll be busy exploring the great outdoors, they’ll also need some downtime activities. And don’t forget their safety essentials, such as sunscreen and life jackets.

Life Jacket for kids, a camping essential item — We own 3 of these life jackets! They are safe, comfortable and Coast Guard approved.

Games (Cornhole, cards, footballs, board games): Enhancing the camping experience with fun activities, especially with kids, is a must! Bring a collapsible cornhole set, grab a box of uno cards and make sure you throw the football in the car.
Bikes: Kids always ride their bikes around campgrounds, so if you can somehow fit them on the car, bring them! It will keep the kids entertained and allow you to get some adult relaxation time.
Life Jackets: If you are going anywhere with a water source, throw your kids’ life jackets in the car. It is nice to not have to worry as much about them as they are swimming in a lake. Also ,make sure your life jacket is United States Coast Guard Approved.
S'mores & S’mores Sticks: A fun must-have for family camping trips.
Sunscreen & Bug spray: Necessary essentials

Must-Have Gear for a Smooth RV Camping Experience

Here’s a list of RV essentials that I usually leave to my husband, but I’m in charge of packing. Familiarizing yourself with your specific RV and determining what you need can take some time, but this starter list should help you get going.

Water Pressure Regulator: Protects your RV's plumbing system from high water pressure at campgrounds.

RV camping in the woods — Elkmont Campground

Sewer Hose Kit: Essential for safely and hygienically emptying your RV’s waste tanks.
RV Electrical Adapter/Surge Protector: Ensures your RV is compatible with different power sources and protects against electrical surges.
Leveling Blocks: Helps level your RV on uneven ground, ensuring stability and comfort.
RV Toilet Paper: Dissolves to prevent clogging your RV’s septic system.
Tank Treatment Chemicals: Helps break down waste and control odors in your RV’s black and grey tanks.
Freshwater Hose: Specifically designed for safe drinking water, different from a regular garden hose.
Wheel Chocks: Prevents your RV from moving when parked, adding an extra layer of safety.
RV Awning Mat: Keeps the area outside your RV clean and reduces dirt tracked inside.
RV-Specific GPS: Helps navigate roads that are suitable for RVs, avoiding low bridges or tight turns.
Portable Air Compressor: Useful for maintaining proper tire pressure, which is crucial for safe RV travel.
RV Tool Kit: A set of basic tools specifically tailored for RV maintenance and repairs.
Extra Propane Tanks: Ensures you have enough fuel for cooking, heating, or running appliances.
Backup Camera: Assists in parking and maneuvering your RV in tight spots.
RV Roof Sealant: Helps prevent leaks and protects your RV from water damage.
Portable Generator: Provides power in case you’re camping somewhere without electric hookups.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm: Essential for detecting dangerous CO levels inside your RV and ensuring safety, especially when you turn the heater on. Always good to have a backup! You can also bring this to Airbnb’s and hotels that may not have one.

Your Essential Family Camping Packing List: Download It Here!

Be sure to download our comprehensive checklist—it covers everything needed for a successful camping trip. Taking a bit of extra time to prepare can turn a potentially stressful outing into an unforgettable adventure. Borrow gear from friends, invest in items you'll use often, and get ready to create lasting memories. Your kids will treasure these experiences, and you might find yourselves embracing the camping lifestyle sooner than you think!

Top 5: Camping Tips Plus The Ultimate Camping Packing List For Families