Camping Packing List Ideas for a Family (From a Mama Who’s Been There)

There’s just something about camping as a family that fills my heart up in the best way. The crackling of the fire, kids with sticky marshmallow hands, the peace that settles in when the stars come out—those are the moments I treasure.

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But if I’ve learned one thing over the years, it’s that a peaceful trip starts with a well-packed bag (or two or five). Forgetting something like bug spray or extra socks? That can turn a dreamy weekend into a whole mess of “I told you so’s.”

So today, I’m sharing the ultimate family camping packing list—what I bring, what I skip, and a few tried-and-true tips that make all the difference. Whether you’re heading out for your first trip or your fiftieth, I hope this helps you pack with confidence and enjoy every moment.

More Camping Content:

• 21 Camping Breakfast Ideas You’ll Actually Look Forward to in the Morning
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• Easy Camping Meals That’ll Keep Everyone Full and Happy
• The Ultimate Guide to Camping Snacks: 40+ Easy, Tasty Ideas for the Outdoors
• Camping with Kids: 6 Tips to Make It Fun (and Not a Total Disaster)

The Basics (Don’t Leave Home Without These!)

Let’s start with the non-negotiables. These are the things I triple-check before we head out, no matter the weather or destination:

• Tent (with stakes and a rain fly—ask me how I know…)
• Sleeping bags for each family member
• Sleeping pads or air mattresses
• Pillows and extra blankets (especially for little ones who kick their sleeping bags off)
• Flashlights and lanterns (don’t forget extra batteries!)
• Camp chairs for each person
• Camp table (if your site doesn’t have one)
• Tarp or outdoor rug to keep dirt out of the tent
• Headlamps—I swear by these when trying to wrangle kids in the dark

Clothing Essentials (Layer Like a Pro)

I like to pack outfits by day and store them in gallon zip-top bags for each child—it makes getting dressed so much smoother in the morning when everyone’s a little groggy and covered in dew.

Here’s what we always pack:

• T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts (even in summer—it gets chilly at night)
• Comfy pants and shorts
• Socks (I always bring double what I think we’ll need)
• Underwear
• Sweatshirts or jackets
• Rain gear (ponchos or raincoats for everyone- something to consider)
• Swimsuits and towels
• Pajamas (something cozy and warm!)
• Hats—sun hats for the day, knit beanies for night
• Sturdy shoes and flip-flops or slides for the campsite

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack a bag for dirty clothes. I use an old pillowcase or mesh laundry bag and just toss it in the trunk when we get home—straight to the laundry room!

Toiletries and Personal Items

You won’t have your usual bathroom setup out there, so a little prep goes a long way. I keep all of our camping toiletries in one large caddy or hanging bag.

Here’s what we bring:

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Hairbrush and hair ties
• Hand sanitizer
• Baby wipes (these are handy for everything, even if your kids are out of diapers)
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Lotion and lip balm
• Deodorant
• Travel-sized body wash and shampoo
• Towels and washcloths
• Small mirror
• Prescription medications and a basic first-aid kit

Food and Cooking Supplies

Ah, food. One of the best parts of camping—if you’re prepared. I plan our meals ahead of time and do as much chopping and pre-cooking as I can at home. That way, I’m not slicing onions on a picnic table with bugs buzzing around.

Here’s what we always pack:

Cooking Gear:

• Cooler with ice packs
• Food bin with dry goods and snacks
• Portable camp stove or grill
• Propane or fuel
• Lighter or matches (in a waterproof container)
• Cast iron skillet or campfire-safe pots
• Cooking utensils: spatula, tongs, wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Foil and plastic wrap
• Can opener and bottle opener
• Mixing bowl and measuring cups
• Plates, bowls, cups, and utensils (we use reusable ones)
• Dish soap, sponge, and small dish tub
• Trash bags and zip-top bags

Food Staples:

• Easy breakfast stuff: instant oatmeal, eggs, muffins
• Sandwich fixings for lunch
• Hot dogs, burgers, or foil packet dinners for nighttime
• Marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers (of course)
• Snacks: trail mix, fruit, granola bars, chips
• Coffee and hot cocoa mix
• Lots of drinking water or a water jug

Kid Must-Haves (To Keep the Peace)

If you’re camping with kids, you already know the meltdown-to-magic ratio can change fast. I always pack a little stash of entertainment to keep everyone smiling.

• Coloring books and crayons
• Card games or travel board games
• Books for bedtime
• Binoculars for birdwatching
• Bug catchers and magnifying glass
• Glow sticks (my kids love these at night)
• Scooters or bikes (if allowed at your campsite)
• Simple toys like a ball, frisbee, or bubbles
• Favorite comfort item (blanket, stuffed animal, etc.)

Bonus Tip: I keep a surprise activity hidden for the second or third day when the novelty wears off. A nature scavenger hunt or s’mores bingo game usually does the trick.

Extras That Make Life Easier

These aren’t totally necessary, but they’re the things I pack because I’ve forgotten them before—and regretted it every time.

• Small broom and dustpan (for tent cleanup)
• Clothesline and clothespins (great for towels and swimsuits)
• Duct tape (it fixes everything)
• Extra batteries and phone chargers
• Power bank (solar or battery)
• Notebook and pen (for journaling or making lists)
• Zip-top bags and containers for leftovers
• Campfire roasting sticks
• Small fan or heater depending on the weather
• Pocketknife or multitool

Printable Checklist Hack

I’ll admit it—I’m a list girl. I have a printed master camping list that I keep in our gear bin. Before each trip, I print a fresh copy and highlight what we need. You can make one with categories like:

• Shelter & Sleeping
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Kitchen & Food
• Kid Gear
• Safety & First Aid
• Fun & Extras

Pro Tip: Laminate it and use a dry-erase marker. That way, it’s ready for every trip and easy to reuse.

Final Packing Tips (From One Family to Another)

Before I send you off into the woods, here are a few of my favorite last-minute tips that make packing smoother and camping a whole lot easier:

• Pack by bin, not by bag. Plastic storage bins are your best friend—easy to stack, waterproof, and way easier to sort through than digging in duffel bags.
• Have a “first night” bag. Keep pjs, toothbrushes, and a change of clothes in one spot so you don’t have to unpack everything right away.
• Don’t overpack clothes, but do overpack snacks. Kids can wear the same hoodie three days in a row, but if they get hangry? You’ll hear about it.
• Assign each kid a job. Let them pack their own activity bag, carry their flashlight, or be the “tent helper.” It keeps them involved and gives them something to be proud of.
• Leave room for dirt. I don’t stress too much about keeping everything spotless. Camping is messy in the best way—embrace the muddy shoes and sticky fingers.

Camping with kids can be a little chaotic, a little sandy, and a whole lot of fun. And when you’ve packed well, you can spend less time digging through bags and more time making s’mores, exploring trails, and laughing around the fire.

So here’s to a trip full of fresh air, togetherness, and just the right amount of marshmallow goo on your fingers.

Happy camping, friend!