Camping with little kids is one of those things that sounds wildly ambitious or wonderfully nostalgic, depending on how much sleep you got last night.
But here’s the truth: camping with kids can be magical… as long as you pack for it like you’re preparing for a three-day music festival that also includes bedtime stories and snack negotiations.
This list isn’t about overpacking for your camping trip. It’s about bringing the things that make family camping not just survivable, but actually fun.
So, whether you’re trying tent camping for the first time or you’re on round three with a toddler who thinks pinecones are snacks, here’s our TLJ-approved list of things not to forget when camping with kids.
The Non-Negotiables to Bring When Camping with Kids
A lantern, a card game, and no screens in sight.
Before you even think about packing the fun stuff, double-check the basics.
These are the camping items that keep your kids comfortable, your tent cleaner, and your night a whole lot smoother. Forget them, and you’ll wish you hadn’t.
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Headlamps for everyone
Because someone is always going to need to pee in the dark. Bonus: kids love wearing them and suddenly think they’re camping pros.
Bug Spray and Itch Relief
Your first line of defense and your backup plan. Because if there’s one thing kids will notice immediately, it’s the one bite you didn’t prevent.
Baby wipes
Even if you’re past the diaper stage, they’re still a campsite MVP. Good for hands, feet, gear, and whatever mystery mess just happened.
Real pillows
This isn’t the time to experiment. Bring the pillows from home that you actually like, and let your kids bring theirs. Familiarity = better sleep for everyone.
More clothes than you think
Extra outfits are a given, especially with little kids. It also helps to have a dedicated set of campfire clothes that can get smoky before rotating into pajamas.
A way to boil water
A small stove and pot covers more than you think… hot drinks, easy meals, and the moments when cold cereal isn’t cutting it. (This one is worth the investment.)
TLJ Tip: A small rug or welcome mat outside the tent gives everyone a place to kick off dirty shoes before climbing in. It makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
Rhode Island may be small, but it’s got big energy when it comes to tent camping.
These camping spots in RI are perfect for families who like their s’mores with a side of salty air.
Things to Pack That Make Camping with Kids Feel Like a Vacation
Glow sticks: fun, functional... basically camping magic.
Camping with kids is easier when it feels like more than just sleeping outside.
These extras add comfort, fun, and a little vacation energy to your setup.
Glow sticks
Part fun, part function. Glow sticks are great for marking tent lines, creating lit-up paths, or adding just enough glow inside the tent for bedtime.
Clip them to bikes or backpacks… or better yet, your kid’s wrist so you can still spot them when the sun goes down.
A hammock
Good for lounging, reading, swinging, or just claiming a spot to hang. Hammocks pack down small and somehow become everyone’s favorite place to be.
Camp chairs that fit your kids
Skip the frustration of adult chairs that tip over. Kid-sized ones with cupholders? Game changer.
Kid-accessible snack bin
Fill a small tote with grab-and-go snacks and let them serve themselves. Reduces whining and workload.
Warm, cozy layers for mornings
Pack something warm for those early hours… fleece jackets, sweatshirts, or soft layers that are easy to toss on over pajamas and head straight to the campfire.
TLJ Tip: If you’ve got the space, bring the bikes. Most campgrounds have great loops for kids to ride, and adding bike lights is an instant upgrade… they’ll be the envy of every campsite.
Camping doesn’t have to mean roughing it.
Comfort Items to Pack When Camping with Kids
Sleeping bags, the sound of nature, and sheer exhaustion... check.
Once the sun sets and the excitement slows down, familiar things make a big difference.
These small comforts help camping with kids feel more like an adventure… and less like a sleepover in an unfamiliar place.
A favorite stuffed animal
If it helps them sleep at home, it’s worth making space for. Just keep track of it when you pack up.
A sound machine or portable fan
If your kids are used to falling asleep with background noise, bring it along. Nature sounds aren’t always as peaceful as you’d hope.
Night light or lantern
Battery-powered and easy to use. A soft glow can make the tent feel cozy instead of disorienting.
Their usual bedtime books
Stick to your routine as much as possible. Reading a familiar story, even by flashlight, helps signal that it’s time to wind down.
TLJ Tip: A familiar bedtime routine goes a long way, even in a tent. Same story, same snuggle, just a different ceiling.
Packing for camping with kids is basically a sport.
Parent Essentials for a Smoother Camping Trip
Cheers to caffeine and surviving bedtime in a tent.
You’ve packed everything for the kids… now here’s what makes things easier for you.
These practical extras help you stay rested, recharged, and one step ahead.
An eye mask
Light mornings and glowing tents can cut sleep short. A soft, comfortable eye mask helps you stay asleep longer, even if the birds are already up.
Your caffeine of choice
Whether it’s instant coffee, cold brew, or tea bags, bring what works for you. It doesn’t have to be fancy… just fast.
A power bank or two
Charge your phone, lantern, white noise machine, or anything else you don’t want to die at the wrong moment.
A mini first aid kit (a real one)
Bandages, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, kid-safe meds, and sting relief. It doesn’t have to be big, just stocked.
TLJ Tip: Think through your first hour at camp… what you’ll want to grab, what your kids will ask for, what you’ll need to feel settled. Pack those things on top.
If your family includes paws, these pet-friendly lakeside cabins in PA are the perfect place to swim, hike, and snooze by the fire… tail wags guaranteed.
The Not-So-Obvious Things Not to Forget When Camping
Your mat = your mud buffer. Trust us on this one.
You can absolutely camp with kids without these items, but you’ll probably wish you hadn’t.
These little extras make things run smoother, cut down on the campsite mess, and save you from the classic “why didn’t we bring that?” moment.
Tarp or ground cover
Useful under your tent to protect the floor and help keep moisture out. Also great for adding shade or rigging a quick rain fly if the weather turns.
Reusable vinyl tablecloth
Campsite tables aren’t known for being clean. This one instantly makes your setup feel more put together and is easy to wipe down between meals.
Collapsible or refillable water jug (for rinsing + clean-up)
Use campground spigot water to fill a non-drinkable jug for rinsing hands, wiping down the table, or putting out the fire. Bring a separate large jug of drinking water for meals and refilling everyone’s bottles.
Rope or twine
Clothesline, tarp tie-down, gear hanger, makeshift game setup… this one earns its spot every time.
Weatherproof storage bins
Better than bags when it comes to keeping gear clean, dry, and easy to find. Especially helpful for storing food or kitchen supplies.
Extra shoes + a designated shoe tote
Someone will always step in mud. A spare pair plus a tote bag to corral the mess makes transitions in and out of the tent much easier.
TLJ Tip: Store gear in weatherproof bins instead of bags. You can stack them, wipe them down, and actually see what you packed… which saves a lot of digging around.
Camping with Kids: Set-Up Hacks That Actually Work
The real test of family camping? Setting up the tent without a meltdown.
The first hour at camp sets the tone. These simple tricks make it easier to get settled while keeping everyone occupied and in a semi-good mood.
Set up the hammock first
While you unpack and pitch the tent, the kids get a place to bounce, swing, or just chill. It’s the unofficial camp babysitter.
Tag team the tent
One grown-up builds. One runs point on kid duty. You’ll be glad you didn’t try to do both at once.
Give kids a helper job
Even little jobs… like holding the mallet or counting tent poles help kids feel useful and part of the team.
Keep it simple
You don’t need the fanciest setup to have the best time. Half the fun is scoping out what gear other families brought and mentally upgrading your list for next time.
TLJ Tip: Set up your tent at home first if it’s new or if it’s been in the garage since your pre-kid era. Nothing humbles a person faster than realizing you forgot the poles. Or you needed extra stakes
TLJ Quick Hits: Things Not to Forget When Camping with Kids
Pin it, print it, or screenshot it… this list saves you from the “I knew I forgot something” moment.
Camping with Kids Essentials
- Headlamps (one per person)
- Bug spray & sunscreen
- Refillable water bottles + 2-gallon jug for camp use
- Baby wipes & hand sanitizer
- First aid kit (the real kind)
For Sleeping & Comfort
- Real pillows & extra blankets
- Favorite comfort items (stuffies, night lights, books)
- Sound machine or portable fan
- Warm layers for chilly mornings
- Extra clothes and extra shoes
Gear Helpers
- Power bank & charging cords
- Weatherproof bins for gear
- Shoe tote or mat for outside the tent
- Tarp or ground cover
- Rope or twine (always ends up useful)
Nice-to-Haves That Feel Like Genius
- Hammock or kid distraction setup
- Vinyl tablecloth for easy cleanup
- Glow sticks for nighttime fun
- Ziplock bags (all sizes) for, well, everything
Not ready to invest in all the gear just yet?
REI’s rental program lets you borrow everything from tents to camp stoves, perfect for first-timers or families who want to try before they buy.
TLJ Tip: Half the fun is seeing what your neighboring campsite brought… and deciding what you’ll add to your setup next time.
Not ready for camping just yet? You’ll love our list of the Best Fall Getaways for family who crave fresh air.
Final Word: Yes, You Can Go Camping with Kids
You don’t need all the fancy gear or a flawless setup to pull off a great family camping trip.
With a few smart essentials and a little prep, you’ll be ready for dirt, giggles, marshmallow chaos, and those unexpectedly magical moments that make it all worth it.
The best memories usually aren’t the ones you planned for. They’re the ones that happen in between: spotting a frog by the tent, the unexpected rain, or watching your kids fall asleep in your arms under a sky full of stars.
You’ve got this… and you’ll probably even want to do it again.
Happy Travels…
