Pack Like a Pro: Printable Family Camping Checklist

Jess
Last Updated April 25, 2025

Embarking on a family camping adventure is truly an incredible experience. It strengthens family bonds, creates enduring memories, and is a fantastic way to nurture a love for the great outdoors.

Camping cultivates family teamwork, resilience, and a heightened appreciation for the world outside our everyday routines. What makes it even more appealing is that it’s an activity perfectly suited for the entire family’s enjoyment!

Camping with the whole family can be a bit intimidating. You might worry about getting the right gear, figuring out where to go, and packing everything you need. But don’t worry, with a little planning and preparation, a family camping trip can be an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone!

I have created a comprehensive printable family camping checklist that you can print out to ensure you have everything you need for a successful camping trip.

Whether you’re a first-time family camper or a seasoned pro, consider this your go-to guide to what to pack for your family camping adventure.

We’ve been tent camping with our children since they were three and six years old. It has been one of our favorite ways to bond as a family, and it brings us joy to hear their excited shouts of “This is the best day ever!”

Our camping experiences are made even more delightful by having an excellent family camping checklist. It helps us pack efficiently, making the unloading and loading process a breeze.

Do not miss the comprehensive, free, printable family camping checklist provided at the end of this post.

Planning Your Family Camping Trip

A key piece of advice I always emphasize is to plan well in advance because each state has a designated date for camping reservations to open up for the year. I strongly suggest booking as early as possible to secure the best camping spots.

However, if you tend to operate on a more last-minute schedule, that’s perfectly fine, too! The beauty of camping lies in the many options available, making it a fantastic time to explore something new.

We’ve found reserveamerica.com to be our go-to website for our family camping adventures. This platform includes a range of campgrounds located in the Northeast and beyond and has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to filter and navigate.

Choosing The Right Family Camping Destination

In the Northeast, there’s no shortage of campgrounds and campsites to choose from. However, our preference leans towards State Parks over private ones. We’ve found State Parks to be more family-friendly and well-maintained, enhancing our overall camping experience, but we are always open to new options!

One of my favorite things to do when selecting a campsite is explore the surrounding towns and areas. I like researching nearby activities, charming small towns, and local adventures to plan something engaging for our day. This way, we can stay busy and have a great time.

Have you considered what activities might interest your family? Whether it’s a weekend Farmer’s Market, a stroll through a quaint downtown, or an invigorating hike leading to a nearby waterfall, tailor your choices to your family’s preferences.

Before finalizing your booking, take a moment to review the campground’s rules and facilities. State-run campgrounds vary in amenities, and a brief research session will provide insight into what to expect, ensuring a smoother overall experience.

How Long Should You Camp?

The duration of your family camping adventure should align with your family’s preferences and the distance you’re comfortable traveling to your chosen campsite.

Typically, we opt for a two-night camping stint, limiting our destinations to a manageable two to three-hour drive.

Your trip’s length influences your planning and packing strategies. However, your packing essentials remain largely consistent, whether a weekend escapade or a more extended 4-5-night journey.

For a longer trip, consider adding a few extra outfit options and additional food supplies to your standard weekend camping checklist.

For my family with two young kids, a two-night camping trip has proven to be the ideal duration. Here’s a glimpse into our typical two-day camping schedule:

Friday: We aim to arrive at our campsite around 4 pm. The initial hour is dedicated to unpacking and setting up. After a bit of exploration around the campground, we gathered to cook dinner at our site. The evening is spent relaxing and enjoying each other’s company, usually with plenty of smores and glow sticks.

Saturday: The day starts with cooking breakfast at our campsite, usually pancakes and fruit. The rest of the day is dedicated to a local adventure, and we often choose to have lunch while out to add some variety. Returning to our campsite in the afternoon, we leisurely hang out and prepare dinner over the campfire.

Sunday: As the day begins, we cook breakfast and pack up the campsite. The packing process typically takes about an hour, and we aim to be out of our campsite by 10 am, heading back home after an exciting camping experience.

Family Camping Essentials

The key to a successful family camping trip often lies in having the right equipment. However, the prospect of purchasing all the gear at once can be overwhelming and costly.

I suggest starting with essential investments like a quality family tent and sleeping bags. As you embark on more camping trips, you can gradually tailor your equipment to suit your family’s evolving needs.

Consider adding camping gear to your holiday gift list, letting friends and family contribute to your outdoor adventures.

For those new to family camping and unsure about investing in gear, the REI Rental Program is a fantastic option. They offer nationwide camping rentals suitable for families of all sizes, making it an ideal choice, especially for those planning their inaugural camping trip.

REI offers a Car Camping Rental Package that includes the following, with add-on items available, including youth sleeping bags.

1 4-Person Tent
2 Sleeping Bags
2 Sleeping Pads
1 Camp Table
2 Camp Chairs
2 Rechargeable Headlamps
1 Electric Lantern
1 2-Burner Camp Stove (fuel sold separately)
1 Camp Cook Set (pots and pans only)
1 Cooler

Tent and Sleeping Essentials

Making a solid investment in a high-quality family tent should be your foremost priority, as the right choice can last for many years.

When selecting a family tent, consider opting for one designed for two more people than your actual group size. This ensures ample space for everyone in your family.

In our family of four, we swear by our six-person North Face Tent. Our ideal choice due to its spaciousness, height, and ease of independent setup by a single person.

It’s also important to prioritize sleeping essentials like sleeping pads, a quality sleeping bag, and comfortable pillows, as they contribute significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

After trying quite a few, we’ve discovered fantastic sleeping pads that inflate quickly with a simple foot pump. What sets them apart is their quick setup and ability to be attached, ensuring no unwanted movement during the night. After trying out various types, these have become our absolute favorites. (Our Favorite Sleeping Pads)

For enhanced comfort, a useful tip is to attach two sleeping pads together and then cover them with a fitted sheet. This simple trick works wonders in keeping things in place throughout the night.

Choosing the right sleeping bag is a personal decision, with many factors at play. I recommend opting for ones that can be zipped together and offer multiple layers suitable for different temperatures.

While we’ve experimented with various travel sleeping pillows, we’ve recently found that bringing our pillows from home is our preferred choice, even if it means a slightly more packed car.

Additionally, we always bring extra blankets; they serve as a base under our sleeping pads or provide warmth during unexpectedly chilly nights.

Cooking and Meal Prep Essentials

Throughout the years, we’ve fine-tuned our meal prep packing to include essentials that align with our cooking preferences and are utilized on every family camping trip.

For an uncomplicated meal plan and cooking experience, I gravitate towards camping gear that is both easy to clean and can be neatly packed away. Planning my camp meals well in advance, I aim to prep as much as possible at home for added convenience.

At each campsite we’ve visited, a common feature is the 6-8 ft picnic table. I recommend investing in a durable, easy-to-clean tablecloth that can be reused across multiple trips. I also love our pop up garbage can, it is helpful to have a place to put the garbage and able to zip it shut.

Investing in a good camp stove and cookware will make your meals much more accessible than relying on the heat and weather conditions of your outdoor fire and will make your camp kitchen feel like home.

We absolutely love our Jetboil Camping Stove and our Stanley Camp Cook Set. The camp stove is easy to use, takes universal propane bottles, and packs up compactly. We have had it for years, and it isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.

I recommend finding an all-in-one cookware set that includes everything you need to cook. Generally, when they come in a complete set, they are easy to pack away, and everything fits into itself.

Opting for environmentally friendly choices, we use natural paper plates (without coatings) during our camping trips. This way, we can conveniently dispose of them in the fire, contributing to less waste. Additionally, we bring reusable water bottles that can be refilled as needed.

To streamline our organization, I pack all non-perishable snacks and food items into a plastic bin. We use one cooler for drinks, while another is designated for perishable food items that need to be kept cool.

Camping Clothing and Toiletries

When preparing for your family’s camping trip, a helpful guideline is to pack spare clothes for an additional two days and include a light pair of long pants for those evenings spent by the fire.

While camping, unexpected situations can crop up, like someone suddenly feeling too hot or cold or a not-so-successful jump over a creek, which results in a need for a change of clothes.

Having a few extra outfits in your packing list allows for better preparedness to handle any unforeseen circumstances that might arise during your camping adventure.

Most State Park campgrounds offer flushable toilets, toilet paper, and sinks in indoor bathrooms, but it’s essential to note that only some provide shower facilities. Always check the list of amenities on the campground’s website before finalizing your reservation.

Pack body wash and shampoo if you plan to shower during your camping trip. (I usually don’t unless I am especially dirty from the day) I find our Quick Dry Camping Towels to be fantastic, and they’ve come in handy in various situations beyond family camping.

For your family’s basic toiletry needs, a small bag containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and daily toiletries should generally suffice. This ensures you cover the essentials without overpacking for your camping adventure.

Best Camping Essentials for Kids

On my family camping checklist, there are four essential items that never get left behind.

Bikes: Attaching a bike carrier is a game-changer if your car or truck allows. Bringing bikes has been a family favorite. Even when our kids were little, they enjoyed riding around the campsite, where we could keep an eye on them as they explored the surroundings.

Hammock: Setting up a hammock between two trees is a priority upon arriving at our campsite. It’s a simple addition that brings hours of joy for the kids, fostering independent play and making it a consistent family win. Each campground has different rules, so be sure to check the campground website.

A Ball: Despite trying various outdoor and card games, we’ve recently found the most success with a football or soccer ball. Sometimes, the simplest activities turn out to be the kids’ favorites.

Glow Sticks: As the sun sets and the campfire crackles, glow sticks become a magical addition. The kids love creating glow stick trails that light up the entire campsite, providing entertainment and helping the family navigate the darkness.

We even use them as night lights inside the tent to make the experience less daunting for the kids. In the morning, a fun challenge awaits the kids as they compete to pick up the most glow sticks from the night before, reinforcing the importance of keeping our campsite clean.

Medicine and Emergency Supplies

Maintaining a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for camping, providing a safety net for minor medical emergencies, although the hope is never to need it.

Start by ensuring you pack any necessary medicines that your family uses regularly.

In addition to these essentials, consider including the following items in your camping gear.

For a comprehensive list, refer to the printable family camping checklist at the end of this post.

The Unique Items I Always Pack

After years of family camping, these are the little things I will always bring on our next camping trip.

How to Pack for Your Camping Trip

Efficiently packing your camping gear is vital for a smooth and hassle-free trip, whether you’re venturing into the backcountry or embarking on a family car camping experience. Maintaining organization is key.

Over time, I’ve devised a system that keeps things orderly during the trip and allows for easy packing and readiness for the next adventure upon returning home (after a bit of cleaning).

To achieve this, I use weatherproof plastic bins to pack our camping supplies, categorizing everything into three distinct groups for seamless accessibility and a well-organized camping experience.

To streamline the organization of our clothes, I utilize packing cubes, ensuring a neat and manageable storage solution for everyone’s clean attire. Additionally, I pack spare shoes in a tote bag for convenient access.

Should Your Family Go Camping?

Absolutely, without a doubt!

While planning and packing for a camping trip might initially appear daunting, it becomes more manageable with experience. The time and effort you invest will yield unforgettable memories for your family.

It’s interesting to note that a considerable number of adults who enjoy camping today had previous experiences in the great outdoors during their childhood.

Introducing your family to camping demonstrates that travel is not solely about boarding a plane and staying in upscale hotels (which I love). Instead, camping unfolds as an adventure, allowing your family to explore the world around them and craft enduring memories that will stay with them forever.

Love the idea of camping but not quite ready to rough it? These luxury camping resorts offer all the outdoor fun—without sacrificing comfort.