Family Camping Checklist That Will Make Your Packing So Much Easier + PDF

If you’re here because you want to know the types of camping gear you need to include in your family camping checklist, then you’re in the right place! We all know that without a list- you are indeed lost. 

You are probably planning a family camping vacation for your loved ones and need a packing list. We have created this short but exhaustive camping with family camping essentials so that when you get ready to go outdoors, you’ll have everything you need to make your camping trip enjoyable! In addition, this list has a printable PDF copy that you can use.

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Essential Camping Gear to Include in Your Family Camping Checklist

• Tent: A tent is an important piece of equipment because it protects you from bugs and the elements. It should be durable, lightweight, and easy to set up. You want a tent with enough space for the whole family to sleep comfortably. If your camping space is far away from the car, consider purchasing a light tent, but if you’re camping right next to the car, the tent’s weight doesn’t matter.
• Sleeping pad: A sleeping pad needs to be comfortable, light, portable, and insulating. For instance, the KAMUI self inflating sleeping pad rolls up into a portable bag and has an R-value of 5.7 is a great choice for even colder nights.

• Sleeping Bag and Pillow: The sleeping bag will help keep you warm when the nights get colder. Even if you decide to go camping during the summer, the nights may get chilly. We recommend using the KAMUI sleeping pad under the sleeping bag for extra comfort.
• Water Supplies: Hydration is crucial, especially as you sweat. Depending on how long you will be backpacking, you will want to bring a few bottles of water, a water bladder, and a water filter. Some water bottles come with a filter, which would be one less item to consider. Water purification tablets are another option if you don’t want to bring a filter.

• Headlamp and Batteries: A headlamp will help you see where you go when you’re backpacking at night. It’s also a good idea to bring a few backup batteries, just in case!
• Tent footprint or tarp: When camping on rocky surfaces, you will need a tent footprint. It protects your sleeping gear from punctures and dirt. A tarp, on the other hand, has more uses. It can be placed under your tent floor to keep it dry and protected or as a shelter from the rain. When backpacking, ensure to bring a lightweight one.

Cooking Gear for your Camping Checklist

Check out our guide to camping food for more ideas of what you could bring. Your cooking gear should consist of:

• Portable camping stove and fuel
• Cooking utensils like a pot or pan
• Plates or bowls, cups
• Lighter and matches
• Sponge, dish soap, and towel
• Food: This can include MREs, protein shakes/bars, dried fruit, jerky, and the like.

Clothing for your Camping Trip

• Extra shirts: We recommend bringing shirts that will wick away moisture. Also, bring an assortment of short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts.
• Camp Shoes: After hiking all day, you’ll want to take off your shoes and slip into something more comfortable. These shoes could be sandals, Crocs, lightweight sneakers, or slippers with rubber soles.

• Extra Socks and Underwear: Avoid cotton socks, as they absorb moisture. Opt for wool or synthetic socks. Also, bring one or two pairs more than you need.
• Pants/Shorts: The pants/shorts you bring should be lightweight and quick-drying.
• Clothing for Camp: After a long day of hiking, you’ll want to change into comfortable clothing.
• Fleece Jacket/Winter Coat: You will want an outer layer to keep you warm, depending on the weather.
• Swimsuit and towel
• Gloves and beanie
• Laundry bag

Personal Camping Essentials to put on your Private Camping with Family Checklist

• First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, so you must be prepared. Your kit should include Band-Aids, Neosporin, rubbing alcohol, Tylenol, Excedrin, calamine lotion, lip balm, medical tape, and gauze.

Comfort Camping Must-Haves

• Blanket: You can use the KAMUI Outdoor blanket to stay comfortable and dry while sitting on the ground.
• Toilet Paper: When nature calls!
• Bug Spray: Avoid becoming the next meal for mosquitoes, greenheads, and other pests with some bug spray.
• Sunblock: Sunblock is important to prevent the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays from harming your skin. It is especially important if you are prone to sunburns.

• Backpack and day pack: For some hiking adventures with the family.
• Fishing/Camping Chair: A folding fishing or camping chair will be a welcome item when it comes time to sit down and relax. Our KAMUI camping chair is a lightweight option that folds up nicely and compactly, so it isn’t uncomfortable to carry on your back.
• Other sleep accessories for your kids – like their favorite plushie.

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Safety Camping Checklist Gear

• Matches/Lighter: We recommend strike-anywhere matches so you can always start a fire, even if your matches get wet.
• Identification and Health Insurance Card: It’s always wise to be safe.
• Camping Knife: These knives are useful for backpacking. A razor blade can be substituted for them if you’re trying to minimize weight.
• Rope and Duct Tape: These will always come in handy when camping. The rope should be at least 50 feet in length.

Camping Games to Add to Your Family Camping Checklist

Camping days can become dull for the young ones, so here are our tips on keeping them occupied. If none of these work, consider tag or hide and seek!

Miscellaneous Camping Supplies

A random list of everything else you might need right here:

Optional camping items

If you’ve still got room, consider taking some of these: 

Family Camping Checklist Tips

Every checklist should be personalized, so we recommend downloading and updating our family camping checklist with anything else you might need on your camping trip.

• Personalize: Bring gear accordingly if you love kites or your kids love fishing. 
• Think of the weather and plan your clothing clothing accordingly.
• Update your list from time to time. Maybe your hammock broke, or you no longer want to bring one camping. Just scratch it from your list.

Conclusion

When preparing for a camping trip, always have a detailed trip plan to ensure you bring all the camping gear you might need to have a memorable camping adventure. You also want to monitor the weather before leaving so that you can pack accordingly.

We hope our short family camping checklist helped you make packing your essentials enjoyable and systematic. Consider getting our printable PDF version, too! 

Leave us a comment below if you think we missed a piece of gear!

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Resources:

NewEnglandWaterfalls
Backpacking