What to Take When Camping with Kids
With spring in the air, families are looking to get outdoors with their kids and take part in numerous activities, both on water and land. Kids love going camping and having the adventure of wilderness settings and experiencing wildlife. In addition, there is hiking, boating, bird watching, and swimming to enjoy. The whole family will make wonderful memories. Here are some pointers to remember before you leave home, and checklists of things to bring when camping with kids.
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Things to Remember Before You Leave:
- Check weather conditions at your destination. There are plenty of weather apps for your phone that you can access to track the weather for the whole time you are gone. You can see what the temperatures will drop to and prepare with warmer clothes and blankets.
- Consider a test-run of a campout by setting up your tent in the back yard and camping out with the kids for a night. You will be able to see how your gear will work and identify snags. The little ones can get used to spending the night outside in a tent if they have never experienced it before.
- Ensure the campground you choose has many activities that will be a good fit for kids. Many campgrounds have playgrounds, and sandy beaches where kids can make sand castles.
Kids’ Camping Checklists
The Basic Items
- First Aid Kit – always an important item, particularly with kids.
- Tent – one your whole family can fit into.
- Sleeping Bags – include extra blankets with the bags.
- Lanterns and Headlamps - if they take batteries, it’s a good idea to bring extra.
- Folding chairs – so you can avoid sitting on the ground. The kids will appreciate them too.
- Tarp – this is good to place under the tent, as well as additional shelter outside of the tent.
- Rope – will always come in handy.
- Matches – a good choice if the lighter runs out of fluid.
- Fire starter – to make starting a fire a breeze.
- Pocket Knife – a true essential for many things.
- Maps – smart to have paper maps because you never know when your GPS might fail you.
- Insect spray – Use sprays with natural oils and citronella candles.
- Sunscreen – Check with your doctor on what types are best for kids under one year old. Also bring hats, and sunglasses for further sunblock.
Items for Personal Care
- Clothes – pack clothes you don’t mind the kids getting dirty, and enough so you can layer them in case of weather changes.
- Pajamas – the kids will be more comfortable in pajamas after peeling off the clothes they wore all day.
- Shoes – have enough shoes and different kinds for your outing, such as water shoes, sandals, and shoes to hike around in.
- Cold weather gear – it’s good to bring a jacket, sweater, hat, and gloves for both the little ones and the adults.
- Toiletries – this should include not only small bottles of all your kids’ toiletries, but toilet paper as well.
- Towels and washcloths – for bath time and just cleaning up.
- Wipes – these are great for easy cleanup and when changing diapers.
- Diapers and diaper cream – will need plenty for the younger kids.
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Kitchen Items
- Camp stove
- Cooking pans and utensils
- Sealable containers
- Cooler with ice
- Dish washing supplies
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- High chair or booster seat
Food
- Food for adults - can prepare beforehand, freeze, and take with you.
- Snacks – lots of snacks like trail mix, crackers, fruit, carrots, and popcorn.
- Spreads – these are wonderful for the kids to have peanut butter or almond butter on crackers or bread.
- S’mores – don’t forget the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
- Water – always have an ample supply on hand.
- Formula – obviously you’ll need this for the babies.
- Any necessary medications.
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Suggestions for Kids’ Toys
- iPad or tablet
- Any treasured stuffed animals or toy
- Card games
- Bubbles
- Balls
- Books
- Chalk
- Glow sticks
- Toy fishing gear
- Bikes
Campgrounds have a wide array of activities to keep the family busy, but in the current environment, check with the park to see what is currently available.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state's latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.