Family Camping Checklist: The Only One You Need in 2025

Last Updated on 31 July 2025

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In 2023, Europe’s camping grounds welcomed more than 91 million people, an increase of 4.6% from the previous year. With so many people taking to camping, you can guarantee someone forgets something essential for their camping trip.

After years of family camping adventures across the UK and countless “oops” moments, I’ve perfected the ultimate family camping checklist.

Whether you’re planning your first family camping trip or you’re seasoned campers looking to streamline your packing, this comprehensive guide will ensure you never leave home without the essentials again.

From must-have safety gear to those little luxuries that make camping with children an absolute joy, I’ve got you covered!

Let’s read on to find out more!

Someone writing a checklist. Family camping checklist. Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash — Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Family Camping Checklist: Essential Shelter and Sleeping Gear

Family Tent Recommendations

✅ Size Rule: Add 2 people to your family size (family of 4 = 6-person tent minimum)

✅ Tents for Families:

Berghaus Air 600 (6-person tent)
Vango Keswick 600 (6-person tent)

Sleeping Essentials Checklist

✅ Sleeping Bags:

Children’s sleeping bags
- Kids sleeping bag (3-season from early spring to late autumn)
- Silentnight sleeping bag (2-season from spring to summer)
Adult sleeping bags
- Summit 300 sleeping bag (3-season from early spring to late autumn)
- Sun Star Double 400 DL sleeping bag (3-season from early spring to late autumn)
- Microlite 1400 Sleeping Bag (3/4 seasons to early winter)

✅ Sleeping Mats & Comfort:

Self-inflating mats for comfort
Closed-cell foam mats (backup/kids)
Pillows (bring from home for familiar comfort)
Extra blankets (one per child)

✅ Tent Accessories:

Tent repair kit with duct tape
Spare tent pegs (pack double what comes with the tent)
Guy rope (extra 10 metres)
Footprint/tarp for under the tent
Mesh organisers for storage

Cooking and Food Storage Essentials

Someone cooking their camping food. Photo by Sandra Harris on Unsplash — Photo by Sandra Harris on Unsplash

Cooking Equipment Checklist

✅ Stoves & Fuel:

Double-burner gas stove
Extra gas canisters (minimum 2)
Biolite campstove (all you need are sticks to fuel it)
Matches/lighter (waterproof backup)

✅ Cookware Essentials:

Large non-stick pan
Medium saucepan with lid
Lightweight kettle
Camping cookware sets

✅ Food Storage & Safety:

Hard-shell cool box
Ice packs/blocks
Tupperware containers for organisation
Biodegradable washing-up liquid
Antibacterial wipes

Hydration System

✅ Water Storage:

Water bottles (2+ per child)
Collapsible water containers
Water purification tablets

Clothing and Personal Items Checklist

Loads of clothes on a washing line. Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash — Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash

Layering System for Each Family Member

✅ Base Layers:

Merino wool or synthetic (avoid cotton)
- Men’s:
  - Merino base layer set
  - Synthetic base layer set
- Women’s:
  - Merino base layer set
  - Synthetic base layer set
- Children’s:
  - Merino base layer set
  - Synthetic base layer set
Pack 2+ sets per person

✅ Mid Layers:

Fleece or synthetic insulation
Spare mid-layer per child

✅ Outer Layers:

Waterproof jacket and trousers (each person)

Footwear Essentials

✅ Shoe Requirements:

Wellies (essential for camping with toddlers)
Walking boots (broken in before trip)
Camp shoes/sandals
Extra socks (I always pack double what I think I need)

Personal Care Items

✅ Hygiene Essentials:

Wet wipes (pack way more than expected)
Biodegradable soap
Individual wash bags per family member
Sun cream (SPF 30+ minimum)
Insect repellent (DEET-based for serious protection)

Safety and First Aid Must-Haves

Someone putting a plaster on their finger. Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash — Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash

Comprehensive First Aid Kit

✅ Medical Supplies:

Sterile gauze pads and medical tape
Antiseptic wipes
Children’s paracetamol/ibuprofen (liquid form)
Antihistamine for allergic reactions
Any regular medications (pack extras)
Camping first aid kit

Emergency Equipment

✅ Communication & Safety:

Emergency whistles (one per family member)
Written emergency contact list
Garmin eTrex 32x GPS device
Personal locator beacon (for remote areas)
Camping safety equipment

Lighting Solutions

✅ Essential Lighting:

Head torches (one per person plus spares)
LED lanterns with red light setting
Extra batteries

Entertainment and Comfort Items

A group of people playing card games outside. Photo by Ezequiel Garrido on Unsplash — Photo by Ezequiel Garrido on Unsplash

Age-Appropriate Activities

✅ Games & Entertainment:

Card games (Uno, Snap)
Travel-sized magnetic games
Colouring books and materials
Favourite books plus new surprises

✅ Comfort Items:

Favourite toys and comfort items
Familiar pillows/blankets from home
Portable chargers/power banks
Downloaded content for devices

Outdoor Play Equipment

✅ Active Entertainment:

Frisbees (pack several)
Deflatable balls
Bubbles (multiple bottles)
Nature collection bags
Magnifying glasses for exploration

Tools and Utility Items

Several carabiners together on a rock. Photo by Scott Osborn on Unsplash — Photo by Scott Osborn on Unsplash

Essential Repair Kit

✅ Multi-Purpose Tools:

Quality multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
Duct tape (wrap around pencil to save space)
Paracord (10+ metres)

✅ Camping Utilities:

Bungee cords (various sizes)
Carabiners for organisation
Tent repair patches
Sewing kit for clothing repairs

Comfort & Organisation

✅ Campsite Setup:

Lightweight camping chairs
Folding table
Mesh bags for wet/sandy items

Documentation and Planning Essentials

Various Ordnance Survey maps. Photo by Adam Wilson on Unsplash — Photo by Adam Wilson on Unsplash

Important Documents

✅ Booking & Travel:

Campsite booking confirmations (printed copies)
Maps and route alternatives
Emergency contact information
Insurance documents
Medical information cards

✅ Planning Tools:

Weather forecast and backup plans
Local activity information
Permit requirements (if applicable)
OS Maps for outdoor adventure planning

Age-Specific Considerations

Camping with Babies (0-12 months)

✅ Baby Essentials:

Travel cot with familiar bedding
Baby hiking carrier (structured type recommended)
Extra nappies, wipes, disposal bags

Camping with Toddlers (1-3 years)

✅ Toddler Specific Items:

Portable travel high chair, if needed
Toddler sleeping bags with arm holes
Safety reins for busy campsites

School-Age Children (4-12 years)

✅ Independence Building:

Personal head torches
Individual day packs
Nature identification books
Basic camping tools (supervised use)

Teenagers (13+ years)

✅ Teen Considerations:

Privacy solutions (pop-up shelters)
Adequate device charging solutions
Involvement in activity planning
Personal responsibility for gear

Read more: 6 Best Baby Hiking Carriers: Safety Guide & Top Picks 2025
Read more: The Best Day Hike Packing List for Kids in 2025

Quick Reference Family Camping Checklist

A lady checking her phone and writing in a notebook. Photo by Svitlana on Unsplash — Photo by Svitlana on Unsplash

Before You Leave

Check the weather forecast and adjust packing
Confirm campsite booking
Test all equipment
Pack a first aid kit and medications
Download offline maps and entertainment

Pack Check by Category

Shelter: Tent, sleeping bags, mats, pillows
Cooking: Stove, fuel, cookware, food storage
Clothing: Layers, waterproofs, extra socks/underwear
Safety: First aid, lighting, emergency contacts
Entertainment: Games, books, outdoor toys
Tools: Multi-tool, repair kit, organisation items

Seasonal Camping Considerations

Spring/Summer Family Camping Checklist

✅ Warm Weather Essentials:

Sun protection (hats, cream, shade)
Insect protection
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Extra hydration supplies

Autumn/Winter Camping Additions

✅ Cold Weather Gear:

Warmer sleeping bags (lower temperature ratings)
Thermal layers
Waterproof everything
Emergency heating sources

Budget-Friendly Family Camping Tips

A savings money jar in the foreground with camping equipment in the background. Source: Canva — Source: Canva

Money-Saving Strategies

✅ Smart Shopping:

Buy quality basics first, upgrade gradually
Check second-hand outdoor gear shops
Look for end-of-season sales

✅ DIY Solutions:

Make your first aid kit
Use household items for campinyour g organisation tips
Create entertainment from natural materials

Essential Family Camping Guide Reminders

Remember the Golden Rules:

Pack twice the clothes you think your children need
Bring comfort items from home for better sleep
Have backup plans for weather changes
Include children in planning age-appropriate activities
Test all equipment before your trip

Essential Family Camping Safety Reminders:

Always inform someone of your camping location and return date
Check local emergency services locations
Ensure mobile phone coverage or alternative communication
Pack more food and water than planned outdoor family activities require

Camping with Kids Tips for Success

Two young girls sitting on a hammock looking at a river. Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash — Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

Making Outdoor Family Fun Memorable

✅ Engagement Strategies:

Let children help with setup (age-appropriate tasks)
Create nature scavenger hunts
Encourage exploration with supervision
Document adventures with photos

✅ Managing Expectations:

Start with shorter trips for first time family camping checklist experience
Have realistic goals for activities
Build in rest time and flexibility
Focus on creating positive memories

Family Outdoor Adventures Planning

Choosing Family-Friendly Locations

✅ Site Selection Criteria:

Facilities suitable for children (toilets, water)
Safe areas for play and exploration
Proximity to emergency services
Weather-appropriate shelter options

Activity Planning for Mixed Ages

✅ Inclusive Outdoor Family Activities:

Nature walks with frequent stops
Simple games everyone can play
Educational opportunities (wildlife spotting)
Quiet time activities for different energy levels

Camping Essentials for Families – Final Checklist

Non-Negotiable Items

Family camping checklist (this guide!)
Weather-appropriate shelter and bedding
Adequate food, water, and cooking equipment
Comprehensive first aid and safety equipment
Age-appropriate entertainment and comfort items
Essential tools and repair materials
Important documents and emergency information

Nice-to-Have Additions

Comfort furniture (chairs, table)
Extra entertainment options
Photography equipment for memories
Special treats and surprises

Family Camping Packing List Summary

This comprehensive family camping checklist ensures your family outdoor adventures are safe, comfortable, and memorable. Whether you’re camping with babies, camping with toddlers, or managing teenagers, this guide covers all the camping essentials for families.

Use these family camping tips and camping organisation tips to streamline your preparation process. Remember, successful family camping adventures come from the right planning, the right kids camping gear, and focusing on outdoor family fun.

Final Thoughts on Family Camping Checklist

Your family camping checklist is now complete! This guide covers everything from camping safety equipment to children’s camping clothes, ensuring your family outdoor adventures are perfectly planned.

Start with this first-time family camping checklist if you’re new to camping with children, or use it to refine your existing camping equipment list. Focus on family camping safety, pack according to your family camping packing list, and get ready for unforgettable outdoor family activities.

Ready for your next adventure? Use this family camping guide as your roadmap to successful family camping adventures.

For more outdoor inspiration, check out our related guides:

Happy camping!

Have you found this family camping checklist guide useful? Is there anything we should add? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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