The Ultimate Family Camping List (Free Printables)

Having four kids in three years completely changed my ideas about camping.

My husband and I used to love it and go often with no need for a camping checklist!  We’d just throw everything in the car and take off. 

Our needs were minimal, and we could improvise as needed. 

But with kids, camping suddenly became a very overwhelming idea. Kids have so many more needs! We needed a lot more supplies, and I didn’t even know where to start!

My Solution? A Family Camping Checklist!

Just thinking of everything I needed for a one-night camping trip with kids was exhausting, not to mention actually gathering everything each time! 

Didn’t someone already have a family camping list of everything I’d need? 

I searched and found a few ideas, but nothing was comprehensive enough for me!

I like to be prepared and knew I wanted to keep the family history of camping going, so decided to create my own camping checklist. I wanted to focus on a minimalist family camping experience, so these checklists are just the basics with no extra fluff!

Creating My Family Camping Checklist

I decided I wanted to create four master camping packing lists for our family camping trips.

Below are the checklists I created. The first three are meant to be attached to a storage bin – the last I hang on my shelf where I store my camping equipment.

Click any checklist and go right to the section you are most interested in and download the file!

  1. Family Camping Kitchen Checklist Download
  2. Family Tent Camping Checklist Download
  3. Family Camping Supplies Checklist Download
  4. Last Minute Camping Checklist Download

Each checklist is split into two sections:

  • A checklist for camping supplies that need to be checked/washed/refilled after each camping trip
  • A checklist for camping supplies that stay in that tub permanently unless they get broken, etc.

One important part of these tubs is the idea that the supplies stay there. For example, I have scissors that I use every day.  But I also have a separate set of scissors that stay in our camping tub. I don’t have to find and pack scissors each time I want to go camping.

Yes, this takes a bit of an initial financial investment, but it actually wasn’t much. I got most everything at the dollar store!

These camping packing lists have made our family camping trips nearly stress free!

Family Time Guides
Okay, maybe there are still a FEW stressful moments!

Let’s dive in and learn more about what kind of family camping necessities you will need.

1. Camping Kitchen Checklist

This camping list includes everything you’d need for your camping kitchen.

Pots, pans (I’ve switched to this set since I took the picture below and I LOVE them), a griddle, plates, serving spoons, utensils, etc. 

There is a PDF download which you cannot edit, and a Word doc version that you can edit and make your own.

Camp Kitchen Tub

Some notes about the checklist that may offer some additional help.

  • Plastic and Styrofoam Cups – We always have hot chocolate when camping and styrofoam works better for this, but they are bulkier. We like plastic cups better than everything else!  I have recently switched to these collapsible cups to save on space/reduce waste. I love that everyone has their own, they have lids (no bugs if you leave your cup out for a while), and they are easy to pack. They can also be used for hot AND cold drinks!
  • Sharpie – For writing names on plastic cups so you only have to use one per person!  If you order the collapsible cups then everyone can have their own color, no sharpie required.
  • Bar Soap & Nylons – Put the soap in the nylons and tie the nylons to your water source.  Easy hand washing station!  I got these at the dollar store.
  • Clips for Table Cloth – Nothing is more annoying than a tablecloth that won’t stay put because of wind! I had used clips in the past, but they always seemed to get in the way. I’ve started using fitted plastic tablecloths and I LOVE them. Most camping picnic tables are 8 ft long, so that is the size I get! I have also had readers suggest using an old twin sheet. I haven’t tried it yet because it’d be hard to wipe down/keep clean during each trip, but it’d be cheaper. So you have a few options here.
  • Wash Tubs: I used to use a couple of large Tupperware-type tubs (you can see them in the picture above, but I’ve switched to these foldable sinks (which take less space).
  • Toothbrushes, soap, shampoo etc. – I know, these are not food, but because they all require water it made more sense to add them to this tub and checklist.
Camp Kitchen Packing List: Part of the Ultimate Family Camping Packing List With Printables from Simple Family Preparedness: https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/family-camping-list/

2. Family Tent Tub Checklist

This camping list includes everything you’d need inside your family tent. 

Clothes, flashlights (after our dollar store lights went out after just one or two uses, we use small high-powered ones now),  pajamas, contact solution, etc. 

There is a PDF download which you cannot edit, and a Word doc version that you can edit and make your own.

Family Tent Tub checklist

A few helpful notes about the tent tub.

  • Flashlights – We keep a lantern outside our tent every night, but still like to have flashlight s on hand. The lantern is plenty of light for us to get from the campfire to our tent, so we only keep one larger flashlight in our “supplies tub” just in case. Each child has their own small flashlight in case they need to go potty at night, and my husband and I have mag lights.
  • Clothes – I keep just one change of clothes for every family member in this tub. I really don’t care how dirty my kid’s clothes get on camping trips, so that is enough for one-three nights.  Seems even if I change their clothes, they are dirty in about five minutes anyway!  So, they wear a t-shirt and shorts there and use that for the first day or two, and then I keep a t-shirt and an old (just barely outgrown) pair of shorts for each kid to change into after a day or two.  I also have one pair of pants per kid in case it is cold at night.
  • Socks/Underwear – I have three-four changes of socks and underwear for each person.  We change our socks and underwear each time we go to bed (keeps you warmer when you have fresh socks.  See this awesome infographic for more info on staying warm).
  • Jackets – Once winter is over, I just throw each kid’s jacket into this tub.  Even if they are a bit small, they work for camping!
  • Pajamas – I keep one set of PJs for each kid. They change into them right before getting in their sleeping bag and change out of them before leaving the tent for dinner, so they tend to stay relatively clean. I use winter jammies that they have just barely grown out of and are no longer using at home during the spring/summer/fall.
  • Pop-up Laundry Basket: This is very small/compact, but it makes keeping track of dirty clothes (especially on a longer trip) so easy!  I put a garbage bag inside the basket to make it easy to remove the clothes and pack the basket when we are done!
  • Mini-Broom: Bringing a full-size broom is a pain, and you always have to re-clean your tent when you get home anyway. While we are camping, we just take a small dustpan/broom to help us keep our tent area relatively tidy.
  • Door Mat: This does wonder for helping to keep the tent area clean!
  • Pump: After forgetting it a few times, I finally added our air mattress pump to the list!  I like this one because it uses batteries and doesn’t have to be charged.  We used to have a rechargeable one, and I would forget to charge it before we’d go.
Family Tent Packing List: Part of the Ultimate Family Camping Packing List With Printables from Simple Family Preparedness: https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/family-camping-list/

3. Camp Supplies Tub Checklist

This camping list includes everything you’d need outside your camp kitchen and tent.  This includes things like tarps, first aid supplies, lanterns, toilet paper, etc. 

Let me know if there is something not on the list that you’ve found to be essential in your additional camping supplies!

There is a PDF download which you cannot edit, and a Word doc version that you can edit and make your own.

Camping Supplies Tub: Part of the Ultimate Family Camping Packing List With Printables from Simple Family Preparedness: https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/family-camping-list/

A few helpful notes about the supplies tub.

  • First Aid Kit – With so many little ones, my first aid kit is pretty extensive. You can adjust as needed for your family size and children’s ages.
  • Plastic Grocery Bags – I like to have these on hand at all times. I’ve used them most often to keep soiled clothing or wet towels separated from everything else. You can also use a washable bag of some sort if you are looking to be eco-friendly.
  • Bright Duct Tape – Duct tape has lots of uses, but making it bright makes it possible to “mark off” areas where your kids can/can’t go.  Having something solid, bright, and obvious makes it easier for them not to “cross the line.” Colorful rope can also be used.
  • Toilet PaperWe keep ours in an old hot chocolate container to keep it clean, it fits perfectly. You never know when the wonderful “toilet vaults” will be out!
  • Propane – Our camp stove and our lantern both use the same propane.  I like bringing two of these butane stoves as they are small and easy to pack. 
  • Clothes Pins & Rope I only bring each kid one change of clothing.  Occasionally, I need to wash someone’s clothes and when I do I can then hang them to dry. This also works for kitchen towels/rags, etc. 
  • Backpacks – We often go hiking while camping. We keep empty backpacks in this tub so we can pack them up with hiking supplies when we need them!
  • Work Gloves: Great for getting tin foil dinners, etc., out of the fire (we also use the tongs in the kitchen tub for this) among other things. 
  • Shower Bag – I bring this every time and hanging it up in the sun as soon as we get there.  The water gets warm and we use it for washing dishes/hands, etc.
  • Plastic Shower Curtain Liners – Using this is a really quick and easy way to cover supplies if it starts raining!
  • Spray Bottles – A way to keep cool in the summer heat! You can also use some cheap water guns for the little ones to make it more fun.
camping supplies checklist

4. Last Minute Camping Checklist

The last minute camping list includes everything we will need while camping that either won’t fit in a tub or can’t be packed until the last minute

It includes things like sleeping bags, coolers, tents, marshmallow roasters, dutch oven, etc.

There is a PDF download which you cannot edit, and a Word doc version that you can edit and make your own.

Also on this list is our “Family Camping Fun Basket” with a few things we only get to play with when camping. With so many little ones it is important to have some fun on hand – especially when the rain sets in.

One favorite in this tub is Mad Libs around the campfire. There is not much better than a family laughing together at silly words.  We also have this fun Seek It Camping game which the kids really enjoy. 

What we actually bring from this list varies depending on where we are going and what we are cooking. Depending on the amenities the camping grounds have will help me figure out how much we will need to bring for this tub.

last minute camping supplies checklist

A few helpful notes about the last minute tub.

  • Sleeping Bags – Of course you cannot really camp with a sleeping bag! I personally like smaller-sized sleeping bags for my kids. They stay much warmer in a bag that doesn’t have so much dead space. 
  • Cooler – I’ve tried multiple coolers, and the Coleman Xtreme is my favorite.  It will keep ice for five-seven days even with my kids opening and closing it regularly. We used it to move a bunch of freezer food cross country a few years ago, and after five days in a hot moving truck, everything was still frozen.
  • Drink Bag: Update 2016: Since making this list, I’ve also started bringing an insulated bag full of water/juice. I freeze half of them and put them in the bottom and pull the rest from the fridge cold and put them on top of the frozen ones. The non-frozen ones stay cold for the first two days or so, and by then the frozen ones have started to melt well enough to drink them.
  • Flip Flops/Sandals – We are always camping in the Spring/Summer/Fall, so I can’t leave these in the tubs because my kids are using them. I am not willing to purchase a 2nd pair just for camping.  We only bring them if we will be near water.
  • Air Mattresses: In the past we used an actual air mattress, but at the suggestion of a reader, we switched to inflatable pool mattresses for the kids. They pack smaller, are cheaper, and work great for the kids.  I like this pump because I don’t have to remember to charge it before we leave.
  • Blankets – We always bring a few extras in case someone gets cold. We’ve also had kids get sick all over the inside of a sleeping bag, so we’ve had to switch to blankets.
  • Swim Stuff – We rarely bring this, but if we are going to be able to swim…we throw it in!
  • Fishing Gear: Again, we only bring this if there is somewhere to fish nearby.
  • Washing Water/Spout – We used to bring a 5-gallon water container with a spout and attach nylon with soap in it for a washing station. At the recommendation of readers, we’ve actually started leaving this at home (it is big and bulky) and bringing a Shower Bag instead.
Last Minute Supplies Packing List: Part of the Ultimate Family Camping Packing List With Printables from Simple Family Preparedness: https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/family-camping-list/

After Camping Routine

Each time we get home from camping, I quickly glance through the 1st part of each camping list. If I used a lot of plates, I throw a few more in. 

I wash our camping clothes and immediately put them back in the appropriate tub with the list right on top and all our “last minute” camping supplies nearby.

As you can see my containers are all put away until our next adventure. On the top of each is our packing list identifying what is inside – you can put them on the side too if you prefer. I definitely recommend laminating them too so they do not get ruined!

What to bring guides
Our camping supplies shelf

Recommended Camping Supplies

I have had SO MANY requests for a condensed list of my favorite camping products so I finally decided to create one here. 

I link to many of these products above in the text of the post, but here are my absolute favorites!  They all link to Amazon (where I buy almost everything I own).

Tents

Lots of you have asked what tent we have.  We had a Glacier’s Edge Pentagon three-room dome tent. I did not like it and would not recommend it.

It was given to us as a Christmas gift shortly after we had children. The reason I did not like it is that it is not rectangular (it is a pentagon and there are lots of angles/turns to the walls), so there is a lot of wasted space when you try to lay out cots or air mattresses, etc. 

I would prefer one with straight walls where I can easily put the air mattresses out for the whole family. As a family of 6, I am looking at this tent for the future. It looks like it is a perfect size and offers some weather protection – and is affordable.

What tent do you have?  Do you like it?  Why or why not?

Storage Tubs

Many have asked what tubs I used.  My choice was the Rubbermaid 20 Gallon Container which I did get on Amazon, but might be cheaper at Walmart. They are roomy and a more affordable than many other options.

Be sure to measure your trunk or bed of your truck to make sure the sizing works! There are smaller and bigger tub options, but going smaller may limit what you can bring.

The only downside to these tubs is they do tend to damage easier than other tubs. That is the trade off for price. So if you are rough with your things, you may want to invest in a stronger option.

I’d love to know if you print and use these camping lists and if they help your family! And of course you are welcome to come back and tell us some great family camping stories!Save

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Becky is a wildlife enthusiast and pet and livestock care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to Simple Family Preparedness through insightful info about pets, livestock, bee keeping, and the practicalities of homesteading.

431 thoughts on “The Ultimate Family Camping List (Free Printables)”

  1. Are the less than 20 gallon locker/tubs really big enough to hold everything in your lists? I was just looking at the size of some of my tubs and the 30gallon size is what I was picturing. Its hard to tell what size they are online just looking at a picture. Do you wish they were bigger?

    Reply
    • The 20 gallon tubs do hold everything (they are the ones you see in the pictures). But it is tight. Things have to be packed a certain way for everything to fit. But if the tubs were bigger, they wouldn’t fit in the back of our van….

      Reply
  2. Don’t worry about getting a huge tent for housing your kids when they get big…they will want their own tent then. Who wants to sleep with mom and dad? ????

    Reply
    • I know, I know! Many people have said this. But…..I”m still kinda holding out hope. One tent, 2-3 rooms. Kids get their own room. Maybe I’m just naive since I don’t have teenagers yet!

      Reply
  3. Misty,

    Thank you for your lists. They are very helpful. I make very similar lists before all of our trips/excursions and they do make things go much more smoothly!!

    Question, my husband and I will be traveling out west (we are in NC) in late August. We will be working from our Utah based office for a week, then plan on the second week of exploring/camping. Do you have any suggestions for shipping camping gear ahead of time?

    We’ve done comping trips like this before (we backpack camped in to Zion) with our kids. Between the 5 of us we were able to divide up the gear to balance our carry-on bags with what we had to check. Some things of course we had to purchase once we landed (ie propane, etc).

    This time, since it will be just the two of us and having to pack one weeks worth of business attire, then camping for 10 days, I’m considering shipping as much as I can to our office.

    Any tips you can share would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Shoot Jerri! This isn’t something I have any experience at all. We always camp somewhere we can drive to so I”ve never had to give any thought to shipping camping gear ahead of time. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, but wish you luck and fun on your trip!

      Reply
  4. We use Tervis cups at home and for camping. They are double walked with lids (you can buy straw lids separately) to keep cold beverages cold and hot drinks hot.

    Reply
  5. Thank you for this post!! My husband, 8yo daughter, and I are planning on going on several camping trips this summer. We have most of our stuff already ready, but I have printed your lists to see if I missed anything. I was wanting to know if you happen to have any good camping recipes? We are struggling on ideas for easy meals. Thanks in advance!!

    Reply
  6. I love your ideas, thanks so much! We’re planning our first camping trip since having kids and I’m a bit overwhelmed.
    One note on tents – I personally wouldn’t worry too much about growing out of a tent when the kids are teens. I did a lot of camping with my family growing up and once we hit 12 or 13, our parents got a smaller tent for us kids to share and we’d set it up right next to the family tent. And a few times on trips with cousins, my parents would take the smaller tent and all the cousins would pile in our family tent. This provides some independence for your teens and gives everyone a bit more space. Just something to think about.

    Reply
    • I have thought about that Rachel…just not sure how it will all work out. I kinda love all being together as part of the experience, but not sure if my (or my kids) feelings about that will change. I’m sure they will want some independence. And maybe this tent will last until then so we don’t have to decide now…

      Reply
  7. What a fantastic job. I loved reading every bit. I’ll add my ideas next week as I am
    Camping this weekend. We have a caravan but swap between that and the swag. I’m in the middle of starting these tubs 😉

    Reply
  8. We love Kelty Tents. They cost a lot, but I’ve had mine 10 years and they are fixing the poles to make it last even longer. Also the rain fly goes to the ground to really protect from the weather. Thank you for this article, you have great ideas.

    Reply
  9. Awesome lists. Only missing list is for a first aid kit. We have one that I made and keep in our vehicle at all times. Then in with the kitchen cooler I have plastic container with medications, tylonol, pepto for upset stomachs etc. So they stay cool NOT icy cold or hot from heat. (One experience with taking meds stored in a glove box was enough.) We have always loved camping and considered being ready to go at the drop of a hat helpful.

    Reply
    • THanks Dona! We do the same thing we our first aid kit. It is in a tackle box in the back of the car. And just like you, I moved the meds indoors after trying to take them once they’d been in the sun!

      Reply
  10. Your list is great. So complete.

    Have you looked at this tent at ? Ozark Trail 16×16-Feet 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent with Pre-Attached Poles.

    It is a tent that I am considering for this year.

    Reply
  11. Found this on Pinterest and I love it! I have been packing our camping gear in totes for a while and it has been great! I have never thought of putting a waterproof list on the lids tho! Can’t wait to go camping! Thank you!

    Reply
  12. Thank you for this post! We’re going camping in about 3 months but are working out everything we need to get now as it will be our first time camping as a family and are really starting from scratch. I’ve found everything here super helpful. I’ll try to remember to post again after our trip!

    Reply
  13. Love your ideas — a lot of which I already do. But since we sold my 40′ motorhome, I needed a refresher on more “primitive” camping. I am gonna miss all that space, but with the space comes a lot more work and I won’t miss that! One thing I have done is to buy the plastic travel coffee cups at the dollar store and write each kids name on one (much like you did with your plastic cups). I camp with anywhere from 5 – 12 kids so this saved a ton, not only on cups but it also cut down on waste–the kids all know which cup is theirs and they drink what’s in it before they get more. They look forward to getting “their” cups cause they know it means the camping adventure has begun!

    Reply
  14. I haven’t been camping in a long time but since I met my husband, we have gone fishing every chance we get. An idea for you if you or anyone in your family chop your own food. We use a Rapala Fillet Glove (from Amazon) when filleting fish. It has stainless steel running through the fibers and is a sure way NOT to cut fingers and hands when making supper. I also suggest a pair or two of Playtex Rubber Gloves (not the cheap ones) for washing dishes and picking up anything “nasty”. Note: if left in the hot sun, they will melt some. I would keep mine in the cooler (in a Ziploc).

    I hope you find this useful. And thank you for all your work putting these suggestions and lists together. I have printed all of your lists and have recently put together two emergency bags (kind of like Bug-Out-Bags) for myself and my husband when a friend’s house/garage/cars were completely lost in a fire. Thank you!

    Reply
  15. I found your list on Pinterest and read it with great interest! lol. There are some great ideas in your blog and from readers’ comments. I especially like the idea of the plastic bed covers for the picnic table and the sola showers for washing hands!

    I have been camping for decades, and have recently (finally!) also gone with the permanent tubs. When we go camping it can be at least a week or more. I too use the plastic sleeves inside the lid of each box, but have not thought to use a dry erase marker to check off the items that need to be added.

    One thing I noticed that you do, and I no longer do, is put liquids like soap in the kitchen box with my herbs. I keep the soap in a separate tub with items that will not mind getting soapy if there is a mistake made while closing the bottle. The dry box has the paper towels and plates, herbs, and anything else that should not get wet – like matches and food. Actually, we stash matches in every box to make sure we have enough and they are always dry.

    We use two rectangular dishpans for washing and rinsing dishes. (In the “wet” box.) Since we usually camp where there are “real” bathrooms and showers, we each use a plastic ice cream bucket to carry our soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, washcloths, etc. back and forth. Our items then do not get anything else wet.

    I like the ideas of using solar showers for washing hands better than what I have been doing. I have saved two of the large plastic laundry dispensers, and have fresh water in one and soapy water in the other for hand washing. That station is above one of the dishpans to catch the water. The solar shower idea saves a lot of space.

    I freeze water in well scrubbed and sanitized 1/2 gallon milk containers. The bottles keep the water contained during thawing, and provide a nice cool drink later on. They can be recycled and left behind.

    Keep up the good work. I’ve gone camping with my two children, and our Scout Troop, but never with four little ones. Have fun!

    Reply
  16. I love your list of items but it looks like you need to update the hyperlink to most of them as they no longer work.

    Thanks for your hard work that makes it easier on us.

    Reply
  17. This is sooooo helpful, but most of the links don’t work. 🙁 Would you mind updating them? Or if I’m the only one having this problem just tell me to stuff it. Thanks so much for putting this together!

    Reply
  18. Something to think about with tents, is that the bigger it is, the harder it is to stay warm. Not a big deal in very warm climates. Also, as you mentioned it can be difficult to find a spot for a large tent. We have 5 kids and regularly camp with two smaller tent, and sometimes a third. The third being a floorless like this: https://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-mega-light-4-person-shelter They work great as a changing room, or bathroom shelter, or set up over a truck or boat. Our other tents are 3man tents.

    Reply
  19. I can totally relate to your ease of camping with your husband and boom theres a whole crew. I thappens fast (lol). We are in upstate NY so we deal with a variety of weather conditions. With one girl and 2 boys I have started the trend to buy in neutrals ( ski jackets, rain gear, muck boots, rash guards, hiking boots,) neutrals. I did see someone else mention glowsticks I snap them up at the end of our season and after a dhurch event where i had a field full of kids I use them everywhere now. I use them to mark the lines for the tent, zipper pulls on the tents, you name it. One thing I have found helful with my kids and we now have our church kids bring them as well is headlamps. Every Christmas in their stocking the kids get a charactered one that throws off awesome light, doesnt get mis placed and we use them at home as the sun descends and we are still playing to keep everyone in clear view. The can save alot on batteries and elminate the need to be held. Rubber made rough neck bins are the way to go look out at your local lowes, home depot , walmart and for the same money as the sterelite you can grab them. After Christmas they say is the best time to invest in bins. I would love to see your meal prep suggestions. The “stuff” part my husband has down I do shoes and clothes – I keep each season in bins (one current) in their sizes and then grab accordingly. Oh and blow up mattressess. We travel so often we had invested in 2 Shrunks beds with inflatable rails – this last trip we used a blow up boat for the baby and I. It worked great. For 3 years the Shrunks havent failed us though and fold up almost nothing with the pumps for flying. If you have littles they grow with you… Thanks for the list… I hope to see meal ideas??? What do I feed them LOL… Happy camping.

    Reply

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