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!
- Family Camping Kitchen Checklist Download
- Family Tent Camping Checklist Download
- Family Camping Supplies Checklist Download
- 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Paper – We 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.
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.
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.
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!
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).
- Outdoor Shower (use for warm water for dishes/hand washing)
- Flashlight (Small, affordable, and powerful)
- Locker Style Tubs (I will be switching to these in the near future)
- Pots and Pans (stack inside each other, fit nicely in tubs)
- Collapsible Cups (They are collapsible and work for hot or cold beverages)
- Fitted Plastic Table Cloths (make sure you get the 8 ft. size)
- Camp Sink (this one folds flat)
- Lantern (I’ve used this since I was a kid. It has always been great.)
- Mattress Air Pump (I like this one because I don’t have to remember to charge it)
- Butane Stove (easier to pack than a typical camp stove)
- Backpacks (We use these for hiking. Kids can easily carry them)
- Spray bottle fans (Use to keep cool. Kids love them)
- Retractable Campfire Forks (So much better than packing a bunch of 3 ft. long sticks)
- 12 in (6 qt) Lodge Dutch Oven (Perfect size for most meals. I also like the 2 qt for a small cobbler)
- Campfire Mad Libs (just fun)
- Coleman Xtreme Cooler (Keeps food truly cold forever. The 100 qt holds 10-12 meals for our family of six and the 62 qt holds six-eight meals)
- Insulated Drink Bag (I keep water and juice in this bag instead of our cooler. Half of it is frozen when I put it in)
- 117 sq. ft. tent (straight sidewalls, two rooms, good for rain, easy setup, full height storage locker)
- 196 sq. ft. tent (straight sidewalls, two rooms, HUGE)
- Kids’ sleeping bags: Small (4.5 ft.) Medium (5 ft.) Large (5.5 ft.)
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!
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.
I read your camp kitchen and your camping box list.I tried as young people say catch you slippin!I take 99 % on my family camping trips.I have always told everyone don’t forget your toiletries.Putting a bar of soap shampoo and conditioner and tooth brushes in the kitchen box struck me as a fine idea.Adding this to mine.Well done!!
My husband and I weren’t blessed with kids but I do have some suggestions:
A. We do art and craft shows so we have an Easy Up canopy. It also makes an okay camp tent in good weather and no problem with head space. Most are 10′ x 10′. Can be a dining shelter or hang out space during the day. Weigh down with water jugs or stake down securely. In door/outdoor carpet on the floor and cots make a pretty cozy camp shelter.
B. Meals in foil packets: elbow Mac and cheese. Use your favorite recipe made and frozen before you leave. Using foil lined cereal bowls – make the recipe, cool, fill each foil lined bowl with Mac and cheese, place in freezer, when frozen, close foil tightly and return to freezer. heat for 20 minutes on camp fire turning every 5minutes. This can be done with many casserole type dishes.
C. Taco Potatoes. Make your favorite taco meat. scoop out middle of mostly (but still firm) cooked potatoe. Fill with taco meat, salsa, cheese. Wrap in foil tightly. Heat on campfire 20-25 minutes turning every 5 minutes or so. Open potato packet and top with sour cream, tomatoes and olives. Yummy.
D. Buy a cooked rotisserie chicken, debone. In a Dutch oven place chicken, cream of chicken soup, package frozen mixed vegetables. Top with 1 can popping fresh biscuits or Bisquick biscuits. Cook over low coals in an iron Dutch oven. Place 8-10 coals on lid. Cook about 30 minutes or until biscuits are brown. Enjoy. Any left over chicken can be used for sandwiches. ?
There are several great camping meal “how to videos” on you tube you may want to check out.
The foil packets cut down on dishes. You can also use foil pans from Dollar Tree. Very convent for camping on open camp fires.
Love these tips Ruth! Thank you so very much for your input!
love all these ideas. thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for your list. I am just getting into camping with my 5 year old and we are about to go on our 2nd mini trip with friends. these are great and something i’m going to do. at the moment we are borrowing a few things but slowly building it up
Borrowing is a great idea Carol. Have fun on your mini trip!
Thank you for sharing this information. I’m in the middle of packing up my tubs for an upcoming trip with two kids 3.5 and 6. Have you thought about sharing your camping menus/recipes as well? I’ve been searching around Pinterest and have found a recipe here and there but nothing that’s in anyway close to being as helpful as your tub information has been. Since you camp a lot with kiddos I thought maybe you’d have some good ideas in that area too.
Love these ideas! Our family has always used a small tackle box to keep the kitchen items & utensils handy (and covered from the dust & rain). Thanks for the great tub ideas and really appreciate the updates you added.
Great read! We camp often and seem to get rained on a lot. We take rope with us for a clothes line for wet clothes and towels.
Your article had wonderful tips! Thank you!
I read that a twin size fitted sheet works well for a tablecloth. I haven’t tried it, but it might be worth a try – will last longer than the throwaway kind. 🙂
The great thing about successful Camping is preparation. That is where the Holiday is won or lost. Like you I have my lists and Large boxes which double as seats to prepack everything I need (hopefully). I have downloaded your lists to see if I can improve mine, it probably will 🙂
Thank you for sharing, I hope you and your family have many more great outdoor memories to come, Cheers
Thanks Taiji! I hope the same for you!
We are about to bring our kiddos camping for the first time (and it won’t also be the last). This has been so helpful, thank you so much!!
You are so very welcome Brittany! Have fun camping!
We have a GSR dinnerware set that reduces waste. Instead of washing dishes yourself make each child responsible for cleaning their own dishes. My 4 & 5 yo boys are responsible for their own. It’s probably not a good idea to burn paper plates. We try to teach our boys to reduce their carbon foot print in all they do.
For breakfast we break eggs into a Nalgene bottle (and shake) before leaving and keep in the cooler. If it’s going to be a few days before eating them, we freeze the bottle first. Super easy scrambled eggs.
Love the idea of keeping clothes packed for the fam to reduce packing time! Going to implement that immediately. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the extra tips Amy!
I keep an empty plastic jar & screw lid (aka a peanut butter jar). I use it to shake pancake batter and water to pour on the griddle. It also comes in handy to store leftovers.
Great tip Pat. THanks!
Great list! Door mat is a great idea for keeping sleeping areas clean and something I usually forget! Another camping MUST have that I take everywhere now is Organic Brushing Rinse! It beats toothpaste by a mile because 1) you don’t need water, and 2) spitting it out on the ground wouldn’t be toxic, but actually cleans the ground and feeds the plants. It’s a biodegradable liquid you swish with, no water needed, and can beneficially soak right into mother nature! It’s saved my mouth so many times during backpacking and camping trips! BONUS: it has 1% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide in it so you can use it to clean your cooking stuff or tools, etc.
Check it out: https://bit.ly/OrganicBR
Thanks for the tip Emmi!
This is a great read w lots of good advice! Def going 2 set up the cooler like you listed & have drinks in sep cooler. I have been camping w my kids for over 13yrs now and using a tub system. However, as they get older their needs change so much. No more pull-ups or sippy cups needed… but LOTS of deodorant and can’t forget a hairbrush! This year will be our 1st time without a tent- we will be Eno hammock camping! Very excited about our new adventure… but I’d love to hear from anyone with advice.
Hammock camping sounds great! What a fun adventure!
Wonderful tips. Thanks, too, for the links to your favorite products! 🙂
Thanks Sue!
Thanks so much for these comprehensive lists! We currently have a tent that has a porch and it is awesome! It’s a great place for kids to take off their shoes and wipe feet on a dry door mat when raining! We have also sat out there in our camp chairs when it’s raining or when the bugs are too much to deal with. Another tip I picked up was to either put pool noodles or glow-in-the-dark necklaces around tent lines so kids (and adults!) don’t trip in the dusk/evening! We have a dedicated short tub filled with potential “inside the tent needs” that we use as a nightstand where i put our Coleman battery powered light that has a clock on it too!
Great tips Amy! I especially love the idea of the pool noodles!
Hi,
This is a great list! We also add a couple solar lights (from the Dollar Store). They charge during the day and then we have a “Nite Light” all night!
Smart idea Chasity! Thanks!
I really liked your article of great camping ideas. We started this camping adventure about 10 years ago. I try to be organized but it never fails that we forget some much needed items and wind up rushing to the closest store to compensate. Even though our children are grown and married, I tend to overpack for the grandkids because my kids still have not mastered the Camping organization. Thanks for sharing your wonderful camping knowledge. I will make sure to pass this info along to my kids.
Yay! I’m so glad it is helpful Sandra!
Thank you very much Misty. Although been camping for several years but its awesome to find everything (specially printable version) here!
I’m glad you liked it Bibi!
I haven’t read through all your comments, but have found a wealth of information in your post here. I’ve based my own lists off of yours.
If you haven’t already looked at it you might want to check out a Double Air Pump. No batteries to buy and it fills my air mattresses quickly. You can even use it when deflating to get them down to the smallest size.
https://www.amazon.com/Intex-Double-Quick-Swimming-Inflatable/dp/B005375LRW/
Thanks Melinda! I will check it out!
We have the Wenzel Kodiak Tent – 9 Person tent and it’s nice and roomy. However, the red pull-out windows on the sides are a weak point. It’s hard to pull the tent tight, which can contribute to leaks during storms. Otherwise a great tent!
Thanks for the tip Kristin!
Thank you for taking the fear out of camping with toddlers.
Happy to help Birdie!
My 8 year old has declared he wants to go camping. It’s been over 10 since the last time I’ve been camping. Your lists are a wonderful tool to help me get reorganized to go again. Thank you.
Oh, have fun! Eight is a great age to take camping. I have twin 8 yr old boys now and they are really starting to enjoy it (and be a bit helpful too!)
This is great! THANK YOU! We are attempting our first camping trick soon (weather permitting) with six kiddos ages 5 months – 9 years. I’ve put it off this long because we’ve always had little kids, but I can’t do that forever. Like you, I loved camping as a kid and want to give that to my kids. I really appreciate how you thought through everything and provided the lists! Soooo helpful!
Yay! I’m so excited for you. I hope that 5 month old sleeps and that you have a beautiful time!
We camped right from 1 month old we found a small pillow or folded baby blanket in the bottom of a laundry basket worked great for baby bed in the tent. Rather than the play pen.
Love the idea of a laundry basket. So smart!
I know your post is 3 years old but what a goldmine of information!! Thank you for taking the time. I am printing it all off and using it!!
Yay! So glad to hear it Dina!
Thank you so much for these lists! we are so tired of over packing just to bring back unused items so frustrating when as a family of 5 space is at a premium. I noticed tent pegs, ax and hatchet aren’t on your list
Our tent pegs (if you mean the stake you hammer into the ground) are with our tent, so we don’t keep them separate, but an ax / hatchet could be useful. Thanks!