The Ultimate Camping Checklist + Free Printable

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Are you thinking of taking the family camping and feel somewhat overwhelmed with wondering what to pack on the camping trip? Do not worry we have compiled the ultimate camping checklist to help you pack for your next family camping trip.

Camping with kids is way different than just for adults. Kids require a lot more items and have a lot more necessities. 

That is why it is important to have a camping checklist before your next family camping trip.

Not only is it helpful to have a camping checklist to help you prepare for your next camping trip but It is also important to meal plan. 

Camping Checklist

If you are looking for help on meal planning and cooking ideas while camping check out Campfire cooking ideas. 

You will be sure to find some simple campfire recipes and even great tips for cooking over a campfire. 

My kids love eating the Baked Bananas! 

Camping Checklist For Campsite

Tent

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A tent that will fit your whole family comfortably is important. You will want to find and buy a tent that is easy to put up and take down. If you buy a new tent for you family camping tip is always a great idea to proactive setting up prior to getting to your campsite.

Sleeping bags/Pillows

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Everyone will need their own sleeping bag. It is always best to check the sleeping bag insulation and make sure you buy one that will keep your family member either warm or cool during the temperatures in which you are sleeping in.

No need to pack expensive pillows. I like to buy the cheaper ones and pack away in a camping tote and only use those pillows for camping trips. That way you never forget a pillow either!

Blankets

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Blankets are a must when camping. I keep “camping blankets” in our camping tote to make sure we don’t forget them. I usually use old blankets that way I don’t mind if they get dirty while camping. 

Portable crib

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If you still have small children this will be such a huge help when it comes to sleeping and having a place for your child to be while you are cooking, cleaning, or playing with your other children.

Camp Chairs

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Having camp chairs to set up around the campfire or the table for eating is something you don’t want to forget on your camping packing list. Having a chair for each person there is a good idea. I love having the kid camping chairs for smaller kids. 

Camping Checklist for Camp Kitchen

Cooler

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Make sure you have a cooler that will fit in your car easily and holds enough for your family. When considering the right cooler you will want a cooler with great insulation to help keep your ice frozen the longest and your food stored at a safe temperature. A trick to keep your food cold is to freeze what you can (that way it works as ice as it defrosts).  

Insulated Bag

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Having an insulated bag can help you make more room in your cooler for the food and gives you a place to store all your water and juices. 

Freeze some of your water bottles and juice boxes before leaving and then pack them along with the non frozen water and juice boxes in your insulated bag. This will help keep them cooler longer and you will appreciate the more space this will free up in your cooler. 

Plastic Tablecloth

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Having a tablecloth can make meals easier to serve and clean up. When you use a plastic tablecloth you can easily wipe it down before and after each meal. 

You only need one per tablecloth for each table. 

Pots/Pans

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No need for anything fancy. Just one small pot to boil water in or heat up some can veggies in and a pan or skillet to fry bacon or scrambled eggs for a quick yummy breakfast to make those kids bellies happy each morning.

Collapsible Table

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If you have room in your car, I highly recommend a collapsible table.  Two would be ideal, but just having one for you to use to keep the food off the ground while meal prepping is a good idea. You can also eat, do crafts and play games around the table.

Coleman Portable Stove

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When camping it is important to have a way to cook up a few easy meals for the kids and campfire cooking is not always the fastest. Having a Coleman stove is easy to set up, clean, and store. Just do not forget the butane canister when packing your Coleman portable stove. 

Camping Checklist for Basic Supplies

Clothes

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Depending on the amount of nights you are going camping, you want to take as little as possible when it comes to clothes. 

This will help cut down on the amount of things you have to pack in your car and unload once you get to the campsite. 

Kids get dirty fast even when not camping. So there really is no need to begin multiple outfits per day to put on every time they get dirty.I suggest bringing the following clothing items:

  • Socks/underwear (double the amount of days you are camping)
  • Weather appropriate bottoms and tops (1 of each per day+ 1 spare)
  • Jackets (rain jacket and for warmth)
  • Pajamas (only one pair for the whole trip, unless potty training)

First Aid kit

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When camping with kids it is important to have a fully stocked first aid kit that includes bandaids, Neosporin, alcohol wipes, small scissors, gauze, and pain reliever and fever reducing medication. 

Also you don’t want to forget the anti itch cream in your camping first aid kit. 

Plastic Grocery Bags

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Plastic grocery bags come in handy for lots of things like storing wet clothes, wet towels, and even catching throw up. Yes, kids can get sick while camping.

Toilet Paper

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This will be beneficial for your campsite in case there are no public restrooms to use. Consider keeping your toilet paper in a ziplock bag to keep it clean and dry. 

Rope and Clothespins

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Bringing a rope and clothespins allow you to set up a place to hang up wet bathing suits and towels so that they can fry. 

Depending on how many clothes you pack for your kids or the length of your trip this will come in handy to keep up with less wet clothing.

Clear Plastic Shower Curtain

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Bringing a plastic shower curtain is a must that you probably have never thought of. 

It is so useful to help cover your campsite quickly if a rainstorm come in. 

You can also use it as a mat for your kids to sit on while they eat, read, or play to keep them off the dirt. 

Backpack

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Hiking is always on the things to do while camping with kids. Having a backpack to carry on the hikes is a must. 

That is why I am including a backpack as one of the basic supplies to add to your camping packing list.

Games

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Packing a few games to help keep the kids entertained is always helpful. If you do not want to pack your own you can always make up some when you get to your campsite like I spy, an outdoor scavenger hunt, tag, hide and seek, and you may even like telling each other camping jokes to help pass the time and keep your kids entertained. 

Fishing Equipment

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You might want to consider adding fishing equipment to your camping packing list if the campsite has a pond to fish at.

Some basic camping fishing equipments would include: fishing poles, lures, hooks, and bait. 

Flashlights and Lanterns

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Having a lantern handy for outside the tent will help you with those late night bathroom trips and cleaning up the campsite before bedtime. 

No need to pack a lot of flashlights. One per person is about right. 

The kids do not need heavy-duty flashlights the small mini flashlights will work perfectly for them. 

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Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is essential when camping with kids. Having insect repellent can help lessen the mosquito bites and ticks that your kids could get while camping. 

You do not want to leave this off your camping packing list especially when camping with kids.

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Some other handy Camping Checklist Items

  • Tarp
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Paper towels
  • Baby wipes
  • Bath toiletries
  • Garbage bags
  • Portable battery charger
  • Portable speaker
  • Paper products (cups, plates, forks, spoons)

By using this ultimate camping checklist you will be prepared for almost anything on your next camping trip!

Grab your free camping checklist today!

Is there something you love to take camping? Share in the comments! 

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