If you are going camping make sure you do not forget anything with our packing list for camping. We have a free printable camping packing list, a printable camping scavenger hunt for kids as well as free printable camping activity sheets.
I have to keep around a Camping Packing list of everything to take camping, because otherwise I’ll forget the most important thing like the camping tent! Until last week I had my list on my phone. When the phone went dead I lost my list. I decided to make another here on my blog that way it is always handy and I can’t lose it again!
Medicine is always at the top of any packing list, because unfortunately we’ve had at least two camping trips cut short because we forgot our daughter’s medicine.
Table of Contents
Here is my list of essential Camping Gear!
Medicine: Prescription, allergy medicine, anti bug itch cream, pain reliever, heartburn tablets, rescue meds
Tent – Make sure it’s large enough that you have a little extra room.
Air Mattress – If possible buy an air mattress that comes with an air pump, it’s just more convenient.
Air pump – I have two types of air pumps, one that plugs into the car that works super fast and one that runs on batteries that goes super slow. If you can air up your mattress without having it inside the tent first I recommend getting the car one.
Blankets – Always take a few extra, just in case. This is in addition to sleeping bags.
Sleeping Bags (Winter weight) – if you accidentally take a summer weight sleeping bag you might freeze! I know, I did this the last time we camped at Mt. Charleston.
Pillows
Cots – I’ve gotten tired of sleeping on an air mattress. It’s still great for the kids, but now days I prefer a cot. I recommend getting an extra long one.
Awning – We put an awning up over the picnic table at our camp site.
Glow Sticks – Tie these around your kids neck to keep track of them at night.
Flashlights
Headlamps –LED Headlamp Flashlight. With this headlamp, you can take a walk at night and be able to see where you are stepping and view all the activity of nature going on around you. Plus, being LED means that it will be a brighter light that lasts longer too! Lighter
S’mores supplies – Roasting sticks,Marshmallows,Chocolate,Gramcrackers
Food
Baby wipes
Hand sanitizer
Books –I always have everyone bring at least one book. Eden reads like a machine, so she always needs to bring two.
Ax – Just in case. I can’t really think of a reason, but we always have one.
Lantern
Chairs – One per person
Citronella candle
Mosquito spray
Wasp trap
Sunscreen
Ice chest
Bag of ice and aBlock of ice
Frisbee and other outdoor toys like corn hole
Bicycles andScooters (if there is sidewalk)
Games: Deck of cards, Uno,Head Banz, Otrio
Camping Stovepreferably one with a coffee maker
Camping Cookware Set Charcoal
Firewood – A minimum of one bundle per night.
Paper goods – Paper plates,Papertowels, napkins, Toilet Paper
Plasticware
Bungee cords
Trash bags
Corkscrew– only if you plan to have wine.
Hats – Baseball hat for sun protection and a winter hat to keep you warm at night.
Gloves
Jackets & fleece pullovers
Hiking shoes
Shower shoes (we use flip flops)
Life jackets
Swimsuit – depending on how many days you are camping you may want to bring more than one.
SPF Shirt
Emergency Survival Kit. Life happens. You never know when you will be in an emergency situation where you need help, but with this kit, you will be prepared just in case.
Lightweight Travel, Hiking Backpack.Be prepared and able to pack whatever items you for a possible day hike or bike ride. You need one that is lightweight, but it offers room for your necessities, bonus it’s waterproof as well. If you get caught in some rain, you may feel the effects, but your personal items can stay nice and dry.
Laundreez – A simple way to easily do your laundry while camping! And if you are like our family there’s always laundry. Always!
Mister – Cool yourself off quickly with a mister.
Heavy Duty Charger
Safe Sea – Safe Sea Anti-Jellyfish Sting Protective Lotion This helps protect againstsea lice. Eden got swimmers itch once when we were camping at Suttle Lake and it was horrible.
Free Printable Camping Packing List
For those of you that like to be able to print off a checklist, I have created this simple camping packing list that you can check off. No two families are alike, but this at least covers the basics!
After many years of camping I now have a few new packing lists you can print. These are both quite a bit more extensive than the original one.
- Packing List for Tent Camping– If you are tent camping print this.
- Packing List of Cabin Camping– If you are camping in a cabin print this one.
Camping Tips: How to make camping easier!
There are a few simple ways to make your camping trip easier on yourself. For example, did you know that they have tents that are super easy to set up called Instant Tents. The same thing goes for a lot of the items like a hammock set up in a little bag. Here is a list of camping hacks to make the entire event easier on yourself.
- Get an instant pop up tent.
- Before you leave the house, prepare as much food as possible.Chop, dice, measure, and mix what you can.
- Use some rope to create a clothesline between two trees. It’s ideal for drying towels and clothes.
- Use small bungeecords to hang paper towelsup under the awning.
- Consider staying at a campground resort that has lots of amenities likeswimming, mini golf, volleyball, basketball, and bounce pillows. KOA campgrounds and Jellystone Parks have these type of amenities and they also offer activities for the kids.
- Save your dryer lint in a ziploc bag and use it as tinder for your campfire!
Camping Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Here’s a quick and easy printable scavenger hunt for kids that they can work on while your family camps.
Printable Camping Games
Even when camping kids will occasionally get bored. Download these printable Camping Games for kids to keep them entertained! Your camping activity sheets will include: Camping I Spy, Camping crossword puzzle, Camping word search, and a Camping maze.
Read Next:
Best Cars to Sleep in for Camping
The Beginner’s Family Camping Guide
If you found this information helpful, consider buying me a cup of coffee. Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!
Pick a Place to Stay
Not everyone wants to camp in a tent. For those that prefer a cabin, we recommend checking out the cabins on VRBO. If you want a glamping experience check out the amazing glamping options on Expedia or visit Tentrr where it’s broken down by state! To find good campgrounds in Europe check out EuroCamp.
Rent an RV
I highly recommend renting an RV instead of buying one. I bought one, only to realize I hated it. RVShare has all kinds of RVs you can rent.
Utilize Our Packing Lists
- Cabin Packing List
- Tent Camping Packing List
- Camping Packing List
Get Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).
Book Flights
I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner!
Choose Activities and Tours
To find great activities in any area I use Get Your Guide and Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals.
Save Money on Gas
Upside, a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.
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