First time camping with the family? Or a camping pro, a kid’s camping checklist is always useful to put your mind at ease. Having a list of all the things you may need will help you have a stress-free trip, prepared for the camping adventures ahead.

Camping with children can be so much fun, but British weather is always a little bit unpredictable. We would recommend packing appropriate clothing. Ensuing you have layers for the evening temperature drop, but also different protective layers in case you wake up to a rainy day. Here’s a list of clothing we would recommend for children, and then we’ve put together a list of camping basics & essentials!

Kid’s Camping Checklist: Clothing

camping puddle suit for kids

When it comes to clothing, you will find you will go through so many clothes whilst camping. So do not worry about over-packing clothes.

Next, we have Camping Basics. For a smooth start to camping, we would recommend pitching up the tent first (especially if it is raining!). Remember not to pack it at the bottom of the boot, you want to be able to get straight out of the car and get started on the tent.

Kid’s Camping Checklist: Camping Basics

  • Tent (don’t forget the pegs)
  • Mallet
  • Airbeds or padded sleeping matts
  • Air pump ( Unless your airbeds have a built-in foot pump)
  • Bedding / Sleeping bag & pillows
  • Picnic Blanket / Blankets
  • Camping table
  • Folding chairs
  • Wind breaker
  • Camping cupboard / storage (this is very useful on a family camping trip)

Many campsites across the UK vary with the facilities, but the majority have a toilet and running water. Remember to check the type of camping you have booked.

Wild campsites mean you will need to bring water supplies. Or alternatively if you are planning for more comfortable camping, you may prefer somewhere with an electrical hook-up.

It is also worth checking if your campsite allows campfires / BBQ’s as you may need to bring a firepit to keep it off the floor.

camping and car picnic

We’ve made a list of camping essentials that will make the camping experience more comfortable & fun for the whole family.

Kid’s Camping Checklist: Campsite Essentials

  • Towels
  • Wipes & Toiletries
  • Light / torch
  • Bowls/ cups/ plates / cutlery
  • Flasks / reusable mugs
  • Sun cream
  • Indoor activities ( colouring / puzzles )
  • Outdoor activities ( ball / beach toys )
  • Toilet paper
  • Potty / portable toilet
  • Bin bags – several, for separating recycling / rubbish as well as for rainy day emergencies!
  • Collapsible washing up bowl
  • Kitchen towel and sponge/cloth
  • Washing up liquid
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Cooler box
  • Freezer packs
  • Hot water bottles
  • First aid kit
  • Camping pan
  • Lighting / wood  (for firepit or BBQ)
  • Kettle (camping or electric)
  • Electric sockets (if you have an electric hook up)
  • Charger bank
  • Spare batteries
  • Charger plugs
  • Water + water container

Don’t forget to add camping food to your kid’s camping checklist! We recommend making up a camping box of long-life foods that you can bring along to any camping trip.

Longer life food ideas for kids:

camping with kids checklist
  • Hot chocolate powder
  • Cereal /cereal bars
  • Juice cartons
  • Dried fruit / fruit bars
  • Their favourite chocolate / sweet snacks.

Longer life food ideas for the whole family:

  • Soups
  • Canned beans/hoops
  • Pasta
  • Oats
  • Tea bags/coffee
  • Long life milk
  • Biscuits
  • Brioche rolls
  • Ready-made custard.
  • Jelly pots

There’s a lot to think about, which is why we’ve produced this family camping checklist so you can make sure you’re as prepared as possible for your holiday under canvas.