Camping with Kids: Packing List, Checklist & Gear for Families

With the right camping gear for kids, family camping becomes relaxed.

Camping with kids means freedom, adventure and quality time together in nature – moments that stay with you. It also comes with one very practical question: which family camping gear do you actually need, and what belongs in a kids' camping set?

The good news: you don't need the perfect kit. What matters is a well-thought-out set of essentials that suits your family. This guide walks you through the gear that really counts – tent, camping chairs, table, kids' camping set – and further down you'll find a complete family camping packing list and checklist to print.

The Family Tent: Heart of the Trip

The most important piece of gear

The tent decides how well you sleep, how protected you are – and whether the trip stays relaxed even when the weather turns. Families have different priorities from solo trekkers: layout, standing height and easy pitching are what matter most.

Which tent works best depends on family size. Two solid options from the Wechsel Tents range:

A good tent is the heart of it – everything else follows.

Camping Gear for Kids and Families: Less Kit, More Freedom

Essentials at a glance

When it comes to packing, less is more. With kids on board, it's easy to end up with piles of gear that barely get used. Focus on a clear set of family camping essentials instead:

• 🛏️ Sleep gear – sleeping mats or air mattresses, age-appropriate sleeping bags
• 👕 Functional clothing – layers instead of bulk (more on this below)
• 🔦 Light sources – headlamps for everyone, including the kids
• 🎒 Well-organised bags – when everything has a fixed spot, you save a lot of stress on site

Tip: give each child their own small bag for favourite things – it builds independence and cuts down on questions.

Kids' Camping Set: What Belongs in the Essentials for Children?

Camping set for kids

A well-thought-out kids' camping set is made up of a few key pieces, each of them robust. Instead of buying a pre-made bundle, put the set together yourself – that way every item fits your child's size and age:

Comfort Makes the Difference – Especially with Kids

Comfortable seating isn't a luxury on a family camping trip – it's the heart of camp life. Breakfast in front of the tent, a lunch break in the shade, dinner at the table: none of it works if the gear doesn't play along.

Good camping chairs turn a break into real downtime – for grown-ups and kids alike.

Everything in one go: the uquip Buddy hauls chairs, table and kids' gear without effort.

Simple Cooking – Shared Enjoyment

An elaborate camp kitchen isn't necessary. A compact stove and a small set of cookware are usually enough. Breakfast in front of the tent, a quick dinner at the camping table, or grilling over an open fire – these are the moments kids never forget.

Family camping is less about perfection than about the shared experience. Let the kids help – even washing up at the tap becomes an adventure.

Playing and Exploring – Kids Need Very Little

Nature is the best playground – kids always find something to explore outdoors.

Kids usually find things to do all by themselves when they're camping. Nature offers endless possibilities – sticks, stones, streams, insects. Still, it can be worth packing a few familiar things: a favourite book, a small pack of cards or a soft toy for quiet moments in the tent.

In poor weather especially, a cosy tent with a decent vestibule – like the Wechsel Voyager or the Cirrus – is worth its weight in gold. The vestibule lets you eat and play under cover and stay dry.

Camping with a Baby – Easier Than You'd Think

Camping with a baby is perfectly doable. What matters most is a cosy, secure sleeping setup and good day-to-day organisation. Many parents find babies actually sleep especially well outdoors – fresh air and a steady routine tend to have a surprisingly positive effect.

A kids' camping chair with a safety mechanism keeps even the youngest secure at the table – so parents' hands stay free.

Clothing: Layering Beats Any Packing List

Camping puts you more at the mercy of the weather than a regular holiday. Layering is the simplest solution: several thin layers instead of one thick jacket. That way you're ready for cool mornings, midday sun and chilly evenings alike.

• 🧣 Base layer – breathable, quick-drying
• 🧥 Mid layer – fleece or light softshell jacket
• 🌧️ Outer layer – wind- and waterproof
• 👟 Spare shoes – a dry pair in reserve, especially for kids

Hygiene & First Aid: Little, but the Right Things

You can keep up good hygiene on the road too. A pared-down selection keeps the luggage manageable: solid shampoo instead of bottles, a mild soap, sunscreen for every age group.

A small first-aid kit should always come along – with kids, it's extra reassurance. Plasters, disinfectant, tweezers for splinters and a tick remover cover the most common cases.

Packing Made Easy – Get the Kids Involved

Packing doesn't have to be stressful. When kids get involved, the anticipation for the trip grows. A method that works: define the space in the car or trailer up front. Whatever doesn't fit stays home. That naturally forces you to focus on the essentials.

Especially handy: lightweight uquip camping chairs and a compact folding table take up hardly any room and pack away in seconds.

Camping with Kids: Packing List & Checklist to Print

Free · tick as you go

Here's the full family camping checklist at a glance. The button below prints the list or saves it as a PDF – ready to tick off before you set off.

Tip: print the checklist, stick it on the fridge and tick items off in the days before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Camping with Kids