Ultimate Family Camping Checklist –
What to Pack For Your Next Family Camping Trip
Would you like to print a concise version of the checklist? Click here to download the printable version of our ultimate family camping checklist.
Camping, in general, is one of the most fun things that you can do in the great outdoors. Not only can you relax better in nature, you can also bond with friends that you’ll meet on your camping trips. However, no form of camping will ever beat camping trips with your family. Family camping is one of the most enjoyable bonding experiences that you can do with your family.
There are several reasons why you should do family camping trips at least once a year. First, it is a great way to spend time with your family. At the forest, there are no computers, cell phones, or TVs to distract you. It will be just you, your family, and nature. For this reason, you can fully enjoy fun activities and games with your family. You may even tell stories and share the laughter that you’ve missed because of busy schedules.
Second, children love camping. You might think that all children like to do these days is play computer and video games at home. But, that is not truly the case! What children want is an adventure. Camping trips are full of real-time adventures where your children can be their own playable characters. They can experience making fires, building tents, and exploring forests without a help of a controller or joystick.
Third, camping trips are relatively cheap. Unlike resorts and zoos where you have to pay to have fun, the forest is your oyster! If you prepared the right stuff for your trip, then you and your family are sure to have fun! But what should you take in mind when you prepare for a family camping trip?
The Ultimate Camping List
Don’t know what to bring for camping? Well, feel free to check our ultimate camping checklist.
Camping Equipment and Tools

Toiletries
Additional Camping Needs: Ziplock bags, containers and/or organizers for soiled clothes and other items that need to be segregated
Food and Liquids
Additional Camping Needs: Chocolate/sweets to boost energy in the middle of a tiring day, biscuits and/or other snacks that can be eaten on the go

Kitchen Essentials
Clothing and Footwear
Additional Camping Needs: caps/hats/sun-visors, sunglasses and/or other articles of clothing that can protect you from extreme weather conditions
Emergency Gear and Equipment
Additional Camping Needs: Portable generator, flashlight/ taser (or any other legal self-defense weapons), vehicle jump starter, batteries, power bank, cables, adapter for chargeable
Items for Your Car

Optional For Camping
Gadgets/ Camera/ Entertainment/ Luxury Goodies
Sporting Gear
Pet Items
Tips to Follow
For first time campers, preparing a family camping trip might prove difficult. You will not just be preparing for one person anymore; you will be preparing for your whole family. Preparation might seem difficult, but, as long as you follow these tips, then you have nothing to worry about.
Recheck Your List
During your preparation, it is important to go over your list of equipment to see if you have missed anything. But, take note – you don’t have to bring every single thing in your house. Only pack the essentials plus some other stuff that you might need in your activities. If you bring too much to your camping trip, you might spend more time unpacking than actually having some fun.
Prepare Your Car
Your vehicle is an extension of your family, so it is crucial to prepare it for the camping trip. Remember: preparing your vehicle is arguably the most difficult task in family camping preparation. However, if you follow these car preparation tips, then it will be less stressful for you and your family.

Plan Fun Activities
Now that we’re over the stressful preparations part, it is time to prepare for the fun ones! You don’t have to prepare these activities in advance, but you should already have some ideas. If you are stumped on what to do, you can try simple activities like scavenger hunts, fort building, or hiking. It would be a good idea to ask some ideas from your kids. After all, they are your resident fun experts for this trip.
Expect the Unexpected
The great thing about camping trips is that each day is full of an adventure. On your first day, you might spot a deer or a squirrel. On the second, you might meet a kind family on the campsite. So many things can happen on camping trips, so you won’t run out of things to do. But, in some cases, some situations may require you to take precautionary actions.
In A Nutshell
A family camping trip is an exciting way to bond with the family. You can do so many things at camp, from playing games to meeting new families. Not only are these trips fun and relaxing, they are also educational. You can learn so much more about nature in these trips than you ever could in TV shows and documentaries. But, if you want to make a successful camping trip for your family, you have to prepare it right.
Like all events, preparing for family camping trips is stressful. However, as long as you remember these extensive lists and simple tips, then you are in good hands. Just remember – the stress of preparing for family camping trips pays off when you get there. Seeing your whole family laughing together over the campfire will make you feel glad that you had this camping trip with them.
So now, are you finally ready to have the best family camping trip ever?
Would you like to print a concise version of the checklist? Click here to download the printable version of our ultimate family camping checklist.