Camping with your Family!

What to take camping with kids?

There are so many different kinds of camping from tent and swag to trailer and caravanning camping.  So, from this list, pick and choose what will work best for your type of camping you plan on doing with your kids.

This family camping check list is the basics of what to bring camping and outlines the necessities of what to bring with an easy camping list with kids. All your camping essentials making it easy for you to pack for camping.  Remember...camping is all about enjoying what you can go without (not take with you). 

• Tent and trailer camping.

A camping checklist wouldn’t be complete without the proper sleeping gear. This is one area that if you may spend more money on.  Keep in mind that overnight temperatures can vary greatly especially in desert areas.  These camping items are what keeps you dry, warm and comfortable. There are a ton on the market, so check for the right one for you – do you prefer to sleep warm or cold.... check the temperature rating marked on each item.

Camping Tent – Depending on the size of your family and the type of camping you are wanting this will vary.  Look for something easy to set up and high enough to be able to stand up in the tent for changing and if it’s raining the kids can hang out inside the tent.

Air Mattress – A quick and easy solution to keep off the cold ground. Air mattresses pack away very small to keep stowage compact.

Air Pump – Sometimes air mattresses come with an electric one, most vehicle setups will have an air compressor to make short work of this task.  Keep one that is a manual pump for backup!

Doonah - Completely personal.... if you or the kids just can't go without the doonah, then just throw it on top of everything else.  It's light and can't hurt anything.  It'll keep the minions happy for very little inconvenience.

Camping Pillow.  Don't forget your favorite pillow.  Especially travelling with kids, they will sleep better both in the car and whilst camping with their favorite pillow.  Protect those cherished pillows with camping pillowcases.

LED tent lighting - There are lots of camping LEDs designed for tent lighting.  Search around for something that is rechargeable via 12 volt or USB.  Some have hanging points or magnetic pads that will readily cling to a tent frame.

Ground sheet - Have a tarp for underneath (tent footprint) the tent to keep the bottom of your tent free from rips and keeps the dampness away from the tent.

Dustpan & Brush – Great little tool to keep your tent clean from dirt during your camping stay and also for sweeping it out before you pack it up at the end of your trip.  A must on the camping checklist with kids and dirt!

Camp Chairs - Try before you buy...!!  Always see if you can sit in any camp chair before you decide which one to choose.  Some are very comfy; others are terribly cramped or awkward.  A successful camping trip has everybody in a comfortable chair.

Table - Usually, if you have room, then a good solid folding table is key. A food preparation area is a must, especially with a hungry family.  If cooking with a gas hotplate, or carving a roast, it is a good idea to get a solid, free-standing table.

Cover - Either take the risk that it won't rain or come prepared.  The cheapest and most compact solution is to pack a decent tarp.  Simply tie it up between the trees or tie off to a vehicle roof rack to form a makeshift cover.  Adjustable poles can be purchased along with guy ropes and pegs for more sturdy construction.  A pop-up Gazebo can be very good for longer camp site stays although bulky to carry unless you have a roof rack.

Rope - For the tarp...!! Take some lengths of light rope for a multitude of tasks ranging from tying off the kayak to making a temporary clothesline.

Plastic bags - Always pack plastic bags.  Some to keep items dry, others for rubbish and recyclables or dirty clothing.

Firewood or Chainsaw - A fire is integral to bush camping.  Unless situational restrictions prevent a campfire, you will need something to cut and prepare firewood. If a short overnight stay is planned, then maybe a few bags of firewood will suffice.  Otherwise, an electric or 2 stroke chainsaw is a must.  Check local laws and follow the recommendations carefully.

Clothing - With having a safe and enjoyable camping experience in mind, your choice of clothing is key.  Hot or cold environments will dictate what clothing you choose.  Always take full changes of clothes for the unanticipated needs.  Extra underwear and socks take up little room but could be invaluable. Examples...Jacket, Raincoat, Warm Jumper, Thongs (Not only for the beach but can also be used if you have to use a public shower facility), Hats, Sunglasses, Swimwear, T Shirts, Pants / Shorts.

Footwear - Depending on the expected terrain, sensible footwear choice is important.  Unless you want them ruined, leave the expensive new runners at home.  Good, solid waterproof footwear is beneficial. Be sensible.... If it's a holiday at the beach...take open footwear.  If it's camping in the snow.... take thick socks and snow boots.

Water - Always take extra water.  Figure out what you need on a daily basis for all uses, then take 1/3 more.

Charging station - Regardless of where you are these days you and your kids will want to stay connected.  Watching a movie before bedtime, playing games, charging torches, gps's or your phone.... you will need a good power source and charging dock.  Most cars now have USB plug in ports but it's a good idea to build in some extra ports somewhere out of the weather for extra charging.

Spare batteries - for just about everything these days.

Kitchen starter list

• Pot with lid
• Frying Pan
• Plates, Bowls & Cups
• Cutlery – forks, spoons, knives
• Cooking knives & paring knives
• Cooking Utensils
• Tongs
• Can Opener, Bottle Opener
• Kettle/Billy
• Water jug with tap
• Dishwashing pan
• Dish Soap
• Dishcloths & Pot scrubber
• Cutting Board
• Extra Storage Containers or Plastic Ziplock Bags
• Plastic drink cups
• Paper Towel
• Tinfoil
• Garbage Bags