Family camping checklist: what to pack for a trip with kids

Before you pack: match the list to your campsite

A serviced campsite, a basic field and a pre-pitched tent all call for different equipment. Check the booking details and ask what is provided before buying or borrowing anything.

• Confirm the pitch and facilitiesCheck whether your pitch has an electric hook-up, whether showers and toilets are on site, and how far you will walk to them. Note any arrival or vehicle rules and save the campsite’s contact details offline.
• Check what the tent package includesIf you are borrowing, renting or using a pre-pitched tent, establish whether groundsheet, mallet, pegs, bedding and cooking equipment are included. Make a list of gaps rather than duplicating things you will not need.
• Plan for the forecast, not the idealLook at the forecast shortly before leaving, but pack layers and waterproofs even when sunshine is expected. UK weather can change; a dry spare outfit for each child is a small, useful reserve.
• Make a pitch and arrival planDecide who will supervise children while another adult unloads or pitches the tent. Agree on a simple boundary around the pitch and identify the toilet block or reception together once you arrive.
• Build one shared packing checklistGroup the list by shelter, sleep, clothes, kitchen and personal kit. Keep destination details and jobs alongside the packing checklist so everyone can see what is still missing.

For a first trip, borrow or hire specialist kit where possible. After you return, note what you used and what stayed packed before deciding what is worth owning.

Shelter, sleeping and a comfortable pitch

Prioritise a dry place to sleep and enough light to find things after dark. Familiar bedding can help children settle in an unfamiliar space.

• Tent, groundsheet and pegsTake a tent sized for your group and luggage, with the correct groundsheet and enough sound pegs for the surface. Pack a small repair kit if you own one, and check the tent is complete before departure.
• Mallet and a way to mark the kitA mallet makes pitching easier; a bright marker or bag for loose pegs helps them stay together. Keep sharp or heavy equipment stored where children cannot rummage through it.
• Sleeping bags and beddingChoose sleeping bags appropriate to the expected conditions and bring pillows or familiar blankets if space allows. Children may sleep better with their usual soft toy, but keep a backup comfort item at home.
• Sleeping mats or bedsUse a mat, camp bed or air bed that fits the tent and suits the sleeper. If using an inflatable bed, take the correct pump and test it at home; check whether the campsite has access to power.
• Lighting for the tent and pathPack a lantern for shared tent light and torches or head torches for trips to the facilities. Keep spare batteries or charging leads in one labelled pouch and agree where lights go at bedtime.
• A dry, orderly entranceA small mat, a bag for muddy shoes and a separate place for wet coats make a compact tent easier to live in. Use storage bags to keep clean sleeping clothes away from damp kit.

Clothes, washing and everyday comfort

• Layered clothing for each personPack easy layers rather than one outfit for every imagined weather change: tops, warm mid-layer, trousers, nightwear and a waterproof coat. Add a hat if it suits the forecast and your plans.
• Shoes for wet ground and dry timeBring comfortable walking shoes and wellies or other suitable wet-weather footwear if the site may be muddy. Pack a second pair of socks and shoes where possible so a damp first pair can dry.
• Enough changes, with one spare setEstimate outfits by the length of the trip and planned activities, then add one complete spare set for each child. Store that spare separately so it is easy to find after a spill or downpour.
• Wash kit and towelsPack toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, hairbrushes, any usual toiletries and towels sized for the campsite’s facilities. A small wash bag for each child helps them manage their own routine.
• Laundry and wet-clothing bagsTake a reusable bag for dirty clothes and a separate waterproof bag for wet items. If you are away several nights, check whether laundry facilities exist rather than packing for an unlimited supply of changes.

Food, cooking and washing up

Keep the menu simple, especially on the first evening. Confirm whether cooking equipment is allowed and available, and choose foods that work with your actual storage and washing facilities.

• A realistic first-night mealBring a meal that needs little preparation after arrival, such as something prepared at home or a simple one-pan option. Include a backup snack so a late pitch-up does not turn into an urgent shop run.
• Cooking equipment that matches the sitePack only the stove, fuel, pans and utensils you know how to use and are permitted to use at the campsite. Follow the equipment maker’s instructions and the campsite’s current rules; do not improvise with unfamiliar kit.
• Food storage and drinking waterTake a cool bag or suitable storage container if needed, plus refillable water bottles. Check how food can be kept safely at your chosen site and plan smaller portions of perishables if refrigeration is unavailable.
• Plates, cups and child-sized cutleryPack a set for each person, including a mug or cup that is easy for children to handle. Reusable items reduce loose rubbish, but keep them together in a washable box or bag.
• Washing-up and rubbish suppliesBring washing-up liquid, a sponge or cloth, tea towels and bags for rubbish and recycling. Find out how the campsite separates waste and where it should be taken before you unpack.
• Snacks and a low-fuss breakfastChoose familiar snacks and breakfasts that require little equipment. If a child has dietary needs or preferred foods, plan those explicitly and check packaging rather than assuming a campsite shop will stock them.

Health, personal essentials and useful small kit

• Usual medicines and care itemsPack medicines your family normally uses, in their original packaging where practical, and make sure you know how to access them. Include any personal care items children rely on; this is not a substitute for medical advice.
• Sun and insect-weather essentialsBring sun protection, hats and insect repellent if appropriate for your family and destination. Follow product labels and your own clinician’s guidance for individual needs, and keep products stored as directed.
• Simple first-aid and repair pouchA small first-aid kit, plasters and basic tent repair supplies can help with minor mishaps. Check what is in the kit before leaving and do not rely on it instead of seeking appropriate help when needed.
• Phones, charging and contact detailsTake phones, charging leads and a power bank if useful, but do not assume reception or power at every pitch. Save the campsite address and booking details so you can find them without a signal.
• Family files and booking informationKeep confirmation emails, arrival details, insurance information and relevant contact numbers in one place. A shared family file space can make key documents easier for the adults travelling to retrieve.

First-time camping with children: make the trip feel familiar

• Practise sleeping in the tent at homeIf you can, pitch the tent in the garden or living room and let children explore it before the trip. A short trial shows whether the bedding fits and gives children a chance to ask questions.
• Let children own a small jobGive each child a manageable role, such as choosing a book, carrying their wash bag or checking their torch. Keep adult jobs like stove setup and vehicle manoeuvring with the adults.
• Pack quiet-weather activitiesBring cards, colouring, books or a familiar small game for time in the tent. Pick activities that do not need many pieces or a large dry table, and store them where they can be reached without unpacking everything.
• Explain the campsite routinesTalk through where you will sleep, how trips to the toilets work and what to do if a child cannot see the adults. Choose a simple family meeting point and adapt it to the site’s own layout.
• Leave room for unplanned pausesDo not fill every hour with activities. A short walk, a quiet hour or an early bedtime may be what the family needs, especially after travel or a night of unfamiliar sounds.

The aim is not to make the first trip perfect. If one part is difficult, change that part next time rather than deciding that camping as a whole is not for your family.