Yay! You’re planning a camping trip with young kids—way to go! Here are some things we triple-check on our list because camping without them makes the job even harder. Below I’ve linked some of the items we have used and loved!
Sleepy Time
- A blackout cover for the pack n play. If your young one sleeps in a pack n play for naps and/or for the night a black out cover is a necessity. It’s good to practice these sleeping arrangements prior to your first camping trip! I choose one that lays flat over the pack n play rather than the “tent” like options so save some space. It also allows us to place the pac n play with the cover on the side pull out bed if needed.
- Portable Fan. When the blackout cover is on the Pac ‘n Play, it restricts some airflow. You want to be mindful of the temperature in the Pac ‘n Play. A fan is a great way to increase the airflow and keep the kiddo cool! The blackout cover linked above has a convenient zipper opening on the side where I will put a fan if needed.
- A sound machine. In a camper, the whole family is sleeping in close quarters, and often going to bed at different times. Not to mention the noise from the other campers just outside. A sound machine is so important for keeping everyone asleep. I don’t just bring this sound machine camping— it comes everywhere with me!
- A night light. This night light is my favorite! It’s dimmable and has multiple modes. I turn it on the multicolored kid mode-color mode and give it to the kids if I need to keep them entertained for a couple minutes.
- Baby monitor. A baby monitor that does not need WiFi. We LOVE this baby monitor for all our traveling, it’s very convenient to plug in and use. This allows us to let the baby nap in the camper while we are playing outside with the other kids.
Meal Time
- Portable high chair is a MUST. If you take anything away from this list-make it this: get a high chair that is tall, not one that sits on a table. Sure the table top portable high chairs are smaller and more “portable” but having an elevated high chair allows you to seat the baby anywhere, and use it for more than meal time.
- Travel utensils. I got tired of forgetting the kids’ utensils, so finally bought a couple of travel utensil sets that I leave in the pop-up. It’s a little thing that makes mealtime less stressful.
- Paper plate holders. We love the convenience of paper plates while camping. The one downside- they blow away from the toddlers as they are taking 100 years to eat their meal. We found these holders to be helpful!
- Picnic Table Cover. We watched a family roll up their RV sewer hose on a picnic table before. The lesson: never trust how inconsiderate some people can be. Not only are the covers cute, but they’re easy to clean and protect you and the family from anything the previous occupants may have left behind.
Play Time
- Travel play pen. An absolute MUST. Things to look for is an option for shade, ease of assembly and a side door. Our play pen has a detachable top, which we love! A campsite is filled with so many hazards, it’s necessary to have a safe place to put the babe down if needed. Don’t wanna fork out the money? The pack n play can work too!
- Toys. Don’t you forget the toys, you won’t hear the end of it… not that I know from experience. A post with my favorite camping toys- coming soon!
- Lights. One of my favorite things to pack because it’s an easy, inexpensive way to add some fun to your campsite! The kids love seeing the lights and playing with the settings when the sun goes down. Add in some glow sticks for a fun night time dance party!
Here is a list I use as a base for all our trips- then depending on length and where we are going I will use a sticky note to add certain things to the list! Hope this helps you on your next trip!
Packing list
Kitchen
Griddle
Camp stove
Propane
Cutting board
Dish tub
Dish soap
Dish sponge
Paper plates & holders
Paper towels
Portable high chairs
Picnic table cover
Coffee maker
Coffee
Kid cups
Straws
BED
Pac n play, cover, sheet, matress
Sound machine
Portable fans
Baby monitor
Sleep sac(s)
Night light
Pillows
Pillow covers
BATH
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
All in One soap
Razor
Kid medicine
Shower sponge
Shower shoes
PLAY
Dino toys
Car entertainment (Mr. Pencil & Leapfrog LeapTop Touch)
Matching game
Life jackets
Swim shoes
Swim diapers
Sun screen
Sun hat
Sun glasses
OFF
Baby carrier
Speaker
STAY IN CAMPER
Outdoor rug
Folding chairs
Fire gloves
Mallet
Fire pit tripod grill
Skewer Sticks
Kid utensils
I hope this packing list helps as you prepare for your camping trip with young kids.
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