Essential Camping Gear for Families

September is here, marking the beginning of a new school year for many kids across the country. But that doesn’t mean the outdoor adventures need to come to a halt! In fact, with camping season winding down in many areas, now is the perfect time to make the most of the remaining weeks. With just a month or so left, squeezing in one last family camping trip is absolutely recommended.

To help you make the most of your outdoor adventures, here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you're fully prepared for your next family camping trip!

How to Prepare Your Kids

Talk About What to Expect

Before your trip, sit down with your kids and talk about what camping is really like. Explain that while camping offers a lot of fun activities like hiking, exploring, and of course, making s’mores, it also means leaving behind some of the conveniences they’re used to. For instance, they might have to use a flashlight instead of flipping a switch for light, or sleep in a sleeping bag on the ground instead of their own bed. Discussing these differences helps set realistic expectations and reduces the chances of them being caught off guard.

Discuss Safety and Responsibilities

Safety is a top priority when camping, and it’s crucial that your kids understand this before you set out. Start by discussing the importance of staying close to the campsite and not wandering off alone. For young kids, it’s important to explain the danger they could face if they were to wander off. 

Make sure they know what to do in case they get separated from the group, such as staying put. Consider giving each child a whistle and a small flashlight to carry at all times, and practice using them before you leave for the trip.

In addition to safety, talk to your kids about their responsibilities while camping. It’s incredibly important that they learn the principles of leaving no trace. Set some ground rules for behavior at the campsite. Discuss the importance of respecting nature, such as not disturbing wildlife, and staying on designated trails. Reinforce the idea that everyone’s safety and enjoyment depends on everyone following the rules.

Involve Them in the Packing Process

One thing my son enjoyed doing prior to his first campout was being involved in the packing process. 

If you want your kids to be involved the easiest thing you can do is start by making a packing list together, and explain why each item is important. If you don’t know where to begin we have a packing list below for you to easily use! 

Let them pack their own bags with your guidance, ensuring they have all the essentials like clothing, toiletries, and a few personal items. This can also be a good time to talk about the importance of packing light but smart. It’s so much easier to bring the bare necessities than to overpack and worry about all the extra gear. 

Plan for Comfort and Familiarity

Finally, consider ways to bring some comfort and familiarity to the camping experience, especially for younger children who might be apprehensive about being away from home. Allow them to bring a few favorite items, like a stuffed animal, a blanket, or a bedtime storybook. These small touches can make a big difference in helping them feel secure and comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

If your kids are particularly anxious about the trip, you might even consider bringing along a few small surprises, like a new game or a special snack, to help lift their spirits if they start to feel homesick.

Must-Have Checklist

Packing can be one of the most overwhelming parts of trying to get your family into the great outdoors. Here is a helpful list to use as a starting point when streamlining your process. Click the image or download here.

Choosing the Right Campsite

Let’s talk about the location! Personally I would rather head down a trail and find a camp spot than booking a campsite but this may not be an option for everyone. 

If you plan on booking a campsite it’s best to look for a family-friendly campsite that offers amenities like restrooms, water, and picnic areas. This will allow you to minimize what you bring to camp with you, making the packing process a lot easier. Some campgrounds even have playgrounds or swimming areas, which can be a huge plus when camping with little ones.

If you're looking for a more adventurous and rewarding experience, dispersed camping is the way to go. And we make it super easy for you to find plenty of camping opportunities. With a Trails Offroad membership, you'll gain access to thousands of trails, many of which include optional campsites, eliminating the guesswork of finding the perfect spot.

Each trail is detailed with all the information you may need, including difficulty level, length, waypoints, and what you can expect along the way. If you're ready to explore the great outdoors, sign up for a free 7-day trial of our all-access membership, and enjoy all these benefits for just $39.99 per year.

Once you've arrived at your campsite, it’s time to set up. Whether you're sleeping in a tent or in your vehicle, choose a site with flat ground. If possible, select a spot with natural shade to help keep your tent cooler during the day. Being near a water source, like a lake or stream, can be convenient for cleaning and recreation, but ensure it’s at a safe distance from your sleeping area.

Quick tip: To minimize wind exposure, determine the wind direction and set up your camp either behind or in front of a tree for added protection.

Ready, Set, GO!

Now that you’re prepared all that’s left to do is go camping! 

Camping with kids is an adventure like no other. While it requires a bit more planning and preparation, the memories you create as a family are well worth the effort. From the excitement of sleeping under the stars to the joy of exploring nature together, camping provides a unique opportunity to bond and experience the great outdoors in a way that’s both educational and fun.

By preparing your kids for the trip, packing the right essentials, choosing a family-friendly campsite, you’re setting the stage for a successful and enjoyable camping experience. So, gather your gear, get the kids involved, and head out on your next trip! And stay tuned, because we have a few more posts to help making camping even more fun for your children.