Camping with Children: The Complete Packing List for Your Family Vacation
Whether in a tent or a motorhome – a camping trip is a very special adventure for parents and children alike. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, families spend time together in nature, go hiking, or relax by the campfire. But anyone who has traveled with their family knows: proper preparation and a comprehensive packing list are crucial for a camping vacation. With our practical packing list, you’ll have everything important with you to be ready for your next family adventure!
Here is our packing list to print out and check off!
Packing List: What Do You Need for Camping with Children?
Before the adventure and fun can begin, one crucial question arises: What do you need to bring? On a camping trip with children, you should not only think about the basic equipment. Other important aspects include comfort, safety, and fun for the little ones on vacation. Below we show you which items must not be missing and how to optimally adapt the packing list to your needs:
- Clothing
- Hygiene
- First aid
- Documents & finances
- Camping utensils
- Equipment for tenting
- Packing list for the caravan
- For babies and toddlers
- Play & fun
1. Clothing for Various Weather Conditions 🌦️
When camping with children, it is important to be prepared for all weather conditions. Nature’s weather can change quickly. Whether sunny days, rainy weather, or cold nights: with the right clothing, the family stays warm and dry. Ideally, check the weather forecast in advance so you can better estimate which clothes your family should pack for the trip.
Generally:
Regardless of the season, there are some clothing items that should always be included when camping with children:
- Change of clothes (underwear, socks, shirts, pants)
- Warm sweater
- Comfortable pajamas
- Sturdy footwear (e.g., for hiking)
- Rainwear (e.g., jacket, pants, rubber boots)
In summer:
- Breathable clothing (e.g., T-shirts, shorts)
- Headwear (e.g., sun hat)
- Swimwear
- Light jacket or sweater (for cool evenings)
- Rain jacket or rain poncho
- Sandals and closed shoes
- Swim armbands (if needed)
Find the perfect travel backpack for your camping trip!
Packing List: What Do You Need for Camping with Children?
Before the adventure and fun can begin, one crucial question arises: What do you need to bring? On a camping trip with children, you should not only think about the basic equipment. Other important aspects include comfort, safety, and fun for the little ones on vacation. Below we show you which items must not be missing and how to optimally adapt the packing list to your needs:
- Clothing
- Hygiene
- First Aid
- Documents & Finances
- Camping utensils
- Tenting equipment
- Packing list for the caravan
- For babies and toddlers
- Play & Fun
Perfectly prepared: The right children's backpack for camping
So your child always has their most important things at hand – whether snacks, toys, or a rain jacket – a well-packed children's backpack is worth its weight in gold!
Discover the best children's backpacks for camping now
1. Clothing for different weather conditions
When camping with children, it is important to be prepared for all weather conditions. Because the weather in nature can change very quickly. Whether sunny days, rainy weather, or cold nights: with the right clothing, the family stays warm and dry. Ideally, check the weather forecast in advance so you can better estimate which clothing your family should pack for the trip.
General:
Regardless of the season, there are some clothing items that should always be included when camping with children:
- Change of clothes (underwear, socks, shirts, pants)
- Warm sweater
- Comfortable pajamas
- Sturdy footwear (e.g. for hikes)
- Rainwear (e.g. jacket, pants, rubber boots)
In summer:
- Breathable clothing (e.g. T-shirts, shorts)
- Headwear (e.g. sun hat)
- Swimwear
- Light jacket or sweater (for cool evenings)
- Rain jacket or rain poncho
- Sandals and closed shoes
- Swim wings (if needed)
Organized backpack? Use our packing sacks to store your clothing efficiently and have everything quickly at hand! They help you pack all essentials compactly and securely – perfect for unpredictable weather changes!
Find the ideal packing sack for your camping trip now!
2. Hygiene
Many campsites have modern sanitary facilities where you can take care of your personal hygiene almost like at home. Here are the most important items that should not be missing in terms of personal care and in your toiletry bag :
● Toothbrushes and toothpaste
● Hairbrush or comb
● Washcloth
● Shampoo and shower gel
● Flip-flops or water shoes
● Towels (quick-drying recommended)
● Wet wipes
● Soap
● Nail scissors or clippers
● Toilet paper
● Laundry detergent
● Diapers and changing mat (if needed)
● Potty (optional)
3. First Aid & travel pharmacy
Minor accidents can happen quickly during a camping holiday. To provide quick relief for health complaints, a well-equipped first aid kit and a well-thought-out travel pharmacy are indispensable.
● First aid kit
● Plasters (in various sizes)
● Wound disinfectant
● Tick remover
● Fever thermometer
● Pain and fever medication (suitable for children)
● Insect repellent (e.g. gel)
● Allergy medication (if needed)
● Ointment for bruises and sprains
● Sunscreen
4. Documents & Finances
Whether you stay nearby or travel abroad – you should definitely remember important documents and financial security.
● ID cards or passports (including children’s passports)
● Health insurance cards
● Vaccination record (especially for international travel)
● Travel documents (e.g. booking confirmations for campsites)
● Copies of the most important documents
● Emergency contacts (on paper and in the smartphone)
● Vehicle registration and driver’s license
● Cash (in the appropriate currency)
● EC or credit card
● Budget for emergencies (e.g. unforeseen expenses)
● Vignettes (e.g. motorway vignette)
● Wallet (e.g. neck pouch)
To keep all your important documents and finances safe and organized, we have the right wallets for you! Choose from a variety of practical models that help you keep everything important always within reach – and secure!
Discover our wallets now for your next adventure!
5. Essentials for a relaxed camping life
With some practical helpers, you can make your everyday life in nature stress-free.
Basic equipment:
● Camping chairs and camping table
● High chair (if needed)
● Picnic blanket
● Sun protection (e.g. sun sail)
● Clothesline and clothespins
● Lighter or matches
● Broom and hand brush
For cooking and eating:
● Camping stove and suitable fuel
● Pots and pans
● Cutting board and knife
● Plates, bowls, cups, cutlery
● Storage containers or bags for food
● Cool box or cooler bag
● Can opener and corkscrew
● Aluminum foil or baking paper
● Spices, oil and other basics in small containers
● Dishwashing liquid, sponges and dish towels
● Bucket or collapsible washbasin
● Thermos flask or insulated water bottles
● Napkins or kitchen roll
● Garbage bags
● Snacks and nibbles
Electronics:
● Power bank
● Charging cables and adapters
● Flashlights and headlamps (with spare batteries)
● Camping lantern or LED string lights
● Extension cord
6. Equipment for camping with children
When camping with children, the right equipment is essential. It ensures comfort, protection from the elements, and a good night’s sleep.
● Stable, weatherproof family tent
● Tent groundsheet or tarps (protection against moisture)
● Pegs and guy ropes (with spares)
● Insect protection net
● Repair kit for the tent
● Sleeping bags (suitable for temperatures)
● Air pump (if needed)
● Pillows
● Fitted sheets
● Additional blankets
● Sleeping mats or inflatable mattresses
7. Caravan Packing List with Children
You prefer a holiday in the caravan or motorhome over camping in a tent? Then these items belong on your checklist:
● Fresh and wastewater hoses (including adapters)
● Power cable (for power connection at the campsite)
● Wheel chocks
● Gas bottles
● Tools (e.g. screwdriver, hammer, pliers)
● Bedding or sleeping bags
● Ventilation grilles or mosquito nets for windows and doors
● Awning or canopy
8. Equipment for Babies and Toddlers
On a camping holiday, you should also take care of the needs of the little ones.
● Play mat
● Warm wool blanket
● Bibs and burp cloths
● Toys (e.g. favorite cuddly toy, musical toys)
● Swim diaper
● Bottles
● Baby sling
● Compact stroller
9. Games & Fun
Games and activities must not be missing on a camping holiday with children to ensure entertainment. Here are some ideas for fun and variety while camping:
● Ball games (e.g. soccer, volleyball, frisbee)
● Jump rope or elastic skipping rope
● Drawing supplies (e.g. sketch pad, colored pencils)
● Craft materials
● Card games or compact board games (travel versions)
● Books or audio plays
● Puzzles or dexterity games
● Storybooks or magazines
● Sand toys
For transporting games & fun – discover our colorful children's backpacks:
Questions & Tips for Camping with Children
If you have never camped with your little crew before, you probably have many questions and appreciate every practical tip that makes your camping routine easier. We have put together some questions and tips for you!
Where to go with children in the motorhome?
Are you still undecided where the trip with the children in the motorhome should go? To the sea or to the mountains? Would you rather build sandcastles on the beach or explore nature on hikes? To help you decide, we have compiled some of the most popular destinations for motorhome camping:
● North Sea and Baltic Sea:
The German North Sea and Baltic Sea offer, besides mudflats, shells and beautiful beaches, also nice, child-friendly campsites with, for example, well-equipped playgrounds and swimming pools. In northern Germany, there are also wonderful routes to explore city and countryside, such as the Mecklenburg Lake District or the Hansa Park.
● Netherlands:
Wide sandy beaches, child-friendly campsites, and exciting amusement parks like the fairy-tale Park Efteling or the Wildlands Zoo provide variety. Bike tours through the dunes or excursions to national parks like De Hoge Veluwe make the holiday an experience for you and your family.
● Switzerland:
Switzerland offers a perfect destination for family camping with its breathtaking nature: campsites amid mountains, by crystal-clear lakes, or in picturesque valleys are ideal for hiking, cycling tours, and boat trips. Highlights like the Rhine Falls or fascinating mountain railways offer something for young and old.
● Italy:
“Bella Italia” means a camping holiday in Italy: from culinary discoveries to sunny beaches and stunning landscapes. Here you will also find many child-friendly campsites with, for example, aqua parks, playgrounds, and leisure parks. Whether the Adriatic coast, Lake Garda, or the Dolomites – Italy is ideal for a camping holiday with children.
From what age can you camp with children?
For a camping holiday in a tent, there is no prescribed minimum age for little ones. You can even spend the night in a tent with your baby. Of course, especially with babies and toddlers, you should make sure to bring the necessary equipment so that your child lacks nothing. However, camping with a caravan is often more comfortable, especially with younger travelers. For example, you can cook more easily and change your child there. Nowadays, there are also child-friendly campsites with appropriate sanitary facilities and even options to rent baby and child equipment, such as baby cots or high chairs.
Tip: To be sure that your child sleeps well in the tent, you can test this by camping in your own garden or in the grandparents’ garden. This way, as a parent, you can also find out which equipment you might still need.
Keeping children entertained during the car journey
Are we there yet? This question will surely be asked more than once by children during a long car journey. With these tips for keeping them entertained, you can make the trip more relaxing for your children and for yourself:
● Travel games and audiobooks:
Small travel games as well as age-appropriate audiobooks and podcasts are ideal companions on the car journey. The classic guessing game “I spy with my little eye” is also fun for the little ones while driving.
● Snack boxes:
A box with healthy and child-friendly treats is a real lifesaver and mood booster during the trip. A small surprise bag with toys or puzzle books can also provide some variety.
● Movement breaks:
After several hours of driving, the little ones will have built up a lot of energy. Therefore, regular breaks at places such as rest stops with playgrounds, where children can run around, stretch, and play, are important.
Conclusion: A camping holiday with children becomes an unforgettable adventure with the right preparation. A well-thought-out, compact packing list ensures that nothing important is missing on the family trip. Every form of camping – from sleeping in a tent to a holiday in a caravan – has its own charm and requires suitable equipment. Let’s go on an exciting adventure under the open sky!
