🏕️ Family Camping Checklist + Best Campgrounds Near You
Camping is one of the best ways to unplug, explore, and bond as a family. Whether you're pitching a tent at a national park or glamping in a cozy yurt, being outdoors together is an experience your kids will never forget. To help you make the most of your adventure, here’s your ultimate family camping checklist—plus a few ideas on finding the best kid-friendly campgrounds near you. 🌲🔥✨
🧺 The Ultimate Family Camping Checklist
🏕️ Shelter & Sleep Setup
Tent (with stakes & rainfly)
Ground tarp or footprint
Sleeping bags (season-appropriate)
Sleeping pads or air mattresses
Pillows and extra blankets
Headlamps or lanterns
Pro tip: Choose a tent with room for kids to move around or a vestibule for gear storage.
🍳 Cooking Gear & Food Essentials
Portable stove or grill
Lighter/matches in waterproof case
Cookware (pot, pan, spatula, tongs)
Reusable plates, bowls, cutlery
Biodegradable soap & sponge
Cooler with ice packs
Reusable water bottles & jugs
Easy meals: foil packets, sandwiches, trail mix, s'mores supplies!
Tip: Pre-chop and pre-freeze meals to make camp cooking quick and easy.
🎒 Clothing & Weather Prep
Moisture-wicking layers
Hoodies and jackets for chilly nights
Extra socks and underwear
Hats & sunglasses
Rain gear (jackets, ponchos)
Hiking boots or trail shoes
Swimsuits and towels
🧼 Health & Hygiene
Bug spray & sunscreen
First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, allergy meds)
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
Toilet paper & shovel (or portable toilet setup)
Trash bags
🎲 Kid-Friendly Extras
Bikes or scooters for campground paths
Coloring books, cards, or travel board games
Nature scavenger hunt printables
Glow sticks for nighttime fun
Binoculars or bug kits for exploring
Bonus: Let each child pack a small “comfort kit” with their favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal.
🗺️ Best Campgrounds Near You (And How to Find Them)
Even if you’re new to camping, amazing campgrounds are probably closer than you think. Here’s how to discover them:
🔍 Use These Sites:
Hipcamp – Glamping, tents, RVs & unique stays.
Recreation.gov – Access to U.S. national park campgrounds.
AllTrails – Combine trails and campsites in one search.
Parks Canada – For gorgeous Canadian national parks.
📍 Kid-Friendly Campground Features to Look For:
Bathrooms with running water 🚽
Safe, flat campsites close to parking
Nearby swimming, hiking, or nature programs
Quiet hours enforced for early bedtimes
On-site ranger-led activities or interpretive trails
🎁 Camping Must-Haves for Families:
Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room – Spacious, durable, and perfect for families.
GSI Outdoors Camping Cookset – Lightweight, stackable, and made for outdoor meals.
