Camping in The Summer With Children

• Large bucket with handle
  A large bucket is useful when camping for carrying water, washing dishes, and storing items. It is also useful for washing children's feet after a fun day of camping and exploring.
• Travel and camping activities for the children.
  Remember to bring both indoor and outdoor games and activities. Music with headphones is usually enjoyed by all ages.

  To keep toys and items from breaking, store them in their own reseal-able bag (if possible) then pack all activity items in a plastic storage bin.
• Tent w/ stakes (see Tent Selection.)
  Even if you plan to camp with a camper, bringing a tent along will provide a fun place for kids to nap, a private place to change diapers, somewhere to escape bugs, avoid the sun, or store food. Choose a tent based on size and durability, quick and easy to assemble, and water-repellent.
• Tarp
  Be sure to fold tarp so that the edges are underneath the sides of the tent, this helps prevent water buildup on the tarp
• Cotton rope
• Duct tape
  Can be used for almost anything, helpful treatment for blisters
• Bungee cords of various lengths
• Sleeping bag
  When camping, choose a sleeping bag for comfort. If sleeping outdoors in a tent pay attention to material (rain repellent is best) and level of warmth.
• Air mattress or camping pad
• Pillows for comfortable sleeping
  A waterproof cover (to protect the pillow) is recommended when camping.
• Cotton blanket (for comfort)
• Mosquito netting
• Mosquito & bug repellent
  The most effective mosquito and bug repellent is usually a product which contains Deet. However, this chemical may not be safe, especially in high concentration. Deet-based bug repellents are generally not recommended for small children or placed on the hands or near the mouth or eyes. A substitute of Deet bug repellent is skin-so-soft (by Avon) or citronella.
• Sunscreen
• First-aid kit. We like Coleman Base Camp First Aid Kit
  The first aid kit you bring on your summer camping trip with children will probably need different items than a general first aid kit. Include items that are specific to your child's needs.

  If you wish to create your own first aid kit, see our First Aid Kit checklist.
• Entertainment items (games, books, music, sports balls)
• Toiletries
  • Toilet paper (in a waterproof bag)
  • liquid bath soap
  • shampoo
  • nail clippers and tweezers
  • toothbrush and toothpaste
  • deodorant
  • razor
  • lotion
  • brush or comb
  • feminine hygiene products
  • diapers (if needed)
• Backpack and/or fanny-pack
• Extra batteries
• Paperwork (stored in a zipped, waterproof bag)
  • Maps
  • Identification
  • Medical cards
  • Park reservation
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Emergency phone numbers
• Large (and small) plastic garbage bags
  These have so many uses aside from just holding garbage. You should pack at least 4 garbage bags for each day you will be camping.
• Camera
  Most children love to have their own camera when camping. A disposable camera may be less expensive, but having their own digital camera will increase the fun in knowing they can click away at anything they see.
• Binoculars
  Child-sized binoculars will make a hike or bird-watching activity even more fun for young children.
• Cell phone
  Tape a label onto the back of your phone with the number to call if the phone is lost.
• GPS (like this one)
• Clothes for summer camping
  Don't forget:

  • Swimsuit
  • Rain gear
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Clothing items for warm and cool weather
• Tools (ax, saw, hammer, shovel, knife)
• Bottled water
• Fire starter
  Shredded paper makes a great fire starter for camping. Fill several large reseal-able bags so the air can be removed and the bag compressed for storage.
• Bon fire skewers
• Flashlights or headlamps
  Pack small, easy-to-carry flashlights for children. Headlamps that are worn on your head are especially nice to use when camping. Children also enjoy glow-in-the-dark luminaries when camping and playing outdoors after dark.
• Snacks and juice
• Food, cooking equipment, serving and eating utensils
• Bottles and Sippy cups
• Paper towels (separated and stored in a reseal-able bag)
  When camping in the summer with children, paper towels are much more useful than wet wipes. Pack at least 3 per person for each day of camping.
• Shoes and sandals
  Hiking boots are rarely needed when summer camping with children. Good quality athletic shoes and soft, cotton socks are usually preferred by children for hiking. Sandals that can be worn for play and in water are most popular with children of all ages and wearing sandals means less dirty socks.
• Stove and fuel
• Lantern
• Bath towels