Camping with children: the complete packing list for your family vacation
Whether in a tent or a motorhome – a camping holiday is a very special adventure for parents and children. 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 ever traveled with their family knows: the right preparation and a comprehensive packing list are crucial for a camping trip. With our practical packing list, you have everything important with you to be prepared for your next family adventure!
Here is our packing list to print and check off!
Packing list: What do you need for camping with children?
Before adventure and fun can begin, an important question arises: What must be taken along? 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 things must not be missing and how you can optimally adapt the packing list to your needs:
- Clothing
- Hygiene
- First aid
- Documents & finances
- Camping utensils
- Tent equipment
- Packing list for the caravan
- For babies and toddlers
- Games & fun
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.
Generally:
Regardless of the season, there are some clothing items that should always be with you 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 wings (if needed)
Find the perfect travel backpack for your camping holiday!
Packing list: What do you need for camping with children?
Before adventure and fun can begin, an important question arises: What must be taken along? 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 things must not be missing and how you can optimally adapt the packing list to your needs:
- Clothing
- Hygiene
- First Aid
- Documents & Finances
- Camping utensils
- Tent equipment
- Packing list for the caravan
- For babies and toddlers
- Play & fun
Perfectly prepared: The right children's backpack for camping
So that your child always has their most important things at hand – whether snacks, toys or rain jacket – a well-packed children's backpack is worth its weight in gold!
Now to the best children's backpacks for camping
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 clothes your family should pack for the holiday.
General:
Regardless of the season, there are some clothing items that should always be with you 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 wings (if needed)
Order in the backpack? Use our packing sacks to store your clothes efficiently and have them quickly at hand! They help you pack everything important 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 things that must 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 bathing shoes
● Towels (quick-drying recommended)
● Wet wipes
● Soap
● Nail scissors or nail clippers
● Toilet paper
● Laundry detergent
● Diapers and changing mat (if needed)
● Potty (optional)
3. First Aid & travel pharmacy
Small accidents can happen quickly during a camping holiday. To quickly provide relief for health complaints, a well-equipped first aid kit and a well-thought-out travel first aid kit is 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
No matter if you stay nearby or travel abroad – you should definitely think about important documents and financial security.
● ID cards or passports (including children's passports)
● Health insurance cards
● Vaccination card (especially for foreign 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., highway toll sticker)
● Wallet (e.g., money belt)
So that you can 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 always have everything important at hand – and safely!
Discover our wallets now for your next adventure!
5. Utensils 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 detergent, sponges, and dish towels
● Bucket or collapsible washbasin
● Thermos flask or insulated water bottles
● Napkins or kitchen paper
● Trash bags
● Snacks and nibbles
Electronics:
● Power bank
● Charging cables and adapters
● Flashlights and headlamps (with spare batteries)
● Camping lantern or LED light chain
● 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 holidays in the caravan or motorhome to camping? Then these items belong on your checklist:
● Fresh and wastewater hoses (including adapters)
● Power cable (for electricity connection at the campsite)
● Wheel chocks
● Gas bottles
● Tools (e.g. screwdriver, hammer, pliers)
● Bed linen 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, music boxes)
● Swim diaper
● Bottles
● Baby sling
● Compact stroller
9. Games & fun
Games and activities must not be missing on a camping holiday with children to provide entertainment. Here are some ideas for fun and variety while camping:
● Ball games (e.g. soccer, volleyball, frisbee)
● Jump rope or elastics
● Art 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 rascals before, you probably have many questions and are grateful for every practical tip that makes your camping routine easier. We have compiled some questions and tips for you!
Where to go with children in the motorhome?
Are you still undecided where the motorhome trip with the children should go? To the sea or the mountains? Would you rather build sandcastles on the beach or explore nature while hiking? As a decision aid, we have compiled some of the most popular travel destinations for camping in the motorhome for you:
● 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 fairytale-like Efteling Park 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 amidst mountains, by crystal-clear lakes, or in picturesque valleys are ideal for hiking, bike tours, and boat trips. Highlights like the Rhine Falls or fascinating mountain railways offer something for both young and old.
● Italy:
“Bella Italia” is what you call a camping holiday in Italy: from culinary discoveries to sunny beaches and dreamlike landscapes. Here, too, you will 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 camping holidays in a tent, there is no prescribed minimum age for little ones. You can even stay overnight 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. There you can, for example, cook more easily and change your child. Nowadays, there are also child-friendly campsites with appropriate sanitary facilities and even options to borrow baby and child equipment, such as baby cots or high chairs.
Tip: To make sure your child sleeps well in the tent, you can test this by camping in your own garden or the grandparents' garden. This way, as a parent, you can also find out what equipment you might still need.
Keeping children occupied during the car ride
Are we there yet? This question will surely be asked more than once by children during a long car ride. With these tips for keeping busy, you can make the trip more relaxing for your children and yourself:
● Travel games and audiobooks:
Small travel games as well as age-appropriate audiobooks and podcasts are ideal companions on the car ride. The classic guessing game “I spy with my little eye” is also fun for 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 have built up a lot of energy. Therefore, regular breaks at, for example, 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 vacation. Every form of camping – from sleeping in a tent to holidays in a caravan – has its own charm and requires suitable equipment. Off to an exciting adventure under the open sky!
