Free Printable Camping Checklist For Kids to Pack Themselves

Camping with kids sounds simple, but if you’re a parent, you know it’s anything but. Taking kids anywhere requires planning and prep.

Luckily, this post is designed to make your next camping trip a lot easier!

Plus, the big difference between this site and many others is that we’re giving responsibility to the kids. So, you’ll find a free printable camping list for kids to pack themselves.

camping supplies list checklist printable pdf for kids

Contents

What to Pack for the Family

First, this master list helps make sure you have everything your entire family may need to have an amazing time in the great outdoors. Then, keep reading for the kids camping checklist.

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclaimer for more.

family camping checklist and packing list with kids pdf pin

Camping Basics For Family

These are the things you don’t want to forget! Lots of other things can slide, but these are your must-haves.

Tent
Sleeping Bag for each person
Pillow for each person
Lanterns and lights (extra batteries)
Camping chair for each person
First aid kit
Repair kit for tent
Hand sanitizer
Mattress
Trash bags (for trash, dirty clothes, etc.)
Sunscreen and bug spray
Warm clothing or extra blankets (for when it cools down at night)
Water

Ultimate Packing List for Kids Camping

These are definitely “nice to haves”…

Firewood (often you can buy this when you get there if you don’t want to bring it)
Tarp
Duct tape
Cell phone battery or charger in your car
Toilet paper
Campsite reservation number (or campsite phone number)
Rain gear
A safety whistle
Hand soap
Hats/sunglasses

Kitchen Supplies List for Family Camping

Now, for this list, you probably won’t need all of these items. Pick and choose what will work for your situation.

Camping stove (fuel if needed)
Matches or lighter
Good quality cutting knife
Cooking pot
Frying pan
Forks, spoons, butter knives
Large serving spoon, spatula, other large utensils
Can opener, cork screw/bottle opener, cooking scissors
Salt, pepper, sugar
Tinfoil, plastic wrap
Food storage bags (ziplocks)
Coffee maker
Condiments
Grill grate
Grilling utensils
Paper plates, bowls, coffee cups
Water bottles, coffee thermos
Cooler
Ice
Marshmallow roasting sticks
Cutting board
Dish tub, dish soap, towel, scrubbing sponge, wash rag
Paper towels
Disinfectant Spray
Tablecloth
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate
Snacks

Don’t forget about specific food items you’ll need! Plan your menu, then add your food to the packing list!

Pro Tip: Chop, marinade, and prepare what you can at home before leaving! It can be messy trying to do a lot of cooking while camping, plan ahead and spend your time relaxing instead.

Kids Camping List Extras You May Need

toddlers, big kids, and families at a table

A Toddler Potty Seat

It can be a real pain walking long distances to take your toddlers to go potty. So, a potty seat can be a lifesaver if you have a young one!

Kids Camping Gear

There’s a lot of kids stuff that comes in handy when you’re camping with your children (Ex. baby carrier for hiking). See the full post of great kids camping gear here to make your life easier >>

Extra Clothes and Blankets

Often, camping weather will surprise you. It’s always good to have an extra blanket in the car for that person in your family who’s freezing.

Don’t forget that some camping supplies are easy to borrow from a friend or family member.

What Kids Can Help Bring

All of these are on the kids camping checklist below! Make them responsible for packing or helping with them.

Tops and bottoms (clothes)
Pajamas
Underwear
Socks
Shoes/hiking shoes
Jacket
Hat
Sunglasses
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Hairbrush
Shampoo/soap
Sunscreen
Bug spray
First aid kit
Sandals for showering (if you’ll be there multiple nights)
Tent
Pillow
Sleeping bag
Camping chair
Lantern/flashlights
Water bottle
Safety whistle
Snacks
Games (see ideas at the end of this article!)
Books/coloring pages
Balls/frisbee
Fishing pole
Bug collector (or box)
Telescope (for older kids)

Free Kids Camping Checklist Pdf

Grab the free kids camping list printable below, then fill out the form for more great kids printables and family ideas like this!

Kids Camping Checklist pdfDownload

Let Kids Help Set up Camp

Even if your children are small, they can still be helpful. Let them help you unpack the car, set up their sleeping area, or get the picnic table ready for eating. They’ll feel comfortable in their new surroundings and have something to do while you get the bigger items in place.

If you still feel like they’ll be more work than help, have them collect all the sticks in your area for a campfire later.

Camping Activities for Kids (And What to Pack)

Now, for the fun and games that help your family connect. Here are simple activities that you may want to add to your kids camping checklist as well.

kids activities and things to do while camping, sitting around a table

Hiking

There’s often great hiking at campsites, so if you’re into this, don’t forget your hiking shoes and backpacks.

Bird Watching

Grab a pair of binoculars and a bird book to get the most out of watching the local birds.

Star Watching

Throw your telescope in the car for an epic night of watching the stars.

Outdoor Games

Pack Cornhole, Ladders, and any other easy-to-pack outdoor games your family loves.

Card Games for Your Kids Camping Checklist

A simple set of cards, Go Fish, or Uno can keep you entertained for hours.

Word Games

No packing necessary, unless you want to throw in the free printables from this site (if so, grab access below). Otherwise, use your phone to pull up fun games like kid-friendly Family Feud and Kids trivia questions. (Grab hard trivia questions for teens too)

Find Nature’s Treasures

Not very sophisticated, right?! But you know what, kids can spend all day collecting sticks and rocks and be as happy as clams. So, bring a bucket with you and let them go to town finding the best treasures on the campsite.

Sports / Active Activities

Keep the kids entertained with a simple ball, frisbee, or rope. A glove and baseball can also start a lot of fun.

Go Fishing

Camping gives a prime opportunity for fishing, so be sure to include your fishing rods in your packing list.

Camping Journal or Scavenger Hunt

Enjoy the outdoors by getting to know nature.

Toddlers, especially, are visual people. Print off pictures ahead of time or draw items on paper for them to use on their hunt. Items can include: pine cone, bird, flower, bug etc. This is a great activity to keep little ones occupied if you’re on a walk or hiking where they might get tired easily.

For older kids, buy a camping journal and let them draw and write about what they see.

Catch Bugs

Get up close and personal with the creepy crawly. Bring a fun container to hold your new “pets” while you are out camping. You can also bring a cheap magnifying glass or net to save space.

Reminder: Do NOT let them bring the bugs inside the cabin/camper/tent.

Storytime

Whether you need a midday break with some quiet time or you have the campfire going and are ready to tell stories, a few camping-themed books are sure to be a hit.

Check out:

Here are other fun kids bedtime stories for a good wind-down and great books for toddlers >>

Make it extra fun by hanging up a hammock or using fun headlamps during a bedtime story.

To Consider With the Kids Camping List

Camping is an amazing way to connect. Leave those devices at home and just have fun!

The biggest tip for the camping list with kids is to keep it simple. Don’t stress about bringing so many things to keep them entertained. The new scenery, routines and adventures will be more entertaining than you think!

“Life’s better when you add fresh air, a warm campfire, bright stars, and s’mores.”
– anonymous