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Always be prepared
Camping with kids is always a blast, but it definitely requires some serious prep on the part of parents. Fear not! Our editors are here to take some pre-planning off your plate and make sure that you have all the right gear in tow so that you and your kids can focus on the fun things like creative s’mores combos and mosquito defense strategies.
From an indispensable gadget to jumpstart your dead car battery, to a circus-inspired slackline kit, we’ve rounded up everything you need to ensure your next trip into the wild is a stress-free, memory-making success for the whole family.
Up first: Travel-ready corn hole set
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in October 2013 and was updated most recently with new camping products and gear for families in May 2024.This article includes contributions from earlier gear roundups by Lauren Braden and Tiffany Doerr Guerzon.
Travel-ready corn hole set
Nothing says family fun like a screen-free game of corn hole. This Collapsible Corn Hole Set from Hilmal Outdoors is light for packing and quick to set up. Made of 100 percent polyester, it’s easy to wipe down when the camping trip is over. Bonus: this set comes with a carrying case to make sure none of those bean bags get lost between games.
Up next: Portable car battery starter
Car Battery Jump Starter
Don’t let a dead car battery strand your family out in the woods. With over 100,000 rave reviews on Amazon, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter is a must-have not only for outdoor adventurers, but also for anyone who drives a car. Compact yet powerful, it jump starts dead batteries in seconds with no additional vehicle or good Samaritan required. It’s quickly rechargeable with any powered USB port. Plus, it includes a 100-lumen LED flashlight with seven light modes, including emergency strobe and SOS. I keep one under the front seat of my own car and it has come in handy more than once.
Up next: ENO hammock
Retro style ENO hammock
Sometimes space is at a premium at your campsite and it feels like everyone is on top of each other. When this happens, it’s great to have a few safe places for kids (or parents!) to steal away for some alone time. The ENO CamoNest Hammock is easy to set up and will bring a little flair to your campsite naps in technicolor camo.
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Up next: Bunk bed cots
Disc-O-Bed bunk cots
What kid doesn’t like bunk beds? Easy to set up and take down, these Disc-O-Bed bunk cots are great space-savers in cabins and tents — and they’re much more comfortable than sleeping on the ground.
Up next: Pop-up canopy
Core pop-up canopy
Don’t let unexpected rain, wind or harsh sun put a damper on your fun. Extend your living space with a Core pop-up canopy and protect your stuff (and kids!) from the elements.
Up next: Headlamp
PETZL headlamp
This PETZL headlamp is sure to keep the fun going after dark. Every member of the family will enjoy their own light source for night trips to the bathroom or reading in sleeping bags.
Up next: Cast iron cooker
Coghlan’s cast iron cooker
Campfire cooking never tasted so good. Kids will love creating their own special sandwiches for dinner with this classic tool: Coghlan’s Cast Iron Cooker. Pile up cheeses, meats and spreads between two pieces of buttered bread, lock the iron closed and hold it over a campfire flame or atop a bed of hot coals.
Up next: Six-function whistle
Coghlan’s six-function whistle
Safety is always a priority when you travel with little kids, but kids also just want to have fun. Enjoy the best of both worlds with the Coghlan Six-Function Whistle. Your little one can pretend he’s Inspector Gadget while you feel secure knowing there’s a whistle at the ready should he get turned around.
Up next: Slackline kit
Slackline kit
Test your balance with the Flybold Slackline Kit! Like a friendlier version of a tightrope, kids can walk, bounce or see who can get the farthest. The kit includes a training line for beginners.
Up next: 160-piece first aid kit
Portable First Aid Kit
Be prepared for any camping missteps. This All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit from Johnson & Johnson ensures peace of mind with essential medical supplies for your family’s outdoor adventures. This 160-piece set is compact, durable and equipped with everything you need for those inevitable scrapes and more. It’s a must-have for every parent’s camping gear checklist. Safety first, fun forever.
Up next: Backpack just for kids
Osprey backpack for kids
Give kids a sense of responsibility and ownership on your camping trip by outfitting them with their own bag. This nifty little Osprey Daylite Jr. Kids’ Backpack is just the right fit for mini campers. It has a panel-loading main compartment, dual side mesh pockets and small front pocket perfect for storing treasures found on hikes.
Up next: Pop-up playpen
Pop ‘n Play portable playard
Camping with babies and toddlers can be fun but also challenging. We’ve got plenty of tips to make it easier. One useful item to bring on your camping trip is this pop-up playpen. You’ll thank us when it comes to setting up the tent and starting the fire. With the kids in the playpen, you can rest assured that they are safe and happy as you get things organized.
Up next: Wearable sleeping bag
Wearable sleeping bag
This wearable sleeping bag from Morrison Outdoor Stores is available in two sizes: 6–24 months and 2–4 years. It meets all sleep safe guidelines from the AAP and will keep your kids warm and toasty on a camping trip. Bonus: these sleeping bags zip up from the bottom making it relatively easy to change diapers.
Up next: Where to camp with your new gear
Where to go?
Where to go camping with all your new gear? Check out these awesome ideas for local adventures.
- No Reservations, No Problem: A Panic-Free Guide to Camping on the Fly
- Camp on the Sunny Side: 8 Eastern Washington Camping Adventures
- 5 Nearby Campgrounds for Seattle-Area Families to Reserve Now
- Get Hitched! 3 Fantastic Family Camping Trailer Trips
- 10 Fun Ideas for Your Backyard Campout
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