Six must-pack items for family camping trips
As the summer approaches, families will start planning camping trips to enjoy the great outdoors together. However, what starts as an exciting adventure can quickly turn into a disaster when essential items are forgotten.
Andy Halliday from Lexrope, a UK-based company specialising in outdoor camping gear and accessories, has seen countless families cut their camping trips short because they weren’t properly prepared for camping with children, says outdoor specialist.
To help you avoid the same fate, Andy reveals the six things parents should never forget when camping with kids, and the camping nightmares that can unfold when they do.
1) Weather-appropriate clothing (and plenty of spares)
Picture this: Your child steps into a muddy puddle, soaking their only pair of shoes and socks on day one of your three-day camping trip. Without spares, you’re left with a miserable child with cold, wet feet who wants nothing more than to go home.
UK weather is famously unpredictable, even in summer. Always pack at least double the amount of clothes you think you’ll need, especially socks and underwear. Include layers for unexpected cold snaps and waterproofs for sudden downpours.
To keep them dry and organised, pack clothes in individual ziplock bags. This simple trick can be a lifesaver when you’re rummaging through a tent at night looking for clean pyjamas.
2) A well-stocked first aid kit
Nothing ends a camping trip faster than an unprepared medical emergency. From minor scrapes to more serious injuries, being unable to provide immediate care can transform a small incident into a camping nightmare.
A proper camping first aid kit should include all the basics – plasters, antiseptic wipes, tweezers for splinters, and child-appropriate pain relief. But don’t forget items specific to outdoor adventures like anti-itch cream for insect bites, burn gel for campfire accidents, and a tick removal tool.
Create a camping-specific first aid kit that stays with your gear, so you’re never caught without it. Remember to check expiry dates before each trip and replenish anything you’ve used.
3) Proper lighting solutions
As the sun sets on your campsite, a lack of adequate lighting can quickly become frightening for children and frustrating for parents.
I once met a family who brought only their phone torches for a weekend trip. By the second night, their batteries were dead, and their children were terrified of the dark campsite. They ended up driving home at 11 pm because no one could sleep.
To avoid this, pack multiple lighting sources: headlamps for hands-free activities, a powerful lantern for the tent, and a few small torches for children to manage their own lighting needs. Battery-powered fairy lights strung up in the tent can also create a magical atmosphere while providing comfort to children who might be nervous about sleeping outdoors.
4) Entertainment options for downtime and weather delays
Many parents underestimate how much downtime there is during camping trips, especially when rain forces everyone inside the tent.
I remember a family with three young children who had to shelter in their tent during an unexpected downpour. With no activities packed, the kids quickly became bored and restless. By hour three, they were tearing around the tent, eventually breaking a tent pole and causing a leak.
Make sure you pack playing cards, travel board games, colouring books, and battery-powered speakers for music or stories. Having a mix of individual and group activities helps manage different energy levels and interests. Don’t rely on digital entertainment, as charging options are limited and screens don’t always mesh well with the camping experience.
5) Proper food storage solutions
Food storage might not seem exciting, but it can make or break a camping trip with kids.
A family at a campsite in the Lake District left their food in a cool box outside overnight. By morning, local wildlife had raided their entire supply, leaving them with nothing for breakfast or lunch. With hungry children, they had no choice but to pack up early.
So take lockable food containers, proper coolers with ice packs, and durable camping dinnerware that can handle the rough conditions of outdoor eating. Even in moderate temperatures, food spoils quickly outdoors. Always bring more non-perishable snacks than you think you’ll need, and research if your campsite has issues with local wildlife that might raid your supplies.
6) Comfort items for sleeping
Parents often focus on the practical aspects of camping and forget that children need their comfort items to sleep well in an unfamiliar environment.
Children who don’t sleep well quickly become cranky, making the entire experience unpleasant for everyone. I’ve seen families abandon camping altogether because their children were too exhausted from poor sleep.
Always bring proper sleeping mats or air mattresses, familiar pillows, and beloved stuffed animals or blankets from home. Don’t forget earplugs or white noise solutions if your child is sensitive to the unfamiliar sounds of nature at night. A well-rested family is a happy camping family.
The secret to a successful camping trip is preparation
What I’ve learned from years in the camping industry is that the difference between a magical family memory and a camping disaster often comes down to preparation. Parents sometimes focus too much on the big items – the tent, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment – while overlooking the smaller essentials that can make or break a trip with kids.
The trick to successful family camping is thinking through your daily routines and anticipating what might go wrong. Pack as if something will get wet, someone will get hurt, and the weather will change unexpectedly – because in the UK, it probably will! With a bit of planning, even camping novices can create wonderful outdoor experiences that their children will remember fondly for years to come.
And remember, your first camping trip with kids doesn’t need to be a week-long adventure in the remote countryside. Start with a single night at a well-equipped campsite close to home. This gives you the confidence to try longer trips as your family builds their camping skills together.
Lexrope is a UK-based company specialising in outdoor camping gear and accessories. They offer a curated selection of durable and reliable products designed to withstand the UK’s diverse weather conditions. They are committed to enhancing family camping experiences with insightful tips and advice for camping with children.
