When you think of quintessential summer fun, camping is at the top of the list. Sitting around the fire, laughing with your loved ones, making s’mores — what’s not to love? But, take it from someone who knows (this writer has been traveling the country via campground and state park full-time for the last two years), having the right equipment can make all the difference in the success of a family camping trip.
It goes without saying you’re going to need two primary things in abundance to venture into the great outdoors with your kids: a sense of adventure, and patience. Since those don’t take up any extra room in your bag, though, you have plenty of room for gears and supplies that will enhance your family camping experience.
From telescoping marshmallow roasters to a tent that everyone and the family dog can fit in, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need for a successful excursion.
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Durable Blanket
You’re going to need something soft and cozy but also durable to snuggle up with beside the campfire. This blanket is perfect because it has so many uses. Use it as a travel pillow, light sleeping bag or even an emergency poncho.
Escalante Kachula blanket, $79 at Coalatree
The Cairn App
If you plan to do any hiking or backwoods camping during your trip, the Cairn app is a must. It will allow you to clue family into your plans and then track your stats via GPS ping, which could prove life-saving in the (hopefully remote) chance that you get lost.
Cairn GPS & tracking app, free at Cairnme.com
Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove
You could cook all of your meals over the campfire, pioneer style. Or you could splurge on this Camp Chef tabletop grill and make life much, much easier on yourself.
Camp Chef Everest tabletop grill, $100.80 at Amazon
Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair
Comfortable chairs that won’t break the bank or just plain break are a must for family camping adventures. These easily fold for stash-and-go storage.
Kijaro portable camping and sports chair, $32.62 at Amazon
Coleman Cooler
Bring on the snacks and drinks, right? Everyone knows that’s one of the best parts of a camping trip for the kiddos. We love the vintage styling of this Coleman cooler, and it is refreshingly affordable.
Coleman retro-style belted cooler, $79.95 at Amazon
Coleman Kids Sleeping Bag
For you, any old sleeping bag will probably get the job done. But the kids are going to want something a little more fun, like this Coleman Kids’ sleeping bag with a fun print inside. Plus, it’ll keep the kids warm and toasty in temps all the way down to 50 degrees.
Coleman Kids 50 sleeping bag, $19.99 at Amazon
All-Purpose First Aid Kit
Listen, this won’t be the item anyone is super-pumped to pack. But it will be the item everyone is pumped to have on hand for anything from a scraped knee to a s’mores burn.
299-piece first aid kit, $15.87 at Amazon
Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight
Little feet stumbling around in the dark looking for the tent are a recipe for disaster. Not only will these Foxelli headlights lead the way, but little ones will also feel cool wearing them around.
Foxelli bright white LED headlight, $12.97 at Amazon
Internova 1000 LED Lantern
When the sun starts to set, you’ll be grateful you have this super-bright 360-degree LED lantern to illuminate your campsite. They’re cheap enough to grab one for each tent, too.
Internova camping lantern, $44.97 at Amazon
CamelBak Kids’ Mini M.U.L.E.
If you’ve ever shared your water bottle with kids during a camping hike, you’ll probably already adding this kids’ hydration backpack to your online shopping cart. Staying hydrated is important, making this pack a practical choice that just so happens to also be cute.
CamelBak Kids’ 50 oz hydration pack, $50 at Camelbak
MalloMe Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
The minute you experience what making s’mores is like with these telescoping skewers, you’ll wonder how you lasted so long in the world without them.
MalloMe set of 5 s’mores skewers, $21.99 at Amazon
Mosquito Repellant Bracelet Bands
How prepared you are to stave off mosquitoes can make or break a camping trip. You can feel good about packing these bug repellent bracelets since they’re highly effective and utilize natural ingredients that are safe for young campers.
Premium pest control bug repellent bracelets, $16.99/12-pack at Amazon
Mud Dog Travel Shower
You can’t forget about your four-legged family members! Whether you’re on the trail and your pup needs a quick cooldown or he managed to find a mudhole to roll in, this portable soda bottle shower will prove super useful.
Mud Dog portable soda bottle shower, $11.69 at Amazon
Overmont All-Round Dutch Oven
For families who love the old-school feel of camping over an open fire, consider this Overmont all-round dutch oven. And if you’re looking for a wow-worthy dessert to make in it, trust us when we say dutch oven pineapple upside down cake is pure heaven.
Overmont 9-quart all-round Dutch oven, $62.99 at Amazon
Ozark Trail Family Cabin Tent
Part of camping’s appeal is being in close quarters with your family, but you also want enough space that you don’t feel like sardines. This Ozark tent comfortably sleeps 10, so everyone can spread out a little.
Ozark 10-person family tent, $147.25 at Amazon
Tribit XSound Go Bluetooth Speakers
When you’re sitting outside by the campfire, having your favorite tunes stream in the background really amps up the feel-good vibes. A portable Bluetooth speaker means you can take the tunes anywhere.
Tribit portable Bluetooth speakers, $32.99 at Amazon
Luminoodle
There’s just something about string lights overhead that makes a campsite feel exponentially more inviting. But untangling and fussing with string lights? No fun. Luminoodle is easy to pack up, easy to string, and still provides that glowy ambience you crave.
Luminoodle portable LED light, $19.99 at Amazon
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