Camping with kids is no picnic—in fact, it ventures far beyond the brevity of a picnic blanket into uncertain, precarious waters of soggy towels, tangled guyropes, cramped quarters, and midnight meltdowns. Yet many parents brave these waters, convinced the trip builds character and a love for the outdoors.
As a parent of two young children, I've learned that beyond the basics (tent, mats, sleeping bags, cookware and blankets), certain items make camping with kids far less stressful. Practical organizers, awnings, and distractions like games and activities can transform the experience.
After a weekend refresher at Holden Farm in the South Downs with my six-year-old, here are the gear recommendations from fellow parents—plus what you truly don't need.
What to Pack for Camping with Kids
Camping Lantern
My six-year-old still gets most excited about monopolizing this multifunctional, rechargeable torch. It combines a main beam for night walks, a sidelight for inside the tent, and a flashing red emergency light. Large but lightweight, it lets him lead the way. - Matt Collins
Foldable Camping Table
"This is the first thing we set up when camping with the children, so they can entertain themselves with coloring while the tent goes up. They can sit at it to eat meals, play, or organize nature finds—it's their space on the campsite." - Hannah, Hampshire
Stackable Trugs
"You need order in the tent to avoid chaos. Stackable trugs are fantastic: one for shoes, one for dirty washing-up, another for clean utensils and plates." - Lucy, Suffolk
Tent Porch or Awning
"Tents feel pokey once everyone and everything is inside. Adding a porch or awning gives extra space for eating, changing, or storage, especially in bad weather." - John, Kent
Camping Shelter
"A separate shelter for kids, away from the stuffy tent, is useful. A tarp can be fiddly to set up alone, but it's nice once it's up." - Tom, Birmingham
Flying Disc
You might hope nature provides all the stimulation kids need, but a simple flying disc is a failsafe source of active fun that keeps them engaged outdoors.
Marshmallows for toasting are a time-honored, low-stress way to make camping magical for children.