All the Kids Camping Gear You Need for a Successful Campout

Unless the weather has a 0% chance of rain overnight, it’s important to have a tent with the proper amount of room for the number of people. And even if it’s dry, a tent helps keep the bugs out, giving a little extra protection too. Plus, isn’t this one of the cooler parts of kids sleeping outdoors? Their own little cave!

Probably the most important piece of kids camping gear for a night under the stars is a sleeping bag. It’s important to get a child the right size so they stay warm all night and don’t wake up with freezing feet. It’s also important to get the right type of weather – all season, summer, or winter.

No one actually WANTS to sleep on the hard ground. Having a sleeping pad underneath really makes a difference in how comfortable a child feels at night. Make sure everyone has one when packing the kids camping gear and everyone will be that much more rested come morning.

When camping, every child should have their own flashlight in their list of kids camping gear. Not only does it make going to the bathroom or finding stuff easier, but also gives them a bit of independence, and let’s face it – they’re fun. Make sure it’s waterproof, and easy for a child to use. This one comes with a carabineer clip, so it can be tethered to a child – no losing this one!

A durable and waterproof headlamp is a must for kids camping gear. This lightweight and comfortable design means safe illumination is just a button away. Kids of all sizes can adjust the soft band, and it comes in a variety of fun colors – perfect for everyone in the family.

Winter or summer, while outside, kids love to explore. Get them their own set of tools so they can have fun getting their hands dirty at camp like their parents. This fun child-sized shovel is perfect for digging for worms and building forts.

Clean drinking water is the number one kids camping gear item needed while enjoying outdoor adventures. That’s why each child should have an easily accessible water bottle with them at all times while outdoors. Keep hydration at the ready with this Camelbak bottle.

Sneakers are fine, but don’t always hold up to the elements like mud and rain. That’s why outfitting children with their own pair of durable and water-resistant (or even better, waterproof!) shoes is one of the most essential pieces of kids camping gear to buy.

3-in-1 coats are the way to go. Put together as one, they’re ultra warm in the winter and can be unzipped and pulled apart for a comfy and cozy fleece, or a light windbreaker for those rainy or breezy days.

When the rain comes, stay high and dry at the campsite by making sure everyone has their own poncho in their kids camping gear. Get a pack of 4, 8, or 12 and everyone from Dad to the little ones will be happy they were prepared.

Whether drying hands after a quick rinse or after a cooling dip in a stream, having a quick-dry towel is the perfect addition to a campsite. Everyone in the family should have a way to dry off when the time comes and giving each child one also delivers a little independence and responsibility too.

Everyone has personal items they want to bring when camping, and kids are no different. Give them a place to pack their own required kids camping gear with a kids-sized backpack. It’s perfect for storing necessities of their own while at the campsite and even hitting the trails while in the woods.

When children are hungry, moods change, and camping may not be as fun anymore. Make sure the kids stay full and fueled up with healthy foods and snacks that are easily portable for around the dirt-covered campsite and any activities on the docket. This kids camping gear will keep little bellies happy!

Aren’t s’mores the perfect campsite dessert? It’s always finding a good roasting stick that’s the issue. Pack each child, and let’s face it, each adult, with their own perfectly portable and storable roasting stick. Great for marshmallows and hotdogs alike!

Another tool to add to the child’s backpack is a pair of kid-friendly binoculars. Not only are they fun to play with around the campsite role-playing Indiana Jones, but also great for bird watching and maybe catching a deer or two on the trail.

Safety first! While camping, each child should have a whistle with them at all times. Tie a light but loud whistle like this one onto their backpack or jacket and they’ll have an easy, yet effective, way to notify others where they are. It’s essential kids camping gear.

Sure, sitting on the ground or a log is much easier for a child, but that doesn’t mean they don’t prefer to sit in their own chair. Pack up a camping chair for everyone in the group, so when it comes time to sit around the bonfire, everyone is enjoying their time comfortably.

Soap and water work, but aren’t always convenient when it comes to washing hands outdoors, let alone a thorough body wash. Make sure to pack plenty of cleansing wipes in the kids camping gear to get the dirt and sweat off and keep everyone feeling nice and clean.

Let’s face it, using the bathroom outdoors isn’t fun. Some kids have a hard time adapting to this new way of living, so making sure the right supplies are on hand is key. This very cool toilet paper holder is perfect for tying up to a tree so children can still have an easy, hands-free way of wiping.

When away from the soap and water and you need a good clean of the hands before eating, hand sanitizer is the only solution. Kill the germs while giving kids their own access with these adorable hand sanitizer bottles. They are perfect for hooking onto backpacks, jackets, and more.

Important for everywhere, not just camping, a first aid kit is imperative kids camping gear to have. And though we hope not, when there are active kids around, it’s definitely going to get used. Make sure it’s stocked and ready to go for any outdoor emergency you may encounter.

A favorite from moms and outdoorsy people alike, Blue Lizard keeps kids healthy and protected with their awesome sunscreen. Even in shaded woods, the sun can sneak in, so make sure the kids are lathered up.

And speaking of protection, everyone needs a hat. It’s not just for the sun, though certainly helpful, but also protects against ticks and bugs that may get into a child’s hair.

Natrapel bug spray is a great solution to all those bugs and pests in the backwoods. No need to worry about harmful DEETs. This bug spray gives up to 12 hours of protection and is DEET-free.

With all the memories sure to be had, having a kid-friendly camera is a must. Take tons of photos, and allow the little ones to get a little photography in, too. After all, adults aren’t the only ones who should have all the fun.