As someone who has taken my kids on a few dozen camping trips, I have put together a list of the best camping gear for kids that we always bring. These items have made our camping trips go more smoothly and have helped my kids feel comfortable at camp.
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Best Kids Sleeping Bags
Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is a very important piece of camping gear for kids (or anyone). When I was planning on taking my first at 7 months old, I wanted to find a sleeping bag that was rated for safe sleep. I found Morrison Outdoors and immediately bought one for my son and it’s been the only sleeping bags my kids have slept in on our camping and backpacking trips.
Designed specifically for little ones, the Morrison bag provides both comfort and warmth during chilly nights. They have synthetic insulation bags rated for down to 40°F and down insulation bags rated for 20°F. They have bags designed for babies 6 months old up to 6 years old. I love the design so kids don’t slip out of their sleeping bags in the middle of the night and wake up cold. My kids both love putting theirs on in the evening.
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REI Kindercone Sleeping bag
If you have an older kid or you want a sleeping bag that will fit your kid for years, you could opt for the REI Kindercone sleeping bag. It is your typical mummy bag and rated for down to 25°F. I wouldn’t recommend this for babies as it’s not rated for safe sleep, but would be great for older toddlers or kids in elementary school. A little hack if your kid is small is to tie off the end of the sleeping bag so they don’t have so much empty space to warm up.
Sleeping Pad for Kids
I don’t use a kid specific sleeping pad for either of my kids because the extra length doesn’t affect their sleep. My dog used to sleep at the end of my oldest’s pad and now both of my kids usually share a pad. These sleeping pads are all a great option and an important piece of camping gear for kids to help keep them warm at night.
Thermarest Z Lite Pad
The Thermarest Z Lite pad was my first sleeping pad when I started backpacking. It’s a less expensive option which is great if you aren’t wanting to invest quite yet in camping gear for your kiddo. It’s a durable foam pad and offers lightweight insulation and cushioning from the cold ground. It has an accordion-style design which allows it to be folded up easily for transport and effortlessly unfolds when needed.
With only an R-value of 2, it’s a great summer pad but I would look at something with a higher R value if you will be camping in colder temperatures. If you have questions about how to choose a sleeping pad and what R-value means, you can check out this post: How to Choose the Right Sleeping Pad for You.
Klymit Sleeping Pad
Another inexpensive option that is a little more comfortable is the Klymit Static V inflatable sleeping pad. However it only has an R Value of 1.3 so it should only be used in warm temperatures. You can layer blankets or reflectix underneath to add some insulation. It does pack up smaller which is a big plus if you are packing a lot of gear.
If you are going to be in colder temperatures, I’d recommend the Klymit Insulated Static V sleeping pad. It has an R value of 4.4 so perfect for 3 seasons. This is the pad I have personally used for years.
Kids Camping Clothes
My kids kind of wear whatever when we got camping. I do like to find pieces that are durable especially since they love to play in the dirt and rocks. But there are a few pieces I like to bring to make sure they are comfortable.
Camp Pajamas
I love dressing my kids in Iksplor merino wool for pajamas at camp. They are temperature regulating, they are odor resistant, and they are naturally upf so if my kids can wear them the next day and I don’t have to worry about them getting sun burned.
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Camp Jackets
I love to bring a down puffy jacket for my kids when we go camping. They are lightweight, really warm, and cozy for them to wear. I like to throw all of our puffy jackets in this cube organizer to keep them all together so I can find them when we need them.
I also love to bring a fleece jacket for the kids when the temperatures are a little warmer but still cool at night. Fleece is great because it’s durable, doesn’t get saturated quickly in the rain, and still a soft, warm material.
Camp Shoes
With all the different camp activities, I like a pair of shoes that can handle it all. I love the Keen Kid sandals in the summer because they have great traction for hiking, have a solid toe bumper to prevent them stubbing their toes on rocks and roots, and they are made to splash in the water. When it’s cold, I just throw on a pair of socks for my toddler and he’s good to go. Although if you’re camping in much cooler temps, I’d recommend a shoe with more coverage.
Kid Camping Entertainment
I don’t bring a lot of toys for my kids as nature is a great entertainer, but having a few toys can enhance the experience and at this point have become essential camping gear for our kids.
Yoto Player Mini
The Yoto Player screen free audio player is a great way to help kids settle down in the evening or give their brains something else to focus on while they play in the dirt. I also love it for the drive to our campsite. The mini size makes it perfect for traveling. There are hundreds of story and music card options for all ages. You can check out my entire Yoto Player Review and Everything You Need to Know post here.
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Mini Magnetic Blocks
Magnetic tiles are a favorite in our house and the mini magnetic blocks are the perfect travel toy. We use them in the car, in our tent, at the airport, you name it. They are lightweight and pretty easy to keep track of. I love packing these for my toddler when camping.
Bug Net
I bought a bug net for my toddler last summer and it joined us on every hike and camping trip. It is a fun way to get your kids running around and exploring.
Toy cars
I have a toddler that loves to play with cars so we pretty much don’t leave the house without at least one car. I love these mini Pixar Cars because they’re smaller and easy to transport. But any cars will do. I usually make a race track in the dirt for him to push his cars around.
Bike
If you have a kid that can ride a bike, I highly recommend bringing it along. Even if we don’t bring the adult bikes, we will still bring my toddler’s so he can ride around our campsite or the campground while we walk. We started my toddler on the Strider Balance Bike and it’s been amazing. Don’t forget a helmet! This is the helmet both of my kids use.
Kids Camp Gear Miscellaneous
Camp Chair
I won’t sit here and tell you a small camp chair is a total must have, but it is very nice to have and it’s much more likely your kid will fall out of it or tip it over trying to get in it.
I love our REI Co-op Camp Chair-Kids. This pint-sized chair offers a comfortable and sturdy seating option for kids at the campsite or around the fire. It’s lightweight and collapsible making it easy to transport and set up. The chair has a durable steel frame and a supportive seat, ensuring stability and comfort for your kiddo. It also includes a cup holder for their favorite drink and a handy storage pocket for snacks or small toys.
Headlamp
I got my toddler the Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp for his 3rd birthday because he kept stealing ours and he loves it. Designed specifically for kids, the headlamp is lightweight and compact, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. It features a simple and intuitive closure system, making it easy for kids to operate independently. The Wiz Headlamp Kids also is durable and is able to withstand the rough and tumble of kids’ outdoor adventures. Safety is a top priority, and this headlamp has child-has a breakaway elastic strap to prevent accidents.
Sound Machine
This lightweight sound machine keeps us all sleeping through the night. USB rechargeable.
Sunscreen
I never forget sunscreen because there is nothing worse than a sunburned kid. I love the Badgerbalm sunscreen for me and my kids. It’s a mineral sunscreen that works great, has good ingredients, and doesn’t leave a white cast.
If you found this list of camping gear for kids helpful, check out my other posts about camping with kids:
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