Shelter & Sleeping Essentials

A good night’s sleep is the foundation of every great trip.

• Tent with stakes & ground tarp → Shop a top-rated family tent

• Quality, warm sleeping bag → See our favorite premium sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad or air mattress → Comfort upgrade option

• Camping pillow → Packable pillow option

• Flashlight / Headlamp (with extra batteries) → Reliable, long-lasting option

• Multi-tool or pocket knife → Leatherman pick

Cooking Gear & Food

Cooking outdoors doesn’t mean compromising on quality meals.

• Portable stove/grill → Shop our favorite portable stove

• Cookware set (pots, pans, spatula) → Family camping cookware kit

• Plates, utensils, cups → Durable camping dining set

• Cooler & ice packs → YETI high-end cooler

• Lighter / Matches

• Food (easy to cook or heat) + Snacks

• Trash bags

Clothing & Personal Gear

Stay comfortable and prepared for all conditions.

• Quick-dry shirts & pants

• Warm layers (jacket/sweater)

• Rain gear (poncho or raincoat)

• Hiking boots / comfy shoes

• Extra socks & underwear

• Hat / Cap for sun protection or winter hat (beanie)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Biodegradable soap or wipes

• Towel / Wet wipes

• Toilet paper

• Sunscreen → High-protection outdoor sunscreen

• Insect repellent → Family-safe option

Outdoor Must-Haves

• Lantern → Top-rated BioLite Alpenglow Multicolor USB Lantern

  • Read our high-quality product comparison here.

• First Aid Kit → Adventure Medical Family Kit

• Portable power station → Jackery Explorer 1000 V2

  • Read our Product Spotlight here.

Car & Roadside Gear

If you’re driving to your campsite, don’t forget:

• Auto insurance, roadside assistance card

• Driver’s license, health insurance card

• Travel credit card → Our Chase Marriott Bonvoy Travel Card

• Roadside emergency kit

• Spare car key & tire

• Duct tape

• Paper map / offline maps

• Windshield sun shade

• Chargers (phone, earphones, tablets)

• Gasoline canister

Free Printable Packing Checklist

✨ Want to make sure you don’t miss a thing?
Download our Roam-Worthy Family Camping Packing Checklist — a one-page printable you can check off while packing.

Final Thoughts

Camping with family is all about making memories, not stressing about what you forgot. With this list and our recommended high-quality gear, you’ll be ready to enjoy every sunrise, s’more, and starlit night.

Pack smarter, travel lighter, and make every adventure Roam-Worthy.

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