Sevylor Water RecreationStearns The Life Jacket ExpertsColeman the Outdoor Company

Kids Camping Checklist

Checklists are a good habit to get into when you prepare for an outing. Print them out, make your own additions, and maybe you can avoid that, "Oh, no, I forgot..." scenario.

Camping Gear

Tent, rainfly, poles and stakes
Ground cover or tarp – keeps everything cleaner
Small hand broom to clean up the tent – small rocks and sticks cause the bottom of your tent to wear out faster
Flashlights – always take more than one
Extra batteries – make sure they are new
Backpack
Fannypack
Eating utensils and plates– Preferably reusable to produce less trash. These also take up less room than enough disposable plates and utensils for a family
Water bottle – You want it to be small enough that it is comfortable to carry, but large enough for 2-3 drinks of water

Sleeping and Comfort

Sleeping bag rated for the nighttime temperatures you expect to find
Air mattress with pump or a camp pad – This will smooth out the ground and let you sleep better
Pillow – Clothes in a stuff sack may also be used
Extra blanket or sheet – just in case it gets unexpectedly colder

Safety Items

First aid kit
Compass and map(s) for the area in which you’ll be camping
Brass signal whistle – Great for signaling people for dinner or letting them know where you are
Light sticks – Good for marking paths to restrooms
Emergency blanket – very small and good to keep in your fannypack. They reflect your body heat back to you to keep you warmer
Trail markers
Radio – always bring a radio
Water floatation devices/life jacket – If you will be around water be sure to bring these

Clothing

Hat or visor – To help keep the sun off your head
A poncho or other rain gear
Lightweight jacket
An extra pair of tennis shoes or hiking boots – Wearing wet shoes or boots can quickly cause blisters on your feet
Short-sleeved T-shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Shorts
Pants
Socks
Underwear
Swimming suit

Personal Items

Sunscreen – You will spend a lot of time outside when camping. You will sunburn much quicker than you would expect to. Be sure to get the highest SPF you can find
Sunglasses
Insect repellent – repellents which contain DEET work the best
Biodegradable soap and shampoo – This is a special type of soap and shampoo that is much safer on the environment
Bath towel
Toilet paper

Items for Your Younger Brother or Sister

Pacifier or favorite washable toys
Child-size sleeping bag or blanket
Battery-operated lantern – Their own lantern can make them feel safer when camping

Nature Exploration and Fun Items

Camera and film
Crayons and paper for nature rubbings
Pad, pencil or pen
Nature journal
Magnifying glass
Binoculars
Bird, bug, plant identifying books
Favorite board games and books
Snacks for hikes
Squirt guns, bubbles & wand, a jar for odd-looking bugs, and other essential amusements

Additional Items