Packing list & checklist: Camping with a child - well equipped when traveling

Wondering what should not be missing from a packing list for camping with a child?

Packing for a camping vacation with the family can be a real challenge. Even if you've done it a hundred times before, you'll remember three things that you're guaranteed to have forgotten at home.

To make sure this doesn't happen again, I've put together a checklist of the most important things for traveling with a child in a motorhome or caravan.

The list is intended for two classic camping weeks. This means you are prepared for everything, but of course you can also pack less. The practical thing is that most campsites have washing facilities.

Of course, the luggage always depends on the age of the child. Let's start with the checklist for camping with the family.

Packing list for camping with a child

Must-haves for the journey

There are a few important things that should not be missing when camping on a family vacation.

The must-haves on the camping-with-children packing list are:

• Passports & children's passports (for trips abroad)

• Favorite cuddly toy

• Bottle / water bottle / snacks for the journey

• Sun protection for the windows

• Entertainment for the child (space-saving toys, books, music)

• Tablet with games and movies

• For babies: changing bag with diapers and wet wipes

Packing list for camping with a child at the campsite

There is additional equipment that comes in particularly handy on a campsite or pitch with children.

This equipment is supplementary to the basic equipment for campers and the initial equipment for caravans & motorhomes.

• Outdoor games(inline skates, badminton, soccer, bike, balance bike)

• Card games(Skip-Bo, Uno, Memory, etc.)

• Coloring pad & pencils

• Sleeping bag or blanket incl. bed linen, cuddly blanket, night light

• Flashlight & umbrella

• Hair dryer

• Towels & washcloths

• Toiletry bag with shampoo, shower gel, cream, toothpaste & toothbrushes

• Sewing kit & scissors

• Detergent for on the go, clothesline, pegs

• Buggy

Clothing for camping with a child

In addition to the classic camping packing list for adults, here is a list of the most important equipment for children.

If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, an extra list follows:

• Underwear

• Shirts, sweaters

• Long and short pants

• Skirts, dresses

• Sturdy shoes & sandals

• Socks, tights if necessary

• Headgear

• Pajamas

• Cardigans

• Rainwear, rain jacket, rain pants, rubber boots

Beach equipment for camping with a child

If your camping vacation takes you to the beach, the following beach equipment should not be missing from your packing list when camping with a child:

• Parasol

• Sunglasses

• Sun hat

• Sun cream with a high sun protection factor (30+)

• Swimsuit

• Blanket or beach towel

• Water and sand toys

• Beach shell

• Buoyancy aid

• Bathing shoes

• Après sun lotion for after the beach

Packing list for camping with a baby or toddler

If you are on the campsite with a baby or toddler, there are a few extra things to add to your packing list:

• Diapers

• Changing mat, if necessary potty

• Bib

• Bodysuits

• Tights

• Headgear

• Baby monitor, buggy, baby sling

• Fall-out protection

• Crawling blanket

• Lightweight high chair or booster seat

First-aid kit for children

Safety should also be a top priority when camping with the family. You should take the following things with you:

• Fenistil gel for mosquito bites and mild sunburn

• Plaster

• Clinical thermometer

• Ibuprofen juice for children for fever and pain

• Sore throat tablets

• Remedy for travel sickness

• Repellent spray against mosquitoes and ticks

Things often forgotten on a camping vacation with a child

Finally, there is a small packing list with things that you quickly or easily forget at home:

• Sun protection

• Flashlight or headlamp

• Kitchen towels or wet wipes

• Charging cable for charging the tablet

• Hand wash detergent like Rei in a tube, for the little stains in between

Minimalist packing list for camping with a child

Last but not least, a compact packing list for family camping if you are only traveling with a small motorhome or tent.

In this case, it is worth taking multifunctional clothing and foldable camping equipment with you.

The number of items of clothing is per person, so they simply have to be washed more often.

• 2 T-shirts

• 2 sweaters / cardigans

• 2 pants

• 2 shorts / skirts

• 2 undershirts and underpants

• 2 pairs of socks

• Pajamas

• Rain jacket

• Multifunctional shoes

• Headgear

• Flashlight

• Detergent

• Multifunction tool

• Foldable camping equipment

Download free packing list for camping with a child

You can download the camping with child packing list as a free PDF here.

Expert tips on camping with a child in the podcast

In our podcast, Nele and Sebastian talk to Tanja and Nina aboutcamping with childrenin general.

They share their experiences, provide information and practical tips. Have a listen:

Cover picture: © Sandra Meißner