Packing to take kids camping requires planning for every possible scenario without bringing your entire home along with you. Your child's packing list should reflect the type and location of the camp and the time of year. Review your child's interests, medical, mobility and personal needs and how they will affect your child's use of facilities and participation in activities at the site.
Clothing
According to Clark Norton in FamilyFun magazine, "No matter how much you prepare, you can never count on the elements. We've been caught in torrential rainstorms, unseasonable snowstorms and howling windstorms." Norton advises layering a windbreaker, sweatshirt and T-shirt, with jogging pants over shorts. KOA advises bringing extra socks and underwear, two changes of clothes and a swimsuit, plus hiking shoes and pajamas. Bring three onesies, sleepers and creepers per day for infants and toddlers, plus six to 10 diapers and two swim diapers.
Bedding
An air mattress makes comfortable padding but can be cold if the temperature drops during the night. A memory-foam pad, two blankets, a sheet and pillow or favorite stuffed animal are okay for Class B and primitive campsites as long as the weather is mild. When camping in spring, winter or fall, a mummy bag is more effective at keeping your child warm.
It is not a good idea to take infants camping, but it can be done. Layer a onesie, leggings and a thin sleeper and use a blanket sleeper combined with a snow suit and bunting bag instead of a sleeping bag. This way, you can add and remove layers as the weather and temperature change.
Food
Keep foods simple when camping with kids. Pack whole fruits and cut vegetables in zip-top bags as healthy snacks. Peanut butter with whole-grain bread makes a quick, nutritious lunch. Homemade, precooked chicken or turkey nuggets can be heated in minutes. Include raisins and other dried fruit, yogurt snacks, granola bars, popcorn, bagel chips and pita points. Fill small zip-top bags with individual servings of hummus and salsa as dips.
Sports Equipment and Toys
Include anything that will encourage active play, such as flying disks; bicycles and other riding toys; baseballs, bats and mitts; horseshoes, beanbags, sidewalk chalk, sand toys, basketballs and soccer equipment. Bring craft supplies, such as glue, foam trays and egg cartons, chalk, scissors, paints and paper. Include favorite comfort items, such as dolls and stuffed toys.
Medication and First Aid
If your child has any special medical needs, bring enough medication for twice the number of days you will be camping. If something goes wrong and you are stranded, you will have a larger window of safety. Make sure inhalers and epi-pens are clean, full and have not expired. Bring poison ivy remedies, including calamine lotion, poison ivy blockers, sting and inflammation reducers, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and sunblock. Pack toothpaste and toothbrushes as well.
Other Items
Disposable or digital cameras, pocket-size musical instruments, a flashlight or glow sticks, binoculars, a whistle and a compass, water bottles, board games, cards and maps will all be handy for safety or entertainment.
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