Family Camping Essentials and Tips

This year we’re planning our very first camping trip. It’s something we’re all very excited about!

I have fond memories of camping from when I was a child. It’s something we used to do fairly often.

Our twins are seven years old and we’re yet to take them camping, but that’s all about to change this year!

The thing is though, I know nothing about camping other than we’ll need a tent, sleeping bags, something to cook on and that’s about it!

I recently turned to the blogging community to ask them for their help! In particular I wanted to know what essential items should we be bringing with us, and also if these seasoned campers could offer up any tips!

I learnt so much from them! It was little things that I would never have thought of that I found really helpful, and I thought I’d share their tips and advice with you!

“Don’t forget wipes, carrier Bags and a dust pan and brush, it surprising how many times you’ll need to clean the tent floor!” Jade from Mummies Waiting.

“We bought this little shelf and it helped us organise all our little bits in the tent so well. Loved it.” Rosie from Mum in the Moment.

“Layers, hats, warm socks and more than you think. The last think you want is cold children.” Ann from Popitha.

“Sterilising tablets are fantastic I use them to soak everything in after I’ve washed up.” Sophie from Soph Obsessed.

“Bring a head torch as it’s easier to get to the toilet block with kids at night if you have spare hands.” Claire from Red Kite Days.

“Mosquito candles for outside the tent. Stops the midges etc coming anywhere near the tent (make sure you don’t put it near ropes or anything flammable). Also Avon Skin So Soft Dry Oil. Keeps the bugs off and moistures your skin all in one! “Neelika from Nel C3.

“Take a dustpan and brush. The amount of grass that ends up in the tent is unreal!” Katie from Mum of 2.5.

“Torches, lots of torches as of course the kids will insist on having one each! Plenty of batteries as lots of the torches etc will run on batteries. I also found taking plenty of blankets handy as the kids like to sit outside with us adults in the evening and its gets a little cold. I also packed some wash bags with us as they are so handy to chuck everything into when heading down to the showers without trying to juggle everything.” Jess from Tantrums to Smiles.

“A potty. Sometimes the toilets can be a fair walk from the pitch, and if someone needs a wee in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn it’s so much easier.” Claire from Life Love and Dirty Dishes.

“Take SIMs (self inflating mats) to sleep on, sooo much better than air beds, warmer and more comfy. 10cm if you can afford it but even 5cm are better than air beds (can you tell I hate air beds?!)” Josie from Me, the Man and the Others.

“Pitch your tent at home before you go and spray some water on it to make sure it’s still water tight. Last thing you need is driving 100 miles, pitching up only to find a slit in the liner, or a snapped tent pole (speaking from experience)” Tina from Mother Geek.

“Don’t buy 1 season sleeping bags. They aren’t warm enough for the UK. Ever. I was camping when it was 30 degrees last summer and we were all shivering all night. I’d get 3 seasons if you can afford them” Tina from Girls Gospel.

“Take bed socks for the nights. Even the warmest days can feel freezing in a tent at night!” Michelle from Time and Pence.

“My family loves going on campings! I always make sure to bring lots of food on sticks like hotdogs and mallows for our bonfire night. I also remember to bring mosquito repellents and anti-mosquito patches/sticks for the kids, and sunblocks to be used during daytime.” Veronica from My Parenting Journey.

“Take some bottles of water for night time, nothing worse then waking up thirsty and having to walk to the bathroom.” Carla-Marie from My Bump2Baby.

“Taking a gazebo is a great way to get extra covered space especially if it rains or from the sun.” Renee from the Empowered Mother Collective.

In addition to the tips above, here are some great blog posts written by other bloggers with their essentials, tips and advice:

Family Glamping Holidays

Essential Things to Pack for a Family Camping Trip with the Kids

Tips for Camping with Twins Part One and Part Two

Children’s Camping Bunkbed Review

Tips for Camping with Toddlers

Have you got any tips you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.