By Alex Carrington, Travel Editor at 247 Packing List · Last updated: ·

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Family Camping Packing List

Camping with kids requires two extra layers of planning: everything takes longer and you'll need more of everything. This list assumes children under 12 and focuses on comfort, safety and keeping little ones entertained through inevitable rainy spells.

AWIN · Traverseon

Ultralight tent & SUV camping gear

A 1.58kg tunnel tent that packs to 35×15cm, plus a modular SUV sleeping platform that fits 90% of common cars — built for weekend trips, not backcountry expeditions.

See Traverseon gear ›

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🛒 Top picks for this trip

✅ Essentials Checklist

👕 Clothing Checklist

⭐ Nice to Have

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tent do I need for a family of four?

A 4-person tent is the minimum but will feel cramped with kids and kit. A 5–6 person tent with a separate bedroom pod is much more comfortable, giving parents space when children sleep. Look for tents with a porch for wet kit storage.

What sleeping bag do children need for UK camping?

Children need a child-sized sleeping bag — adult bags are too long and lose heat at the bottom. A 3-season rating (comfort to around 2°C) works for most UK summer camping. Very young children may need an extra blanket.

How do you keep kids entertained when it rains at a campsite?

Pack card games, colouring books, and a few small toys specifically for tent time. Many campsites have activity rooms or communal areas. Embrace puddle jumping rather than fighting it — the right waterproofs make rain an activity, not a disaster.

Alex Carrington is the travel editor at 247 Packing List, building destination and trip-type packing guides from flight-delay experience, family trips and a lot of over-packed suitcases. Every list on this site is cross-checked against the destination's actual climate and airline baggage rules before publishing.