The Ultimate Camper Packing List For Families

It’s that time of year again. The weather is warmer, the birds have returned home from the south, and your kids are out of school.

There’s no better activity to unplug, unwind, and spend quality time with your family than camping!

When packing up your car or RV for your next camping trip here is an ultimate camper packing list for families with a few things you should prepare.

The Emergency Supplies

This list of supplies includes the things you may need in case something goes wrong.

• Camper/trailer stabilizer
• Pneumatic RV jack
• RV surge protector
• Spare tires
• Tire pressure gauge
• Fire Pit wind guard
• Jumper cables/battery
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Insurance
• Registration
• Maps
• Pocket knife
• Compass

Now while you hope you never have to use any of these things while on your trip, we highly recommend bringing them. There is nothing worse than having to end your trip early because something went wrong with your RV before you even make it to your site.

The Essential Supplies

Below is a list of everything you need to make sure you have a good time on your trip and guarantee you won’t have to use your emergency supplies.

• Shovel
• Woodworking knife (for the smores of course!)
• Stakes and rope
• Extension cords
• Rope or paracord
• Matches and lighter
• Tent (if not using an RV)
• Flashlights
• WD-40
• Duct tape
• Dehumidifier
• A pot or kettle to boil water
• A charcoal filter for the water
• A hatchet (in case you plan on gathering firewood)
• Toilet chemicals (For RVs)
• Sewer kit (For RVs)
• Metal or plastic utensils
• Plates, bowls, and cups
• Paper towels
• Pots and pans
• Dish soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Trash and recycling bags (leave the site how you found it)
• Bedding (blankets/sleeping bags, sheets, pillows, mattress pads, pillow cases)
• Zip plastic bags
• Food
• Your clothes!

These are the types of things that are extremely beneficial, yet you might not think of when packing.

You may be surprised to see a dehumidifier listed in our packing list but let us explain.

Dehumidifiers Are a Must

You know that icky feeling in the morning when camping right as you wake up? The one where everything feels just slightly damp?

That is from all the morning dew and humidity.

A dehumidifier sucks up all this excess water keeping your tent or camper nice and fresh. Not only that but a dehumidifier can help reduce the number of bugs you find flying around your campsite.

Now let’s break down the type of clothes and food you should remember to bring.

Clothes List

If you are going during the summer time here is a list of clothing items you should bring:

• Hat
• Pajamas
• Jacket
• Raincoat
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit
• Sneakers
• Hiking Boots
• Water shoes
• Shower shoes
• Underwear/undergarments
• Socks
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Laundry bag

Always bring more than you think you will need just in case. While some campsites have washers, you won’t have time to do a load of laundry when there are so many other fun activities you could be doing instead.

For winter we suggest adding these additional items:

• Long Johns
• Long sleeve shirts
• Pants
• Sweatshirts
• Thick socks

It can get pretty cold at night, even in the summers, depending on where you go camping so always bring a jacket even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

Food List

Now, this is probably the one list you won’t forget. After all, one of the best parts of camping is eating camping food.

• Vegetables and fruits
• Butter or margarine
• Cereal
• Condiments
• Grill meats (hot dogs, burgers, brats, etc.)
• Eggs
• Milk
• Soft drinks
• S’more ingredients (This is definitely an essential!)
• Salt, pepper, herbs, and spices
• Bread
• Baking items (including flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, etc.)
• Canned foods
• Coffee (if you bring grounds, make sure you also bring a coffee maker!)
• Snacks
• Cooking spray or oil
• Peanut Butter

If your kids are picky eaters check out this awesome list of camping meals for kids. Next on the ultimate camper packing list for families are the things you need for a little extra comfort.

The Convenience Supplies

This list is for all the things that will make your trip outdoors a little easier.

• Water bottles
• Cutting board
• Camping griddle
• Cooler
• Ice or ice maker
• Umbrellas
• Camper or RV canopy
• Can opener
• Strainer
• Mosquito repellent/bug spray
• Mosquito coil
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray (saying it again so you don’t forget, you’ll thank us later)
• Camping chairs
• Charging station wall charger/portable charger
• Gardening gloves
• Latex or neoprene gloves
• Aluminum foil
• Food containers
• Alarm clock
• Toiletries/personal items

While those “roughing it” may see these as unnecessary, anyone with children, or just wants to make things a little easier should not forget these when packing!

Personal Items List

While the below items are listed under convenience, we think deodorant and toothpaste are essential! Here is a list of items you should throw into your toiletry bag now before you forget them.

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Deodorant
• A brush or comb
• Hair ties
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Nail clippers
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Medications
• Watch

While the campsite, or nearby convenience store, may have these items for sale, packing them will save you time and money.

The Memory Makers

Now for the fun list! You finally got your kids to get off their phones (thanks to bad reception!), so now is the time to make some memories!

Here are a few things that will make the trip that much sweeter.

• A journal or sketchbook
• Playing cards or puzzles
• Binoculars or a magnifying glass
• Fishing gear
• Camera
• Books
• Water toys
• Sand toys
• Board games and card games
• Activity/coloring books
• Bubbles
• Bluetooth speaker
• Hammock
• Glow sticks
• Chalk
• Sports equipment (frisbee, soccer ball, basketball, baseball, corn hole, you name it!)
• Instruments

If you don’t have room in your car or RV for these things don’t worry, there will probably be plenty of fun things to do at your campsite. But anyone with kids knows that busy children are happy children!

Get Your Camping Dehumidifier from Eva-Dry

Don’t forget to grab an Eva-dry camping dehumidifier to make your sleep a little more comfortable out in the wild.

To learn more about the benefits of a dehumidifier when camping read our article, Why You Should Bring a Camper and Tent Dehumidifier Camping.

Ready to get packing? Fill out the form below to get your FREE download of our Ultimate Camper Packing List for Families to make your next trip one to remember.