Each year since we have moved to Tennessee we have have made tradition of a summer time family vacation camping trip. We really enjoy unplugging, leaving all the electronics behind, and getting lost in the slow rhythm of adventuring into nature, cooking out, catching a nap, and doing it all again. If you can’t wait to get out into nature and relax with your family, here are a few suggestions for camping must-haves to take with you on your next adventure. This list of the best camping items will help you be prepared for your adventure in the great outdoors with everything you need for your next camping trip.
10 Camping Essentials You Need For Your Family Vacation
When we first started our annual family camping vacation, my youngest was 2. Now, my youngest is 9. So we have a few years of camping experience and outdoor family activities under our belts. Each year as we planned our trip, we have have worked on perfecting our camping equipment supplies list. I think we may have it down to a comfortable science at this point. The more camping items you have from this list, the more likely you are to feel right at home camping. However, don’t feel intimidated to start without the complete camping essentials list. We had just the basics the first year and have added to that and improved on the basics each year. The main thing is to get out there with your family and enjoy some time in nature.
Where To Get The Best Camping Gear
If you’re looking for the best camping gear, where you shop depends a bit on your budget, how often you camp, and the type of camping you do (car camping, backpacking, family camping, or more rugged expeditions). Here are some of the top places to find great camping gear:
Outdoor Specialty Stores
- REI – Huge selection of high-quality brands, expert advice, generous return policy. Great for both beginners and experienced campers.
- Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s – Wide variety of camping, fishing, and outdoor gear, often with good sales.
- DICK’S Sporting Goods – Good middle ground: budget-friendly gear that’s better quality & with more options than discount stores.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Walmart / Target – Affordable tents, sleeping bags, and basics for casual or family camping.
- Amazon – Wide range of gear, from budget finds to top brands; look for great reviews. You may even like this camping basics set available through my affiliate link here.
Must-Have Camping Gear
When you’re planning outdoor adventures, having the right camping essentials makes all the difference between a stressful trip and a relaxing getaway. Whether you’re setting up a base camp for road trips or pitching simple camping tents for a weekend in nature, it’s always a good idea to pack both the big must-haves and the smaller items that make life easier. From a reliable camping stove to keep meals warm to making sure you’ve chosen the best gear for comfort and safety, being prepared helps you enjoy every moment under the stars. Here are your campsite essentials.
Camping Tent
I think that your camping tent may just be the most essential of camping items. Of course, there are those that would rather lay out under the stars but I consider a tent essential for camping with kids. My husband believes in a big tent so we can all have our space. Choosing quality gear really pays off it your weather conditions get wet! Look for tough, ripstop fabrics (nylon or polyester) with good denier and thread counts for better durability and weather resistance/ Choosing the right tent sets the foundation for a comfortable, enjoyable outdoor adventure.
Sleeping Mat/ Sleeping Pad/ Air Mattress
This one really isn’t essential. When I was a kid, we never used sleeping pads or air mattresses, just sleeping bags. But it is such a nice upgrade! My husband got us a Coleman air mattress the first year we went camping and I felt like a spoiled rotten camper. I still do every year and I just grin when I lay down. A little extra comfort goes a long way to a good night’s sleep.
Sleeping Bags
The first year we went camping I just used blankets and sheets from home but a sleeping bag is essential if you don’t have an air mattress. Sleeping bags will get plenty of reuse for weekend sleepovers during the school year too. Plus, they pack up so much more neatly and take up less space than your bedding from home. My kids love their Kids Columbia Fleece Sleeping Bags.
A Good Cooler
My husband is all about a high quality camping cooler. He is always so proud of how long it keeps our stuff cool with just one bag of ice. And frankly, I am always so proud of him for taking such good care of us. The Stanley Adventure Cooler is pretty sweet.
Camping Cookware
The first year we just loaded up a cardboard box with cookware and prep from our home kitchen. After that we decided, it really is best to have separate camping cookware and prep because conditions are different. We love that the Stanley Adventure 10-pc. Prep & Cook Mess Set folds up and stacks up into just one tiny use of space so you can pack with ease.
Camping Dinnerware
After bringing dinnerware from home the first year, we decided to get a camping dinnerware set that would be more convenient and not have to worry about breaking it or misplacing it or forgetting items we need. The compact size makes it all so much easier to pack for car camping trips as well.
Coffee Maker
If you can’t do without your morning coffee, bring along a Stansport Enamel 8-Cup Coffee Percolator & Mug Set. If you can’t do without your morning espresso, bring along your ROK espresso maker. Don’t forget to pack the ground coffee and sugar.
Portable Chairs
Many campsites will come with a picnic table and bench but it is still nice to bring along your camp chairs for more comfortable relaxing. In addition, these are great for family members to be able to carry them down to the river’s edge to enjoy the water. We are enjoying our new Stansport Sandpiper Portable Sand Chairs.
Day Pack
Having a day pack is very handy for bringing water and snacks and a towel along for your hiking trips. The Columbia Clackamas Daypack is one such bag that is a great fit because of its contoured shoulder straps with high-density foam and breathable air mesh for a comfortable fit.
Lantern And/Or Flashlights
I put this one last but it is not least! A source of light is absolutely one of our must-haves. Don’t forget some lanterns and or flashlights. You don’t want to be fumbling around in the dark!
So there you have 10 camping items you don’t want to leave home without! That should be everything you need for a successful camping trip. First-time campers should also check out this packing list for camping with kids.
More essential camping items:
- Portable Wilderness Hammock
- First Aid Kit
- Pocket Knife
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Camp Stove
Conclusion
In the end, the best camping items are the ones that make your time outdoors more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. From sturdy tents and warm sleeping bags to a reliable camping stove and those smaller essentials that simplify life at base camp, having the right gear ensures you can focus on the fun of your adventure instead of the hassles. Whether you’re planning family road trips or solo outdoor escapes, investing in quality gear is always a good idea—it’s the key to creating lasting memories under the stars.
I hope you found this camping equipment supplies list useful and you enjoy a great vacation with your family! The right camping essentials make a huge difference in ensuring that you and Mother Nature are feeling comfortable together. Are you ready to get away for a long weekend and have an outdoor adventure? Which camping must-haves do you still need to get?
Related Posts:
10 Hiking Essentials: The Ultimate Gear Guide For Your Adventures
Stephanie Phelps says
I love the camping essentials list and I am really loving that hammock. You guys know how to do it! We are outdoor enthusiast but still starting out.
Nickie says
This is such a helpful post! Having the best camping items really does make a huge difference when it comes to enjoying outdoor adventures. I like how you included both the big essentials like tents and stoves, as well as the smaller items that are easy to forget but so useful at base camp. Great tips for making camping trips more fun and stress-free! We all love our creature comforts.