What to bring on a camping trip with kids

Family tent

Choosing a tent that is reliable, easy to set up, and large enough for everyone to get a good night's sleep is the first step to a successful family car camping adventure.

• Kelty Wireless 6 Tent

Spacious and easy to pitch, this dome tent from Kelty has the other features most families need: two large doors, a spacious vestibule, and an affordable price. It's one of the best camping tents for families, but the trade-off is its bulky fiberglass poles and flimsy stakes.

Kids sleeping bag

A good kids' sleeping bag will keep your child warm and dry and can be used overnight and under the stars.

• Big Agnes Little Red

A smaller version of the Wolverine, the Little Red has earned rave reviews among wilderness campers up to 4 feet 5 years old.

Sleeping pad

Sleeping pads provide cushioning and insulation, which is essential for staying comfortable outside your tent. Most kids don't need fancy pads; before buying a new one, consider whether an old exercise mat, small futon, or inflatable mattress will suffice.

• Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad

The 3-inch-thick, extra-warm Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap is as comfortable as any similar pad and easier to inflate, deflate, roll, and store.

Headlamp

Many kids love having their headlamps. It's essential when you're making s'mores or going to the outdoor restroom in the middle of the night, and it's fun to read under the covers or hide in a closet at home.

• Black Diamond Spot 400

Bright, durable, and with a long runtime, the Black Diamond Spot offers the best combination of the most important features at an affordable price.

Lantern

Compact LED lights offer more power and less hassle than large, traditional camping lights. It will light up your picnic table and is lightweight enough to hang from the ceiling of most tents.

• UST 60 Day Duro Lantern

The UST 60-Day Duro Lantern is brighter and more rugged than any camping light we've tested. It gives you a dim glow for reading or illuminates your entire campsite.

Water bottles

Day hikes, campfire dinners, and long drives go much smoother when everyone has their leak-proof water bottle.

• Takeya Actives Kids Insulated Water Bottle With Straw Lid (14 ounces)

The Takeya Actives Kids Insulated Water Bottle holds a little more liquid, has a faster-flowing spout, and looks a little more grown-up than our other options, making it a great choice for older kids.

First aid kit

Bumps and scrapes are almost inevitable when camping with kids, so it's wise to be prepared for other first aid needs. These pre-packaged first aid kits come with all the essentials, and their divided bins provide a useful base for restocking your supplies. Scale up to accommodate larger groups.

• Welly Bravery Badges

If a special bandage can lift your child's spirits after a cut or scrape (or help them stop catching bug bites), then Welly's latex-free bandages can help put a smile back on their face with cheerful prints, including camping-themed sets.

Kids camping and hiking backpack

Hiking packs are designed to carry gear and clothing, not books and binders. Our favorites have chest straps and waistbands for added comfort.

• Osprey Jet 18

This backpack for older children also comes with an external airbag pocket and good ventilation between the back and the pack but does not come with an airbag.