Camping gear for kids that will make your trip easier

Kids and camping go together like fire and marshmallows…unless you’re unprepared and don’t have the right camping gear for kids. Then it really sucks. And although it’s never a sucky idea to get the kids outdoors on a classic caravan or camping trip, your holiday will go smoother if you do a bit of prep work first.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money but there are a few essential items that will make your camping trip a hell of a lot easier if you have them. Whether you’re heading out with infants, toddlers, tweens, or teens, having the right camping gear for kids makes all the difference between a memorable family adventure and a stressful disaster.

Here are our camping gear must-haves for kids, starting with the essentials and finishing off with the ‘nice to haves’. We’ve organised everything by age group to help you find exactly what you need for your crew.

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Kids camping gear essentials

Chairs

Do you know why camping chairs are essential when it comes to camping gear for kids? Because if they don’t have one, they will sit on you for the entirety of your camping trip. Kiddy cuddles are great and all that but every parent has at some point asked for a bit of personal space for five damn minutes. You’ll find kids camping chairs at camping stores and most large department stores.

Whether you’ve got little ones who need a chair that fits them properly or older kids who want something with a bit more features, there’s a perfect option out there. For comprehensive camping gear recommendations for the whole family, check out our complete camping gear guide.

If you know the kids will sit all over you regardless of whether they have their own chairs, check out these double chairs or consider a blow-up sofa with an old sheet thrown on top. These are really versatile as far as kids camping gear goes as really, they can be used by all ages.

Bedding for different ages

Getting your kids to sleep well while camping is crucial for everyone’s sanity. The right camping gear for kids’ sleeping needs varies dramatically depending on their age, so let’s break it down by age group.

Infants and babies (0-12 months)

Caravans and tents are not designed with infants in mind so if you’re enjoying the great outdoors with an infant, you’re probably going to need a portable option for nap time. If you normally co-sleep, just remember that a caravan or camper trailer bed is often higher off the ground than your bed at home so it’s a good idea to place yourself between your child and the edge of the bed.

These two kids camping gear options are great for infants with the first one being my favourite because it provides a little shade for the outdoors and babies can’t undo zips. Well, most of them.

Toddlers and young kids (1-8 years)

If your caravan doesn’t have the space or suitable bedding for older kids, there are a number of choices on the market depending on their age and privacy needs. Try these kids camping gear options for sleeping below:

Tweens and teens (9+ years)

Older kids often want a bit more independence and privacy when camping. A swag gives them their own space and teaches them responsibility for setting up and packing away their own gear. It’s a great stepping stone to more advanced camping skills.

Sleeping bags

You might be tempted to get an adult-sized sleeping bag for the kids so they can grow into it but there are two main reasons you shouldn’t. The first is a safety issue. Younger kids can wiggle down the bottom of the bag in their sleep and potentially suffocate or get stuck and panic. The second is a warmth issue. A child in an adult bag means a lot more air space so it’s harder for their body heat to warm up the space around them.

Kids sleeping bags can be found at nearly all camping shops and large department stores. The type you get will depend on the temperatures and seasons you are camping in. Look for bags with temperature ratings appropriate for where you’ll be camping, and consider getting a slightly larger kids’ size rather than jumping to adult sizes.

Torches and lighting

The kids are going to want their own torch or lantern, especially younger kids. And if they don’t have one, they will probably use your good one and then either lose it or accidentally break it. I recommend a solar torch so you don’t have to keep replacing batteries although younger kids seem to gravitate towards these novelty ones.

Torches make great kids’ camping gear gifts! They’re practical, kids love having their own, and they teach responsibility about looking after equipment.

Handwashing station

While not very exciting as far as camping gear for kids goes, it is nonetheless, an essential item. If your caravan or camper doesn’t have a sink with a tap, you will need to set up a hand washing station. It’s super easy. Just a water container or sorts, soap and a hand-drying towel on a table will suffice. Science has already proven that hand-washing prevents the spread of germs and nobody wants gastro to rip through the family on a camping trip.

Make it fun for kids by letting them choose a special camping soap or towel. Teaching good hygiene habits while camping sets them up for being responsible campers as they grow older.

Entertainment for all ages

Outdoor entertainment is a given, whether it’s a soccer ball, beach cricket set, push bikes or rope toss. But make sure they have a few indoor games for when the weather turns bad. A set of Uno cards doesn’t take up much space and neither does a tablet or phone for movies.

Different age groups need different entertainment options. Younger kids might need more structured activities, while teens might be happy with a good book and their music. Consider packing age-appropriate card games, travel-sized board games, or activity books. And don’t forget the classics – a good old-fashioned game of I Spy never goes out of style on those rainy camping afternoons.

Appropriate clothing for different conditions

We’re usually thinking of sun-safe clothing for kids when camping but you need to think about whether the gear is suitable for the season and activities you’ll be doing. If you’re winter camping then obviously you might need some thermals and if you plan to be out on the water a lot, younger kids may need a life jacket. Appropriate foot cover around the campsite is a must.

A good rule of thumb is to pack layers. Australian weather can be unpredictable, and what starts as a warm day can turn chilly once the sun goes down. Pack sun-safe rashies for water activities, closed-toe shoes for bushwalking, and don’t forget hats – kids lose them constantly so pack a spare or two.

Shade and sun protection

Most caravans and campers have an awning but if it doesn’t, or you are tent camping and there is no tree shade cover, you’ll need to come up with something to protect everyone from the sun. The Australian sun is no joke, especially for kids’ sensitive skin.

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Bonus camping gear for kids

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Walkie talkie

Not only are they a fun novelty for kids, but they also give them some independence around the campground. Hang one around their neck while they’re off playing tag or use it for peace of mind when you’re hiking and they outpace you on the trail. They’re particularly useful in larger campgrounds where kids might wander off to the playground or amenities block.

Marshmallow fork

I know, I know, why can’t they just go find a stick like we used to? They’re really just a cool novelty as far as kids’ camping gear goes and to be honest, I like these just as much as the kids. Plus, they’re safer than random sticks which can break or catch fire if kids aren’t paying attention.

Chill zone

Create a chill zone for when the kids need some time out as it’s great to have a cozy spot for them to calm down and relax. Okay, this spot is for me. Either way, it’s nice to have a spot to chill for a while. Whether it’s reading a book, having a quiet moment after an exciting day, or just getting away from siblings for a bit, having a dedicated relaxation spot can prevent meltdowns and keep the peace.

Water sports and activities

Caravan and camping trips go hand in hand with fun in the sun on the water in Australia. These are all great items to take away on your family camping trip and as a bonus, any one of these makes for a great birthday or Christmas present. Water activities are often the highlight of a camping trip for kids, so investing in quality water sports gear is worth every dollar.

Safety considerations for camping with kids

Safety is paramount when camping with kids, and having the right camping gear for kids plays a huge role in keeping everyone safe. Beyond the gear itself, here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

• Supervise water activities – Always have adults present when kids are in or near water, even experienced swimmers
• Establish campsite boundaries – Set clear rules about where kids can explore on their own and where they need adult supervision
• Pack a first aid kit – Include items specifically for kids like antiseptic wipes, bandaids in fun designs, and children’s paracetamol
• Sun safety – Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming. Slip, slop, slap isn’t just a catchy phrase
• Fire safety – Teach kids to respect the campfire and establish a safe distance they must maintain
• Emergency contacts – Make sure older kids know your mobile numbers and how to contact park rangers if needed

Teaching kids camping skills by age

One of the best parts of camping with kids is teaching them practical outdoor skills that build confidence and independence. Here’s what different age groups can typically handle:

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

• Collecting kindling for the campfire (under supervision)
• Helping roll up sleeping bags
• Simple nature observations and identification
• Learning to use their torch responsibly

Primary school (6-12 years)

• Setting up their own sleeping area
• Basic fire safety and helping with campfire setup
• Simple camp cooking tasks
• Navigation skills with a map
• Responsible use of pocket knives (with supervision)

Teenagers (13+ years)

• Full campsite setup including guy ropes and pegs
• Camp cooking with minimal supervision
• Navigation and orienteering
• Responsible fire management
• Planning and packing their own camping gear

Final thoughts on camping gear for kids

Camping with kids doesn’t have to be stressful or require a massive investment in camping gear for kids. Start with the essentials – chairs, bedding appropriate for their age, lighting, and sun protection – and build from there as you discover what your family needs and enjoys.

Remember, the best camping trips aren’t about having the fanciest gear or the most perfectly organised setup. They’re about spending quality time together as a family, teaching kids to appreciate the outdoors, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Yes, having the right camping gear for kids makes things easier and more comfortable, but don’t let a lack of perfect equipment stop you from getting out there.

Whether you’re heading off for a weekend at a local caravan park or planning an extended road trip around Australia, these camping gear essentials will help ensure your family camping adventures are fun, safe, and memorable for all the right reasons.

We wish you happy travels, memorable camping experiences and countless nights staring at the stars with your little adventurers. Here’s to many wonderful camping trips ahead!

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