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Buying advice

Family camping: kit to make your life easier

Taking the family out on a camping trip can be one of the best experiences you can have together, and the perfect way to enjoy the best of nature. It also requires more planning than you may initially realise, to ensure everyone is both safe, and having fun.

That means whether you're looking at sleeping bags, or lighting, it's essential your kit is the best for its job and makes those times filled with manic excitement easier.

Nathaniel Cureton, Junior Content Editor

Nathaniel Cureton Content Editor

From childhood camping trips to 50-mile hiking challenges in Scotland, Nathaniel is no stranger to outdoor adventure and testing the limits of camping gear.

MORE ABOUT Nathaniel

Family camping gear on the Out & About Shop

Kit yourself out with everything you might need on the Out & About Shop. From absolute beginners, all the way to seasoned family camping veterans, get everything the family may need to make your camping holiday as memorable as it can be.

If you think you'll need it, you can find it here!

Explore the Out & About Shop

The benefits of camping with the family

Fresh air

It’s amazing how some fresh air can change your mood, and even your health. Physiologically speaking, getting out into the countryside will go a long way towards reducing stress and anxiety, improving your mood, and promoting better sleep. As any parent will know, any chance at getting more sleep is worth taking!

New scenery

New surroundings are incredibly beneficial for promoting creativity in your children. An attractive and accessible landscape can also encourage physical activity such as hiking and cycling; activities that could have less appeal to your children in a familiar setting.

The making of memories

Above all else, just think of the lasting memories a break with your family will provide, and the life experiences your kids can learn. Obviously the thought of flying isn't for everyone, but that doesn't mean a memorable holiday can't be had! Campsites up and down the country come with an abundance of activities, experiences and sights to make lasting memories as a family.

Family camping essentials

Child safety

Obviously safety is the first thing to consider in every situation, but even more so when kids are involved. When choosing the kit for your trip, it's important to consider if it is suitable for children, or what precautions have been taken to make it as safe as possible.

The convenience

Family days out can be manic, so make your life as easy as possible with the kit you choose.

Versatility

Entertaining kids is a never-ending task. So why not try to take inspiration from the kit you'd least expect. When picking your kit, try thinking outside the box. What else can you do with it, how can you keep it fun? Of course, while staying safe in the process.

Weight

Excess gear can add up in weight, so prioritising is key. Make sure you only take exactly what you need, and forget anything else. You'll thank yourself in the long run.

Five family camping essentials

Sure, you've probably got your tent, sleeping bags and walking boots packed in the car boot – but what will actually make or break your family camping trip are the oft-ignored essentials featured below. Pitch up in confidence with kit that will upgrade your experience!

1. Camping wagon

Picture the scene, a long drive, energetic kids, and a lot of energy to burn (we promise a camping holiday is still a good thing). When that arrival time comes, convenience is your best friend, and a wagon will be, too. If you’re not parked right next to it, the name of the game is getting from the car to the pitch as efficiently as possible, so the joys of setting up a family-sized tent, probably on your own, can begin. With a wagon it’s an easily operated one-trip job, taking everything you’ve managed to fit in the boot straight to your pitch as conveniently as possible.

If you are parked right next to your tent, still consider bringing along a wagon – they’ll serve a similar function on the beach by making that car-to-location journey as easy as can be. There are many on the market; however, it’s best to look for one that folds into the smallest shape when it’s not being used, making storage a hassle-free process.

Find one here

2. Gas cartridges

Since the theme of the day seems to be convenience and making your life easier, make sure you're stocked up on camping gas. Imagine getting to your site, or being partway through your holiday, only to discover you’ve run out. Goodbye tent-side meals, and probably what’s left in your wallet since you’ll be feeding the family alternatively. There’s not much else to it, other than sufficient gas cartridges are essential when out camping with the family.

Find one here

3. Coolbox

Sorry to point out the obvious but camping with the family means more mouths to feed, more space used up, and more requirements from the food you do bring along. Bringing a coolbox will allow you to effortlessly access the family's food and drinks while keeping them cool, too. It’s a win-win. The organisational benefits are often forgotten about, too. The hectic nature of a family on holiday can mean the disorganisation of your gear is easily achieved. With a coolbox, at least your food will remain in one place, and as fresh as possible, too.

When selecting your coolbox, the first thing to consider is the size of the group who will most likely be using it the most and going from there. Is your box going to be able to accommodate the group as much as possible? After all, the intention is to keep all your fresh food in one place, so keeping it in two places would just be inconvenient. If in doubt, go bigger.

Buy one here

4. Tent groundsheet

As any parent will tell you, staying tidy is a never-ending chore, and something kids can struggle with at a young age. Throw in the excitement of being away and the chances of winning that battle are not promising.

Not only will a groundsheet keep things relatively clean and tidy, they are also beneficial for protecting your tent from wear and tear. They’re lightweight, easy to pitch and logical. What more could you want?

Find it here

5. Camping stove

You're clearly not going to pitch up without a camping stove, but are you packing the right one? For family camping, a single burner isn't going to cut it – you need multiple burners, and maybe a grill function, too. That versatility will make life much easier with multiple mouths to feed, enabling you to cook faster and whip up a wider range of meals.

Our advice would be to prioritise ease of use. After all, there are countless activities to do on a camping holiday with the kids so we don’t want to be spending too long cooking. Secondly, make sure the aforementioned gas cartridges you can’t live without actually fit. That would ruin a holiday just as much as forgetting them.

Buy it here

Explore the UK with Campsite Finder

So, your kit's all ready and the family is excited. But where will you be heading?

Campsite Finder is our database of the best campsites in the UK, which you can filter by country, location and using keywords to ensure your site has the adequate facilities. Discover your next favourite campsite on Campsite Finder!

Browse Campsite Finder