Camping equipment you need to pack for a family festival

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For camping at a family music festival you’ll need all the camping essentials – tent, sleeping bag/mats, torches, a stove, etc.

Don’t weigh yourself down with tonnes of kit, though.

You’ll probably have to carry all your gear from the car park to the campsite and back so it's good to be able to travel light. 

A trolley or a cart is really useful for transporting your gear. Here is our list of the camping gear we think you’ll need for a family festival

# Tent

This is pretty obvious, but choosing the right sort of tent for a festival is so important.

If you’re on your own, a simple pop-up will probably meet your needs but, if you’re taking the family, obviously you’ll need something more substantial – but still simple to carry and pitch.

A simple four-berth inflatable is perfect, but make sure you are able to carry it easily from the car park to the campsite.

If you really want to get into the festival spirit, how about a glammed-up bell tent or tipi?

Have a look at our guide to choosing the right camping tent for more ideas on what type of tent to go for

# Sleeping bags/pillows/mats

We know it sounds a bit old fogey-ish but, to get the most out of the festival experience, you’ll need a good night’s sleep – so make sure you’re as comfy as possible when you turn in for the night.

# Earplugs

And on that subject… the fertile combination of booze and junk food means there will be a lot of noise from neighbouring tents, so earplugs are an essential.

# Camping chairs

You don’t always have to trek to the main festival arena.

Sitting outside your tent on a sunny afternoon listening to the music wafting down to the campsite can be just as enjoyable.

At many festivals, you can set up your camping chair in front of the stage so take something lightweight that will fold away and can be slung over your shouloder.  

# Daysack

For carryng your camera, snacks, poncho, sunscreen, packed lunch, water, etc.

# Bottle opener

Is this the essential festival accessory? It might well be.

# Trolley/cart

Brilliant for transporting your gear to the campsite – and for dragging tired kids around the festival site at night.

# Waterproof jackets/wellies

Believe it or not sometimes in rains during the great British summertime, so it’s best to be well prepared.

# Fleeces/hoodies

And it gets cold…

# Sunscreen/sun hats

… and sometimes the sun shines! Absolutely essential. Even on hazy days you’ll burn, and kids especially need to be protected from harmful rays.

# Portable power bank

Portable chargers for your mobile devices are essential for keeping connected over the weekend, especially if you’re sharing the fun on social media.

# Toiletries/medicines

Festival toilets have improved over the years but it’s always advisable to bring your own loo roll just in case. Paracetamol is also advisable.

# Antibacterial handwash

An easy way to keep your hands clean and avoid any nasty germs.

# Kids’ ear protectors

Another essential if you’ve got youngsters with you.

# Money

You’ll need cash all weekend and, rather than endure the endless queues – and outrageous charges – at the one ATM machine on site, it’s much easier to bring money with you.

# Torch

Avoiding guyropes and closely-pitched tents can be tricky in the dark so you’ll definitely need one of these.

# Waterproof poncho

Yes, we know they look absolutely ridiculous but you’ll be grateful to have one of these packed away in your daysack when the heavens open.

We’ve always been fans of the Demis Roussos look anyway.

# Extra clothes

Take at least one extra set of clothes. There’s nothing worse than trying to dry sodden jeans overnight in a tent. Leave a clean pair of jeans in the car for the drive home

# Bin bags

Keep all your rubbish and, at the end of the weekend, dump it in one of the festival bins – or, failing that, take it with you and put it in your bin at home.

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