Camping with kids is amazing and will create long-lasting memories. But in order to have the most success out of a family camping trip, you’ll need the right gear. That’s why today we are listing our top kids’ camping gear, so you can enjoy your adventure in the woods.
As you may already know, we are big fans of Decathlon products because of their quality and good prices, so we added a few direct links to some of their products. But we also have other gear recommendations from many different brands.
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Kids’ Camping Gear: All You Need for a good Night Sleep
Camping is a great adventure for kids of any age. But children who haven’t slept well become tired and crotchety, so investing in proper sleeping equipment is essential when you are camping with your kids.
Kids’ Sleeping Bags
A warm and cozy kids’ sleeping bag is at the top of any kids’ camping gear list.
You might be tempted to buy an adult-sized one so that it lasts for years, but a sleeping bag that is too big is uncomfortable. Plus, it won’t keep your kids as warm as one the proper size.
There’s also the risk that younger children will wiggle down too far during the night and end up with the bag over their heads.
Choose your kids’ sleeping bags based on the time of year and the location where you’ll be mostly camping. Even during the summer, it’s often cold at night (especially if you’re camping in national parks in the mountains, such as in Banff or Yellowstone).
Mountain Warehouse  | Decathlon MH 100  | Morrison Outdoors Little Mo  |
You’ll need a bag that keeps your kids warm but not too toasty. Check that the temperature rating goes low enough for the likely night-time temperatures.
Also, consider how you’ll be getting to your campsite. If you have a car with you, then the weight of the sleeping bag isn’t so important. However, you’ll still want one that packs down small. If there’s some walking involved, ensure the sleeping bag is lightweight.
Finally, look for a sleeping bag that unzips fully so that it is easy for kids to get in and out, especially if they need the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Some kids don’t like sleeping bags. In that case, you can bring a cozy blanket. The Rumpl blanket is also an excellent addition for extra protection at night.
Our Top 3 Kids’ Sleeping Bags
1. Mountain Warehouse Kids’ Sleeping Bag
The Mountain Warehouse Kids’ Sleeping Bag has a mummy to ensure your kid stays warm overnight.
This sleeping bag is rated for – 6°C to 10°C (50°F).
Plus, when it gets cold at night, your kids can pull the strings in to make the opening close tightly in order to keep the cold air out.
Buy this Mountain Warehouse Kids’ Sleeping Bag on Amazon
2. Decathlon MH 100 Kids’ Sleeping Bag
The Decathlon MH 100 Kids’ Sleeping Bag is rated for 10°C (50°F) and it’s only around $30.00.
It’s made from 100.0% polyester fabric. This kids’ sleeping bag is evolutive, which is amazing when kids grow so fast. It has a 3-size setting for children from 115 cm (3’8”) to 155 cm (5’0”) tall.
Buy this Decathlon MH 100 Kids’ Sleeping Bag on Decathlon
3. Morrison Outdoors Little Mo Sleeping Bag
The Morrison Outdoors Little Mo is perfect for toddlers. Its design meets the AAP Safe Sleep guidelines for infants. It has no hood or drawstring and the snug, secure fleece collar keeps toddlers from slipping inside.
This sleeping bag is rated for 4°C (40°F).
Buy this Morrison Outdoors Little Mo Sleeping Bag on REI
Sleeping Mats for Kids
Sleeping on the bare ground is uncomfortable. To have all the chances on your side for a good night’s sleep, find a kids’ sleeping pad or mat that is comfortable enough.
Space and weight are the most important considerations here. Even if you’ll be driving to your campsite, air mattresses can take up a lot of room. They also take up plenty of space in the tent itself. Make sure you’ll have space for whatever you choose to get.
Self-inflating mattresses are a great choice when camping with kids – not only do they pack down small, but they also mean you don’t need to worry about bringing a pump. Plus, they are easy to set up, a bonus when you need to wrangle excited children.
REI Co-op Mat  | MEC Junior Mat  | Wildkin Dinomite Mat  |
If you opt for inflatable sleeping mats for your kids, bring an electric pump and your portable power station so you don’t have to rely on a camping site with electricity.
If your tent is big enough and you’ll be camping for a few days, you might consider a proper camping bed for your child. This will make it feel more like sleeping at home, helping them adapt to spending nights in a tent.
The Kid-O-Bunk Double Camping Bunk Bed Cot is an excellent option if you have two kids. But they also have a single option. All parts are packed and stored in a transport bag,
Our Top 3 Sleeping Mats for Kids
The REI Kids’ sleeping pad is a good and economical option (around $50.00). The pad has a thickness of 1.5 inches, making it comfortable and providing good insulation from the ground. Its length is 5’5″, so it can fit your kids for many years.
Buy this REI Kids’ Sleeping Pad on REI.com
The MEC Junior sleeping pad is unique. It has board games printed on the surface, making it perfect when it rains on your camping trip. There is a snakes-and-ladders game and a set of sasquatch/Yeti games.
The pad has a thickness of 2.5 cm (1 inch) and an R-value of 3. It’s a self-inflating camping mat.
Buy this MEC Junior Sleeping Pad on MEC.ca
The Wildkin Orginal mat is made for napping on the go, but it’s perfect for camping. It has a thickness of 1.5 inches and comes with a build-it pillow and blanket. It’s lightweight and easy to travel with.
Buy this Wildkin Orginal Nap Mat on Amazon
Bonus: Don’t forget an Inflatable Pillow
A pillow is often an overlooked luxury item when camping, but it can make a huge difference to your children’s quality of sleep.
While you can just bring their pillow from home, they are bulky and difficult to transport. An inflating camping pillow will save you space and weight.
Comforters/Toys/Bedtime Stories
Although camping is a great adventure, sticking to your kids’ usual bedtime routine as much as possible will help them doze off and get a good night’s rest. Don’t forget to bring any sleep aids they usually use at home, such as comforters and toys.
If a bedtime story is part of your nighttime routine, make sure you bring some books with you. You can save space by downloading some of your children’s favourite stories onto a Kindle or tablet before you leave home.
Camping Lanterns & Lamps for the family
Many kids find being out at night a little intimidating at first. Plenty of camping lamps to light your campsite will make it feel cozy, safe, and homely. It is also just practical to make sure you can see what you’re doing!
LE LED Camping Lanternn  | Decathlon USB Headlamp  | BioLite USB Lantern  |
You’ll also want to ensure each family member has their own camping lantern or lamp for night-time bathroom trips. Headlamps work well to keep your hands free for dealing with toddlers who might still need help.
Make sure you choose a headlamp with a strap that goes small enough to keep the torch on your child’s head. And don’t forget spare batteries!
Our TOP 3 best camping lanterns for the family
The LE LED camping lantern is perfect for camping. The brightness can be adjusted to up to 1000 lumens. It has 4 lighting modes and is powered by 3* D Alkaline batteries. At full brightness, it can last for up to 12 hours.
This camping lantern has a hook at the bottom, perfect for hanging in a tent.
2. Decathlon USB rechargeable headlamp
This Decathlon USB rechargeable headlamp is great. No need for batteries, you can charge it via a USB cord, with the camping electric hook up or your portable power station.
Kids love wearing a headlamp to go to the restroom overnight or to quietly read their books at night.
The BioLite AlpenGlow lantern is also rechargeable via a USB port.
Kids will love that they can shake the lantern to unlock special lighting modes like Candle Flicker or a mesmerizing rotation of colour. It’s perfect to create a fun camping ambiance.
Kids’ camping gear: Clothes you’ll need to pack
Camping with kids means you are much closer to both nature and the weather than at home. Cold nights and wet days are only a problem if you don’t have the right gear, so stocking up with practical clothing will mean you have a great time, whatever the weather.
Footwear
What your kids wear on their feet is just as important as what they have on their bodies. Again, this will depend slightly on the time of the year and your planned activities.
However, a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots is a great idea for any camping trip. Make sure they are waterproof and have a good grip.
Vivobarefoot Hiking Shoes  | KEEN Hiking Sandals  | Decathlon Hiking  |
If you’re close to a beach, river, or lake, a pair of water shoes or sandals can protect little feet and let your children explore. They are also good for wearing in shared shower facilities.
For around the campsite itself, a pair of slip-on shoes or sandals are more convenient than putting on hiking boots every time you leave the tent.
Waterproofs Clothes
A waterproof jacket is a camping essential, no matter what time of the year you go. Ensure your child has a raincoat that can keep them dry when there’s an unexpected downpour.
If you are camping in colder weather, your children will need warmer jackets. But a lightweight raincoat or sailing jacket will be fine for the warmer months. Look for ones that are breathable but still waterproof.
Zip pockets are great for keeping their possessions dry too. And a hood is necessary – look for a jacket with drawstrings to keep the hood tight to your child’s face and prevent water from getting in.
Baselayers
Baselayers are the key to dressing your kids up for camping. Instead of bulky sweaters that will get them too hot and compromise their mobility, choose lightweight and breathable clothes that you can layer up or down according to the temperature and activity levels.
For baselayers for kids, Iksplor has great options. Otherwise, you can find good ones at Decathlon as well.
Bring both long and short-sleeve t-shirts, a couple of warmer fleeces or sweaters, and some leggings and sweatpants.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of socks. Wet feet are no fun, and your kids will likely want to wear socks to sleep in, too, if the nights are chilly.
Sleepwear
It can be surprisingly cold in a tent at night, even in the middle of summer. Your kids will need warmer sleepwear when camping than they would normally wear at home.
You can still bring their normal pyjamas if they find that comforting. But also make sure you have spare sweaters, sweatpants, and socks that they can layer over their pyjamas to keep them warm at night.
In colder weather, you might want your children to sleep wearing a hat – a lot of heat is lost through our heads, so this will keep them warm and cozy even on the coldest nights.
Weather-Appropriate Accessories
It is easy to forget those small accessories that make a difference to your kids’ comfort when camping. What you include here will depend on the time of the year and the weather when you head off on your trip.
In the summer pack sunhats, sunglasses, and swimwear. In colder weather pack gloves, hats, scarves, and thick socks that will keep little hands and feet warm.
Camping stuff for kids: Cooking & snacking
Anyone who has kids knows the importance of being able to serve food at regular intervals. Hangry kids lead to meltdowns and complaining, which is no one’s idea of a good time.
As well as your usual cooking and food storage equipment, consider the children’s snack needs when you pack for your next camping trip. Here are some extra camping gear for kids you don’t want to forget.
Groundsheet
Eating outdoors is always an adventure and your kids may enjoy sitting on the ground to eat their snacks, giving snack time a picnic vibe.
However, sitting directly on the ground often leads to wet behinds. A spare groundsheet will protect your kids’ clothes and will allow them to enjoy their picnic in comfort.
Water Bottle
Hydration is very important, especially if your kids are on the go all day. A lightweight water bottle for each family member will ensure you have plenty of fluids on hand whenever they’re needed.
Choose a bottle that can be clipped to your pack, so you can easily bring it when heading out for an adventure.
The YETI Rambler Jr. water bottle is a great option. Made from stainless steel, kids can safely sip without a worry in the world. Plus, it stays cold longer in the summer.
Lunch Bag
As well as bringing a cooler for storing food in your tent, having an insulated lunch bag with you when camping with kids is a great idea.
This means you have a safe place to store their snacks when you are out and about. It will also keep any perishables fresh for longer.
Even when you are just hanging out at the campsite, having a dedicated place to store your kids’ snacks means they know what they can access and what is reserved for mealtimes.
An isothermal food box is a good alternative if you want a less bulky option to keep food hot or cold when hiking or away from your campsite for a few hours.
Kids camping toys & stuff
Camping is a brilliant way to encourage your kids’ love of nature and outdoor adventures. You can encourage that interest even further by ensuring you have all the gear they’ll need to explore their surroundings and investigate further afield.
Backpack
A vital piece of any kids’ camping gear: a backpack is necessary for all the outdoor adventures you’ll be going on.
While the adults might need to carry the bulk of the supplies, kids will want their backpacks to store essentials (like snacks and water). As they get older, they can contribute more to carry the rest of the gear.
North Face Kids' Backpack  | Osprey Kids' Backpack  | Decathlon Kids' Backpack  |
Choose a sturdy backpack that is the correct size for your child. Adjustable straps mean you can get the fit just right.
Look out for a backpack with a chest strap to prevent too much weight from resting on your kid’s shoulders. Older children can have a bag with a hip strap, too, so they can safely carry heavier loads.
Waterproof Bag
If you are planning to be around water, or you love to hike in the rain, or you have a toddler, a waterproof bag is a lifesaver for keeping precious equipment dry. It can also be useful for separating wet clothes from the rest of your gear.
A rain cover for your kids’ backpacks (and your own) is also a fantastic idea to keep your kit dry in wet conditions.
Binoculars
Spotting wildlife around your campsite or on your adventures is a great way to keep kids entertained and foster their love of the outdoors. But adult binoculars are usually too wide for children to use easily, so you’ll want to get a kid-sized pair that can be your child’s very own.
Compass
We’ve all become used to relying on our phones for navigation. But teaching our kids to use a compass and map helps them develop vital skills and understand the landscape around them much more clearly.
Compasses are generally inexpensive. Having one on hand when you are camping means you can get your kids involved with planning your adventures. Maybe they can even be in charge of plotting your route.
Older kids who are ready to start exploring further afield without an adult should always have a compass with them. This means they can find their way back to the campsite if their phone runs out of battery or has no reception.
Whistle
With luck, this is a piece of equipment you’ll never need. But if the worst happens and your child manages to get lost while camping, a whistle can help you find them again. They can also use it if they need to call for help.
Make sure you lay down some strict ground rules for whistle use before you hand it over. You don’t want your kids crying wolf too many times. And constant whistling quickly becomes annoying. The whistle should be reserved for emergency use only.
Final Thoughts: Camping Gear for Kids
And that’s it. With this list, you would have all the proper kids’ camping gear to have a successful adventure in nature. You’ll only need to add some marshmallows and firewood and you’ll be set.
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.