What to Pack When Camping With a Toddler

Are you ready to escape the stresses of everyday life? If so, then it's time to hit the open road and set up camp at a new or favorite camping spot. If you're tempted to leave the kids with the grandparents, just know that family camping is great for making lifelong memories. 

If you’re camping with kids, it’s important to readjust your packing list. When you combine an adult camping checklist with a camping with a toddler checklist, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed at first.

Keep reading to learn how to pack for camping with a toddler. The goal is to make your trip as enjoyable as possible -- for you, your toddler, and everyone camping with you.

The Essentials for Camping With a Toddler

Think of everything that you need when camping and consider whether your toddler needs those items, like toothpaste, toothbrush, body soap, shampoo, etc. If your toddler can use some of your items, that's less packing to do. But when packing for a toddler that personal hygiene products, then you definitely need to bring those items.

Here's a personal must-haves checklist for camping with a toddler. All of these items should easily fit into your toddler’s diaper bag, especially if you have an HSD diaper bag.

• Diaper bag (this is a must to stay organized)
• Toothbrush and kid's toothpaste
• Body soap
• Shampoo
• Pacifier
• Child-size swim vest or infant life jacket
• 2 changes of clothes for each day you’re camping
• Any medications your toddler takes
• Sunscreen
• Blankie 
• Any special beverages or food items your toddler likes

If your toddler isn’t potty trained, add the following items to your camping with a toddler checklist:

• Diapers 
• Wipes
• Diaper rash cream

If your toddler still breastfeeds or eats from a bottle, make sure to pack the following:

• Formula
• Breast pump (just in case it’s needed)
• Bottles
• Sterilized water

The Non-Essentials for Camping With a Toddler

Once you have the essentials packed, you can then focus on the non-essentials for camping with a toddler. Your non-essentials (but still very important items) include things like:

• Toilet paper
• Extra baby wipes
• Baby powder
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• Woobie blanket
• Booster seat
• Portable training potty
• Changing mat
• Children’s antihistamine
• Extra diapers

Campsite and Entertainment Items

The items listed below aren’t considered essentials, but they are definitely worth packing to make your trip more enjoyable. Like the bucket and scoop for crawdadding. Imagine how much fun your toddler will have going crawdadding and frogging. Most of these items aren't going to fit in your toddler's diaper bag, but they are worth bringing along if you have space for them.

• Butterfly net
• Toy dump trucks
• Glow sticks
• Flashlights
• Bucket and scoop for crawdadding
• Pop-up sun tent

What are you waiting for? Now that you know what to pack when camping with a toddler, it’s time to hit the road and set up camp. Bring your checklist along with you to make sure you bring back everything that you don’t use.