Packing List for Camping with Kids

A camping vacation with the whole family in a motorhome is one of the best experiences. But let’s be honest: With kids on board, the packing list quickly grows out of control. To make sure you don’t forget anything important—and still don’t end up packing half your closet and the kids’ room—we’ve put together what’s probably the most comprehensive packing list for a camping vacation with kids.

Use this list as a checklist and add anything else that’s important for your family. Let’s get started!

Anyone who has ever traveled with children knows: The demands on your luggage are very different from those of a trip for two. Children change their clothes more often, need first-aid supplies that must be easily accessible in case of illness or minor injuries, and want to be kept occupied during long drives or on days with bad weather. At the same time, space in a motorhome is limited, so packing strategically is even more important than on a traditional road trip.

A structured packing list ensures that you won’t get stressed out on the day of departure, that you won’t be missing anything essential along the way, and that you still won’t end up setting off with an overloaded camper. It’s also a great way to get the kids involved.

When it comes to adult clothing, it’s better to opt for a few easy-to-mix-and-match pieces that can be washed quickly between activities, rather than planning a fresh outfit for every day. Most campgrounds offer washing machines, so you can significantly reduce the amount you pack.

Hardly any kind of weather really keeps kids from playing outside, whether it’s bright sunshine or drizzle. That’s exactly what your packing list should be prepared for: Strong sunscreen and a hat are just as essential as waterproof shoes and a rain suit for the inevitable puddles. Since wet children’s clothes usually take longer to dry in the cramped camper bathroom than they do at home in the dryer, it’s a good idea to plan for a little extra when packing a change of clothes.

Especially in the evenings and at night, it can get significantly cooler at the campground—particularly at higher elevations or right by the water—than the daytime temperatures might suggest. That’s why a fleece or a light jacket per child should be a staple in your luggage, even on summer trips.

Children need more clothes to change than adults, as experience shows. As a rough rule of thumb: For toddlers and preschoolers, it’s a good idea to plan for one to two complete outfit changes per day; for school-age children, a little less is usually sufficient.

Tip: Pack a separate small “emergency kit” for each child, containing a complete change of clothes in a bag. Super handy for spontaneous mishaps or mud accidents on the go.

Traveling with a baby or toddler while camping presents its own unique challenges. It’s worth planning very generously here, because restocking supplies isn’t always as easy as it is at home—especially in more rural vacation areas or abroad.

First, the good news: Our Ready-to-Camp units already come equipped with a full set of kitchenware, so you don’t have to pack your own dishes, cutlery, pots, pans, and the like. That means you can focus entirely on meals and the little extras.

It doesn't have to be a full week's worth of groceries: A basic supply is enough for the first two to three days; after that, you can easily buy more along the way.

When it comes to toiletries in a motorhome, travel-size products and refillable bottles save valuable space in the bathroom cabinet. For children, we also recommend a small toiletry bag of their own that they can carry and manage themselves.

Especially when you’re on the road, far from your own medicine cabinet, a well-stocked travel first-aid kit is worth its weight in gold. It’s best to discuss dosages for children with your pediatrician in advance and check the expiration dates of all medications before you leave.

Packing a few activities can help prevent a lot of whining. Less is more in this case, because kids usually find their own games and things to do outdoors anyway.

A good night’s sleep often sets the tone for the whole family’s day—and this is even more true for children than for adults. A familiar stuffed animal and a reliable way to block out the light are usually more important here than any expensive camping gadget.

The camper is often just the base; the real vacation takes place outdoors. Depending on your destination and planned activities, it’s worth taking a look at your own wish list—from bicycles to magnifying glasses for little nature explorers.

The most important documents belong in a clearly visible folder right in the driver's cabin. Nothing is more annoying than having to search for them while the next family is already waiting behind you.

Good preparation is half the battle for a relaxed camping vacation with children. This packing list covers just about everything you need in the camper van – from the basics to the little things that make a difference. Check off together with the kids what is already in the camper, and then the trip can begin.