By: Sioux Falls Scheels

Looking for a fun family vacation idea? Camping as a family is a great way to make lasting memories and start a new tradition. Family camping allows you to spend some time together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Even if you can’t travel, you can set up camp in your backyard and have some electronic-free fun together as a family. Whether you’re camping in the backyard or heading to a campground, make sure you have everything you need with our guide to family camping. We’ll help you find all the essential items for some outdoor fun with your kids!

A Family-Sized Tent
A family in a tent The first item you’ll need in order to camp with your family is a durable camping tent or shelter. When choosing a tent, make sure it’s the right size for your family. While you’ll want to have enough floor space for everyone to sit and sleep comfortably, you’ll also need some extra space for your backpacks and duffle bags.

Generally, you should buy a tent recommended for one more person than you plan to sleep (for example, a family of four should use a five-person tent). This will ensure you have enough room for the whole family and all your gear. You’ll also need to consider the weather you may encounter on your family adventure, like rain or wind, and choose a tent built to stand up to the conditions. For more information on choosing the best tent for your family camping trip, check out our full tent buying guide.

Sleeping Bags for Everyone
Next, everyone will need their own sleeping bag. You’ll want to choose a sleeping bag appropriate for the weather, like an insulated sleeping bag for colder nights or a more breathable option for summer camping. You might also want to pack some extra blankets and pillows just in case you need a little more warmth or comfort! For help picking out the perfect sleeping bag for everyone in your family, check out our sleeping bag buying guide.

A Cooler & Cookware
Cooking breakfast on a camping griddle You’ll also want to make sure you have enough food and drinks for you and your little campers. A cooler for camping is a must-have for your outdoor adventure to keep your food and drinks cool. While a large cooler will fit everything you need, bringing some extra smaller coolers can be a great way to pack and carry lunch on short excursions like a hike or a day of fishing.

While a cooler with some pre-made food may be all you need on a short trip, for longer trips you’ll want to make sure you have a way to cook some delicious hot meals. Whether it’s over the campfire or on a portable grill or cooktop, you’ll want outdoor cookware you feel comfortable using. To get the whole family in on the fun, pick up a couple of roasting forks and cook some hot dogs over the fire. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

Lanterns or Flashlights
It can get pretty dark at night, especially if you’re at a campground. To find your way in the dark, you’ll need a lantern, headlamp, or flashlight. Besides lighting the way, flashlights can also provide some family fun at night! For example, you can “pass the torch” and take turns telling stories or jokes around the campfire.

Plan Some Family Fun
A family hiking Make sure you plan for some fun family activities! Whether it’s playing cards, catching some fish, or going on a family hike, there’s plenty of ways to stay entertained. Make sure you have the proper gear for whatever activities you plan, like hiking boots, fishing gear, or a board game. You can even bring a favorite outdoor game for some fresh-air fun!

Extra Essentials
There’s just a couple more things you’ll need, especially if you’re heading to a campground. To keep the family safe from biting insects, you’ll want to pick up some bug repellent. Whether you prefer bug spray, wearable repellent wristbands, or citronella candles, bringing along some insect repellent will keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay. It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit and camp soap to keep everyone happy, healthy, and clean! With the right gear and essentials, camping with your kids and family can be a great way to make some fun memories. Whether you’re able to travel to a campsite or want to experience the thrill of the outdoors in your own backyard, SCHEELS has everything you need for outdoor family fun. If you have any questions about how to start camping or want some more recommendations on the best gear for your family camping adventure, stop by your nearest SCHEELS and speak with one of our Camping Experts.