If you are planning to adventure outdoors with kids this summer, going camping should definitely be on your list of things to do! It can be as simple as Camping in your backyard to traveling cross country to explore new worlds! Here, you will find a comprehensive list of MUST HAVE Summer Camping items that will ensure comfort and fun for the whole family.
Summer Family Camping Tent
If you don’t have the right tent, your Camping trip could be a disaster! Not all tents are created equal – so you’ll want to make sure you have one that is ready for your climate, weather needs, and family! I recommend the Coleman Sundome Tent. It is a multi-season tent that my family has used for years.
You may also be interested in this post: How to Choose a Tent When Camping With Kids
This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. By clicking on these links, you are helping to support Momma Camping. Thank you!
Summer Camping Sleep Gear
Having the right sleep Gear when Camping can be the difference between. A terrible and incredible camping trip – especially when Camping with kids. You’ll want to make sure you have summer rated sleeping bags and a good cushion. In the summer, I prefer using an individual camping mat or cot rather than an air mattress because it helps keep everyone cooler!
You can check out my recommended sleeping bags, camping mats, and cots with the links above!
Summer Camping Kitchen
During the summer, I really enjoy using my Coleman Gas Stove for my cooking needs. Not only does it get my coffee going super quick in the morning but it allows for you to not have to sit next to a hot campfire when it is already blazing hot outside. It also provides quick cleanup and let’s you get to your activities and adventures quicker.
In addition to the Coleman Gas Stove, I highly recommend having your camp kitchen fully stocked and investing in the Stanley Basecamp Kitchen. These are essential to our camping experience and will last a lifetime!
You can see how we built AND stock our camp kitchen here: How to Pack Your Camp Kitchen Chuck Box
Summer Camping Coolers
Having a good cooler is crucial to your summer Camping experience. Better yet, you can get yourself a cooler without breaking the bank! I highly recommend the RTIC Coolers. Both the soft coolers and hard coolers do their part in keeping your food good and your water supply cold. Having access to cold water will help everyone stay refreshed and hydrated!
The Best Speakers for Camping
iLive Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers
We originally got these speakers to accompany us on our camping trips. There is something about sitting around a campfire and listening to music. With these speakers, they really made it all come together. They come with stakes that you can mount them on and they have the capability of charging both via plugin and solar. When we got them, we quickly discovered how handy they were all over. They go outside with us when we are grilling, playing, and gardening. They go from room to room, so the kids can listen to podcasts and music. We even bought mounts for our Polaris Ranger so we can go ride the countryside with music! While these can very well be an adult gift, this is as much for us as it is for the kids! These speakers also have an FM radio, an extremely long battery life, and they are durable enough to withstand our crazy outdoor adventures!
You can find these are Walmart, Home Depot, and they are available online.
Summer Camping Cooling Towels
Staying cool during your summer Camping is a must. I’m not talking making it cold, rather, keeping you comfortable in extreme heat. Cooling towels are a great tool to have for camping and outdoor adventure. They will stay cool for hours before needing a resoak and are bright and vibrant making it hard to lose!
Summer Camping Sun Shade
Depending on your campsite, you may want to consider a canopy or sunshade to provide you and your family to escape the sun! These provide a great break from the sun and keep good ventilation. If you are in a buggy area, you may enjoy a canopy with mesh screens to help keep the bugs away!
Summer Camping Necessities
There a few must haves to keep your family safe and comfortable during summer camping with kids. I always pack Mineral Sunscreen (lotion or spray), bug spray (DEET is necessary in tick country), and a misting fan! I also bring outdoor activities to keep the kids busy at the campsite and to encourage exploration. I recommend bringing Chalk, shovels and buckets, headlamps and flashlights, and a bug cage, magnifying glass, and compass!
Let me know how you liked the list and if you think that anything should be added on! For more tips. tricks, and family adventure you can follow me on Instagram and Pinterest.
