Camping With the Kids – the Best Accessories for a Holiday Under Canvas

Let’s face it. Camping just need a lot of stuff. But with our camping accessories list you’ll be sure to have all you need.

✅ A tent
If you aren’t staying at a fixed site or in a yurt, this is your main essential. Tents are a whole topic in themselves, but you can find cosy designs right up to a three-bedroom extravaganza with a covered living area and bag storage. If you’re going to be out and about all day with a young baby, a little pop-up tent is handy for extra shade, shelter and privacy too. Take a look at our guide on the best family tents for camping.

✅ Mosquito nets
Not getting bitten is key to getting a good night’s sleep. Your tent may have one built-in, but if not, nets are an essential consideration when you’re in Scotland during midge season or camping near a body of water. Don’t forget your repellent and bite cream too.

✅ Your mattress
Hardened campers may enjoy the feel of the ground underneath them, but families heading camping should consider anything from a sturdy roll mat to a thermo-rest (a kind of minimalist, semi-inflatable mat) or a full-blown inflatable mattress. Top tip: an inflatable mattress gives a handy layer of air between you and the ground, which keeps you warmer at night.

✅ A sleeping bag
If you’re a beginner with sleeping bags, look at their ‘season’ and ‘rating’. Sleeping bags will tell you whether they’re suitable for warm temperatures only or down to sub-zero and arctic conditions (where are you planning on camping?).

✅ Night light
A torch is handy for making your way to the toilet or into your tent at night. A head torch keeps you hands-free to avoid juggling several items, a toddler and balancing a torch in your mouth. A little battery powered or solar lantern by the bed creates a cute and cosy atmosphere.

✅ A stove
Camp cooking is a lot of fun. To prep your hot and hearty grub, search for new and second-hand camping cookers on Gumtree. There’s everything from simple single-ring setups to family-sized gas cookers or portable BBQs.

✅ Pots and pans
We know some people bring everything and the kitchen sink, but you may not want to drag your best cookware to the countryside to get dirty. Some sturdy (usually stainless steel) pots and pans are camp-cooking essentials for everything from chilli to fried breakfasts.

✅ Utensils
On that note, if you forget your spatula then it’s no fried eggs for you. It’s a good idea to have a designated set of utensils, cutlery and plates for your trip.

✅ A dining room
You can definitely eat off your laps al fresco, and many campsites have picnic tables, but with children you might want a little folding table and some comfy camp chairs for meals.

✅ Water storage
Depending on your campsite you might have a tap very nearby or an individual tap just for you. You might also not really need that much extra water if you’re not cooking. However, if you are cooking, it can be really handy to have a jerry can (which are easy to find on Gumtree) or another large water bottle, just so you can top up your boiling and drinking water whenever you need.

For casual camping there isn’t too much essential gear. But if you’re heading somewhere colder than normal, don’t forget to pack:

If you’re going for more serious walks, consider:

Your campsite may have lots of ‘built-in’ activities such as a nearby beach, table tennis tables or a pool, but it might be a bit more back-to-basics. Since you’re out there to disconnect a little, don’t rely on the WiFi either. Potential camping accessories to bring along include:

While we don’t guarantee this is comprehensive – everyone’s holiday is different after all – with all the essentials from our camping equipment list, you can’t go far wrong.