Your Complete Camping Gear for Families Checklist

South Africa is known as the world in one place, but that also means you can face all types of weather conditions and anything Mother Nature can throw at you. Planning your family camping trip is crucial because you know what they say, "Failing to plan is planning to fail", and the best way to plan is by constructing a checklist. A comprehensive family camping checklist is vital, no matter if you're a veteran camper or if this is your first camping trip.

One cannot get any better than South Africa regarding unique opportunities to connect with nature while enjoying quality time with the whole family. Most campsites in South Africa include a picnic table, a place to park your vehicle and a spot to pitch your tent. Many also have shared bathrooms and running water (though you'll want to double-check this before setting out).

Part of the joy of camping is needing very little gear to exist in the great outdoors. But it's also nice to have a comfortable and convenient setup, especially for a family camping trip. If it's your first camping trip, it might be best to borrow or rent some of these things. As you become a more experienced camper, you may find that part of the fun is figuring out what to bring along to meet your needs.

While you're packing, use this handy family camping checklist to ensure you don't forget anything important and have stocked up on all the camping gear you need. This is a comprehensive list of camping essentials, so we don't expect you to bring along every item.

Don't forget a reliable camp stove for heating water and preparing hot dogs/ boerewors around the campfire. Camp chairs make evenings more comfortable, while glow sticks entertain younger kids and mark tent stakes at night. South African camping often requires hiking boots for long hikes and flip-flops or just comfortable footwear that eases your feet for relaxing around camp.

Remember to pack a first aid kit, bug spray, and hand sanitiser for those nighttime trips to the bathroom. Keep your food cold in a quality cooler, and don't forget essentials like a bottle and a tin opener. Smart packing means being prepared for wet clothes and having dry ones ready.

Camping Checklist For Families: The Complete List

Shelter & Sleeping

• Family tent

• Tent footprint

• Sleeping bags

• Sleeping pads/air mattress

• Camping pillows

• Extra blankets

• Lanterns

Cooking & Food

• Camp stove

• Fuel for the stove

• Matches/lighter

• Cooler

• Ice packs

• Water containers

• Cooking utensils

• Cutting board

• Coffee and Tea

• Plates/bowls

• Cups/mugs

• Eating utensils

• Bottle opener

• Tin opener

• Dishwashing supplies

• Trash bags

• Food storage containers

• Aluminum foil

• Cooking oil

• Spices

• Hot dogs and marshmallows for campfire

Campsite Gear

• Camp chairs

• Camp table (if no picnic table)

• Hammer for tent stakes

• Headlamps/flashlights

• Extra batteries

• Duct tape

• Multi-tool

• Broom and dustpan (to keep tent clean)

• Clothesline and pegs

Personal Items

• First aid kit

• Medications

• Hand sanitiser

• Toilet roll

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Lip balm

• Towels

• Toiletries

• Wet wipes

• Hand towels

Clothing

• Weather-appropriate clothes

• Extra socks

• Hiking boots

• Flip flops

• Rain gear

• Sun hats

• Sunglasses

• Swimwear (if applicable)

• Warm jacket/fleece for evenings

• Sleepwear

For Small Kids

• Baby wipes

• Portable potty

• Favourite stuffed animal/comfort item

• Night light

• Portable high chair

• Child-sized camping chair

• Extra clothes

• Swim diapers (if applicable)

Entertainment

• Board games

• Cards

• Books

• Binoculars

• Frisbee/ball

• Beach toys

• Fishing gear