Updated 9/18/2023. This summer we set off for a month-long road trip through Canada, camping with a toddler along the way. Packing for this trip got me thinking about a camping with toddlers checklist I could share with you all, so I’ve put together this list of items you should consider packing.
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We’re close to setting off for our month-long Canadian road trip and I’m starting to pack all of our things. We’ll be camping for the majority of the trip, using a Tab camper my parents own.
Our summer road trip will see us driving up through New York towards Montreal and Quebec, then Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and a ferry to Newfoundland, where we plan to tent camp.
We’ll be bringing along the three year old for my first time camping with him! I’m sure there are a lot of questions on how to camp with a three year old, so I’ve done my best to come up with a camping with toddlers checklist based on my experience traveling with my son and camping a lot in the past.
What to consider for camping with a toddler?
A lot of the things to consider for camping with a three year old are similar to what you would think about when traveling in general. How do you deal with sleep? What about sticking to a routine? Do you need to bring the entire house?
I’ll answer these questions with what works for our family further down – but I’ll start by saying – No, you don’t need to bring the entire house! And what works for our family might now work for yours – this is just an idea of how you could make camping with a three year old work.
Some things I look forward to discovering (reframing my worries here!): how to handle bathroom breaks, dealing with a 9pm sunset time, remote-working while camping.
Keep reading to find out what is on my camping with toddlers checklist!
My camping with toddlers checklist:
- Sleeping bag – Make this a fun activity and go to the store with your toddler and let them pick one out. Stores like Walmart tend to have them in-store year round.
- Portable potty – If your little one is potty training, don’t forget potty essentials. You can bring a portable one to use in the trunk of the car if you find yourself needing to stop in the middle of nowhere. You could also consider bringing just a toilet seat (our favorite!) to take in to campground bathrooms.
- Sound machine – Portable is helpful if you won’t have electricity. You may not need this depending on your baby but it can help drown out campground noises when your toddler goes to bed before others.
- Wool base layers – These ease my mind on cold nights. Having the proper clothing layers will make the biggest difference and keep your little one safe while sleeping outdoors.
- Magnetic Puzzle – A fun activity to do during down times in the camper or the car!
- Activity Books – Hidden pictures (with stickers), coloring, preschool workbooks
- Drawing Pad – He’s had this since he was 1.5 years old and still loves it.
- Gb Pockit Folding Stroller – You might not need a stroller but we plan to visit some larger cities. Perhaps exchange this item on your list with a hiking carrier for your little ones.
- Hiking Backpack Child Carrier – You might not need something this fancy for taking hikes/long walks while you’re camping but having something you can carry your toddler in when they get tired is so helpful.
Don’t forget these other items when camping with toddlers:
- Thermacell Mosquito Repellent – I use this at home and really like how it works. Repelling bugs is so important for me to have a good time camping.
- Lanterns – I like this one because it’s more fun for kids.
- Portable charger/car charger – I’ll be working for some time during our trip so this will help keep me connected.
- Mosquito nets – First time buying these – we’ve heard the bugs can be brutal on Newfoundland.
- Solo stove – Small and portable – you can’t go camping without a campfire!
- Sleeping pad – This will add extra insulation against the ground, keeping your family warm and can make sleeping on the ground more comfortable for you so you actually get some sleep!
These are just some of the items we brought with us on our month-long camping trip across Canada. I didn’t include food, but I would always remember to pack as many snacks as you can! You can take this camping with toddlers checklist and make it your own depending on what your child likes or needs.
The most important reminder is to pack what makes you and your family feel good, and what will make your life easier – but don’t think you need to go crazy on bringing the whole house with you.. Kids are surprisingly adaptable and don’t need as much stuff as you think.
Now if you’re traveling with a baby, I’ve made a list of baby items to bring while traveling – some of these may pertain to camping with a baby too, so feel free to take a look.
Happy Camping!