Thinking of taking your toddler on a camping trip this summer? It’s totally doable—and surprisingly fun. Sure, it takes a bit more planning (and a lot more snacks), but camping is such a great way to spend low-key, low-budget time together outdoors.
We’ve taken our 2.5-year-old camping a couple of times and have taken him on plenty of day trips to nature parks. I’ll admit—it’s not exactly relaxing when you’re constantly supervising a curious toddler, but each trip is filled with laughter and sweet moments that bring us closer as a family. There’s something uniquely rejuvenating about spending time in nature with a little one.
In this post, I’m sharing what we packed (and what we actually used), along with simple, toddler activities that don’t require much gear.
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🏕 Toddler Camping Essentials: What We Actually Used
Here’s a breakdown of the items we found most helpful—and the ones we’ll definitely pack again.
Must-Have Gear for Camping with a Toddler
1. Toddler air mattress or travel bed
Helps keep bedtime familiar in a new setting. We used ours inside the tent with a fitted crib sheet.
2. Sleeping bags & pillows
Choose something cozy and toddler-sized, or use familiar blankets from home.
3. Warm pajamas
Even in the summer, it can get cold at night. Go for layers and consider a sleep sack if your toddler still uses one.
4. Hiking backpack
A lifesaver when little legs get tired on hikes or long walks to the beach.
5. Toddler-sized camping chair
Great for mealtimes, hanging out by the fire, or just giving them a little independence.
6. Lantern and headlamp
Toddlers love holding their own light, and it makes nighttime potty trips or bedtime books more fun.
7. Reusable snack containers & water bottle
We kept snacks packed and ready for grab-and-go outings. A straw water bottle is perfect for active days—we love our Skip Hop Toddler Straw Bottle. It’s easy for little hands to carry and sip from independently.
8. Weather-appropriate clothing
Think sun hats, rain boots, quick-dry layers, and extra outfits—especially pants (they’ll fall and get dirty constantly!). Don’t forget swimwear and a rash guard if you’ll be near water.
9. First-aid kit
Include band-aids, disinfectant, toddler pain reliever, benadryl, and anything your child might need.
10. Toddler-safe mineral sunscreen
We highly recommend the Thinkbaby SPF50+ Baby Mineral Sunscreen. We’ve been using it since our son was 6 months old and still rely on it now that he’s a toddler. Don’t forget a good sunhat and toddler-sized sunglasses too—they make a big difference on sunny days!
11. Insect repellent & after-bite treatment – We used a natural option and also packed bug-repelling stickers, which were super helpful. We highly recommend the NATPAT Buzz Patch Mosquito Stickers - they’re effective not just for mosquitoes, but other bugs too!
12. Diapers, wipes, or a portable potty
If your toddler is potty trained or in training, bring a potty or seat adapter.
13. Wet bags
For dirty clothes, swimwear, or accidents. Always useful.
🌲 Easy & Fun Activities for Toddlers While Camping
You don’t need to bring much to keep your toddler happy outdoors. Here are some simple activities that worked well for us.
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Walk around and collect pinecones, leaves, rocks, or look for animals and bugs. No list needed—just follow their curiosity.
2. Play-Doh, Blocks, Small Toys & Vehicles
Play-Doh, small toy trucks, animal figurines, and MEGA BLOKs or Duplo blocks are easy to pack and perfect for quiet play. These kept our little one happily occupied while we prepared meals and cleaned up afterward. Choose toys that spark your child’s imagination and encourage open-ended, creative play.
3. Storytime in the Tent
Bring a few favorite books and read by lantern or flashlight. It’s a calming way to ease into a nap or bedtime.
4. Beach Play
If possible, choose a campground with a beach—toddlers love digging in the sand, splashing, and wading in shallow water. Bring along sand toys, life jackets, swim goggles, and plenty of sunscreen. And of course, always supervise closely.
5. Campground Playground (if available)
Many campgrounds have playgrounds, which are always a hit with toddlers.
6. Nature Walks
Take a stroll down a trail or go on a hike. Stop to look at flowers, animals and bugs.
7. Fishing
If you’re near a calm lake and have a toddler-safe fishing setup, even just helping hold the rod or watching the water can be exciting for little ones.
💡 Final Tips for Camping with Toddlers
- Bring some prepared meals (and don’t forget a cooler!) – Weather can be unpredictable, and if it rains more than expected, you might not be able to cook your planned meals. On our first night, it rained steadily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., which definitely put a damper on things—but thanks to the ready-to-eat food we packed, at least we still had a satisfying dinner. It’s always a good idea to bring a few simple, no-cook options. Something like the cooked Greek chickpea pasta salad from Costco works great as a side but can easily become your main if needed. Just make sure you pack a cooler to keep everything fresh!
- Keep expectations low – Things won’t go perfectly, and that’s okay. Focus on the experience, not the schedule.
- Stick to a loose routine – Familiar routines (especially around meals and bedtime) help your toddler feel secure.
Camping with toddlers isn’t effortless—but it is worth it. There’s something about watching your child explore the outdoors that makes all the prep and packing feel worth it.
What’s in your toddler camping kit? And what activities do your little ones love in nature? Drop your favorites in the comments—I’m always looking to simplify and improve our next trip!
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