The Ultimate Baby Camping Packing List (What We Actually Used)
Packing for your first camping trip with a baby can feel overwhelming.
Before Parker's first camping trip, I spent hours reading packing lists online. Most of them included what felt like hundreds of items, and by the time I finished reading, I was convinced we'd need a trailer just to bring everything.
The reality was very different.
After multiple camping trips with Parker, we've learned that camping with a baby doesn't have to be complicated. There are a handful of items we'd never leave home without, a few that make life much easier, and quite a few things that sounded useful but barely came out of the bin.
This isn't a list of everything you could bring. It's the gear we actually used, what we'd buy again tomorrow, and what we'd happily leave at home.
Whether you're planning your baby's first camping trip or looking to simplify your packing, I hope this guide helps you spend less time stressing over gear and more time enjoying your adventure.
Our 5 baby camping essentials
If we were starting from scratch, these are the five things we'd buy first:
Before You Start Packing
If this is your baby's first camping trip, our biggest advice is to start small. Our first trip with Parker was just a weekend close to home, and it taught us far more than any packing list could.
→ First time camping with a baby? Read our complete beginner's guide
Sleep Essentials
Sleep was the thing I worried about most before our first camping trip.
Would Parker be warm enough?
Would he sleep at all?
Would every little noise wake him up?
As it turned out, he was the one sleeping best. We definitely slept worse than he did. After two camping trips (including a two-week adventure), we've found a setup that works really well for our family.
💡 Don't stress if your baby wakes up a little more than normal. Parker woke more often than he did at home, but after a quick feed he settled right back to sleep.
Worried about overnight sleep? → See exactly how we set up Parker's sleep space while camping.
Tent
If I could only give one recommendation, it would be this:
Buy a tent you can stand up in.
It might not seem like a big deal when you're shopping, but after a weekend of changing diapers, getting everyone dressed, breastfeeding, and climbing in and out of the tent dozens of times, you'll appreciate every extra inch of headroom.
We use the North Face Wawona 3, and we've been really happy with it.
One of our favourite features is the large vestibule. It gives us extra room for gear and somewhere to sit if the weather isn't great. On clear nights, we also loved rolling the rainfly back and falling asleep under the stars. It quickly became one of our favourite parts of camping.
The only downside is that because it's such a tall tent, it catches the wind more than lower-profile tents. Even in moderate wind we made sure it was well pegged down.
⭐ Would we buy it again? Absolutely.
Double Sleeping Pad
We almost skipped buying a double sleeping pad because it felt like a luxury.
It ended up being one of our favourite pieces of camping gear.
The extra room made nighttime nursing much easier, gave us space for diaper changes inside the tent, and simply made sleeping more comfortable for everyone.
Our pad inflates using the included inflation bag, so we never had to worry about bringing a pump or searching for power.
It's a bigger item to pack than individual sleeping pads, but for us the extra comfort is worth every bit of the space it takes up.
⭐ Would we pack it again? Without question.
🏕️ Worth the Upgrade: A tall tent might not seem important when you're shopping, but being able to stand while changing diapers or getting everyone dressed is worth every extra inch of headroom.
Double Sleeping Bag
On our first trip we each used individual sleeping bags.
For our second trip we upgraded to a North Face Wawona Double Sleeping Bag, and I don't think we'll ever go back.
One thing I hadn't considered before becoming a camping parent was how often I'd be feeding Parker overnight. Being able to stay warm while side-lying to nurse, instead of climbing in and out of separate sleeping bags, makes a huge difference on cold nights.
It's one of those upgrades that isn't essential, but once you've tried it, it's hard to imagine going back.
Playpen
Parker has always slept in his Silver Cross Slumber playpen whenever we're away from home, whether that's at the grandparents' house, in a hotel, or at a campsite.
Keeping his sleep space familiar seemed to help bedtime feel normal, even when everything else around him was new.
We simply used the included mattress with a regular fitted crib sheet.
It did take us a couple of trips to figure out the perfect layout for two adults, a baby, a dog, and all of our gear inside the tent, but once we found a setup that worked, it became second nature.
During the day we'd also use the playpen around camp when we wanted a clean, safe space for Parker to play while we unpacked or got organized.
⭐ Would we camp without it? Not a chance.
Morrison Outdoors Little Mo Sleeping Bag
If there's one baby-specific camping item I'd recommend to almost every family, it's this one.
We use the-6°C Morrison Outdoors Little Mo Sleeping Bag, and it has completely taken the guesswork out of keeping Parker warm overnight.
Instead of wondering whether he needed another blanket or worrying about loose bedding, we could simply dress him in the appropriate layers underneath and let the sleeping bag do its job.
On warmer evenings we'd often put him to bed in a fleece sleep sack first, then switch him into the Little Mo before we went to sleep once the temperature dropped.
On our coldest trip, overnight temperatures dropped to around 5°C, and Parker stayed warm and comfortable all night. The only thing that wasn't fun was doing diaper changes in those temperatures!
If I could only recommend one baby camping purchase, this would be it.
⭐ Worth the money? 100%.
⭐ If we could only recommend one baby camping purchase, it would be the Morrison Outdoors Little Mo sleeping bag. It completely removed the guesswork of keeping Parker warm overnight.
Base Layers
We quickly learned that layers are much easier than packing bulky pajamas for every possible temperature.
For overnight temperatures around 15°C, Parker was comfortable in light pajamas.
When temperatures dropped closer to 8°C, we'd add a merino base layer underneath his sleeping bag.
Being able to adjust layers instead of changing into completely different sleepwear made evenings much simpler.
Headlamps
A headlamp still earns a place in our camping bin, even though we barely used it. Once our eyes adjusted to the darkness around camp, we could usually manage nighttime feeds and quick diaper changes without turning on a light.
That said, all of our overnight diaper changes happened to be wet diapers. If we'd been dealing with a middle-of-the-night blowout, the headlamp would have been absolutely essential.
It's one of those items you'll hopefully never need, but you'll be very happy you packed if you do.
Battery Packs
We always bring at least one fully charged battery pack.
On our trips, one battery pack was enough to give each of our phones about two full charges, which was more than enough for a weekend away.
For longer trips, we'd simply recharge whenever we passed through a town.
Campsite Comfort
Camping with a baby isn't just about surviving the night, it's about making your campsite somewhere everyone enjoys spending time.
These were the items that made the biggest difference for us.
Outdoor Playpen
For Parker's first camping trip, we actually used a portable playpen designed for dogs.
Before he was crawling, it worked surprisingly well. It gave him a clean, contained place to stretch out while we cooked dinner or unpacked camp.
By our second trip, though, things had changed.
Once Parker was crawling, he had absolutely no interest in staying contained. The playpen lasted about thirty seconds before he was letting us know exactly how he felt about it.
If your baby isn't mobile yet, I'd definitely recommend having some sort of contained play space. Once they're crawling, I'd probably look at one of the larger baby-specific play yards instead.
Baby Camping Chair
One item that definitely earned its place was our Bright Starts infant camping chair.
Originally, I thought we'd mainly use it for meals. Instead, we found ourselves using it constantly. It gave us somewhere safe to put Parker while we finished setting up camp, packed everything away in the morning, or quickly cooked dinner without worrying about him crawling toward the fire pit.
Could you camp without one? Absolutely.
Would life be a little easier with one? Definitely.
Tablecloth
This might seem like an odd thing to include on a packing list, but hear me out. Parker is an incredibly messy eater, as most infants are. When he finishes a meal, it looks like half of it ended up on the ground. We were lucky because our dog happily cleaned up most of the mess.
If we hadn't had him, I would have loved having a washable tablecloth underneath his chair. Not only does it make clean-up easier, but in bear country it's also a great way to avoid leaving food scraps around your campsite.
Tarp
A tarp became one of the most versatile things we packed.
On campsites without much natural shade, we'd string it up to create somewhere cool for Parker to play during the hottest part of the day.
We also spread it out on the ground to create a large clean space for him to crawl around.
Even though we didn't see much rain, I'd still pack it every trip. Between shade, rain protection, and an instant play area, it's worth the small amount of space it takes up.
Games & Entertainment
I'll be honest... We packed cards and games with visions of relaxing around the campfire after Parker went to bed. Reality? We were usually asleep not long after he was. The only thing that consistently got used was books for naptime.
Sometimes the best camping entertainment is simply getting enough sleep to enjoy the next day.
Hiking Gear
One of the biggest reasons we love camping is that it makes getting outside so easy. Most of our days revolve around hiking, exploring beaches, or wandering around campgrounds.
Hiking Carrier
If there's one item we'd never leave behind, it's our Osprey Poco Plus hiking carrier. Parker absolutely loves it. He's happy to look around while we're hiking, and if we're out long enough he'll almost always fall asleep. The built-in sunshade has been fantastic for keeping him protected on longer hikes without constantly worrying about sunscreen on his face.
We chose a hiking carrier instead of bringing a stroller because most of the places we wanted to explore simply weren't stroller friendly. That said, we definitely missed having a stroller when we stopped in towns or cities. If you're tight on packing space and have to choose one, I'd still choose the hiking carrier every time.
One tip: spend a few minutes adjusting it properly before your trip. A well-fitted carrier is incredibly comfortable. A poorly adjusted one isn't.
⭐ Would we buy it again? Absolutely.
🎒 Not sure you'll camp often? Rent a hiking carrier before buying one. It's one of the most expensive pieces of gear, and renting is a great way to see if it suits your family.
Bear Spray
If we're hiking somewhere bear spray is recommended, it comes with us. Every single time. Thankfully we've never had to use it, but we'd never head onto a trail without it.
The only exception has been places like Sidney Spit, where there simply aren't any large predators.
Sunscreen & Bug Spray
We use Sky & Sol sunscreen and have been really happy with it. Bug spray, however, taught us a lesson. On one trip we thought there wouldn't be many mosquitoes, so we skipped applying it. We were wrong. Parker ended up with quite a few bites, and from that trip onward we've made bug spray part of our routine whether we think we'll need it or not.
Snacks
We packed plenty of baby food pouches "just in case." Turns out, Parker was much happier eating pieces of whatever we were eating. If I packed again, I'd bring fewer pouches and simply plan meals everyone can enjoy together.
Swimming
Camping usually means lakes, beaches, or rivers. These are the items we'd never forget.
Full-Body UV Swimwear
We absolutely love our suits from Honeysuckle Swim Company. They're one of those purchases that makes life easier every single day. Instead of constantly worrying about reapplying sunscreen over Parker's entire body, we only had to worry about his face, hands, and feet. He wore them almost every day during our month in Thailand without ever seeming uncomfortable. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.
We loved these in Thailand too—they were one of our most-used items during the trip. See everything we packed for Thailand with a baby
Swim Diapers
We've always used reusable swim diapers and have never felt the need to switch to disposable ones. They've worked well for us, create less waste, and are one less disposable item to pack.
Sun Hats
If I had to choose between extra toys and a good sun hat... I'd choose the sun hat every single time, they were one of the most-used pieces of clothing we packed.
Camp Cooking
We try to keep meals simple. The less time we're cooking, the more time we're spending exploring and making memories. Breakfast was almost always scrambled eggs and bacon. Easy to cook. Easy to clean up. And Parker loved it. Dinner was often pasta with a jar of pre-made sauce. Simple, filling, and something everyone could eat together.
One thing that surprised us was how little "baby food" we actually needed. By 8–9 months, Parker mostly ate smaller pieces of whatever we were eating. The only baby-specific snack we packed regularly was baby crackers, which were great when we needed five minutes to finish cooking.
And yes... Instant coffee is absolutely essential. Although if we're being honest, we also found ourselves driving into town for a proper coffee most mornings anyway.
Diapering
If you're anything like me, you'll spend a lot of time wondering how diaper changes are going to work while camping.
The good news? They're much easier than you'd think.
The only time we really found them challenging was on one particularly cold night when temperatures dropped to around 5°C. Middle-of-the-night diaper changes definitely aren't as fun when you're trying to keep everyone warm, but with a little preparation they were still completely manageable.
If you're planning to camp in colder weather, I've written a full guide on how we handled diaper changes while camping in the cold, including a few things we'd do differently next time.
For everyday camping, this is what we always pack.
Diapers
Because we usually car camp, we don't bother counting diapers, we simply throw an entire box in the car. It's one less thing to think about.
When we backcountry camp, we obviously have to be more strategic. We usually plan for one diaper every 4–5 hours, plus a couple of extras just in case. I'd much rather hike out with an unused diaper than wish I'd packed one more.
Wipes
One thing we consistently underestimated? Wipes. We didn't run out of diapers. We ran out of wipes.
Between diaper changes, cleaning Parker after meals, wiping dirty hands, muddy feet, and random campground messes, we used far more wipes than expected. Now they're one of the first things we restock before every trip.
💡 Little Parker Tip: Pack more wipes than you think you'll need. You'll use them for far more than diaper changes.
Changing Pad
We always bring a portable changing pad. Even if your campground has clean washrooms, you'll inevitably end up changing diapers in the tent, on a picnic table, or on the tailgate of your vehicle. Having a dedicated clean surface makes those moments much easier.
Wet/Dry Bags
If you've followed us for a while, you'll know I'm a huge fan of wet/dry bags. We actually bring three on every trip.
One for wet clothes.
One for garbage if we can't immediately throw it away.
One for anything especially messy, like poopy clothes or stained outfits.
They weigh almost nothing, keep smells contained, and make staying organized so much easier. I'd never camp without them.
Toiletries
Camping toiletries don't need to be complicated. We keep ours packed in a small toiletry bag that's always ready to grab before a trip.
Ours includes:
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Conditioner
Soap
Baby wash
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer
Deodorant
Razor
Nail clippers
Floss
Keeping everything together means one less thing to remember when you're trying to get out the door.
Medical Kit
Hopefully you'll never need most of it...but you'll be glad it's there if you do.
Our medical kit includes:
Basic first aid kit
Baby Tylenol
Adult pain medication
Antihistamines
Prescription medications
Thermometer
Tweezers
Bandages
💡 Little Parker Tip: Hopefully your first aid kit stays zipped up all weekend, but don't leave camp without one.
Clothing
This was probably where we overpacked the most. Before our first camping trip, I imagined Parker spending his days in adorable little T-shirts and shorts. Reality had other plans. He spent most of the trip wearing long sleeves and lightweight pants. Not because it was cold...but because they protected him from the sun, bugs, and scratches while he explored.
Now we intentionally pack more lightweight long sleeves than summer outfits.
What we'd pack again
Merino wool base layers
Lightweight long sleeves
Comfortable pants
Warm fleece
Sun hat
Wool socks
Rain gear
Sleepwear
What we'd pack less of
Lots of shorts
Lots of T-shirts
A couple are nice to have on hot afternoons, but they definitely weren't the clothes he wore most often.
We also love Patagonia and MEC for camping clothes because they've held up really well to dirt, crawling, and countless washes.
As for rain gear...we packed a full-body splash suit and never ended up needing it. Would I leave it at home? Probably not. It's one of those things that's easy to pack and could completely save a rainy weekend.
Dog Essentials
Camping wouldn't feel complete without our dog. Luckily, his packing list is pretty simple.
We bring:
Camping blanket for sleeping
Food
Bowls
Leash
Long line
Collar
Treats
Bones or chew toys
Poop bags
One of the best additions has been bringing a long line around camp. It lets him wander safely while still staying close, and giving him a chew bone while we cook dinner keeps everyone happy.
Things We'd Never Camp Without
If we were starting from scratch tomorrow, these would be the first things we'd buy again.
⭐ Morrison Outdoors Little Mo Sleeping Bag
⭐ Silver Cross Slumber Playpen
⭐ Osprey Poco Plus Hiking Carrier
⭐ Double Sleeping Pad
⭐ Headlamp
⭐ Battery Pack
These are the items that consistently made camping easier, safer, or more enjoyable for our family.
Things We'd Leave at Home Next Time
Every camping trip teaches us something.
These are the items we'd either pack less of, or skip altogether.
❌ Too many baby clothes
❌ Too many baby food pouches
❌ Baby dishes (Parker usually ate right off his tray.)
❌ Too many toys
❌ Cards and games (we were far too tired once Parker was asleep!)
Instead, we'd use that extra space for things we actually reached for every day, like more wipes, extra snacks, or another cozy blanket.
Final Thoughts
Before Parker's first camping trip, I spent so much time worrying about what we might forget. Now, after several trips together, I realize the gear was never the most important part.
Yes, having the right equipment makes camping easier. But what I remember most isn't the playpen we packed or the sleeping bag we bought. It's watching Parker fall asleep after a day spent outside. Seeing him giggle as the trees moved above him. Watching him happily ride for hours in the hiking carrier. Realizing that nature turned out to be the best toy we could have packed.
If you're nervous about camping with your baby, my biggest piece of advice is still the same:
Start small.
Book one night close to home. Figure out what works for your family. Adjust your packing list. Then head off on the bigger adventure.
You don't need the perfect gear or the perfect setup to make incredible memories, you just need to get out there.
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