Webmaster
Sponsor page preview
Sponsor view Edit my page See my page Everything you save shows live to you only until it is approved.
You are viewing the site as a customer sees it.
Join free Log in Log out

The Ultimate UK Family Camping Checklist

A tick-off checklist for family camping in the UK: shelter, sleeping, kitchen, clothes, babies, kids, safety and paperwork.

Planning · 6 min read · Updated 3 October 2026

Forgetting the pegs or the kettle is part of camping folklore, but a good list means it will not happen to you. Tick items off below as you pack. Your ticks are saved on this device, so you can come back to the list later.

Packing tips that save the day

  • Pack in the order you will need things. Put the tent in last so it comes out first, and pitch before it gets dark.
  • Keep one "arrival box" with torches, a kettle, tea, snacks and the first-night dinner so nobody has to dig through bags in the dark.
  • Use clear plastic boxes for the kitchen and one bag per person for clothes. Everyone can then find their own things.
  • Pack wet-weather kit where you can reach it, not at the bottom of the boot.
  • Take fewer expensive or breakable things than you think you need. A campsite is hard on gadgets.

Join Free To Read The Whole Guide

Free for camping families, no card needed. Printable checklists, planners and games, and up to 20% off at member campsites.

Join Free

Share This Guide

More camping guides

PlanningYour First Family Camping Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide7 min read →PlanningFamily-Friendly Campsites in the UK: How to Choose6 min read →PlanningCamping in the UK Through the Seasons6 min read →PlanningThe Ultimate UK Family Camping Checklist6 min read →GearBest Camping Gear Under £1007 min read →GearPremium Camping Gear Worth Paying More For9 min read →FoodFamily Camping Meal Planner7 min read →Kids and familyCamping Activities for Kids: Games, Challenges and Rainy-Day Ideas6 min read →Kids and familyCamping With Babies and Toddlers6 min read →SafetyCamping Safety for Families: Fire, Carbon Monoxide, Water and More6 min read →Kids and familyCamping With Dogs: Rules, Tips and What to Pack4 min read →Rules and etiquetteWild Camping in the UK: What the Law Says (and Why Families Choose Campsites)5 min read →BudgetHow to Save Money on Family Camping5 min read →Rules and etiquetteCamping Etiquette and the Countryside Code4 min read →PlanningCamping Trip Countdown: What to Do Before, During and After4 min read →Tent UpgradesFrom Tent To Caravan: Upgrading To A Caravan6 min read →Tent UpgradesFrom Tent To Camper: Buying A Second-Hand Motorhome Or Campervan14 min read →Tent UpgradesTent To Self-Build Camper: How To Convert A Van Yourself16 min read →PlanningOff Season Camping: Why Off-Season Camping Is The Ultimate Adventure6 min read →

See all camping guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack for a family camping trip?

Pack shelter and pitch items (tent, groundsheet, pegs and a mallet), sleeping gear, camp kitchen items, clothes in layers, washing and first aid items, and kit for children. The Family Camping Club checklist lists them all and you can tick items off as you pack.

Can I tick items off the family camping checklist?

Yes. The Family Camping Club checklist is interactive, and your ticks are saved on your own device so you can come back to it later.

What kind of sleeping bag do I need for UK family camping?

A 3-season sleeping bag is right for most UK trips. Check the comfort rating, not just the extreme rating, and add a mat or air bed for everyone.

What do people most often forget when camping?

Pegs, spare guy lines, the kettle, torches and comfort toys are common forgotten items. Pitching your tent at home first and using a written checklist avoids most of them.

Does the checklist include items for babies and toddlers?

Yes. The Family Camping Club checklist includes a baby and toddler section covering nappies, bottles, a travel cot and comfort items.

Join freeLog In
Log Out