Camping with a preschooler is a joy.
It took us a few chilly nights, forgotten essentials, and trial-and-error packing before we found our rhythm camping with a toddler. Now that West is a preschooler, we’ve dialed in a kit that keeps him comfy and us sane.
West has never been more into camping. In fact, he leads the charge when it comes to getting us out to camp on the weekends.
He wants to help put up the tent.
He understands the architecture of the perfect s’more. He loves to jump on the camp mattress testing its fortitude.
Camping with a preschooler is so much easier than all the ages that came before, although all the ages were possible, but I am glad to be past the days of camping with a four month old.
Our camp system with a little human in tow has been dialed over the years on many a camping trip. It’s a little lux and a lot practical.
Below is not an exhaustive list of what we bring to camp with a preschooler, but it includes our necessities and our favorites. The items below have passed many tests in the desert and mountains and withstood the test of time.
Our Base Camp Setup
- The North Face Wawona 6 tent-The ultimate family tent, which we have reviewed here. I love this tent. You can stand up in it and move around. The vestibule is key for gear storage and freeing up room in your tent.
- Kelty Low Loveseat Possibly my favorite piece of camping gear, second only to the coffee makers below. This is so comfortable we used it as a couch for three weeks, while we waited for one to get delivered. And it fits two people. How efficient. The color combos are delightful.
- REI Campwell Chair-This chair is the epitome of simple design done well. It’s comfortable. It has a pocket for your keys and phone. Your wine glass will sit in the beverage pocket and not spill. What more could you need?
West’s Sleep System
- Hiccapop inflatable toddler bed–We have taken to using the Hiccapop at this age over a traditional sleeping pad. We like it, because it can go from the tent to the hotel. Versatility is key. It also has bumpers for kids who might roll around a lot when they sleep. A major caveat is the Hiccapop is ironically easy to pop. Avoid dragging it over pine needles or cactuses. It also isn’t technically camping gear so it doesn’t have an r-value rating, which tells you how much your pad is insulated and will keep you warm, but we haven’t taken it camping in temperatures down too 32 degrees fahrenheit and it has been fine. The Nemo Switchback is a good simple backup/alternative to take with you.
- REI Kindercone 25 Sleeping Bag- This is the sleeping bag we transitioned too after the Morrison Big Mo. It has a space adjuster stuff sack, which allows you to adjust the bag as your kid grows. My biggest complaint is the zipper does unzip easily while your child moves around.
Kid Gear That Actually Gets Used
- Teva Reember Kids Slip On shoe-These are West’s day to day shoes. We love them. Easy for little kids to get on with good tread. This is especially nice at camp when you slip shoes on and off frequently for the tent.
Camp Clothing for Your Preschooler
- Patagonia Micro D fleece This is our go-to fleece layer. It’s perfect over pajamas on chilly mornings and works just as well under a winter jacket when we’re skiing. Lightweight, soft, and dependable.
- REI Trailsmith Fleece pants These fleece pants are cozy, durable, and layer well. They’re a must-pack for cooler weather camping.
The Coffee Situation (for the Parents!)
- AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press-We are espresso drinkers and the AeroPress has become the gold standard for easy to make french-press, which is strong and delicious.
- Hibear All Day Adventure Flask Insulated Water Bottle-Our newest piece of gear and also our most fun. The Hibear can be used as a water bottle, to make tea, to make pour over coffee, as a cocktail shaker. It also has a little detachable mug/bowl which can be used for your kids hot chocolate, your dogs water, or a measuring cup. It does it all with the most fun colors and design.
Camp Kitchen
- MSR Pocket Rocket Stove-We have had this stove for 7+ years now. It’s a backpacking stove, but we use it for car camping. We eat Annie’s mac and cheese and something we call “camp pasta” regularly. This stove boils water quickly and it comes in such a small package, easy to port around. If you are looking for some kid friendly camp food ideas, we have written about that here.
- GSI Halulite Boiler Pot-You could buy a number of camp pots or you could buy one. This is the one we have had for over a decade and the only one you will ever need. Durable and light.
Again, this list is not all encompassing, but it does include our most favorite gear for getting out there with your preschooler and a few treats for adults too.
