Figuring out what to wear camping with kids can feel surprisingly overwhelming—especially when the weather can change quickly and you’re trying to pack light. The good news? You don’t need tons of gear. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to pack for camping with kids, based on weather, comfort, and real-life experience.
And if you want to stay organized, don’t forget to grab my free printable family camping checklist at the end of this post.
What Kids Should Wear Camping (The Basics)
Keep this simple:
- Comfortable t-shirts
- Lightweight layers
- Durable shorts or pants
- Closed-toe shoes
- Socks (extra pairs!)
- Pajamas
- Hat + sunglasses
For a full packing breakdown, take a look at our camping for beginner’s guide: what families really need.
What to Wear Camping in Warm Weather
- Breathable t-shirts or tank tops
- Lightweight shorts
- Sun hat
- Sandals (for around camp)
- Swimsuit
Tip:
Even in summer, evenings can cool down quickly—always pack a hoodie.
What to Wear Camping in Cold Weather
- Thermal base layers
- Fleece or hoodie
- Warm jacket
- Beanie + gloves
- Thick socks
- Gloves
We’ve learned that even after a sunny day, camping nights can feel surprisingly cold. A simple pair of thermals under your pajamas takes up very little room in your bag but can make a huge difference to how warm and comfortable everyone sleeps.
What to Wear Camping in Rain
- Waterproof jacket
- Quick-dry clothes
- Extra socks – Trust me— extra socks come in VERY handy when camping with kids.
- Waterproof shoes or boots
Weather can change quickly when you’re camping, so don’t leave your waterproofs at home—and make sure they actually keep the rain out. We’ve woken up to a thunderstorm before and decided to drive into the nearest town for breakfast rather than cook in the pouring rain. Sometimes staying flexible is the best way to keep the adventure fun.
Shoes for Camping with Kids
- Hiking shoes or sneakers (main pair)
- Sandals or slip-ons (camp comfort)
- Optional: water shoes
Hiking shoes: You don’t have to buy the whole family hiking boots for every camping trip. If you’re camping with young kids and exploring easy trails, comfortable tennis shoes are usually just fine. For steeper, rockier, or longer hikes, hiking boots offer better grip and ankle support. Whatever you choose, make sure everyone tries their shoes on with the socks they’ll be wearing—you don’t want to discover a rubbing heel halfway through your first hike.
Don’t Forget These Extras
- Extra layers (always!)
- Pajamas
- Change of clothes
- Laundry bag or zip-locks for wet items
You’ll find all of this (and more) in our free printable family camping checklist.
What NOT to Pack
- Brand new shoes (blisters)
- Heavy cotton layers (stay damp)
- Too many outfits (kids will repeat clothes!)
Brand-new shoes: Resist the temptation to break in new hiking boots or trainers on your camping trip. Wear them on a few walks beforehand to avoid painful blisters.
Heavy cotton clothing: Leave the jeans and heavy cotton at home if you can. Cotton takes a long time to dry, making it uncomfortable if you get caught in the rain or work up a sweat. Lightweight layers are a much better choice.
Too many outfits: One of the biggest mistakes first-time campers make is overpacking. Kids rarely need a fresh outfit every day and are usually happy to rewear clothes as long as they stay reasonably clean. Pack plenty of underwear and socks, but don’t worry about bringing a different outfit for every day.
Remember: The rules are a little different when you’re camping. Clean underwear is essential—clean everything else is optional!
What to Wear Around Camp (Comfort Matters!)
When you’re not hiking or exploring, comfort is key. Kids will spend a lot of time relaxing around camp—whether that’s sitting by the fire, playing games, or just hanging out.
Look for:
- Soft hoodies or fleece layers
- Comfortable leggings or joggers
- Easy slip-on shoes or sandals
- Cozy extras like blankets or warm socks
Camp shoes: One of the best feelings after a long hike is kicking off your hiking boots. We always pack Crocs (or similar) because they’re comfortable, waterproof, and offer more protection than flip-flops around camp. Just don’t leave boots or sneakers outside overnight! We’ve found a scorpion in our campsite before, and spiders and other creepy crawlies love hiding inside warm hiking boots. A quick shake before you put them on each morning soon becomes second nature too)
These are the moments kids remember most, so make sure they’re warm, comfortable, and able to relax.
Final Tips for Camping with Kids
- Lay outfits out in advance
- Pack by day (gallon bags work great)
- Always bring extra socks
- Expect mess—and embrace it
One of the easiest ways to stay organized on a camping trip is to lay out clothes in advance. We like to group outfits together so everything is ready to grab each day.
It saves time, reduces stress, and makes mornings at camp so much easier—especially with kids.
Planning a family camping trip? Before you head out, be sure to explore my other family camping guides. Learn everything you need to know in my Family Camping for Beginners guide, discover practical advice in 25 Family Camping Tips That Actually Make Camping Easier, download my Camping Packing List so you don’t forget the essentials, and browse my camping destination guides for Yosemite National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Garner State Park, Broken Bow, Oklanhoma, and California Camping with Kids. Together, these guides will help you plan a fun, stress-free camping adventure from start to finish.
If this is your first trip, our Ultimate Camping Checklist will help you remember everything you need for your trip.