Camping Gear for Families With Kids and Pets

Family camping holds a special kind of magic. Kids collect pinecones as if they’re treasure, pups nap in the shade, and conversations stretch long after sunset. Curating that magic is even easier when you have gear that lets you focus on the experience instead of setup frustrations. Families need equipment that balances comfort, safety, and convenience while standing up to weather and the inevitable spills and surprises. A calm camp is built on preparation, and it starts with the right camping gear for families with kids and pets.

Since 1921, Yeager’s Sporting Goods & Marina Inc. has supported Pacific Northwest adventurers with quality gear and friendly advice. Whether you’re kitting out your first family outing or upgrading well-loved essentials, the team at Yeager’s can help you dial in exactly what you need.

Must-Have Camping Gear for Families

Spacious and Durable Tent

A good family tent sets the tone for the whole trip. Think generous floor space, a peak height that lets adults stand, and a layout that creates separate zones for sleeping and gear. Weather resistance matters, especially with spring drizzle or late-night gusts. Quick-pitch designs reduce setup stress while kids and pets explore.

Our recommendations: Check out Yeager’s Kelty Discovery Basecamp 6, Eureka! Copper Canyon LX 6, or Coleman Montana 8—all reliable picks for a roomy family shelter.

Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements

Rested campers are happy campers. Pair kid-friendly sleeping bags with insulated pads to boost warmth and minimize wake-ups. Cots add comfort for adults who prefer being off the ground, and doublewide pads can make bedtime with a toddler less of an ordeal. Consider a few extra blankets that can double as picnic throws and dog bedding during the day.

Camp Kitchen Essentials

Meals fuel the fun. A two-burner stove offers the flexibility to flip pancakes while heating water for cocoa. Sturdy cookware, a lidded skillet, heat-resistant utensils, and a cutting board round out the basics. Secure food storage helps deter curious critters and midnight snack raids by the family dog. Invite kids to help with safe, simple tasks like stirring, portioning trail mix, or arranging foil packets.

Pro tip: Position a stable cooking zone away from foot traffic. Keep pot handles turned inward, and assign a “kitchen helper” job to older kids who can fetch water or pass utensils.

Pet-Friendly Camping Gear

Pet Tent or Carrier

Dogs and cats need a low-stress retreat, especially in bustling campgrounds. A dedicated pet tent or soft-sided crate gives them a familiar den and protects them from wind or surprise visits by neighboring squirrels.

Pet Bedding and Blankets

Warmth matters when temperatures dip after sunset. A packable pet bed cushions your pup against the rocky ground and keeps fur dry. Extra blankets can serve as backup insulation or a spot to settle during campfire stories.

Food and Water Bowls

Collapsible bowls save space and clean up quickly. A dedicated water vessel keeps pets hydrated on hikes and around camp. Bright colors make these supplies easier to spot in the dirt—they’re easy to leave behind otherwise!

Leashes and Tie-Outs

Campgrounds often require leashes. A reflective leash boosts visibility, and a swivel stake-out line prevents tangles. Quick-access waist leashes can seriously come in handy during early-morning potty breaks when you need coffee and control at the same time.

Pet Waste Bags

Responsible cleanup keeps trails and campsites pleasant for everyone. Biodegradable waste bags are easy to stash in a pocket or hang from a leash handle. Always pack extra—you never know when a fellow camper will need one!

Safety Gear for Kids and Pets

No amount of conversation will fully prepare kids for the realities of being in the wilderness. If you don’t want to have family-wide panic after every scratch, don’t leave behind the safety gear. The items below cover common bumps, bites, burns, and nighttime wanderings.

• First aid kit: A family first aid kit should include adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, blister care, and kids’ pain reliever. Pet-specific add-ons like styptic powder, vet wrap, and a tick remover are invaluable.

At Yeager’s, we carry several tailored medical kits as well as kit supplements to ensure your gear makes sense for the adventure you’re on. If you’re on a weekend trip with your family, we personally recommend the Adventure Medical Adventure First Aid 2.0.

• Insect repellent: DEET-free formulas keep bugs away without harsh scents. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective choices around kids and pets.
• Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher protects skin, even on overcast days. Mineral formulas work well for sensitive skin. Remember that one application is rarely enough—setting timers can help you protect yourself and your kids throughout the journey!
• Flashlights or headlamps: Nighttime bathroom breaks and campfire games require hands-free light. Youth headlamps with a child lock prevent accidental battery drain.

Fun and Entertainment

Once you have comfort and safety handled, it’s time to have fun! Fortunately, there is no end to the list of activities you can plan for your camping trip. Hide-and-seek around the campsite works wonders before dinner. A scavenger hunt with pictures instead of words lets pre-readers join in. Adventure journals give kids a place to sketch leaves or tape in a trail map.

Pets benefit from mental games too, like hide-the-treat or scent trails laid with kibble nuggets. Open space nearby? Set up a short “sniffari” walk where your dog leads and you follow, letting them explore at their pace.

We know that weather can sometimes flip the script, so we recommend you plan a few fun things to do within the tent. A small tote with card games, crayons, and a paperback or two makes the most of rainy afternoons.

Pack Smart, Camp Happy

Great memories grow from comfort, safety, and flexibility. Families who arrive with a solid plan tend to spend less time troubleshooting and more time exploring, laughing, and getting marshmallow on their sleeves. Gear choices should match your crew’s style, whether that means car-side convenience or a hike-in adventure with a baby carrier and a wagging tail.

Yeager’s Sporting Goods & Marina Inc. has supported outdoorsy families for generations, and that experience shows up in every conversation at the counter. Staff can point you toward trustworthy brands, help you compare weights and warmth ratings, and share real-world tips from local trails and campgrounds. Shoppers who prefer browsing from the couch will find a deep selection of camping equipment for sale online, with friendly in-store pickup and support available in Bellingham.

The fun starts sooner when you have the right camping gear for families with kids and pets. Shop at Yeager’s Sporting Goods & Marina Inc., online or in-store, and head into your next weekend feeling ready. Our team is here to help!