We have been camping with our kids since they were in the womb. Over the years we have become experts at what to bring and what not to bring on a camping trip. Many people think camping with kids is difficult. They are absolutely right, unless you have the right gear! 

I am going to share some of my favorite kid-friendly camping gear as well as tips and tricks to make your family camping experience a positive one to remember. 

10 Must-Haves
1. Portable Toilet - All you need is this toilet seat and a 5-gallon bucket. We keep this "make-shift" toilet inside of our tent. We use this for late-night potty-breaks so we don't have to leave the tent. I absolutely love this (probably more than the kids). 

2. Wash Tub - I can't find the exact one I have since it was purchased on clearance from TJ Maxx. This particular one would be perfect, because it is collapsible. That makes for even better packing. When you have kids, you have a LOT of dishes. Using a wash tub makes cleaning up super easy.

3.  LED String Lights - we have been using these for YEARS. The kids love having the extra light to see at night. We wrap these around trees or hang across our campground. It makes our spot feel very homey. Sometimes we will wrap them around the outside of the tent so there is just a bit if light for the kids at night. These run off of a USB charge so you will not need batteries. 

4. Battery Back-up Options:
Power Bank Portable Charger (Option 1 - $) - if your kids are anything like mine, they will still want their Nintendo or iPad at some point. This battery pack charges devices super quick. We also use this to power our LED lights.
EcoFlow River Pro (Option 2 - $$$) - this charging station will keep you charged for the entire weekend. You can charge up to 10 devices, charge appliances (we run our fridge off of this all weekend). It can recharge using solar energy, AC outlet, or car adaptor. It is well worth the price. We have used this many times when we have lost power at our home as well. 

​5. Double Sleeping Pad - Once your kids are old enough to actually feel that they are uncomfortable sleeping in the ground, they will want an air mattress. For a little under $100 this easy to set-up and pack sleeping pad is such a deal. 

6. Glow Sticks - These are amazing. What child doesn't like a glow stick? We make necklaces and our girls wear them around at night. It makes it fun for the kids and easier for us to spot them. 

7. Headlamps- Headlamps are super helpful rather than carrying a flashlight at night. Like the glow stick, it makes it easy to spot your child at night. This also makes tasks easier, like making s'mores or getting up to use the potty at night because they are now hands-free. 

8. Portable Booster Chair - This is for babies-toddlers (6 months - 2 years old).
Although, the website says it can be used up to 4 years old, there is no way my 3 year old would sit in this. We used this with both of our girls and it was so helpful. You can set it on the ground or on a picnic table, strap your child in it and not have to worry. Must have for those younger kids!

9. Camping Couch - We all know you can get a camp chair from Walmart for around $5, but this couch is no match. We found this couch in an outdoor retail store in NC this past year and fell in love. A little on the pricier side, but we have used this thing SO much. Not only for camping, but in our backyard and at our daughter's soccer games. It is SO easy to set up and pack up. I truly can't say enough about this couch. The best part is that it fits our family of four. 

10. Gazelle Tent - We have been through many tents over the years and finally bit the bullet this past year and bought the Gazelle. We have the two-room tent, but the one linked is the four-person (one room) tent and it will be just fine for a family of four. We got the larger tent because we wanted to have our own room, and we love it! This is hands-down one of my favorite purchases we have ever made. It is $$$, but so worth it. 
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You will also need food, water, toiletries, soap + sponge for washing dishes, hand sanitizer, mosquito + tick repellent, citronella candles (in spring/summer), paper towels, TP, and any other necessities you or your kids may need. Keep in mind how you are going to store your food. Do you have a cooler or portable refrigerator? 

Next, you need to think about how you are going to cook your meals. We have small backpacking stoves, to 2-burner gas stoves, and a Camp Chef Oven/Stove combo (this one is amazing). Most campgrounds will also have a grill grate over their fire pit, so this is an option. 

I hope this helps give you some ideas on what to bring on your next camping trip with (or without) children. 

Happy Camping! 

Emerald Isle, NC has truly become a second home. If you are looking for pristine beaches that are not overcrowded with high-rise hotels and thousands of guests, then this is the vacation spot for you. 

Emerald Isle, known for its emerald water, is also an outdoorsman's paradise. From fishing, to kayaking and venturing out on ferry's - there are so many things to do on the island and in it's nearby communities. One thing was must do when we visit is take a ferry to Shackleford Banks to see the wild horses and collect giant Conch shells. This is just one of the fun activities offered in the area. 

Other areas we visit when vacationing in EI include Beaufort, Morehead City, and Swansboro. These are old, quaint, adorable little towns with a lot of shopping, fishing, and incredible restaurants. 

If you find yourself on the Crystal Coast make sure you take a visit to Emerald Isle!