The Best Camping Gear for Dads: What I’ve Learned in the Woods With My Family

Introduction

I’ll be honest—when I first started camping with my family, I had no idea how much gear it actually takes to keep everyone happy. I thought, “A tent, some sleeping bags, and hot dogs—what else do we need?” But after a few soggy nights, cold dinners, and trying to console cranky kids who couldn’t sleep, I quickly realized the right gear can make the difference between a miserable trip and one your kids will talk about for years.

Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my dad’s camping kit—a mix of practical gear, comfort essentials, and a few faith-filled extras that make camping more than just a weekend outdoors. Here’s what’s worked for me and my family.

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1. A Tent Big Enough for Everyone

Early on, I bought a “6-person tent” that barely fit me, my wife, and two kids. Lesson learned. Now, I always size up. If it says it sleeps 6, that usually means 3 comfortably. My wife also like to be able to stand up.

2. Sleeping Bags and Pads

Trust me—don’t skimp here. A cranky kid who didn’t sleep well can derail your whole trip. I bring insulated bags and inflatable pads or air mattresses so everyone wakes up refreshed.

3. Hammock Time

This one’s for me. There’s something about stretching out in a hammock with my son or daughter climbing in beside me that just slows life down.

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4. A Reliable Camp Stove

Yes, you can cook over the fire, but with hungry kids, a portable stove is a lifesaver. Bacon and eggs in the morning? Done. Mac and cheese at night? No problem.

5. Griddle

My griddle has become a camping essential. Sure, it’s a little heavy, but it handles everything—bacon, burgers, and especially breakfast. In fact, my kids look forward to what they call “Dad’s famous camping breakfast” every trip.

6. A Sturdy Cooler

If there’s one piece of gear I’d upgrade, it’s the cooler. Warm milk or soggy sandwiches can ruin morale fast.

Around the fire, meals become more than food—they’re little moments of connection. Some of our best family talks have happened while waiting for marshmallows to turn golden or burnt.

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7. Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife

I use mine constantly—opening cans, cutting rope, even whittling sticks with my kids. It’s the one tool I’d never camp without.

8. Headlamps for Everyone

Nothing tests your patience like fumbling with flashlights when your daughter needs a bathroom run at 2 a.m. Headlamps = lifesavers.

9. Fire Starter Kit

I’ve learned not to rely on lighters. Teaching my kids how to strike a magnesium fire starter has become one of their favorite “dad lessons.”

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10. Camp Chairs

I used to think logs and rocks were fine. Then I bought real camp chairs. Best decision ever.

11. First Aid Kit

With kids, something always happens—a scraped knee, a splinter, bug bites. I keep a stocked kit close by because nothing stops an adventure faster than an avoidable injury.

12. Solar Charger/ Battery pack

I know, I know—camping is about unplugging. But when you’re the dad responsible for safety, having a backup power source gives peace of mind.

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13. My Travel Bible

Some of my favorite memories are reading a quick devotional by the fire before bed. It grounds the whole trip in something bigger than just camping.

14. Journals for the Kids

I give each of my kids a small notebook to write or draw in. Later, I love flipping through their notes—what stood out to them is often so different from what I noticed.

15. Campfire Games

From cards to silly “dad-made-up” games, keeping the kids laughing around the fire is priceless.

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Here’s what I’ve learned: camping isn’t about having the most gear—it’s about having the right gear. Every item in my kit serves a purpose: to keep my family safe, comfortable, and focused on what really matters.

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Camping has taught me that the real gear isn’t what’s in my backpack—it’s my attitude, my presence, and my willingness to lead. The tent, the stove, the headlamp—those make life easier. But what my kids will remember isn’t the gear. They’ll remember Dad teaching them to build a fire, Mom laughing under the stars, and the prayers we said before bedtime in the tent.

👉 That’s the real reward: not just surviving the outdoors, but crafting memories that last a lifetime.