Introduction

We have tested the Best Family Camping Gear to let you set off on family camping adventures in comfort!

Are you planning a family camping trip in 2025? Whether you’re heading to the Peak District, Cornwall’s magnificent beaches, or a secluded Scottish loch, the right gear makes all the difference. Trust us—there’s nothing worse than a leaky tent or cold, cranky kids at night!

That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide to the best family camping gear for 2025. These are hand-picked, highly rated essentials that balance comfort, durability, and value for specifically for families. We’ve even included direct links so you can shop quickly and easily.

Let’s make your next camping trip unforgettable—for all the right reasons.

Best Family Tents for UK Weather

A high-quality tent is your home away from home. You need one that can withstand wind, rain, and kids bouncing off the walls.

There are so many different options to choose from when it comes to tents. Air beam tents make setting up for family camping trips a breeze, but might not hold up to too much extreme weather. Metal poled tents are more durable but will probably take more than one person to set up.

For families with small children, it is definitely worth the investment in a black-out tent, or a tent with blackout rooms or compartments. If you don’t want your little ones (or big ones!) rising with the sun (which is very early in the Summer!), the blackout will keep them in bed until its time to get up!

We personally own the Hi-Gear Hampton 6 Eclipse Family Tent available from Go Outdoors here. It has plenty of space for all the family, including 2 separate bedrooms with blackout. This tent has never let us down and we have been through some ‘interesting’ weather over the years! It does take two people to put up however. Below are some of our best picks for family-friendly tents:

• Vango Airbeam Odyssey Air 500 Villa Zelt – An inflatable, spacious tent with blackout bedrooms and a large living area. Fast setup, ideal for UK campsites.
• Coleman Cook 4 Family Tent – Budget-friendly, two-bedroom tent from Coleman with 100% waterproof fabric and all-in-one pitching.
• Outwell Oregon 6 Tent – Premium comfort with five rooms and robust weather protection. With dark rooms and plenty of ventilation.

Look for features like sewn-in groundsheets, tall ceilings, and ventilation panels to keep your space dry and fresh.

Top Tip:

Be sure to pack extra tent pegs, including some heavy duty ones. We have seen some tents fly away over the years and a simple swap to storm pegs is all you need to prevent this! The ones we have in our gear are the the Blue Diamond Power Pegs available from Amazon here. They have never let us down yet!

Sleeping Gear That Keeps Everyone Cozy

After a long day of adventuring, everyone deserves a good night’s sleep!

Remember that nights in the UK on family camping trips can get hot as well as cold! For cold nights, add some emergency foil blankets to your best family camping gear. Put them under your mattress to keep the cold from the ground away from your bed. For warmer weather, think about lighter tog sleeping bags or just sheets to keep your family cool.

• Coleman Comfort Double Airbed – Spacious enough for two, with extra height for comfort.
• Clostnature Sleeping Bags for Adults and Kids – Affordable, sleeping bags, in a variety of colours, that are warm enough for most UK seasons.
• Hi-Gear Duo Bunk – A fun way for kids to camp with their own bunk beds! Fully collapsible and can be used as two single beds.

Don’t forget to pack the kids favourite teddys, blankets or cushions to make your tent extra cosy!

Cooking Equipment for Campsite Feasts

Make magical memories with mealtimes. Cooking outdoors with the best family camping gear can make meal times extra special. With the right tools, camp cooking can be fun and easy.

• Campingaz Elite Camping Chef – Reliable gas stove perfect for families. You can cook on two gas rings and make toast too!
• Odoland Camping Cookware Kit – Lightweight, nesting pots and pans with utensils included. Makes it easy to feed all the family whilst being nice and compact.
• Outwell ECOcool Cool Box – Keep your food fresh with electric cooling options. Plenty of room for food for all the family.

Our personal new favourite addition is the Campingaz Party Grill (especially great for campsites with no BBQ rules), I have cooked full English breakfasts and Paella on it!

Don’t forget your camping teapot for morning coffee’s; you can pick one up very cheaply from Amazon here. For the ultimate family camping experience, remember marshmallows for campfire nights!

Dining Essentials for Families

Once you’ve cooked up a storm, you’ll need the right kit to enjoy eating it! We have the best family camping gear for al-fresco dining.

• Outsunny Folding Camping Picnic Table – This is one of our best family camping gear finds! A table and chairs all in one foldable compact case. No need for a separate table and chairs! We use this for everything from family meals to family Uno matches!
• Unbreakable Tableware Set for 4 – Unbreakable, eco-friendly, and stylish. Plenty for all the family and all you could need in one set.
• Redcamp Collapsable Washing Up Bowls – Everyone who see’s these asks where I got them from! Collapsible washing up bowls with enough room for all the family’s plates. These can also work as a sink on family camping trips. Better yet, there great value for money in a handy two pack.

Don’t forget to pack the other essentials: tea towels, bin bags, sponge, washing up liquid and wipes!

Clothing & Weather Protection

UK weather is interesting. It can be cold. hot, wet, windy all in the same day! To make the best of whatever the great British weather has to delight you with, you will need some essential kit.

Make sure you pack enough clothes for all the family but remember that when camping, less is always more. On top of that, ensure you have something to keep everyone dry, warm and comfortable on your adventure. We recommend starting with the following:

• Regatta Pack-It Waterproof Jackets – Lightweight, breathable, and budget-friendly. Available for all the family.
• Puddle Suits for the Little Ones – Keeps little legs dry and super cute!
• Mosquito Repellent Bracelets – DEET-free, kid-safe solution for midges and mozzies. You’ll wish you had these in your camping gear if you get attacked by mozzies! We use these ones and have been bite free ever since!

Don’t forget, layers are your best friend when camping in the UK! When the family gets cold, add on, when they get cold, take off!

Entertainment & Activity Gear

Nothing is worse than bored kids on a family camping adventure!

We always make sure to carry things to keep little ones (and big ones!) entertained. Our essentials include; paper and pencils, small toys (kids choice) and plenty of snacks!

Below are some other firm favourites we have picked up along the way!

• Uno – Easy to learn and play for most ages. We have spent many hours playing as a family! Grab yourself some family fun here.
• Five Second Rule Mini Edition – Available here. High speed family fun!
• Painting and Drawing Kit – Loads of paints, pens and pencils to inspire creativity! Available on Amazon here.

When all else fails, a charged tablet with some downloaded films with beat away any boredom!

Safety, Comfort and Extras

Pack these bits, just in case – if you need them, you’ll be glad you did!

• First Aid Kit – This one comes with plenty of plasters for those bumped knees and handy ice packs. Plenty of kit to last the whole family a few ‘accidents’.
• Karrimor Dry Bags – Keep clothing, electronics, and snacks (and teddies!) dry. Find them on Amazon here.
• Camping Multi-Tool – I can’t tell you how many times this has come in handy! Scissors, knife, tin opener, and more in one handy gadget.

Always make sure you have plenty of torches, and plenty of spare batteries for those late night toilet runs!

Where to Buy Family Camping Gear in the UK

Sometimes, a weekend isn’t complete without a visit to Go Outdoors. Its a camping family paradise – everything you could ever need or want in one shop!

Here are our other favourite go-to retailers:

• Amazon UK – Fast shipping and tons of reviews on pretty much everything, ever.
• Decathlon – Affordable and reliable gear with in-store demos.
• Blacks & Millets – Often stock high-end, long-lasting options.

Final Thoughts

Camping with your family is about slowing down, exploring the outdoors, and making lifelong memories. With the best family camping gear for 2025, you’ll be set up for comfort, safety, and maximum fun.

Use the links above to grab what you need, save time and money, and make this year’s adventure the best one yet. Happy camping!

Now you know what gear to pack, make sure you know where to go! Check out our Family Friendly Campsite Reviews for more information.