What to Pack for a UK Camping Trip: Complete Family Checklist

What to pack for a UK camping trip: the complete family checklist

Planning a family camping trip in the UK? Whether you're heading to the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, or a favourite local site, getting your packing right makes all the difference. A forgotten torch or a lack of waterproofs can turn a great weekend into a miserable one. Here's everything you need — broken down section by section so nothing gets left behind.

"Get the packing right and camping in the UK is genuinely one of the best things a family can do together."

Sleeping and shelter

A decent night's sleep is the foundation of a good trip. Even in summer, UK nights can turn cold quickly, so don't underpack this section.

Sleeping & shelter checklist

• Tent (with pegs and a mallet)
• Sleeping bag — one per person
• Sleeping mat or inflatable pad
• Pillow (compressible travel pillow works well)
• Extra blanket for colder nights
• Groundsheet or footprint for under the tent
• Tent repair kit
• Guylines and spare pegs

Yorkshire Trading tip Check your sleeping bag's temperature rating before you go. The UK summer average overnight temperature is around 10–12°C in many parts — a three-season bag is often a safer choice than a warm-weather one.

 

 

 

Cooking and eating

Campsite food is one of the genuine pleasures of camping — if you've brought the right kit. From morning brews to evening meals, the list below covers the basics.

Cooking & eating checklist

• Camp stove and fuel canisters
• Lighter and matches (keep both)
• Cooking pot and pan
• Utensils: spatula, ladle, tongs
• Plates, bowls, and cutlery — reusable
• Cups and mugs
• Insulated travel mugs for hot drinks
• Cool bag to keep food fresh
• Water bottles — one per person
• Washing-up bowl, brush, and biodegradable soap
• Tea towels and cloths
• Tin foil and food bags
• Bottle opener and can opener

A good cool bag is worth its weight in gold on a longer trip — it keeps your food safe in warmer weather and means fewer trips to the site shop. A set of reusable plates and cups is both practical and reduces waste.

Yorkshire Trading tip Pack an insulated flask as well as a travel mug. A flask full of boiling water means you can make a brew first thing in the morning before the stove is even lit — and it'll stay hot for hours.

 

 

Clothing and waterproofs

The golden rule for UK camping: pack for the weather you hope for, then add layers for the weather you'll probably get. Waterproofs are non-negotiable.

Clothing checklist — per person

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Warm mid-layer (fleece or gilet)
• T-shirts and long-sleeved tops
• Comfortable trousers or jeans
• Shorts (pack them — you might need them)
• Warm socks — more than you think
• Sturdy walking shoes or boots
• Flip-flops or sandals for the site
• Hat and gloves for cold nights
• Swimwear (depending on destination)
• Pyjamas or comfortable sleep clothes

Yorkshire Trading's waterproofing range includes sprays and treatments to re-proof outdoor clothing before you head off — worth doing if your jacket has lost its water-repellent finish.

Lighting and power

Once the sun goes down, decent lighting transforms a campsite. A mix of task lighting and ambient light makes evenings genuinely comfortable.

Lighting & power checklist

• Head torch — one per person
• Lantern for the tent or canopy
• Spare batteries for all torches
• Portable power bank for phones
• Solar lights if staying on a pitch with no hook-up
• Extension lead (for hook-up pitches)

A head torch is arguably the single most useful piece of camping kit — visit the bathroom block in the dark without one and you'll understand immediately. Yorkshire Trading carries a range of torches in different sizes, from compact pocket torches to powerful lanterns.

Outdoor activities and entertainment

For family trips especially, keeping children entertained between meals and activities is part of the plan. A handful of lightweight games and activities can fill hours.

Activities checklist

• Ball or frisbee for open spaces
• Outdoor games — rounders, badminton, skittles
• Cards and travel board games
• Books or a kindle
• Picnic blanket for games and lounging
• Kite (if you're heading somewhere breezy)
• Bike helmets if bringing bikes
• Walking maps of the area

Yorkshire Trading's outdoor toys and activities range has plenty for all ages — from classics like badminton sets to garden games that work just as well on a campsite field. A good waterproof picnic blanket doubles up as a base for games, a sunbathing spot, and somewhere to sit out when the grass is damp.

Toiletries, first aid, and health essentials

Easy to forget until you need them. Keep toiletries in a dedicated bag so they're always to hand.

Toiletries & health checklist

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo
• Towels — quick-dry if possible
• Toilet roll (more than you think)
• Hand sanitiser
• Sun cream — minimum SPF 30
• Insect repellent
• After-sun lotion
• First aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, bandages, pain relief
• Any prescription medication
• Feminine hygiene products
• Wet wipes — a camping staple

Documents, admin, and the bits people forget

The boring stuff — but important.

Admin & essentials checklist

• Campsite booking confirmation
• Cash for site fees or the local pub
• Phone charger and adaptor
• Map of the area (offline or paper)
• Bin bags — for rubbish and wet clothes
• Clothes pegs and a washing line
• Gaffer tape (fixes almost anything)
• Penknife or multi-tool
• Emergency contact details — written down

"The families who have the best time camping aren't the ones with the fanciest gear — they're the ones who remembered the torch."

Planning on walking? Add these too

If your trip includes hiking or hill walking, a few extra items make a real difference to comfort and safety.

Walking extras checklist

• Walking boots — worn in, not brand new
• Rucksack with a rain cover
• Trekking poles (optional but helpful on descents)
• OS map and compass
• Emergency whistle
• High-energy snacks for the trail
• Blister plasters

Yorkshire Trading's walking range covers the practical kit for getting out on the trails — from sturdy footwear to bags built for a day in the hills.