By Camping with young children is a completely different experience compared to camping solo or as a couple—and when you have twins, preparation becomes even more important. After several camping trips and a long road adventure with our twin toddlers, I’ve learned which items truly make life easier outdoors. From sleep to playtime, here are the must-have essentials for camping with twins.
Smart Refrigeration Solutions
Toddlers still rely on milk and snacks throughout the day, so keeping food fresh is a top priority. An electric cooler, such as the Dometic CFX3 55IM, works wonderfully if you have access to a power source. It maintains a consistent temperature and eliminates the need for constant ice refills. If electricity isn’t available, a high-quality cooler like a YETI can keep items cold for several days.
A helpful trick: instead of washing bottles after every use, store used ones in the cooler until you’re ready to clean them. This keeps things sanitary and saves time. Always remember to check how long milk or formula can safely sit before spoiling.
Making Running Water Accessible
One of the biggest challenges of camping with kids is cleaning bottles, dishes, and hands. Having access to running water makes all the difference. A portable water jug with a built-in faucet, such as Dometic’s hydration system, is a reliable option for washing up and refilling bottles. For smaller setups, a folding water cube is a convenient alternative.
Pair your water source with collapsible wash bins to make cleanup simple. If you’re camping at a site with bathrooms or potable water, take advantage of that—but having your own system ensures convenience during late-night wake-ups or remote stays.
Compact and Practical High Chairs
Mealtime can be messy with toddlers, so portable high chairs are a lifesaver. Folding booster seats like the Summer Deluxe Comfort Folding Booster are compact, easy to clean, and perfect for travel. Removing the fabric and straps allows you to rinse them off quickly before packing up again.
Picnic Blankets That Double as Play Mats
A durable picnic blanket is essential for families with toddlers. The Little Unicorn 5×10 blanket is ideal—it’s large enough for lounging, eating, or letting the twins crawl and play. It’s waterproof, easy to shake off, and packs up neatly when it’s time to go.
Child Carriers for On-the-Go Adventures
When exploring trails or walking around camp, hands-free child carriers are invaluable. Instead of bulky framed packs, compact carriers like the Trail Magik that clip onto larger hiking backpacks are great space savers. This setup lets one parent carry a child while still having room for supplies.
Cozy Sleep Gear for Restful Nights
For sleeping arrangements, we often use a rooftop tent so the twins can sleep safely between us. However, we also bring a small ground tent as a backup play area or shade shelter. When temperatures drop, baby sleeping bags like the Morrison Outdoors Little Mo 20 keep them warm without overheating. On warmer nights, fleece pajamas and light blankets are perfect alternatives.
Every child has different comfort preferences—one of ours sleeps soundly in a sleeping bag, while the other prefers a lighter setup—so flexibility is key.
White Noise for a Better Night’s Sleep
A portable sound machine can make bedtime easier for both kids and parents. The white noise masks outdoor sounds, allowing the twins to fall asleep while giving us freedom to talk and move around camp. If you forget it, offline white noise playlists on your phone can work as a backup, though it’s not as convenient.
Simple and Engaging Camp Toys
Keeping toddlers entertained outdoors is easy if you plan ahead. Bring along a few favorite stuffed animals and outdoor-friendly toys. Green Toys trucks and collapsible sand sets are excellent because they’re durable, easy to clean, and perfect for digging in the dirt.
Car Ride Entertainment
Long drives require extra patience and distraction. A small selection of books, travel toys, and snacks can keep your toddlers occupied. I also keep a “travel-only” toy bag with items they don’t play with at home, making them more exciting during trips.
Don’t Forget the Wipes
Whether it’s a snack spill, sticky hands, or a diaper change, wipes are a must-have. Bring both baby wipes and disinfecting wipes—you’ll need them more often than you think.
Final Thoughts
Camping with twins might take more planning, but it’s absolutely doable with the right gear. By organizing around your kids’ daily routines—sleep, meals, and play—you can make your trip smooth, comfortable, and fun for the whole family. With a bit of preparation and flexibility, camping can become one of your favorite family adventures.
