After our trip to Bala Lake (40 people, 7 tents, 1 campervan and a LOT of marshmallows later), I thought I’d share the camping gear we couldn’t live without. These are the items that kept us (mostly) warm, comfy, entertained, and sane. I’ve linked everything below in case you’re planning your own adventure.
You can check out my camping post here: Family Camping at Bala Lake: Canoes, Waterfalls & Campfires – Life of RiLeigh
Sleeping Warm – Airbeds and blankets
- Airbeds
- Fleece blankets
- Sleeping Bags
- Mattress Topper
- Foil Picnic blankets
- Hot water bottles
(Trust me, the nights were Baltic. These were lifesavers. We Use large picnic blankets under the air beds and mattress topper on top, keeps it warmer.)
Self Inflatable King bed https://amzn.to/45Zka4i
Single airbed https://amzn.to/3VrB7PO
Mattress topper https://amzn.to/4n8C8Z8
Single bed sheets https://amzn.to/4fZhfwZ
Picnic blanket https://amzn.to/3JCFAg5 (200×200)
Picnic blanket https://amzn.to/45YP6BO (200×300)
Fleece blanket https://amzn.to/3UV41Yx
Hot water bottle https://amzn.to/3HVkJny
Cooking & Eating
- Portable stove
- Grill
- Marshmallow skewers
- Cool box
- Camping kettle/toaster
- Electric cool box
- Kitchen unit
- Picnic Table
(Because camping = food and firepit snacks. Bonus points for toasted Babybels with pepperoni.)
Camping cutlery set https://amzn.to/3VrBLNe
Camping stove https://amzn.to/4oXvhDq
George Forman grill https://amzn.to/462bo5v
Cool Box https://amzn.to/41rO3ca
Electric Cool Box https://amzn.to/4ncgNOt
Travel Kettle https://amzn.to/4mEzoCK
Travel Toaster https://amzn.to/4mzOKbL
Toasting forks https://amzn.to/47DwDgD
Camp Picnic table https://amzn.to/45VKH2d
Camping Kitchen unit https://amzn.to/4p6ZArx
Essentials & Electricals
- Head torches / Fairy Lights
- Power banks
- Jump leads (after our car battery fiasco!)
- Folding chairs
- Extension tower
Head torches https://amzn.to/3HXZnGc
Jump Leads https://amzn.to/45EVyPk
Electric Hook up https://amzn.to/41tOjHs
Extension tower (usb/usc) https://amzn.to/3HDtx1w
Portable Power Station https://amzn.to/46fEM9y
Outdoor/Indoor string lights https://amzn.to/46drYR4
Entertainment
- Foam rocket
- Styrofoam plane
- Frisbee
- Games / Colouring books
- Kindle Fire for watching movies
(The £5 foam plane was the most fought-over toy of the trip, even the adults got involved.)
Styrofoam Plane https://amzn.to/4lQC6UE
Bucket and Spades https://amzn.to/47ktSAD
Football https://amzn.to/4mzOZUd
Frisbee https://amzn.to/4n6TFAD
Colouring books https://amzn.to/45VL6Sh
Travel connect 4 https://amzn.to/4fYYBWd
Magnet Game https://amzn.to/45JiU6o
Kindle fire https://amzn.to/4lO7AuF
Extras
- Festival trolley
- Inflatable Sofa
- Crocs
- Snoodys
(Perfect for comfort and easy walking with the kids sat in this trolley.)
Festival Trolley https://amzn.to/3HA5mkz
Kids Snoody https://amzn.to/45HvRxF
Adult Snoody https://amzn.to/3USuFRL
Kids Crocs https://amzn.to/3HTivFp
Adults Crocs https://amzn.to/4mZQLO4
Inflatable Sofa https://amzn.to/47jd50N
Camping isn’t always glamorous, but with the right gear it’s memorable in the best ways. These items made our Bala Lake trip smoother, warmer, and full of fun.
What camping equipment do you use?
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