Planning a family camping trip? A solid packing list is the easiest way to keep your weekend stress-free. Whether you are camping for the first time or you have the routine down, this checklist helps you spend more time enjoying Clearwater Park, the World’s Largest Sandbox, and all the park activities, and less time realizing something is still sitting at home. Use the quick printable list below, then scroll for tent, RV, and cabin add-ons.
Ready to lock in your spot? Don’t forget to book your campsite at Jellystone Park Akron-Canton now!
Quick Printable Packing Checklist
Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick, printable camping packing checklist for families headed on a camping trip. Keep this essential list handy for your next trip or download and print it for your packing adventure.
General Items for Every Family Camper
Every great camping packing list for families starts with essentials. No matter your site, these are must-haves for a comfortable, safe, and super-fun stay at Jellystone Akron-Canton.
Health & Hygiene
- Basic first-aid kit.
- Extra toilet paper, wet wipes.
- Quick-dry towels for pool, shower, or sandy messes.
Clothing & Footwear
- Layered outfits
- Hiking boots and thick socks
- Swimsuits and sandals or water shoes for Clearwater Park
- Sun hats and sunglasses for UV protection.
Kitchen & Food Prep
- Reusable water bottles and a large water jug.
- Trash bags, resealable baggies.
- Salt, pepper, basic pantry staples.
- Cooler with ice packs for drinks and snacks.
Campsite Essentials
- Camp chairs, tablecloth with clips.
- Flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, and backup batteries.
- Waterproof matches or a lighter.
- Entertainment for downtime: Books, board games, cards, binoculars, and field guides.
Don’t forget: Chargers for your phones and other devices, plus a portable battery if you’ll be out all day.
Tent Camping List
If you’re booking standard tent sites with electric at Jellystone, your tent camping list expands for extra comfort!
Shelter & Sleeping:
- Family tent with rainfly & sturdy footprint.
- Mallet or hammer for tent stakes.
- Air mattress (with electric or battery pump) or cozy cots.
- Sleeping pads, warm sleeping bags, and extra blankets.
Using the Electric Hookup:
- Heavy-duty extension cord and power strip (with surge).
- Electric fan for cool breezes.
- String lights for a fun glow (turn off at night for stargazing).
Organization & Cleanliness:
- Clear bins for food and kitchen supplies.
- Small broom and dustpan for a tidy tent.
Easy-Access Tip: Hang a shoe organizer for quick grabs—flashlights, bug spray, or sunscreen.
RV Packing List
Bringing your RV? You’ll want your RV packing list dialed in.
Hookup & Utility Essentials:
- Surge protector, RV power cord for shore hookup.
- Drinking water hose with pressure regulator & filter.
- Sewer hose with a complete sewer kit for safe and clean dumping.
Safety & Setup:
- Leveling blocks and wheel chocks.
- Fire extinguisher, working smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
- Tool kit, jumper cables, and key documents (registration, insurance, and reservation printout).
Comfort & Inside Extras:
- RV-friendly toilet paper, a plunger.
- Sheets, blankets, pillows.
- Kitchen appliances: Toaster, coffee maker, or compact air fryer.
- Laundry detergent and hangers for laundry room use or air-drying suits/towels.
- Outdoor rug or mat to keep dirt outside.
Pro tip: Removable hooks or wall organizers expand interior storage, while a “grab and go” pool bag saves plenty of back-and-forth.
Ohio-Specific Safety & Health
Ohio’s outdoors are beautiful, but camping comes with a few regional quirks. Besides your basics, here’s what to bring camping in Northeast Ohio:
- Lint roller, tweezers, small tick container: Ticks are active all season. Perform daily tick checks. Brush off gear, and use tweezers for safe removal. Check out the CDC’s tick prevention guidance.
- Poison ivy cream & insect repellent: These let you play worry-free! Here’s a helpful link to CDC Sun Safety & Sunscreen guidance, too.
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper: Great for quick cleanups.
Extras to Enjoy Jellystone’s Amenities
A camping packing checklist for families at Jellystone wouldn’t be complete without gear for all those special park extras!
- Swimsuits and water shoes for endless fun at Clearwater Park pool.
- Sand toys, buckets, and shovels for the World’s Largest Sandbox.
- Goggles, pool floats, or dive rings for kids at the pool.
- Balls and sports gear for courts and open play.
- Picnic blanket for Yogi Bear,™ planned activities, and crafts.
- Fun hats or costumes for themed weekends.
Quick Packing Tips & How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Make your camping trip smooth and simple with these tips!
- Pack in zones: Group by kitchen, sleeping, clothing, etc.
- Use clear storage bins so you can see your gear at a glance.
- Test all electric items before you leave home.
- Print or screenshot your campground map and schedule.
- Always do a tick check at the end of the day!
- Weather changes quickly in Ohio; bring one more layer than you think you’ll need.
Troubleshooting tip: If you forget something, check the camp store. Many essentials are stocked on-site.
Ready to Book? Let’s Go Camping!
Packing the right gear sets the stage for your best family adventure yet. Whether you’re in a tent or RV, your ultimate family packing list for camping at Jellystone Park Akron-Canton has you set for comfort, play, and unforgettable fun.
Don’t miss your spot for themed weekends and all the amenities—book your campsite at Jellystone Park Akron-Canton today!
And don’t forget to download your printable checklist for easy packing! See you at the park!