Scan to download the Finder app on iOS or Android

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

Holidaying as your typical Australian family in 2023 isn't easy. I know; I'm in the thick of it. As the dad in a family of 5, with 3 kids aged 11, 9 and 7, my wallet shakes with fear at the thought of buying 5 flights at the current crazy prices. Or getting resorts with big enough rooms. Even big road trips hurt the hip pocket with the current fuel prices.

But these are the best years of our lives and they're not to be wasted. So we camp. A lot. It remains the most cost-effective way to have a great family holiday in Australia.

Like most avid campers, my assortment of equipment has grown appreciably over the years and then been refined as I've upgraded the essentials. If you're new to camping with kids or are looking for some tips on how to improve your family camping set-up, you're in the right place. This best camping gear guide for families will hopefully give you the insights you need.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

Let's start with the obvious: you're going to need a tent. There are a couple of features I've come to love about the OZtrail Lumos 12 Person Fast Frame tent that I think make it a great fit for families.

Firstly, it's large enough to stand up in and has multiple rooms. This is particularly important to my wife but obviously makes getting changed and moving around sleeping bodies a lot easier. It's also built with full blackout material that works well. The added darkness allows you to get kids to bed earlier during daylight savings. But also, it ensures you can all sleep in after big nights.

There's a built-in LED light in this tent, too. It runs on batteries, and with a press of a button, allows you to light up the inside with ease. The fully enclosed front annex provides a weather-safe entry space for dumping gear or hanging out in less favourable conditions. Best of all, though, the fast frame system means there are no threading poles through tiny loops. The tent is upright in a few minutes, allowing for one parent to start inside, while the other is pegging in the fly.

On the negative side, said fly still takes quite a while to set. The tent takes up a decent amount of space, too – both when set-up and when packed in your garage.

I've also recently been exposed to the Dometic Santorini FTK 4X8 inflatable tent. I haven't used it, so will hold off on a full endorsement. But what I've witnessed is very impressive. Set-up and pack-up are just a few minutes, and the space inside looks great. It's also worth a look.

The standout reason why I would recommend the 75L Lithium Dual Zone Fridge/Freezer is because of the in-built lithium battery. This provides at least an additional day (and I've frequently got close to 2 days) of charge once your fridge is unplugged. This can be a lifesaver when you're off-grid and the sunlight doesn't show up to warm your solar panels.

Indeed, I've taken this fridge on multi-week adventures and never had to take it out of the back of the car or charge it. I just plug it into the 12-volt port in the boot when I'm driving, and it gives the lithium battery a big enough kick to keep it forever powered.

The dual-zone set-up also allows you to freeze on one side and fridge on the other. This is particularly handy on longer road trips. It can also be opened from either direction and has power ports on both sides, so you can get into it and charge it no matter which way you stick it into the car. There are other nice features, too, like USB ports and bottle openers, as well as flush handles.

On the negative, the lids – which are otherwise strong enough to stand on – can stick a bit after some use. The in-built battery also means it's bigger than a comparable 75L fridge/freezer. I've also had mixed results plugging solar panels directly into it, so instead power it through a portable battery.

Read our full review here.

In the perfect world, you'll cook your food on the same campfire you're sitting around. But you can't always have a fire in Australia or have the required bed of coals ready when it's time to eat, so a BBQ is definitely handy.

There's certainly a good argument for a 2-burner gas stove, be that LPG or butane. These are light and easy to transport if you're travelling in a smaller vehicle. And they cook with incredible speed. But you're operating on a small footprint, which can be a pain when cooking for families.

As a result, you can't beat the versatility of the Weber BBQ. It has plenty of space for a large family meal and can double as an oven thanks to the well-insulated lid. If you pick up the stand to go with it, you don't need to use up any table space, either. It's got a good even heat, and the hotplates mean you don't need to always dirty pots and pans.

We also use it all the time for non-camping activities – for example, picnics in the park or kids' birthdays at the beach.

It does take up a lot of space, however. Especially with the required gas bottle. And it's an inefficient way to do minor heating jobs like water for a coffee.

Don't underestimate the need for good storage boxes when camping. If you think you can go down to Bunnings or Office Works and just get a plastic tub to hold your bits and pieces, be it equipment or food, you'll end up wasting your money. They break easily, and quickly. Often not even making the journey if you have to tie them down to a roof rack.

The most impressive storage box I've come across recently is part of the Dometic Go range. It's as strong as an ox – you can dead-set stand on it. It also maximises its shape. You don't get the tapered bottom or the concave down lid that reduces the amount of space you actually have to store stuff.

It also has a nifty, easy on the hands, latch system for opening and closing. And the smart tie-down design means you can access what's stored inside without having to undo the ropes or straps pinning it down. My only grief is that there aren't any larger options than 50L.

Not every camping site has a nearby tap on hand: in fact, many have no access to water at all. In these instances, you'll need to bring it with you or do many runs to a central water tank. On very long trips into such terrain, you'll need big 20L jerry cans of water, but they are overkill for most common family camping trips.

I've become quite a fan of the 11L Dometic GO Hydration Water Jug. Like most Dometic gear, the build quality is excellent. The carry strap makes it easy to transport to and from a water source. And the little tap – with a speed dial – allows you to access the water inside with ease. Especially compared to the water containers you may get from Woolies or Coles, with taps on them too hard for small fingers to open.

You can also pair this jug with a USB-charged faucet, for proper camping luxury. This allows the jug to sit on the ground, with just the tap at the edge of your table space. With a touch, water pours out. This makes it super easy for the kids to get a drink or brush their teeth and to multi-task – for example, holding a pot and activating the water flow at the same time.

Primarily, you'll be using a portable battery, or power station as it's more accurately referred to, for your fridge. They can be a big draw, especially in the Australian sun, so the more amp-hours the better. But this device also has USB-A and USB-C ports and 4 x AC ports as well as ports to run your lighting.

It's mighty enough to jump-start your car if required and is super handy around the home given it can run fridges, microwaves and the like as well during blackouts. Solar panels can be plugged directly in to charge, too.

The caveat is that it's big and heavy, and it's expensive. It may end up being an over-investment for many families. With that in mind, smaller, more affordable options that still perform well include the Dometic PLB40 and ATEM Power AP500x, which both offer about 40 amp-hours. Just know you'll need to bump these up daily with solar.

There are 2 kinds of table you'll come across. The kind that folds, and the kind that doesn't. I find the kind that folds are generally more frustrating to use with kids. Yes, they are easier to pack away, but they tend to slope at the edges as the two halves never quite come together properly. This often means cups and plates can slide off.

The reason why I opt for the Coleman Pack Away Table & Bench 3 Piece Set is that it offers one, nice flat surface. It also comes with 2 bench seats that back discreetly into the base of the table itself. Granted, you will often have camp chairs anyway, but we often leave those by the fire and then use this table for card games, kids arts and crafts, and eating.

The main issue you may find is that it's plastic, so it's a little risky cooking near it. If you'd prefer a foldable table, I'd consider the Dometic GO Compact Camp Table. It's neat (if heavy) when folded, but incredibly strong and robust when set up. It has 3 heights in the adjustable legs, too. So it doubles as a cooking bench, a normal table or a coffee table for cheese and crackers.

When it comes to family camping chairs, I purchase something great for my wife and me, and something much simpler (read: cheaper) for the kids. I recommend all your chairs have a drink holder. As soon as you don't have one, it's amazing how much you miss it. Side tables are handy, too, but not as essential.

The Wanderer Premium Reclining Alloy Lounger is my chair of choice for its ability to not just recline but to hold my 100kg frame (sometimes with a kid on top) at any angle. Many reclining chairs do not achieve this goal. It also comes with a side table that has a drink holder and a footrest.

I love being able to tip it up by the fire and look at the stars while my toes are warmed. Although it's a bulky item when packed (as are all recliners).

For the kids, honestly, Bunnings chairs will work. But I've stepped it up in recent years as the big recliners, while awesome for camping, are a pain for other activities due to their size – for example, picnics, fishing or kids sports. I've found the OZtrail Getaway Chair a good value for money proposition in this regard.

Showering while camping? Pretty fancy! In Australia, I find most of our showering is done via a swim in the nearest river, lake or beach. But that's not always viable – especially in winter or if you need a good scrub to get those fish guts off your hands.

The Companion AquaHeat Lithium Gas Shower is light, compact and easy to use. You screw in the replaceable gas bottle, put one hose into a bucket of water and put the other hose, with the nozzle attached, over your head. Press a button and you'll be surprised by how quickly very hot water is pouring over your head.

You can buy a specific shower tent for such activities if you want to get fancy. Alternatively, just sit the bucket on a table and go for it in your costumes – or nude, we're not judging.

If you're starting to feel age grinding away your vision as I am, then your tolerance for operating in low light has likely dropped to zero. A good light set-up at your campsite is going to make a big difference to your enjoyment, but you also don't want it to be overwhelming. Head torches are great, but they don't seem to last long before breaking or being lost.

I've taken to using the Dune 4WD 10 Bar LED Lighting Kit. What I love about it is that it comes with 10 individual bars of LED lights that you can use as 1 long run or split into 2 rows of varying lengths with the included splitter. It then plugs into your portable battery and lights up everything under its length.

We set this up in our awning in 2 rows of 5 that run down both sides. They have double-sided tape on the back so you can stick them into place. Plus, it comes with a remote and a range of effects, so you can create some atmosphere by changing the colours and dimming the lights.

Most campsites you come across use 1 of 2 kinds of awnings or camping shelters. The kind that comes off the side of your car. Or the classic square/rectangle variant with no walls. When travelling as a family, I much prefer a third option: the dome shape offered by the Coleman Event 14 Sun Shelter + Sunwall.

Firstly, it has a massive footprint; you can fit tables, kitchens, bikes, BBQs and more inside. The curved edges offer protection from both the elements and the prying eyes of neighbours, without compromising the ability to stand underneath. It's easy to assemble with 2 people and can be done by 1 struggling battler, and it's strong against the wind.

The sunwall can be moved, too, allowing you to follow the rays or wind or block out an annoying neighbour's light or campfire smoke. We tend to use it as the back against which all our kitchen gear goes. Best of all, the curved shape allows it to sit nicely over the entry of your tent, creating a means of getting from indoors to outdoors without ending up in the rain.

To a certain extent, I can see the value in getting the same brand of solar panel as your portable battery. But even with that in mind, there's plenty to like about the EcoFlow range of solar panels.

They're not hard or rigid, instead folding in on themselves so they can be easily carried and stored. This design also allows you to lay them in ways that mould to your environment, such as over car bonnets or against bushes. But it does come with a kickstand, too.

The connection points are easy to understand and clip together, especially if you daisy chain a few solar panels together. But best of all, they are durable and waterproof. Having kids, I find that the solar panels in hard frames just end up a magnet for kicked balls and uncontrolled bikes. The EcoFlow ones provide the same efficiency as the harder-framed alternatives, without that hassle.

Is this overkill? Potentially, but if you're going to go "proper bush" with the kids, then GME's personal locator beacon does provide serious peace of mind. Especially given how patchy telecommunication coverage is in our country as soon as you're out of the big cities.

Small, compact and light, this IP68-rated (so you can drop it in water) beacon is not much bigger than a pack of cards. But it comes ready to use its 72-channel GPS receiver to instantly send out an emergency signal for help once activated. The battery lasts 7 years, so there's no need to replace it regularly. And it gets extra points for being Australian made, too.

Obviously, you hope you never have to use it, but as someone who has watched a 2m-long Eastern Brown Snake cruise between my 2-year-old's legs when I've been a long, long way from help, I'm happy to have one with me.

There are a number of essential items you want on hand to make the most of a great campfire experience. Especially if you are setting up for a lengthy stay. There are a few bits and pieces I never leave home without.

Campfire protective leather gloves: These heavy-duty gloves are in constant use. If it's not placing logs lovingly into the coals, you'll use it to grab cooking equipment.

Campfire cast iron camp oven: 9 quart: This is the perfect size in my opinion, as it's not too big, but can still make a family-sized damper or hold a large chicken.

Campfire billy teapot: We do all our water boiling on the fire with our billy. Be it for coffee, soup, noodles, hot water bottles, washing up… whatever.

Campfire jaffle iron jumbo double: The easiest way to sort out food for the kids is to stick this bad boy in the fire with bread and a filling of your choice.

Campfire tripod: We use this more than you might expect to dangle the billy over the best part of the fire, even if it's loaded with burning logs.

For a country famously thought of as being hot, it's amazing how cold it can get at night – especially in winter. I've taken the family on camping trips that have dipped below zero in the dead of night and been so stuck down gullies that the sun only shines directly down for a brief few hours. These are still great trips, but here are some essentials.

Hot water bottles: Before you get into your sleeping bag, boil a billy on the fire and pour it into a hot water bottle. Kids and parents alike will love it.

Hot Hands hand warmers: These little packets don't feel like a great result for the environment, but if you crack them, they generate a heat you can place at key places around your body to push back against the cold.

Thermal blankets: These work in 2 ways: you can opt to wrap them around you while you sit by the fire, but a good jacket achieves the same goal. Instead, I tend to use them under our bedding to reduce the cold coming out of the ground. Some good options include the ​​Rumpl Down Puffy, which comes in 1- and 2-person sizes. But also the ​​Dometic GO Camp Blanket, which is handy for picnics as well.

Stretches: Another consideration can be stretches, which lift you well off the ground. We do have some and use them, but they do take up a lot of space at home. Plus, they don't fit in all tents and aren't so great on sloped surfaces. So buy with caution.

During every camping trip, you think of something new you need for next time. It's a given. Especially when you see it in use with someone else's set-up. Here are a couple of bonus bits and pieces that I love having on hand when we're camping.

Bug zapper: Dealing with annoying insects is just a part of every Australian's life, but what really sucks, is when they get in your tent. The trick is to place a bug zapper in your tent before you go to sleep to clear out anything that has got inside. I use the Gecko 3.7V Solar USB Rechargeable Insect Zapper.

Hammock: Take your relaxation to the next level with a hammock. You don't need to go over the top, just something simple you can string up with ease. Just get something with a good weight rating, as multiple kids will jump in at once. I use a Two Trees hammock, which is Australian made.

Drink cooler: Be it the sun, your body warmth or the heat from the campfire, drinks don't stay cool for long while camping. There are a few options out there, but I've fallen in love with the ​​Dometic THBC 37. It's smartly designed, holding different-width vessels firmly in place and keeping them very cool. Then easily converting to a thermal mug for coffees and soups, too.

Projector: Ok, I'm lying when I say this is essential. You don't need it at all. But if you want to be the coolest parent in the campground, and give yourselves a couple of hours of peace around the campfire, why not set up an outdoor cinema? I've taken to using the ViewSonic M2e Portable LED Projector, plugged into my portable battery and projecting onto the side of an awning. Quality is great, and you can just play off a downloaded file stored on a USB stick or via Bluetooth. It's also good for big sporting events.

As well as being an avid camper for decades, Chris Stead has been reviewing camping and outdoor equipment for years. The selections in this article are based on his personal experiences with the products compared against others he has reviewed and come across as part of creating his editorial content.

Chris Stead is the innovations editor at Finder. He is a gaming, tech and sports journalist with more than 24 years of writing and editing experience. He has previously worked at Game Informer, GamePro, Maxim, MCV Pacific, Gameplayer, Grab It, the University of New South Wales, Krash, It Girl and Fortnite Magazine. He has contributed to IGN, GameSport, NBN, Rooster Teeth, Fandom, Sydney Morning Herald, FilmINK, Brag, Popular Science, Foxtel, PC World, Hyper and Red Bull. Chris has a Bachelor of Advanced Science in Biology from the University of Sydney. A father of three, Chris has a passion for travel, photography and surfing.

These are the eight best cabanas you can get right now in Australia.

Find out why adventurers can't get enough of this brand thanks to a litany of affordable deals.

What is the best portable power station you can buy in Australia? Here’s how to choose the right battery pack for your next camping or 4WD trip.

These are the 9 best camping stoves available right now in Australia.

These are the six best kick scooters you can buy right now in Australia.

These are the six best boxing gloves you can buy right now in Australia.

We’ve rounded up the 13 best camping chairs you can buy right now in Australia.

From the top model for most people to the best anti-glare goggles, we rounded up the seven best swimming goggles available online.

These are the six best badminton rackets available in Australia right now.

Click here to cancel reply.

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

Level 10, 99 York St, Sydney , NSW , Australia 2000

Finder acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community.

Disclaimer - Hive Empire Pty Ltd (trading as finder.com.au, ABN: 18 118 785 121) provides factual information, general advice and services on a range of financial products as a Corporate Authorised Representative (432664) of Centra Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL 422704. Please refer to our FSG - Financial Products. We also provide general advice on credit products under our own Credit Licence ACL 385509. Please refer to our Credit Guide for more information. We can also provide you with general advice and factual information on about a range of other products, services and providers. We are also a Corporate Authorised Representative of Countrywide Insurance Group Pty Ltd trading as "Austbrokers Countrywide" ABN 51 586 953 292 AFSL No. 511363 for the provision of general insurance products. Please refer to our FSG - General Insurance. We hope that the information and general advice we can provide will help you make a more informed decision. We are not owned by any Bank or Insurer and we are not a product issuer or a credit provider. Although we cover a wide range of products, providers and services we don't cover every product, provider or service available in the market so there may be other options available to you. We also don't recommend specific products, services or providers. If you decide to apply for a product or service through our website you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product or service and not with us. We endeavour to ensure that the information on this site is current and accurate but you should confirm any information with the product or service provider and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) or the information they can provide. If you are unsure you should get independent advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan. (c) 2022.

Finder's digital asset trading is powered by Finder Wallet Pty Ltd (ABN 11 149 012 653) an AUSTRAC registered Digital Currency Exchange and reporting entity (DCE100735494-001). Finder Wallet is an arm of the Finder Group specialising in blockchain technology. Finder Wallet operates the Finder App’s digital asset trading and wallet services. Finder Wallet Pty Ltd is not a bank and does not offer banking services. Banks are covered by a Government Deposit Guarantee. Finder Wallet's services are not covered by the Australian Government Guarantee on Deposits

How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?

Optional, only if you want us to follow up with you.

Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.

finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.

finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.

Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan and read any disclosure documents (such as any Target Market Determination (TMD) and/or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)) issued by the provider before making a decision.

Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.

Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.

When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.

We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.

Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.

Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.

Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.