Camping is a wonderful way to make family memories in the great outdoors. Camping can be as simple as tossing a sleeping bag into a tent and heading into the woods. It can also be more involved and require planning, packing and organization, along with the right gear.
The universe of tents, chairs, coolers, camp cooking and lighting options can make the prospect of going camping for the first time seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. At its most essential, a successful camping experience comes from preparing a few fundamentals and creating safe, comfortable areas to sleep, hang out, store food and prepare meals.
The Bass Pro Shops Ultimate Camping Guide is designed to help you do just that: enjoy camping. It is built to help you navigate the landscape of gear, accessories and camping styles to find the combination that is right for you. The result is a camping setup that helps create wonderful family memories now and into the future.
This resource is designed to simplify camping by focusing on the gear that matters most. Below, you’ll find key categories to help you build a comfortable, functional campsite, from where you sleep to how you store food and light your space.
Explore each section to find reliable gear options and helpful tips for getting the most out of your time outdoors.
Shop all camping gear at Bass Pro Shops Camping.
Family Camping: Tips & Gear Guide
The takeaway:
Our first and most important tip for family camping? Do it. Go camping with your kids. They will enjoy it and so will you.
Most fundamentally, camping success comes down to creating a comfortable, functional campsite.
- Creating a Comfortable, Dry Place to Sleep - think tent, sleeping bags, pillows and maybe a sleeping mat or cot.
- Creating a Comfortable, Fun Hang Out Area - think camp chairs, a table, a fire pit and maybe some protection from biting insects.
- Making Sure You Can See at Night - think a combination of ambient lighting, directed lighting and area lights.
Combine these with a few key essentials:
- Food and Drink - coolers, water storage and camp kitchen items
- Fire and Cooking - camp stove or fire setup
- Preparation - essential gear for changing conditions
Read the complete Family Camping Guide.
Family Camp Tents & Chairs
Creating a comfortable campsite starts with the right shelter and seating. Family camping tents and chairs are built for easy setup and all-day comfort.
Shop all tents and camp chairs.
The takeaway:
Choose a tent that is easy to set up and fits your group, then pair it with comfortable seating so everyone can relax at camp.
Ascend 6-Person Lighted Instant Cabin Tent and Ascend 10-Person Lighted Instant Cabin Tent offer fast setup and built-in lighting.
Ascend Padded Camp Chairs and Bass Pro Padded Chairs provide reliable comfort at camp.
Adventure Camping Tents & Chairs
For camping beyond the campground, lightweight and packable gear is key.
The takeaway:
Keep gear light and compact so it is easy to carry and quick to set up.
Ascend Viewpoint 2-Person Tent and 3-Person Tent are built for portability.
Pair with the Ascend Backpack Chair for easy seating anywhere.
Lighting for Camping
Good lighting keeps your campsite safe and usable after dark.
Shop all lighting, including flashlights, headlamps and lanterns.
The takeaway:
Use a mix of lanterns, flashlights and headlamps to fully light your campsite.
Coolers for Camping
Coolers help keep your food and drinks fresh and ready for your trip.
Shop all coolers.
The takeaway:
Use soft coolers for portability and large hard coolers for longer trips.
24-Can Backpack Cooler is great for day use and mobility.
Polar Cap Cooler is ideal for longer stays and keeping ice longer.
The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Camping Experience
For more than 50 years, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have been outfitting families for outdoor adventure. We offer the gear and expertise you need for camping and beyond.
Whether you are new to camping or experienced, our Outfitters can help you find the right gear for your trip.
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