7 Cool Camping Gadgets For Your Family

The mere suggestion of a family camping trip may make you break out into a sweat. Hell, you’d rather play Candyland with the kids for the fiftieth time than venture out into the woods for a few nights. But getting everyone into the great outdoors can actually end up being a great experience. Not only are you fostering a lifelong appreciation of the natural world, but what’s bad about s’mores every single night? Plus, going camping doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rough it. There are plenty of clever gadgets that make sleeping in a tent and getting dirty a little more comfortable.

Whether you’re looking for basics like a grill or something to make life less buggy, like a remote bug repeller, there are plenty of products to enhance your experience in the great outdoors. Here are 7 cool camping gadgets you can count on when you wander into the vast wilderness.

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7 Cool Camping Gadgets For Your Family

1. Camping Slanket

A slanket for camping? Yes, please. Even if your camping days are warm, the nights can get chilly and getting cozy while camping will appeal to the whole family. The Kiljaro Kubie can be used as an insulated blanket or sleeping bag, folded into a pillow, used as a ground cover, turned into a shade canopy, be strung up as a hammock then folded into its compact carrying case for easy portability.

Buy it from Amazon here!
2. Portable Mosquito Repeller

Protect yourself from all those itchy bug bites with the flip of a button. This hand device emits a DEET-free, scent-free insect repellent that covers an impressive 15-foot zone for 12 up to hours.

Buy it from Amazon here!
3. Portable Gas Grill

You'll definitely want to get your grill game on when you are camping. Thanks to quick-fold legs and 2 rugged weeks, the Coleman RoadTrip 225 portable grill travels easily to and from your campsite and it’s a cinch to set up and break down. Use it for burgers at dinner time or for pancakes (there’s a griddle cooktop sold separately) in the morning.

Buy one from Amazon here!
4. LED Headlamp

A hands-free flashlight – also known as a headlamp is essential for a successful camping trip. It allows you to read in the tent, navigate going to the bathroom and searching for lost items such and teddy bears and water bottles once the sun sets. Look for one that you can recharge via micro USB and has a decent run time on the highest setting.

Buy it from Amazon here!
5. Portable Outdoor Shower

Camping is nothing if not a deviation from the normal daily regimen…including hygiene. And while bathing in a freezing cold lake is a part of the total experience, you can also instantly transform any water source (even a bucket of water) into a mini on-the-go shower. It may not replicate the feeling of stepping under the warm running water of your home shower, but it does the trick.

Buy it from Amazon here!
6. S'mores Made Easy

While these don’t technically fall under the “gear” category, Stuffed Puffs are the ultimate in camping snacks. Stuffed Puffs are marshmallows that are filled with chocolate in the center that melt when roasted over a campfire. Just roast, blow out the flames, and squish between two graham crackers - no additional chocolate needed. They're also perfect for hot cocoa as well. Genius!

Buy them from Amazon here!
7. Hanging Tree Tent

This ingenious product is basically a tent that vertically hangs from a sturdy tree branch - hammer and nails not required. This fun hanging hideaway holds up 250 lbs, so kids, dogs and adults alike can seek solace in the trees. It features three porthole windows and a tie-back door for easy ventilation, plus a string of LED lights.

Buy it from Amazon here!