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You've just pulled into camp. The kids are already running. It's getting dark. And now everyone needs their pyjamas at the same time.

Cue the duffel bag dig. Three bags unzipped on the ground, gear everywhere, someone's socks are missing, and the toothbrushes are apparently in the bag that's now buried under the camp chairs in the boot.

If you've been camping with kids, you know this scene. It's not a packing problem. It's a finding problem.

The good news? It doesn't have to be this way. With the right travel storage bags and a simple packing system, family camping trips can actually feel calm and organised from the moment you leave the driveway to the moment you get home.

Here's how to make it happen.

Why Most Families Struggle to Pack for Camping

Let's be honest most of us default to whatever bags we have lying around. A couple of duffel bags, a plastic tub, a few reusable shopping bags. You chuck everything in, zip it up, and hope for the best.

The problem isn't how much you pack it's that you can't see what you've packed. Dark bags and opaque tubs mean every time you need something, you're doing a full excavation. And when you've got kids asking where their swimmers are, where their thongs went, and where that one game is, every five minutes, it gets old fast.

The solution is simple: switch to clear storage bags. When you can see exactly what's inside every bag at a glance, you stop wasting time searching and start enjoying the trip.

Step 1: Give Every Family Member Their Own Bag

This is the single biggest game-changer for camping with kids. Instead of one big communal bag that turns into a black hole of socks and lost swimmers, give everyone mum, dad, and each of the kids their own dedicated medium camping bag.

The medium size is the sweet spot for one person's clothing and essentials big enough to fit a few days' worth of gear, compact enough that each family member can own their space in the car or caravan without taking over. Got a baby in the mix? A clear toiletry bag is perfect for keeping all their small bits nappies, wipes, creams, change of clothes in one visible, grab-and-go spot.

• When each person owns their bag, a few magical things happen:
• Kids can find their own stuff without asking you
• Nothing gets mixed up between bags
• Packing up to go home is actually fast
•  You can delegate "pack your own bag" is a thing kids can genuinely do

CamPaq's Double Kids Camping Bag Bundle gives you two medium clear bags for two kids so each one can see everything inside, and they fit neatly into your caravan cupboard or car boot without taking up unnecessary space.

Step 2: Organise Shared Camping Gear by Category

Once each family member has their own bag for clothing and personal items, organise shared camping gear by category. Give kitchen supplies, toiletries, bedding and bulky equipment a dedicated place so everyone knows where to find each item and where to return it.

The Kitchen & Food Bag

Keep dry food, snacks, spices and smaller kitchen essentials together so you can quickly see what is available before preparing meals. A Medium Camping Bag works well for frequently used pantry items, while a Caravan Under Bed Storage Bag can hold backup supplies or less frequently used items.

The Toiletries & Bathroom Bag

Use the different zipped pockets in a CamPaq Toiletry Bag to keep toiletries, medications and first aid supplies organised separately. The clear design makes everything easy to find and helps you spot leaks or damp items quickly. When it is time to visit the campsite shower block, simply grab the whole bag and go.

The Bulky Gear & Linen Bag

This is where a large camping bag earns its place. Think bulky items the whole family shares spare towels, beach towels, extra blankets, swimmers for four kids, or a couple of adults' worth of clothes for a longer trip. It's not a personal bag; it's the family overflow bag. And being able to see that the spare towels are actually in there before you leave home is genuinely priceless.

Step 3: Use Under-Bed Storage to Reclaim Your Space

Whether you're in a caravan, camper trailer or tent, storage space is always at a premium. One of the most underused spaces? Under the bed.

A CamPaq Caravan Under Bed Storage Bag uses the low space beneath a caravan bed for spare bedding, extra clothing, shoes and other items that do not need to remain in a cupboard.

Its clear design lets you identify the contents before lifting it out. The perimeter zip opens the bag widely once removed, while the optional Velcro divider helps separate different types of gear inside.

Pro tip: Pro tip: Use under-bed storage for bulky or backup items that you will not need several times a day. Before buying, measure the available space beneath your caravan bed and allow enough clearance to lift the bag out comfortably.

Step 4: Create a Family Packing Checklist

The best packing system in the world falls apart if you're still scrambling the night before you leave. Build a simple family camping packing checklist and review it together before every trip. Here's a starting point:

Each Person's Individual Bag: 

• Underwear & socks (enough for the trip + 1 extra day)
• Tops, shorts/pants, warm layers
• Swimmers & rash shirt
• Pyjamas
• Thongs + runners

Family Toiletry Bag:

•  Sunscreen (this is always the one you forget)
•  Insect repellent
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• First aid supplies
• Medications
  

Under Bed Storage:

• Extra towels & beach towels
•  Spare bedding or sleeping bag liners
• Wet weather gear / rain jackets
• Shoes

Step 5: Choose a Family Camping Bag Bundle

The CamPaq Family Camping Bag Bundle includes one Large Camping Bag, one Medium Camping Bag and one Toiletry Bag. Use the Large Bag for shared or bulky gear, the Medium Bag for one person’s clothing or kids’ essentials, and the Toiletry Bag’s separate pockets for toiletries, medications and first aid supplies. Together, they create a practical starting system for organising family gear in a car, caravan or camper trailer.

CamPaq was founded by Therese Barrett after years of experiencing the frustration of searching through traditional luggage during family camping trips. Each bag is Aussie-designed, made from tough clear PVC and covered by CamPaq’s 100% Lifetime Guarantee. If your bag breaks, CamPaq replaces it, subject to the guarantee terms.

Packing Smart Makes Camping Feel Like a Holiday Again

A good family camping packing system should make gear easier to find throughout the trip. When everyone has a dedicated place for their belongings and shared items are organised by category, campsite setup, daily routines and packing for home all become simpler.

Planning your next family trip? Use the free CamPaq Camping Packing Checklist to organise clothing, toiletries, food, bedding and campsite essentials before you leave home.

Ready to give everyone’s gear a dedicated place? Explore CamPaq Camping Bag Bundles for clear, practical options designed for family camping, caravanning and road trips.

Ready to sort out your camping setup? Browse the full CamPaq range at campaq.net.au including the Family Bundle, Double Kids Bundle, and Under Bed Storage Bags and get organised before your next adventure. 🏕️

Frequently Asked Questions

What bags are best for camping with kids?

Clear storage bags are ideal for camping with kids because they can see exactly what's in their bag and find their own things without asking. CamPaq's medium camping bags are the perfect size for one child's clothing and essentials.

What should I pack in a family camping toiletry bag?

Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Use the separate zipped pockets in a CamPaq Toiletry Bag to organise toiletries, medications and first aid supplies, while the mesh-bottom wet pockets are useful for items used in the shower.

What should I pack for a family camping trip?

Pack clothing, toiletries, medications, first aid supplies, bedding, food, cooking equipment, campsite gear and suitable entertainment for the children. Adjust the quantities for your destination, trip length and expected weather, and use the free CamPaq Camping Packing Checklist to check the essentials before leaving home.

How do I use under bed storage in a caravan?

Use caravan under-bed storage for spare bedding, extra clothing, shoes and other bulky or backup items that you do not need several times a day. A clear bag lets you identify the contents before lifting it out, while a perimeter zip provides wide access once the bag is removed from beneath the bed.

How do I avoid overpacking for camping?

Focus on versatile clothing and only pack items you are likely to use. Planning meals and creating a checklist before you leave can help prevent unnecessary items from being packed.

What is the best way to organise camping clothes for a family?

Many families find it helpful to separate clothing by person rather than by item type. This makes it easier for each family member to find what they need throughout the trip.

What are the best camping bags for families?

The best camping bags for families make clothing, toiletries and shared gear easy to separate and find. Clear camping bags allow everyone to see what is packed, while different bag sizes help organise personal belongings, bulky family gear and bathroom essentials. Choose bags that suit your available car, caravan or camper-trailer space.