Dreading Camping With Your Kids? 23 Things You Need to Make Roughing It Feel Pretty Nice

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The idea of camping is often much nicer than the reality. You envision yourself in a peaceful setting, surrounded by nature, and connecting with yourself and your family. But unfortunately, leaving the comforts of home behind can make the experience less than enjoyable, especially if you're spending more than a few days in the wilderness. Rather than completely turning your back on camping and the chance to spend time with your kids, turn your tent game up a notch. With some fun, sometimes luxurious, additions to your usual camping gear, you won't have to sacrifice your own comfort, and you'll be giving your kids the camping experience they've waited all year for!

01
Elevated Inflatable Mattress

Elevated Inflatable Mattress

Those thin foam mattress pads can only do so much. Feel like you're sleeping soundly at home with this elevated inflatable mattress ($145)!

02
Hand & Foot Warmers

Hand & Foot Warmers

It can get chilly at night on camping trips, and there's nothing worse than not being able to get warm in your sleeping bag. Try these hand and foot warmers ($5, originally $8) to feel extra cozy.

03
Outdoor Movie Screen

Outdoor Movie Screen

Camping trips don't have to mean missing your favorite TV shows and movies. Take this outdoor movie screen ($225) with you and you'll feel like you're at home.

04
Camping Oven

Camping Oven

No more struggling to cook all of your meals over a fire pit. With this camping oven ($187, originally $230), you'll be able to cook all of your favorites in the oven or on the stovetop!

05
Pie Iron

Pie Iron

Combine two great American favorites — camping and pies — with his pie iron ($22). It's perfect for making delicious treats over the fire with those freshly picked berries from your camping trip.

06
Fire Starter

Fire Starter

Having a fire is an essential part of camping, but making one doesn't have to be an hours-long event. With these fire starters ($1), you'll have a roaring, cozy fire going in no time.

07
Luxury Bell Tent

Luxury Bell Tent

Say goodbye to boring, run-of-the-mill tents and say hello to luxury! This sprawling, four-meter canvas bell tent ($587) will have you feeling like a celebrity.

08
Espresso Machine

Espresso Machine

Camping has become synonymous with gritty, flavorless coffee. Step up your coffee game in the mornings with this portable espresso machine ($53) instead.

09
Skillet Cookie Kit

Skillet Cookie Kit

If you can't quite stretch to a camping oven, this skillet cookie kit ($20) is a great alternative! You'll be able to make delicious chocolate chip cookies without an oven.

10
Double Sleeping Bag

Double Sleeping Bag

Whether you choose to share it with your partner or kids or keep it to yourself, this double sleeping bag ($70) with built-in pillows is sure to give you a great night's sleep.

11
Inflatable Corner Sofa

Inflatable Corner Sofa

Get rid of those rickety old camping chairs and upgrade to an inflatable corner sofa ($99, originally $150)! It's big enough for the whole family.

12
Camping Kitchen

Camping Kitchen

Elaborate, delicious meals are so much easier with a camping kitchen ($140)! It comes with countertops, storage space, a lamp, and even a small sink so you can get your chef on.

13
Camping Shower

Camping Shower

Nothing makes you feel quite as refreshed — and human — as a nice, warm shower. Wash off the dust from the hiking trail in the privacy of your own camping shower ($85, originally $120).

14
Tent Fan

Tent Fan

When it's hot and muggy, tents really seem to lock the heat in and keep the breeze out. Stay comfortable, cool, and safe with a tent fan ($32).

15
Hammock With Bug Screen

Hammock With Bug Screen

Dream of sleeping under the stars, but put off by the reality of mosquitos? Cocoon yourself away from pests and enjoy the gentle sway of a hammock ($50).

16
Camping Mugs

Camping Mugs

Sometimes, the simplest pleasures can make all the difference. Get yourself some adorable, personalized camping mugs ($16, originally $18) and make the outdoors feel more like home.

17
Camping Lantern

Camping Lantern

One too many spooky campfire stories? Ditch the flashlight and upgrade to a reliable, bright camping lantern ($20) that can even be used in your tent.

18
Unbreakable Wine Bottle

Unbreakable Wine Bottle

Wine bottles are heavy and fragile, so more often than not, they don't make it into our list of camping essentials. This unbreakable wine bottle ($13) will make it easier for you to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of a hard camping day.

19
Marshmallow Roasting Sticks

Marshmallow Roasting Sticks

Don't waste your time scouring the bushes for a perfect stick. Skip straight to the s'mores with these fun marshmallow roasting sticks ($22).

20
Popcorn Maker

Popcorn Maker

Camping is all about the little rituals you develop with your family. With this popcorn maker ($24, originally 31), you'll be sure to create lasting memories!

21
Camping Fridge

Camping Fridge

If you're ready to get really serious about camping comfort, it's time to invest in a camping fridge ($986, originally $1,100). Leave the hot dogs at home and fill this fridge with all the gourmet supplies you need.

22
Mosquito Trap

Mosquito Trap

Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than mosquito bites. Keep your family protected without using chemical-heavy repellents with this mosquito trap ($130).

23
Heat-Powered Phone Charger

Heat-Powered Phone Charger

Welcome to the future. This stove-like device ($130) turns heat into power, so you'll be able to stay connected to the outside world and keep your Instagram game strong.