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What to Pack for Family Camping Trip at Catgill

A family camping trip at Catgill Farm campsite is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors, spend quality time together, and explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Whether you are bringing your own large tent, arriving in a camper van on one of our electric pitches, or trying a TentBox for the first time, packing carefully will make your stay comfortable and stress-free.

Camping doesn’t have to be complicated, with the right gear and a little preparation, your next family camping trip can be all about fresh air, fun activities, and making lasting memories from the first night onwards. Here is our guide on what to bring to ensure you have everything you need.

Shelter and Sleeping Essentials

The type of accommodation you choose affects what you will need. If you are bringing your own tent, make sure it is a reliable tent with a waterproof flysheet and groundsheet to protect against dewy grass and unexpected rain. A good quality sleeping bag is essential for a good night’s sleep, and extra blankets are always worth packing – even in summer, Dales evenings and early mornings can feel surprisingly cool.

Air mattresses or foam mats add comfort for both younger kids and older kids, and head torches are incredibly useful for late-night toilet trips. For families who are camping newbies or looking for an easier first trip, TentBoxes can be a practical option. While we don’t usually allow cars on the camping field, we do make exceptions for vehicles fitted with TentBoxes, giving you a simple set-up and more time to enjoy the outdoors!

Cooking and Dining Essentials

A camp stove or small barbecue is ideal for cooking family favourites outdoors, and for a special evening you can hire a fire pit to toast marshmallows, cook hot dogs, or enjoy hot drinks under the stars.

You’ll need to bring along lightweight pots, pans, reusable plates and cutlery. Cool bags are useful to help keep fresh fruits and picnic items chilled. Many families find creative solutions like using laundry baskets to transport cooking equipment.

A fold-up picnic table or camping chairs can make a big difference to comfort, especially on long days spent outdoors. Even simple touches like packing hot chocolate sachets for the evening can quickly become a family tradition.

While you can bring your own, we also offer pre-packed family barbecue and breakfast boxes for convenience. Alternatively, you can stop in at Cat’s Kitchen in the evening for stone-baked pizzas or enjoy coffee and pastries in the morning, on site.

Tip: Pack snacks and drinks for day trips, as Yorkshire’s hills are perfect for a picnic, and there is nothing better than enjoying sandwiches and fresh air after a countryside walk.

Clothing and Footwear

The weather forecast in the Yorkshire Dales can change quickly, the weather can be warm and sunny one minute, then showers the next. Waterproof jackets and trousers will keep everyone dry on a rainy day, and sturdy walking boots or comfortable trainers are helpful on uneven paths.

Bring extra clothes, spare socks, and comfortable evening wear. Water shoes can be useful if children want to paddle safely by the river, and hats or gloves are often appreciated during cooler months. Checking the weather forecast a day or two before you travel can save a lot of last-minute packing stress, and avoid doing things the hard way once you arrive!

Family and Kids Essentials

Keeping children comfortable and entertained helps everyone enjoy the full camping experience. Pack toiletries, towels, biodegradable soap, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Entertainment doesn’t need to be complicated – card games, books, a football, or simple scavenger hunts can create lasting memories without screens. On site, we also have a children’s playground and playing field, perfect for a kick about with a football.  

A first aid kit is a must, along with refillable water bottles and small backpacks for small children to carry their own snacks. Giving each child their own torch or head torch can also make the first night feel exciting rather than daunting, especially for first-time campers.

Extras for a Comfortable Stay

A few small additions can turn a great weekend into the perfect place for outdoor adventures. Fairy lights add warmth to your pitch, while extra seating or a gazebo offers shelter from sudden showers.

It’s worth noting that while our timber pods and lodges may include luxuries such as a hot tub, traditional camping pitches focus on simpler pleasures like open skies, fresh air, and evenings around the fire pit. Electric hook-ups are available on selected electric pitches for those who need extra power, and additional parking near the car park can be arranged for larger groups.

Exploring the Surroundings

One of the best things about staying at our Catgill Farm campsite is how much there is to see and do nearby. Many attractions are within walking distance or just a short drive away, making them perfect for families with younger kids, older kids, or a mix of both.

Hesketh Farm Park – a 2-minute walk away

Right next door to the camp site, Hesketh Farm Park is ideal for families with small children. You can meet farm animals, explore play areas, and enjoy both indoor and outdoor spaces if the weather forecast turns damp. It is an easy win for a gentle first afternoon or a quick outing before dinner.

Bolton Abbey Estate & Priory – around a 10-15-minute walk

The beautiful Bolton Abbey Estate and Bolton Abbey Village are less than a mile from Catgill and offer riverside walks, historic ruins, woodland trails, and picnic spots along the River Wharfe. Crossing the famous stepping stones or enjoying a riverside picnic with sandwiches and hot drinks is often a highlight of the trip for the whole family.

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway – around 2-3 miles

A short drive from Catgill, this heritage railway is a fun and slightly different day out. Steam trains, scenic countryside views and themed events throughout the year make it popular with both children and adults, especially on a rainy day when you want something sheltered but memorable.

Local Villages & Stops

Nearby villages and towns such as Skipton or Addingham offer independent shops, playgrounds, and cosy cafés or a welcoming coffee shop for a mid-morning break. These make excellent half-day trips when you want a change of pace from outdoor walks.

Many families leave their first visit already planning what they will do next time, discovering new routes, picnic spots, and activities with each next trip.

Clean Facilities and Practical Tips

Our clean facilities, modern toilets and showers make camping with children much easier, especially for families on their first time camping. Keeping clothes, food and entertainment in separate bags helps you stay organised after long days outdoors.

Tip: Always check the weather forecast before you travel so you can pack the right layers and plan your activities.

Charge your power bank, lay out your camping gear the night before departure, and double-check your checklist so the last thing you are doing isn’t searching for tent pegs or waterproofs. A little preparation goes a long way towards a smooth arrival and a great weekend.

A Simple Family Camping Checklist

Before setting off on your next camping trip, a quick family camping checklist can make all the difference:

Shelter & Sleep

Cooking & Food

Clothing

Family Essentials

Useful Extras

Many families tweak their list based on what worked last year and what they would change next trip. It quickly becomes a go-to guide for the next family camping trip!

A power bank ensures phones stay charged for photos, maps, or emergencies. With thoughtful preparation and the right gear, your stay at our popular site can become a tradition filled with laughter, fresh air and shared stories. Camping is not about perfection, it’s about quality time, outdoor adventures, and memories you will still be talking about on your next trip and beyond.
For more information, explore our camping options, including TentBox camping, camper van pitches, and our camping extras, to plan your perfect trip.

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