Traveling to Glacier National Park with kids can feel overwhelming. Weather changes fast, campsites have limited amenities, and kids’ energy levels vary day to day.
After spending five nights at Fish Creek Campground with our family, we’ve put together a packing list of what we actually used—including some essential tech and RV gear. Organized by category, it’s easy to check off and ensures you bring everything that matters.
📌 Tip:
Want to see how we used all of this gear on our 5-day Glacier itinerary? Check out our full Glacier National Park With Kids: 5-Day Itinerary for day-to-day details.
Clothing & Layers
Layering is essential—valley mornings can be cool, afternoons hot, and higher elevations freezing.
- T-shirts & shorts
- Pants & sweatshirts
- Long-sleeve UV shirt (we love Freefly)
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Water shoes (kids) & sandals (adults)
- Hiking boots (optional for adults) & sneakers
- Swimsuits
- Skort (optional)
- Fleece one-piece (for young kids)
- Socks
- Long johns / base layers
- Pajamas
Safety & Essentials
- Bear spray
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Helmets (for biking)
Adventure & Camp Activities
- Bikes
- Shade canopy
- Fishing gear
- Baseball mitts & balls
- Slingshots / balls stored in RV for easy access
- Hiking poles (for adults)
- Hammock
- Cards, markers, coloring books, puzzles
Tech & Entertainment
- Kindles & books
- iPads (for travel days; put away at camp)
- Speaker for music
- Offline maps / apps
- Portable charger
- Binoculars
- Optional: Starlink or portable Wi-Fi if needed
📌 Pro tip:
Part of the fun at Glacier is “sorry, there’s no service here” – we love unplugging once camp is set up.
Camp Setup & Cooking
- Table & camping chairs
- Blankets
- Backpack for day trips
- Dry bag for water adventures
- Big Yeti cooler (kept food and drinks cold for the week)
- Blackstone griddle (great for cooking for a large group)
- Headlamps
- Snacks (extra for trail handouts)
Packing Tips for Families
- Layer everything: Glacier weather is unpredictable.
- Keep snacks handy: Easy trail snacks keep kids happy.
- Balance big + slow days: Sightseeing days and camp afternoons work best in combination.
- Pack smart for safety: Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Tech balance: iPads for travel days only, and enjoy unplugged time at camp.
