Essential Toddler Cart-In Camping Gear for Split Rock Lighthouse

Taking a toddler camping in the summer can be a challenge. Car camping usually means open campsites with 50’ between them, or even a couple of tent sites thrown next to the RV’s. Consequently, this leads to a very noisy environment for a toddler, especially during nap time!

This is where the cart-in campsites at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park come in. They offer a perfectly secluded camping experience that’s great with toddlers! This seclusion provides the perfect nap environment for a toddler. However, without instant access to the car from your tent, you need an organized packing strategy.

Therefore, we created the ultimate packing list. This comprehensive guide details all the toddler cart-in camping gear Split Rock Lighthouse you need for a stress-free trip.

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Mastering the Cart-In Haul: Essential Gear and Strategy

Never underestimate the power of the first out bag!

Organize all the essentials you’ll need when you first arrive in one bag together. Think water, snacks, wipes, a toddler chair, and maybe a blanket.

Frankly, you likely won’t need entertainment for your toddler yet, as they’ll be so fascinated with the new surroundings. Naturally, they’ll probably want to help set up the tent anyways.

What kind of cart do I need?

None – the campground provides a cart for each campsite that is yours to use for your stay. These are heavy-duty Rubbermaid carts that haul everything really well, from water jugs and firewood, to your tent and cooking gear.

However, if you plan to bring bikes, having a bike trailer is a great way to haul your gear, too! The Gitchi-Gami trail is paved and easily accessible, plus you can ride over to the showers at Shipwreck Creek (much nicer than the showers at the cart-in site). Check out our guide on Split Rock Lighthouse Camping with a Toddler for more info!

How far is the haul?

Campsites at Split Rock Lighthouse are within 2000 feet of the parking lot. Despite the distance, it’s quite a manageable walk, even for a toddler!

💡 Pro tip: Pack all your things in bags, not bins. This will make it significantly easier to fit in the cart!

Toddler Sleep Gear for Cart-In Sites

Obviously, having a tent is essential for creating a sleep space.

While it is pitch black at night (aside from all the stars! Wow!), we had shade trees covering our tent during nap time. However, if you need a darker environment, try blackout covers or a SlumberPod.

We also brought our white noise machine to help it feel more at home.

Additionally, bringing a portable crib makes it easy to create a more familiar sleep environment! This is a great option for younger toddlers who haven’t made the transition out of the crib yet.

However, our toddler sleeps in a floor bed, so she just slept on a thick blanket between us. Therefore, we brought a super cute monkey sleeping bag for her, which made night-night more fun in the tent.

The first day, I did have to lay down and nap with our little camper. But by the second day, she just fell asleep in our hiking carrier while we were out and about. She even stayed asleep when we got back to camp and set her down!

Ultimately, the Deuter Kid Comfort is the best nap back-up plan!

Parent Gear

I should also mention that I was 6 months pregnant during this trip. Which meant I needed a good sleeping pad, because sleep (and comfort) doesn’t come easily.

However, this backpacking pad from Nemo was amazing! I’ve been using this pad for years, pre-babies, and can confidently say that it is great for side sleepers.

We also have his and hers North Face Cat’s Meow sleeping bags. Plus, we brought all our own pillows, which really helps with sleep.

Cart-in Kitchen Gear: Keeping it Compact and Critter-Safe

Do Split Rock cart-in campsites have a bear box? Yes! Although it was more of a challenge keeping our toddler out than any concern from critters.

You can fit your soft-sided cooler bags inside, otherwise you may want to leave your hard cooler locked in the car.

Cart-in Camping Cooking Gear with a Toddler

We absolutely LOVE this cast iron Lodge Cook It All. We make pretty much all of our meals in it. We grill steak and veggies on the grill side, pizza on the griddle side (with the wok on top covered in coals), and our potato-egg-veggie scramble in the wok.

As you can guess, it takes a while for coals to form in the fire pit, so make sure you have something to snack on first thing while waiting to make your big breakfast.

We’ve also got an MSR backpacking stove that we use to make coffee first thing. Because coffee can’t wait for coals in the fire pit.

This double pie iron is also fun. It’s great for sandwiches (both sweet and savory), or even baked Brie. Bringing s’mores fixings will definitely be a hit with your toddler!

We also brought a cup with a straw for our little camper’s milk, plus our Yeti coffee mugs (which were also great for hot chocolate at night).

Some other essentials:

• Outdoor plates and cutlery
• Cutting board and knife with a protective sleeve
• Cloth napkins, kitchen towels, and cleaning towels
• Long grilling tongs and spatula
• Paper towels and plastic grocery bags (trash)

Cart-in Campsite Comfort & Safety Gear

Safety and First Aid

First, bring a first aid kit. You’re guaranteed to have a skinned knee or two by the end of your trip.

You’ll also need some sort of light at night for potty breaks. We have a rechargeable lantern we use for camping. However, headlamps are fun too, especially for toddlers!

A small, collapsible wash basin makes it easy for toddlers to stay on top of hygiene, without wasting all the water you have to carry in.

Finally, depending what time of year you go, you’ll need mineral sunscreen and toddler safe bug spray! We also like these insect repellent clips, because they can be attached to the hiking carrier.

Cart-in Campsite Entertainment for Toddlers and Parents

One of the best things about camping is unplugging. Starting the fire before each meal, drinking hot chocolate, reading… For us, it’s all about slow living. We didn’t have cell service at our campsite, so this made it really easy.

Having a Kindle Paperwhite provides parents with an easy, quiet activity that won’t wake a sleeping toddler. It’s perfect for a sunny afternoon nap time, or even at night – you can always read the screen! Make sure to get a Kindle Unlimited trial before your trip!

Naturally, we did still bring a few things for our toddler to play with. She only has so much attention for sitting around watching a fire. P.S. Bring entertainment that can get dirty!

Toddler Camping Entertainment

• LCD coloring tablet
• Wooden puzzle
• Scavenger hunt
• Stuffed animals for comfort and sleeping

Seating and Shelter

Having a good camp chair is so important, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time in them! It’s especially nice to have a comfy chair after a long hike. We love the folding style chairs with tables. They’re significantly more comfortable than those cheap bag chairs!

However, we do have a toddler bag chair, because she hardly sits anyways.

Additionally, it’s very important to have a good, quality tent. If you plan to camp more regularly as your kids grow, invest in a good one (even used!).

While we use a fancy Nemo tent (that we bought used), this 6-person Coleman tent is a great option. It has a little vestibule (a foyer, if you will) at the entrance, where you can leave all your shoes to prevent dirt and sand from coming into your sleeping area. It also includes a rain fly, so your belongings are safe!

While it does seem like a little overkill to get a 6 person tent, we found this was the best solution for our family. With a toddler and a baby on the way, plus a medium-large dog, this tent gives us enough space, while still being close enough we can share heat.

Packing List for Cart-in Camping with a Toddler

Sleep Gear

• Portable crib or sleeping bag and pillow
• Blackout covers
• White noise machine
• Hiking carrier
• Mom/Dad’s sleeping bag, sleeping pads and pillows
• Tent with rain fly

Cooking Essentials

• Lodge Cook It All
• Backpacking stove
• Double Pie Iron
• Coffee mugs
• Outdoor plates, cups, cutlery and straw
• Cutting board and knife with a protective sleeve
• Cloth napkins, kitchen towels and cleaning towels
• Long grilling tongs and spatula
• Paper towels and plastic grocery bags (trash)

Safety Gear

• First aid kit
• Lantern or headlamps
• Sunscreen and bug spray

Entertainment & Comfort

• Kindle Paperwhite
• LCD coloring tablet
• Wooden puzzle
• Scavenger hunt
• Stuffed animals
• Adult and toddler camping chairs

Ready to Roll: Next Steps for Your North Shore Adventure

While camping with a toddler can be intimidating, having the right cart-in camping gear can make all the difference at Split Rock Lighthouse. We had an amazing experience (significantly better than our other car camping adventures with our toddler).

Looking for more? Check out our full guide on Split Rock Lighthouse Camping with a Toddler!

If you found this guide useful, please share this packing list with other camping parents of toddlers!

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