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What do you need to pack for a great camping trip?

07/06/17 | Family Fun

 

There’s no doubt about it, camping is hard work. Organizing gear, getting a reservation, preparing food for several days ahead, packing the car, and making sure there is enough to do to entertain the whole family—it can overwhelm. But it’s worth it!

Nothing says summer like a hot roasted marshmallow right out of the campfire!  {Golden brown…not on fire!}  Getting away from the hustle and bustle of life for some fresh air and family time is the perfect little weekend getaway.  When I was a kid we used to go camping in the mountain ever summer.  

This year I am even more excited because my Hubby & I are picking up a two person tent, and we will be using it for the first time over the next few weeks. I’m looking forward to dipping my toes in a cold mountain lake, making s’mores over the campfire and exploring the trails on our bikes. If we have room I would love to strapping a kayak on my SUV and paddling areas that are off the beaten path.  

I am a list person, and having one “go to Camping list” helps to ease the packing & preparation process.  To help you get out under the stars, we’ve put together some tips for camping with the family and a camping checklist of what to take.

Tips for Camping with the Family

First, reserve a camping spot. Campgrounds can fill up quickly so plan ahead to get a spot. And try to leave early in the day on Friday (or head out during the work week) to avoid commuter traffic and have a better chance of setting up camp before it gets dark.

Prepare the gear. Use the camping checklist below to make sure you take what you need, but not much more. Check the tent, stove, matches/lighters, and lanterns beforehand for damage and working condition.

Prepare the food. The checklist doesn’t include food—you’ll have to create that yourself. Here’s a tip: Write down what you plan to eat for each meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner.) Then prepare what you can at home—marinate the meats, cut the vegetables, wrap the potatoes in foil. You’ll be thankful once you get to camp.

When you pack the cooler, set out the foods meal by meal, thinking about how you’ll serve each meal so you don’t forget condiments and necessary utensils, can opener, etc.

That’s it for the tips! Now on to the checklist. Have fun!

Car Camping Checklist

Feel free to download a copy for yourself! 

Download (PDF, 290KB)

We’ve also pinned some tips, recipes, activities, packing ideas, and hacks to make your next trip easy, fun, and memorable!
Follow along on our Camping board on Pinterest  
 

 

Comments | 12 comments

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Comments

  1. Alicia says

    May 15, 2018 at 2:15 am

    I love camping! It’s quickly become one of my favorite things to do with my kids (though cabin camping is my jam as I can’t sleep on the hard ground anymore lol). Thanks for this great list!

    Reply
  2. Milena says

    July 26, 2017 at 11:34 pm

    I love checklists! They give me great ideas plus help me to not forget things!

    Reply
  3. Kristin says

    July 7, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    That is a great checklist! We want to try camping when our littlest is a little older. So fun!

    Reply
  4. Brianne says

    July 7, 2017 at 11:22 am

    One of the kids requests this summer was to go camping! I am so taking notes on this list!

    Reply
  5. LaShawn says

    July 7, 2017 at 8:45 am

    We have never gone camping. Mainly because I’m a girly girl and really don’t want to sleep outside. BUT I have a boy who wants to do it so sooner or later I will have to!

    Reply
  6. Kimberly says

    July 7, 2017 at 1:49 am

    I’m not a camping fan but I’m all about being prepared. Making a list is a great idea! I hope you and your husband enjoy your time outdoors. <3

    Reply
  7. Barbara Feldman says

    July 6, 2017 at 11:36 pm

    I was always overwhelmed by the idea of camping. And you just confirmed my feelings! As I child I went camping with other-people’s parents, not my own. And I’m afraid my kids did the same. LOL.

    Reply
  8. Rebecca Bryant says

    July 6, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    Camping is still on my to-do list. I have never been and really would love to try it out one time. I must keep your list.

    Reply
  9. Lois Alter Mark says

    July 6, 2017 at 9:58 pm

    These are all great tips but I am more likely to go glamping than camping! As I get older, I find it more challenging to rough it!

    Reply
  10. Carrie Chance says

    July 6, 2017 at 9:49 pm

    Great list! I would love to follow your Pinterest camping board. How do I find it?

    Reply
  11. Stephanie Jeannot says

    July 6, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    This is good to know. I am planning on doing this sometime this year and wasn’t really sure what I needed to bring. This is helpful.

    Reply
  12. Alicia Taylor says

    July 6, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    Wow! That’s a lot of stuff to take camping. I don’t camp regularly so didn’t realize it was that involved.

    Reply

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