Everybody knows that camping is hard work, but just as fun. You have to check and organize equipment, get an early reservation depending on your campsite, prepare food for everyone, and last, get the right tent for your family.
Before you even get going, it can be overwhelming. This checklist will help you get through this easily and remember it is all worth it! Camping with your family makes lasting memories and plenty of much needed outdoor time for everyone away from your urban lifestyle.
If you’re looking to make your camping trip easier, check out our guides to camping beds, camping kettles, camping stoves and camping essentials.
The ultimate family camping checklist
Book Your Spot
The first thing you need to do is finalize a camping date on your calendar and then book it at the same time. Campgrounds can fill up quickly all year round unless it is the rainy season. You also want to leave early on that day to avoid any possibility of commuter traffic. This way you also have a better chance of getting to the site early or on time. The best part is that you get to set up camp before nighttime. Not to forget, you don’t have to worry about your spot being given away because you were too late.
Preparing the Food
Write what you plan to eat for every meal. Now that you have the menu for the duration of your trip, prepare whatever you can at home. Wrap everything in cling film and foil. Once you pack the cooler you can set out the food meal by meal, this eliminates the worry about food as you enjoy your camping trip.
Check Your Equipment
If you have gone camping before, you would probably have all the gear. Check your tent for holes, and other things for wear and tear, then make a list of everything that you have to buy again. If you have never gone camping before with your family, you still might have things at home that are required for your trip.
Once you are done with these 3 things, it’s time to start packing. Check these must-pack items for your camping trip:
For Setting Camp
- A Bell Tent
- Tarp
- Tent carpet
- Tent Pegs
- Windbreak
- Camping mallet
- Dustpan and brush
- Doormat for entrance
- Sleeping bags
- Lantern batteries
- Lantern
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Repair kits for tent and tarp
- Tent footprint
- Extra blankets
For the Kitchen
- Cups or mugs
- Cutlery
- Water bottles
- Ice
- Cooler
- Trash bags
- Food storage containers
- Tablecloth
- Frying pan and pot
- Matches or a lighter (stored in a dry container)
- Portable stove and fuel
- Knife, cooking spoon, and spatula
- Cleaning sponge, dishtowel, and dishcloth
- Paper towels
- Biodegradable soap
Clothing Items
- Hats
- Gloves
- Extra layers if it will be cold
- Shoes for hiking, water, and easy on
- Rainwear
- Swimsuits
- Sleepwear
- Daytime clothes
Electrical and Entertainment Items
- Electric cable
- Bikes and helmets
- Compass or GPS
- Guidebooks and maps
- Radio
- Mobile phone charger
- Tablet and laptop charger
- Ball and Frisbee
- Cards, games, and toys
- Camera, battery and memory card
Personal Things
- Toilet paper
- Razor
- Comb and brush
- Deodorant
- Towels
- Shampoo
- Useful Camping Items
- Scissors
- Coffee and tea bags
- Pocket sewing kit
- Baby wipes
- Umbrella
- Water bottle
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife
- Tissues
- Hammock
- Sunglasses
- Safety pins
- Small shovel
- Gaffer tape
- Fire extinguisher
- Fire extinguisher blanket
- Rope
- Clothing line
- Drying rack for clothes (collapsible)
- Clothing pegs
- Daysack
- Portable water filter
- candles
Other Items
- Toothbrush and toiletries
- Prescription Meds
- First aid kit
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Maps
- Campsite reservation number
You can print this checklist to see if everything is in order. Go through the checklist as you load everything into the car so that you don’t miss out on the important stuff. Depending on your camping trip and the weather, you can always pick what you will need, and leave unnecessary things behind that will only take up space.
Author Bio:
Judy Robinson is a passionate health and lifestyle blogger. She loves to write on healthy lifestyle, travel, fitness 101 and DIY related topics. Currently, she is associated with White Duck Outdoors, an online camping tent shop that offers top quality bell tents, canvas tents, outfitters tents and other outdoor camping gears. Follow @judyrobinson for more updates.
