Camping is one of the best ways to get the family together for a relaxing time to enjoy the outdoors. Kids can explore and learn while indulging in all kinds of activities like swimming, hiking, and fishing. Adults can enjoy stargazing, cooking out and unwinding in a favorite camping chair while listening to the crickets chirp at night.
Everyone looks forward to a great camping trip but it seems that when it is time to find a place to park, unpack and pitch the tent, something seems to be missing.
Those waterproof matches somehow did not make it into the duffel bag.
The extra lantern that was supposed to go somehow got left behind leaving family or friends left to trudge around in the dark on their way back to the tent after the dinnertime fire has died down.
To prevent these disappointing inconveniences from occurring, put together a good camping trip list. Be sure to go over it before leaving for the campground so that everything is on hand to make the trip the best yet.
What Needs to Be On Your Camping Checklist
The essentials that need to go on any camping trip list include campsite gear, kitchen items, clothes, personal items and things like pet food, toys, maps, and binoculars.
Campsite gear includes the tent, pegs, ground cover and sleeping bags. Make sure everyone has theirs with them before setting out. Bring sleeping pads unless you plan to bring an air mattress. Take along plenty of pillows and blankets, too.
In this category, you also want to pack camping chairs for everyone. Lanterns and flashlights together with extra batteries should also be checked off in this category of the list.
Kitchen items include a camping stove and fuel. Make sure to bring the matches or lighters along with a frying pan, pot, and a portable coffee maker. A cooler with ice and lots of plastic storage bags are also essential. Bring foil, plastic utensils, garbage bags, and roasting sticks for marshmallows.
Clothing includes shorts, T-shirts, shoes, water shoes and hiking shoes. Bring pajamas and swimsuits as well as raincoats and hats. Bring personal items like toilet paper, sunscreen, medications, first-aid supplies, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Make sure everyone double checks that they have all other items they want to bring with them like maps, binoculars, swimming floats, and cameras. Most campgrounds have general stores which stock items like this if, in case, you do forget something.
When devising your own list make sure to come up with a basic meal plan for the times you will be camping. For the family, this means to bring plenty of meats, condiments and side dishes. Pack the cooler with any foods you plan on enjoying for meals while on your expedition. It is a good idea to season anything like meats or side dishes ahead of time to make things easier at the campground.
Draft your own ultimate list before you head out. Check and double check you have everything against it and you will enjoy a wonderful outdoor getaway.