Camping is a great way to build lifetime memories that you and your family will cherish for decades. Those memories will become family legends told over your holiday table. Camping is a sensory experience—you smell campfires, feel the firm ground, and taste food cooked over an open flame.
Before you can get to the campsite, you have to make a packing list for the week. Here are 7 ways to make packing easier.
Make a List
Before you pack your new Ram, Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep for sale, make a list of everything you will need while camping. The same basic supplies are necessary for a 2- or 12-day camping trip. Your primary focus will be making sure you have enough of everything to last the entire trip. The most common items on your supply list include:
- Food
- Clothing
- Campfire supplies
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
Pack Sleeping Gear
You have many sleeping options when you are camping. Tent campers should include air mattresses or cots. Bedding is necessary to keep you comfortable. Many campers have built-in sleeping areas.
If you prefer a more rugged adventure, pack hammocks for the family and sleep under the stars. Many campers invest in a kit that converts their car into a tent.
Develop a Menu
Create a menu for the camping trip. Include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Write out the food you will need for each meal. The list is your grocery list. If you have infants or young children, pack extra food items based on their diet.
Don’t forget water for drinking and cleaning. Be sure to carry enough water to the campground. You can also collect water at the campsite and purify it with water purification tablets or devices.
Assemble a First Aid Kit
Don’t leave without having a first aid kit for you and your family. While you can purchase one from the store, many people choose to assemble their own to ensure that they have sufficient supplies. Your kit should include:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Bandages
- Antiseptic lotion
- Tweezers
- Aloe vera gel
Find Seating
You will probably want to spend some time around the campfire after dinner. Have enough chairs for each family member.
Plan Activities
Plan your daily activities—hiking, swimming, boating, or biking. Have things to do if the weather doesn’t cooperate. A pop-up shelter over a picnic table provides immediate protection from the rain. Bring cards or other small travel games that your family enjoys. Your vehicle can serve as an emergency shelter from the weather.
Involve Others
Ask the rest of the family to pack their items. For younger children, you may need to provide a list of supplies they are responsible for packing. Don’t forget to double-check that they packed everything. Older children may need a reminder to pare down their packing list.
Follow These 7 Tips for Your Next Camping Trip!
With these items packed and ready to go in your vehicle, you are starting your camping trip prepared. Remember to follow your plan, but remain flexible, and you will have a great trip.
