THE BEST EVER FAMILY CAMPING CHECKLIST

Camping is fun. Sometimes, the process of actually getting you and your family ready for this exciting adventure can be a little overwhelming. You’ll need to get a reservation, organize all the required gear for the campsite, pack food and water that will last for the duration of the camp, and of course, make sure that each family member has entertainment.

If you’re doing this for the first time, you may be a little unsure of what you actually need and what you can live without. So, if prepping for camping is known to raise some stress levels, why do we do it? Because it’s worth it!

The National Parks Service highlights that people go camping for 6 main reasons – to explore nature, to improve their health, to have a digital detox, to strengthen relationships, to develop life skills, and in some families, it’s simply just tradition.

No matter what your reason may be for being interested in a camping trip, there’s simply no other adventure that will bring you as closer to nature as this one. Sharing this experience with your loved ones makes it even more exciting.

Here’s some tips and tricks that will make your first camping experience a great one.

Family Camping Tips & Tricks

Book Early

You’re not the only one who’s caught the camping bug! There are plenty of other people who know and understand the benefits of camping and this makes campgrounds fill up very quickly. Make sure to book your spot early to avoid any unnecessary disappointments.

Get There Early

You’ll want to arrive at your campsite as early as you can. If you’re driving, make sure to leave the house early to avoid commuter traffic. Trust us on this one, it’s always much easier to set up your tent while there’s daylight, and when there are good spots on the grounds.

Prep Your Food and Snacks

Beyond just packing enough food for the trip, it’s always better to prepare it while you’re at home. So, go ahead and chop your veggies, marinade that meat, and divide the snacks into their individual servings for everyone.

You can then freeze meats and veggies for use on the trip. This will save you a lot of time as you won’t have many of your kitchen comforts (like running water to wash the food) when you’re on the camping grounds.

When it comes to preparing for your trip, using the right packing list can save you time and headaches. Just print this one out and keep it handy while you prep!

Camping Packing List

The Basics

• Tent
• Tarp
• Sleeping Bags for everyone
• Camping Pillows
• Sleeping Pads
• Lots of food
• Candles and candle lanterns
• Camping chairs
• Flashlights and/or headlamps
• A First aid kit
• Rope

Cooking and Eating

• Stove, fuel, and funnel
• Matches
• Cooking pots
• Oven mitts
• Dishtowel
• Plates, bowls, cups, mugs
• Matches or lighter and lighter fluid
• Paper towels
• Eating and cooking utensils
• Can opener
• Water jugs
• Kettle or coffee pot
• Cutting board
• Tablecloth and tablecloth weights
• Cooler and ice
• Aluminium foil
• Pot scrubber
• Trash/recycling bags
• Cork screw

Health & Hygiene

• Toilet paper
• Toiletry kit
• Quick-dry towel
• Menstrual products
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Prescription medications
• Baby wipes
• Spare eyeglasses/contact lens supplies
• Insect repellent candles
• Sunscreen

Clothing/Footwear

• Rainwear
• Jacket
• Extra socks
• Sleepwear
• Moisture-wicking underwear
• Moisture-wicking T-shirts
• Boots or shoes suited to terrain
• Hat & sunglasses

Extras

• Solar and portable power
• Hat & gloves
• Camera
• Music player
• Games and cards
• Multi tool

Camping on your own can be an adventure of a lifetime. Camping with your family and friends will bring you so much closer to your loved ones and make for an unforgettable experience. No matter how you decide to go about your camping adventure, make sure that you follow the above tips, tricks and checklist to make the most of your camping. Happy Camping!

Written by: Mateeka Quinn for CoraJohn Outdoor Outfitters