Borrow or Buy Gear Secondhand
If you are a new camper, it may be overwhelming to find all of the things you need for your camping trip. Rely on friends and family or Facebook marketplace to help you find the gear you need. Research blogs and find out what is necessary versus what is a nuisance. There is a plethora of camping accessories out there, but that doesn’t mean they are all necessary.
What’s your Level of Comfort?
Whether you plan on staying in a cabin or roughin’ it in a tent, make sure you plan based on your families comfort level.
Some different options are
- a cabin
- tent camping
- an RV or camper
- a glamping experience
- backcountry camping (hiking to a remote campsite)
Try it Out at Home First
Not sure how well your family will do in the great outdoors? Do a trial run by pitching a tent in the backyard! This will help you decide if your family is ready for this adventure or if maybe its best to wait another year.
Don’t Forget Activities For The Kids
I cannot stress this enough, plan several activities for the kids. It may seem like there is an endless amount of things to do outside, but kids do get bored easily so make sure to have a good variety of activities on hand. Also, make sure you plan activities based on the weather. I always have a few different “activity books” on hand in case we have to spend some time indoors. You can download my Camping Activity Book for some fun activities to do!
Other fun activities
- Card Games
- Board Games
- Scavenger Hunts
- Shovels/Buckets
- Books
- Activity Books (Crosswords, Suduko)
- Water Toys
Prep your Food & Keep Meals Simple
Planning your meals ahead of time and prepping / cooking ahead can save a lot of time, hassle and gear! We always make sloppy joe meat in advance, and also the meat for our walking tacos! You can try our Sloppy Joe in a Jar recipe which is perfect for camping, or even our Smores Mix which is a fun snack to have on hand too!
Camping Packing List
KITCHEN
- camp stove
- campfire grate
- frying pan
- portable coffee maker (we used a percolator and put it right over the campfire)
- tote for food
- plates
- bowls
- cups & mugs
- silverware
- paper towel
- sharp knife
- cutting board
- cooking utensils (spatula, mixing spoon, etc)
- water jug with dispenser
- small tub for washing dishes
- a dishwashing sponge with soap in the handle
- dishcloths and washcloths
- aluminum foil
- Tupperware for leftovers
- Marshmallow Sticks
- garbage bags / zip lock baggies
- large clothespins for clamping garbage bag to the table
- cooler
SLEEPING
- tent
- sleeping mats/yoga mats
- sleeping bags
- extra blankets
- pillows
- tarp to keep the bottom of your tent clean and dry
- portable nightlight or battery/electrical lantern
CAMPSITE NECESSITIES
- camp chairs
- lanterns
- flashlights
- clothesline
- clothespins
- insect repellant & citronella candle
- extension cord
- sunblock
- bandages
- pain reliever
- prescription medication
- travel size body wash
- travel size shampoo
- travel size conditioner
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- deodorant
- face wash
- brush & comb
- ponytails
- aloe
- hand sanitizer
- toilet paper
- bath and beach towels
