Going camping is such a wonderful family adventure. If you are going to take kids with you, it will give them some precious memories that they will never forget. Anyone who went family camping as a youngster can probably vouch for that. No matter what the weather ends up like or what you actually do during the trip, it is usually a great adventure when you are a kid.
Don’t forget to bring the most important items. You will need to bring a tent unless you are planning to stay in a cabin or camper. You will want some kind of shelter for yourself and your loved ones. Depending on where you are going, there are a number of potential things you are going to want decent shelter from.
Some of the essential tools of camping include sleeping bags, chairs, pillows, flashlights, batteries, and a hatchet. If you are going to be tent camping, think about getting yourself an air mattress. It will really improve your whole trip if you get a good nights sleep.
Think ahead so you have the necessary supplies for building a campfire. Get together old newspapers or thinner pieces of cardboard. Take a lighter and some matches. I like to bring both a camping saw and a hatchet. I also would prefer to take my own wood. You might not be allowed to provide your own wood for various reasons depending on where you are going to be camping. Some campgrounds have regulations about it because of plant diseases.
You need to think about cooking your meals. Consider bringing a cooler for food, propane stove, propane tanks, plates, silverware, dish rag, soap and a plastic tub for washing dishes. Not all state parks have a place to wash dishes. We usually take throw away plates and silverware.
Consider what kinds of clothes you will need for the trip. If you are going hiking be sure you have some comfy hiking boots. You don’t want blisters. Bring shorts if it will be warm and long pants if it is supposed to be cold. Your clothes may get dirty or wrecked so don’t bring your best clothing. Don’t forget to include a bathing suit, rain jacket, sweatshirt and a hat. Those are must have clothes for any trip.
Remember to bring your personal hygiene products for you and your loved ones. Pack all of the essentials into a shaving kit. Make sure you bring bars of soap, shampoo, cue tips, deodorant, razors, and shaving cream. Don’t forget to bring contact lens solution if someone wears them. Don’t forget to bring enough towels for everyone. If you’re going to be gone more than a few days, you are going to want something to hang the towels on to dry out. Don’t forget to pack any necessary medications.
Here are some other kinds of things that you should bring to make the camping trip even more enjoyable. How about bringing campfire popcorn, battery powered lanterns, binoculars, cameras, bug spray, bottled water, cocktails, Aloe Vera lotion, bandages, sun tan oil, , chocolate bars and marshmallows with graham crackers .
Bring activities for the little maniacs. You are going to have a lot more fun on your trip if the youngsters have plenty of things to occupy their time. Besides, half the reason you are going camping is for them to have some fun too. One guy that I know takes recordings of ghost stories to play around the campfire after dark. You could also take a softball, baseball, football, Frisbee or a kite. Bring anything that can be done safely outdoors. Make the most of the wide open spaces in most campgrounds.
Why not create a personalized camping checklist? There will certainly be things that you think are important that I haven’t listed. Make a comprehensive list of your own, so you won’t forget anything. Some people can’t take a few days off without taking a cell phone, fishing gear or their laptop.
