Now let's move on to some other much needed camping gear. Even though you are roughing it you will need a few basic toiletries and other items to keep germs at bay (and so you can get less sand between your teeth). Stick to the basics when you prepare for a camping trip but make sure to include:
* Toothpaste
* Toothbrushes
* Shampoo
* A metal mirror
* Baby shampoo
* Baby diapers and /or pull-ups training pants - better to have too many than to have too few!
* Toilet paper and a small shovel
* Quarters for the showers
* Hair combs and/or brushes
* Sun screen - essential when you prepare for a camping trip!
* Bug repellent
* Lip balm with U.V. protection
All well and good but without shelter you might find the bears like your toothpaste a bit too much so what about a good tent? Pack a good, strong tent that's big enough for everybody. Make sure you have any stakes, ropes and poles that you need. Avoid cheap tents as the stakes tend to collapse. When you prepare for a camping trip don't forget your ground cloth or tarp. Pack at least two tarps to go over your tent or provide temporary shelter. Make sure you pack any tools and equipment you will need to set up your tent.
When you prepare for a camping trip pack a piece of carpet for the floor of your tent. It makes all the difference to the level of comfort inside your tent. Place it over a polyethylene tarp cut-to-size and you won't get damp, cold or bruised. Don't forget ALL your sleeping bags or blankets - make sure you have enough as it can get very cold in some areas. If you have plenty of space, pack sleeping bag liners for extra warmth.
What about the food bin? When you prepare for a camping trip your food won't stay as fresh in a cooler as it would in the fridge so choose items that don't spoil quickly. Use a large block of ice to keep the food cold. Pack a camp stove if you aren't keen on lugging wood along or trying to find it every night. For a two week trip for a family of three pack:
* Paper plates
* Can opener
* Cup-O-Noodles
* Granola bars
* Silverware - 2x everyone in your party
* Napkins or paper towels
* Coffee
* Tamales (3 cans)
* Beef stew (2 cans)
* Corned beef hash (2 cans)
* Canned pie filling (3 cans)
* Ravioli (4 cans)
* Macaroni and cheese (2 cans)
* Baked beans (2 cans)
* Soups (4 cans)
* Vegetables (8 cans) green beans, peas, mushrooms, corn, carrots, etc
* Fruits (6 cans) pineapple, applesauce, peaches, pears, apricots, etc.
* A good loaf of bread -when you prepare for a camping trip call ahead and find out where you can find a daily supply.
* Cheese
* Sandwich meat
* Butter
* Hot dogs
* A box of cereal - (one you can eat without sugar)
Don't forget all your paperwork when you prepare for a camping trip:
* Car Registration and Insurance information (insurance for Canada or Mexico)
* Medical insurance
* Travelers check receipts
* Camera and film
* Your Drivers License
* Your AAA Card
* Your credit cards and ATM cards
Each family will no doubt have its own unique method to prepare for a camping trip but the essentials of safety, shelter and food will give you a head start. If you want to pack some toys for the kids make sure they are safe but allow as many as you can comfortably fit into your vehicle. Camping is fun for kids but they do love to bring something from home too.
