How to Prepare for a Camping Trip – The Essentials and a Few Extras

Wondering how to prepare for a camping trip? Packing for a camping vacation can seem like hard work, especially if the kids are coming along. If you have very small children you may have been avoiding taking the family vacation, fearing that the little ones are just too young. Most intrepid campers understand the value of keeping things down to a bare minimum but there are several necessities for kids that will ultimately take up a little extra space.

When you prepare for a camping trip you need to learn how to be ruthless! By carefully separating what you really need, want or would like to take along into the great outdoors you will make sure that you have all the essentials and a few coveted extras (not too many now – this is camping after all!). The trick should be packing as light as possible but not feeling too deprived. This is especially true if you have children. Let’s start with the emergency equipment.

An Emergency Box is essential. When you prepare for a camping trip you should always have supplies available for coping with disaster – natural or otherwise. If you live in an area like southern California where earthquakes are common or an area prone to hurricanes, make sure your emergency box is packed accordingly. Your emergency box should contain:

* Flashlights with batteries (for parents and each child).
* Headlamps for night hiking cooking and eating at night and fixing your tent if it blows down!
* Wooden matches and a lighter
* A battery powered radio (and extra batteries)
* Basic tools- Phillips head and slot head screwdrivers, a hammer, and a camp knife are critical.
* A fire extinguisher – which you may never use but will be glad you brought along in an emergency situation.
* A first aid kit – make sure any medication the family needs is included when you prepare for a camping trip.
* Duct tape

Add any other emergency essentials you think you may need based on where you are camping, for how long and what your activities are likely to be. You can never be too prepared when it come to emergency supplies as many an unprepared camper has found out. When you prepare for a camping trip this is not the place to skimp!

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.

Good luck and happy camping!