Camping with the family is a great way for everyone to spend some quality time together. Spending time in a completely different atmosphere than the home life everyone is used to allows for the formation of new experiences, and unique family bonding. Now, before you get all excited and start jamming the whole family into the car, you’re going to want to prepare for your camping adventures ahead.
I highly suggest that you, and everyone in your family, make check lists for what you want and need to bring along on the trip. Even if it seems like total common sense and that you’d never forget that item in a thousand years, it happens. You’ll be happy when you get to the campsite and you have as few as possible of those, “Oops I forgot such and such at home” moments. It’ll create a much less stressful prep period and leave you more time to just enjoy your time camping with the family.
Also, if you want to bring along your furry family members too, check beforehand to make sure the site you've chosen is a pet-friendly camping ground.
Things To Bring
Your Camping Ground Pass – Plan ahead and check to make sure the site you’re camping at doesn’t require a pass, a sticker, or some kind of authorization to stay there. The last thing you want is to pack everything up, get the family aboard, and then arrive at the camping grounds just to be turned away.
Shelter – Don’t forget your tent, sleeping bag, pillow, and a sleeping pad or ground cover.
Batteries – Bring along batteries for whatever electronics you have with you, flashlights, radio, extra already charged cell phone battery, etc.
First Aid Kit – You never know what can happen while camping out in nature. Make sure to bring a fully stocked first aid kit in case of any scrapes, or accidents.
Eating Ware – Plates, cups, cutlery, cooking utensils, all of the things you need to make and eat the food.
Bug Spray – Those pesky bugs will be out and about so if you don’t want them bothering you and the family bring along bug spray or some other type of bug repellant.
Water – Make sure you have fresh, clean water with you. You never really know what the water situation is going to be like at the camp ground so bringing your own is extra assurance. Bringing a water purifier is a good idea too.
Flashlights – You’ll be thankful for the light when you have to walk to the bathroom at night, walk back to your camp, and for when you want to tell some ghost stories! It’s good to also pack some lanterns.
Games – You’ll want some entertainment for while you’re camping. Bring sports equipment, books, card games, horseshoes, board games, etc.
All Weather Clothes – You’re going to want to have a wide variety of clothing options. Jackets and sweaters for when it gets cold at night, hats to block the sun for during the day, and options in case you want to go swimming, hiking, etc.
Food – Non-perishable foods are a must-bring, make sure you have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks covered. Don’t forget the graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows to make s’mores!
Tarps – In case of inclement weather, or just as an extra area of shelter from the harsh sun rays, bring a large tarp or two, some rope, and poles to secure it in the ground.
Don’t forget to be kind to the environment. Clean up after yourselves and leave the camp ground in ready condition for the next group to come along and enjoy it.