A Complete Camping Packing List For Your First Family Adventure
Today, there is an overwhelming number of children that are addicted to tech devices, spending less and less time outdoors. This is why it’s an ideal time to check off the family camping packing list and take a trip into nature that gets everyone involved.
If you are looking to create the perfect family bonding experience, check out our list of what to bring on your next family camping trip. You’ll find this is one experience you want to repeat all summer long.
The Camping Packing List Basics
Before getting into what you want to bring for your kids, there are some camping basics you want to include no matter who you camp with.
Kitchen Supplies
Whether you choose to build a campfire or bring a small portable grill, it’s important to be sure that you have all of the right supplies with you for cooking.
Bring any pots, pans, and large cooking utensils like spatulas and tongs that may be needed. While smaller pots and pans take up less space, it typically means that you’ll be spending more time cooking individual portions.
You’ll also want to pack a decent amount of oil, plastic bags for storing leftovers, and disposable plates and utensils.
You can use an old vitamin container as a place to store salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
It also helps to pack some premade food that can reduce the work of cooking each meal. Premade burritos, precooked bacon, and premade pancake mix all hold incredibly well in your cooler and can be easily reached for and heated up.
If your favorite camping meals take a bit more work than that, try taking the extra energy out of the prep work by chopping up any vegetables that need to be cut ahead of time.
Bathroom
The potty trained members of your family will likely have to get used to the feeling of using the restroom outdoors. You can always bring an extra large bucket to make cleanup easier.
Make sure you bring ample amounts of toilet paper and baby wipes to help keep everyone feeling fresh and clean.
Since running water won’t be available, and clean water from the bottle should be conserved as much as possible, make sure to pack plenty of mouthwash and dry shampoo.
Tents and Bedding
It’s up to you to determine whether or not you prefer sleeping in a sleeping bag or an air mattress. However, if you choose an air mattress you may want to save time by choosing an electric air pump that can be connected to your cars lighter port.
You’ll also want to bring a large tarp that can cover the base of your tent to prevent any dirt or sand from getting into your campsite.
Finally, make sure to have a tent that’s large enough to comfortably fit everyone, and be sure to test it out before getting to your campsite.
Safety
This is not the time to skimp out on a great first-aid kit. In addition to Band-Aids, gauze, and cleansing wipes, bring ample medicine for headaches, muscle pain, and any upset stomachs.
It’s also important to bring ample bug spray and sunblock that say for the whole family.
You’ll also want to bring supplies such as head flashlight that can help your family members see in the dark to avoid any accidents from happening. If you have trouble tracking down the best survival gear, you can always shop here.
What to Bring for Babies
Camping with babies is possible and can even be incredibly enjoyable. Watching your baby reacts to the sounds and sights of nature is a memorable experience.
Babies are also fairly easy as you can pack a portable pack-and-play as a place for them to sleep and play. You can bring a Moses basket for your baby too, as it is very comfortable and perfect for a day nap.
Bring a fitted bed sheet that can easily go over the pack-and-play to help protect your little one from any extra sunlight.
Be sure to bring plenty of formula or breastmilk, and enough water to easily sterilize bottles.
There is a number of portable changing table options that can make it easy to clean up diapers without getting your little one near the dirt.
Camping for Kids
Kids of all ages love to camp, but it’s best to bring plenty of activities for them to do while they are there to avoid them getting bored.
Little ones love playing with bubbles and glow stick necklaces in the evening. Pack glass jars pre-poked with holes in the lid, to make it easy to collect insects and specimens found around the campsite.
You can make S’mores a fun and easy task by trying campfire cones instead.
Simply pack a box of ice cream cones, and when it’s time to sit by the fire fill the cones with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and even bananas.
Wrap the cones in foil and toss them in the fire for a good 2 to 3 minutes then remove them with tongs. The cones should remain nice and crispy, while the fillings inside will stay gooey and sweet.
Be sure to get kids involved in setting up the camp, packing, and especially cleaning up. This is a great way to teach responsibility while reducing the amount of work you have to take on while camping.
Discuss with your kids what they can and cannot touch will camping ahead of time.
It helps to print out and laminate plant species cards, so the kids can easily associate which plants are poisonous to touch or eat.
The Most Memorable Summer with Your Gang
If you’re not one for setting up tents and camping packing lists, the good news is there are countless vacation options that bring in the fun for the whole family.
Need a little inspiration? You can start by checking out our list of family vacation ideas.
