As a
family we really enjoy a good camp out.
We are blessed to be surrounded by beautiful forests and well maintained
campgrounds throughout. The fees are
very affordable averaging $9 to $16 per night depending on the amenities. Compared to the cheapest hotel rates, camping
wins hands down on the affordability factor.
I
realize camping isn’t for everyone and there are different degrees of
camping. Some like to lay out in a
sleeping bag under the stars – not me.
Others like to pitch a tent – been there; done that. Then there are the RV campers. Tent trailers to big huge motor coaches. You all know where I fit in. Barely above a tent trailer.
Whichever
you prefer, there are certain things you will need to be comfortable and well
prepared. And nothing is better to have
than a checklist:
Shelter & Sleeping
·
RV
or Tent
·
Tarp
& Rope (in case it rains or snows)
·
Pop–Up
Screened Gazebo – very nice but optional
·
Sleeping
Bags & a Blanket - for each person
·
Air Mattresses
or Foam Pads – for tent camping, helps keep the ground chill at bay and adds a
little comfort
·
Pillows
Cooking & Eating
·
Coolers
& Ice (I like to freeze milk jugs filled ¾ with water)
·
Water
Jugs (I have a 6 gallon container and several milk jugs filled that I take with
me)
·
Camp
Stove & Fuel
·
BBQ
Grill
·
Charcoal
& Lighter or Propane – depending on type of BBQ you have
·
Matches
(store in a coffee can with a lid to keep moisture away)
·
Plate,
Bowl, Cup & Utensils - for each person
·
Frying
Pan
·
Large
Pot
·
Small
Pot
·
Coffee
Pot and/or Kettle
·
Metal
Spatula
·
Dishpan
·
Dish
Soap
·
Dish
Towels, Cloths & Scrub Pad
·
Dish
Drainer - optional
·
Aluminum
Foil
·
Mixing
Bowl
·
Measuring
Spoons & Cups
·
Wooden
Spoon
·
Knife
– for chopping & cutting
·
Cutting
Board
·
Can
Opener & Bottle Opener/Corkscrew
·
Pot
Holders and/or Oven Mitt
·
Cooking
Oil
·
Salt
& Pepper
·
Spices
·
Jam
or Jelly
·
Peanut
Butter (I always take this)
·
Butter
or Margarine
·
Coffee,
Tea & Cocoa Mix
·
Food
& Beverages – plan enough meals for you trip plus one extra day, just in
case.
·
Marshmallows,
Graham Crackers & Chocolate – of
course!
·
Roasting
Sticks – or you can cut your own in camp
Personal
Items
·
Cool
Weather Clothing – a set for each day
·
Warm
Weather Clothing – a set for each day
·
Socks
& Underwear – a set for each day plus one extra, just in case
·
Winter
Pajamas & Warm Socks
·
Sweater,
Hoodie or Light Jacket
·
Winter
Coat, Hat & Gloves
·
Swimsuit
·
Shoes
– appropriate for conditions
·
Boots
– for hiking and/or snow
·
Toiletries
– lip balm, toothbrush & paste, comb & brush, mirror, soap &
shampoo, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen
·
Insect
Repellent
·
First
Aid Kit – I keep one in each vehicle and one in my RV
·
Sunglasses
& Eyeglasses
·
Medication
– pain reliever, cold/allergy medication, cough drops, prescription meds
·
Liquid
Hand Soap & Hand Sanitizer
·
Towels
& Wash Cloths
·
Water
Bottle
·
Pocket
Knife
·
Lawn
Chairs & Folding Table
·
Lantern
& Fuel or Batteries
·
Flashlights
& Extra Batteries – one for each person
·
Citronella
Torch or Candles
·
Board
Games & Playing Cards
·
Toys
– for kids & adults alike
·
Camera
·
Clothesline
& Clothes Pins
·
Fishing/Hunting
Gear & Your License – if you plan on doing so
·
Bikes
& Helmets
·
Tools
& Duct Tape
·
5
Gallon Bucket & Shovel
·
Axe
or Saw
·
Firewood
– it isn’t always available in camp
·
Daypacks
·
Personal
Protection – I won’t even elaborate on this because each person views this one
differently.
I love
to have items on hand that can perform double duty. Large plastic storage totes are a great place
to organize and store your camping equipment.
An empty tote can also double as a bathtub when needed. A large pot can not only be used to cook your
food but heat your wash water too.
Frozen jugs of water start out as ice in the cooler and become drinking
water when they thaw.
This is
a basic list to get you started. I’m
sure there are plenty of items you will add to this list to personalize it for
your family. If you have suggestions,
I’d love to hear them - I am by no means an expert.
Is
there something you always take with you?
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