What to Bring on a Family Camping Trip

A family camping trip needs to be properly planned to ensure a smooth and exciting time. Basic items include tents and sleeping bags, but there are other things you may have not considered. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Features

Other basic necessities include flashlights, tarps, wood, matches, lighter, clothes, food and garbage bags. Also bring sanitary items like Germ-X, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and some wet wipes for little cleaning jobs.

Bring a collapsible picnic table and chairs for the campfire, as well as a table cloth, cooler and disposable plates and utensils. Save your napkins and condiment packets from fast-food restaurants for easy use while camping.

Considerations

Have your children pick out their favorite board games and a deck of cards. Pack some pens, pencils, paper and, possibly, a coloring book for added entertainment.

For more comfort while sleeping in a tent, bring an air mattress and air pump. Even though it may be summer, nights can get cold, so pack extra sweat pants, jeans, sweatshirts and long socks. Long socks can also help prevent ticks on your skin.

Benefits

Being prepared can help make the trip stress-free. A first-aid kit should include bandages, ointment, bug spray, and athletic tape in case of a sprain. If you are camping out in the wild, bring a flare or some other signal device in case of emergency.

Function

Consider banning electronics on family camping trips. Have the children leave any portable electronics at home, like iPods and Playstations.
Get locks for your your coolers or other food storage containers as these could potentially attract unwanted critters.

Potential

Bring a camera or money to purchase some keepsakes or souvenirs. If you are camping near the water, bring a waterproof camera for pictures.