How to Pack for a Camping Vacation

Reacquaint yourself with the beauty of nature by taking a camping trip, either with your family or a group of friends. Learn how to pack for safety and fun before venturing into the great outdoors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic totes
• Backpacks

1. Look at the amount of space you will have to transport camping gear. You can create extra storage space by investing in a roof rack.
2. Make a packing list. This list should include food, clothing, bug repellent, first aid kit, tent and bedding, toiletries, communication device and cooking supplies. If you are bringing a cell phone, contact your service provider to make sure you will have service at your destination.
3. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly for expected conditions during your vacation. Always pack rain gear, including ponchos, and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You should also ensure that your tent is properly waterproofed, or you should purchase a tarp to go over the top of it.
4. Call the campsite directly to find out what amenities are available. You can pack fewer items when such things are offered as laundry service and cooking facilities. If you're planning to camp in a national park, you can find a list of contact information on the National Park Service website (see Resources below).
5. Sort items into groups and pack each group separately. Groups will generally consist of bedding, clothing and cooking supplies, but these may also be broken down into smaller categories. For instance, the cooking category can be divided into rations, cooking stove and utensils.
6. Store large items in durable plastic totes. Keep cooking supplies and other small items in smaller bins with lids. Several of these small bins can be contained in a single large tote.
7. Pack hiking supplies, such as water bottles and snacks, into individual backpacks for each member of your party. To avoid confusion and chaos, these packs should include items specific to each person, such as medications.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a detailed map of the area in which you are going camping, as well as one that provides information on the outlying areas. If you can't find one before you leave, check with the campsite to find out whether there are free area maps.
• Water can be hard to come by in rural areas and what is available may not be safe for consumption. To avoid contracting water-borne illnesses, bring at least two bottles of water per person, per day. If you have the room, 1 gallon per person, per day may be a safer bet.