You always want to make sure you have the most essential camping supplies for families packed before you leave for the campground. Not planning for your camping trip and having the vital items you need can cause you to suffer on your trip. Continue reading this and we will take a look at 15 essentials for camping you need to have, plus you can download the handy camping packing checklist!
15 Essential Camping Supplies for Families
1. Spacious Tent
You must have enough room for everyone to sleep comfortably. Consider the amount of family members taking the trip with you when purchasing the right camping tent.
2. Sleeping Bags
Even if you are tent camping, a sleeping bag ensures everyone stays as warm – or cool – as they need to be. It provides individualized comfort so you can rest easily after your busy days in the woods.
3. Flashlights
Everyone camping member should have their own flashlight, along with at least one set of new batteries in case they need to change them. Keep your flashlight on you anytime you leave the camping area, but especially at night.
Ozark Trail 10-Person 3-Room XL Family Cabin TentSleeping Bag – Envelope Lightweight Portable, Waterproof, Comfort With Compression SackJ5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight The Original 300 Lumen Ultra Bright, LED 3 Mode Flashlight
4. Lanterns
Unless you are pulling in a camper with electricity, you will want to have a few lanterns to set around to give off a little light before bedtime. Even with a camper, a lantern or two can come in handy when you need to fetch more firewood or look for a missing person or pet.
5. First Aid Kit
If you are camping with children, you must have a first aid kit on hand. Make sure the box is stocked with bandages, ointment, peroxide or alcohol, and pain medication. Being prepared can help to reduce everyone’s discomfort, especially if an emergency arises. Another aid kit to have is a snake first aid kit.
6. Bug Repellent
It’s virtually impossible to go camping without attracting the pesky mosquitos and other bugs. Bring along some natural bug spray to keep bites to a minimum. Citronella pots or torches are also good to set around your camping area to help reduce the unwanted insects.
Etekcity 2 Pack Portable Outdoor LED Camping Lantern with 6 AA Batteries (Black, Collapsible)REPEL HG-24109 Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent with 4 oz Pump Spray, Twin PackCutter Citro Guard Candle (Tan Bucket) (HG-95783) (17 oz)
7. Tarp
Heavy duty tarp may come in handy if you need to cover your camping area to prevent rain from soaking everything. It can also be used as a ground cover, should you find yourself camping right after a big storm. With so many uses for tarp, it is seen as an essential for camping families.
8. Rain Gear
Even when there’s no wet weather in the forecast, having a raincoat in your camping duffle bag is a good idea. You never know when you may experience an unexpected summer shower. Be prepared so you aren’t water logged, cold, and wet!
9. Sunscreen
On the flip side, you should also take care when camping out in the hot sun. Sunburn is no joke, and it can happen even on overcast and cloudy days. Keep the kids lathered up with SPF 30 sunscreen while camping, and don’t forget to put some on yourself too!
Grizzly Tarps 8 x 10 Feet Blue Multi Purpose Waterproof Poly Tarp Cover 5 Mil Thick 8 x 8 WeaveOutdoor Alchemist 5 Pack Emergency Rain Ponchos with Sleeves and Drawstring Hood, Long Large Plastic for Hiking or CampingBabyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50, 6oz Tube (Pack of 2)
10. Maps
Having a map of the area in which you are camping is golden if you should find yourself lost from your tent and supplies. Keep this map on you with your flashlight any time you leave your campsite. If you plan to hike, a map is essential to locate trails and help prevent entering dangerous areas.
11. Hiking Backpack
There are a few things you should take with you every time you go on a hike while camping. A small hiking backpack is a great way to store these items until they are needed. Inside the pack, you can carry your flashlight, batteries, matches, a compass, and whistle.
12. Firewood
You can’t guarantee you will find good firewood when you get to your campsite, so pack a few logs with you. It’s also a good idea to get some kindling so you have no problem getting a fire started each night.
You’ll want to make sure you have enough wood before you set out for your destination. Splitz Firewood is the place to go for expert help on purchasing quality firewood of all types, whether you’re looking for oak wood in bulk or seasoned maple logs. You’ll enjoy a well-stocked initial supply, and storing firewood at home or taking it with you when camping can be a challenge.
13. Kitchenwares
If you plan to cook over your fire, you will need a grate, pots and pans, and dishes to serve the food on. Utensils, a can opener, and a few other essentials like gas grills may also be needed for camping families. Try to keep these kitchen tools to a minimum so you don’t end up with very heavy baggage.
CLEVER BEES Outdoor Water Resistant Hiking Backpack, BlackBest Camping Survival Compass | Glow in the Dark Military Compass | Highest Quality Survival Gear CompassColeman Camp Propane Grill/StoveBeGrit Camping Cookware Picnic Camp Cooking Cook Set for Hiking (8pcs/set, 410 Stainless Steel)
14. Swimsuits
If you are camping near a lake or river, make sure you bring swimwear! It’s important you kids wear a rash guard in order to help protect their skin from the sun while in the water. Water shoes are also helpful to prevent injuries on rocks and other sharp objects that may lie at the bottom of the water. Oh, and don’t forget plenty of towels!
15. Hygiene Products
Of course, you don’t want to forget all your toiletries! Most campgrounds have public restrooms with showers. Pack your shampoo, soap, and toothbrush. If you don’t have shower access, it can still be helpful to bring extra deodorant and hand sanitizer for your camping trip.
Ready to get packing for your camping trip? Download this free Camping Essentials Checklist!
(click the image to open PDF in a new tab for printing)
Kecia Hambrick is a work at home mom, wife, blogger, VA, and writer. She offers the world parenting advice at Momerish.com and helps other moms build and grow their online income at Online Income Mom! When she’s not online, Kecia loves to hang out with her two active boys, go bowling, watch movies, and read!
a good thing to also have in camping is a roadeavour soap sheet. Just in case. at least you have some spare to use. that won’t consume much space in your pack.
Hello,
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