Camping is a great way to commune with nature and bond with friends or family. It may require some roughing up so if you are not comfortable with the thought of not having access to a toilet, then camping may not be suitable for you. On the other hand, staying in the wilderness can be a fun adventure. Bonfires and smores are staples during camp fires, children and adults never outgrow this treat.

This type o trip requires you to be ready with all the items you may need, because the nearest store may be miles away. I often stock up on jello or mixed nuts to give me energy especially during treks. Energy bars are great too. Also bring enough water for yourself and make sure you can carry it. Packing just enough is a must because it may slow you down. Unlike other forms of travel, there aren’t any carts or bellboys to assist you along the way.

Here is a list of items you would need on a camping trip. You do not have to bring everything. Instead, assign communal items to others in order to share the responsibility and the weight too.

Toiletries Many companies send out sample sizes of their products. I throw the stuff I get in a box and save it all up for camping trips. Toothpaste   Toothbrushes   Dental Floss   Mouthwash or Breath Mints   Shampoo   Hair Conditioner   Metal Mirror For shaving, hair combing, or “What do I look like today?” Toilet Paper and a Small Shovel Just in case you can’t find a rest room! Quarters for the Showers   Hair Combs and/or Brushes   Hand Soap I find the anti-bacterial soaps very reassuring on camping trips Sun Screen   Bug Repellent   Skin Lotion   Shaving Accessories Don’t forget the power cord! Tweezers Someone is always getting a wood or glass sliver. Aspirin or Tylenol   Children’s Tylenol Some kid size fever reducer. Forehead Thermometer   Finger Nail Clippers or Nail File   Antiperspirant   Lip Balm Some come with U.V. protection. Prescription Medications Get spares of all you can; especially allergy and athsma medications as these conditions an be worsened by changing climate and vegetation. Basics Flashlights with Batteries   Wooden Matches and a Lighter   Basic Tools Phillips head and slot head screwdrivers, a hammer, and a camp knife are a must. If you know anything about car maintenance add to this basic list. Fire Extinguisher It may sit in your trunk for years or you might find yourself putting out an engine fire like I did a few years ago. First Aid Kit   Sewing Kit Scissors, thread, a few needles and safety pins will do it. Duct Tape   Dish Soap Please use an environmentally friendly soap. Especially if camping near water. Sponge or Dishcloth   Rope   Swiss Army Knife Or something comparable Folding Multi-Purpose Tool   1 Cup per Camper   Roll of Trash Bags Great for packing up wet gear, dirty laundry, dirty dishes, and trash. 5 Gallon Buckets Can be used for water, trash cans and they are great to sit on. Gear Tent Make sure you have all the stakes, ropes, poles, etc. Most tents come with lousy stakes that bend after the first few uses – I buy ‘industrial strength’ stakes at my local hardware store. Ground Cloth or Tarp You should always have a two or more tarps to go with your tent. Tent Carpet A piece of used or remnant carpet, cut to fit your tent floor, makes for a comfortable tent experience. Sleeping Bags   Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner Not only does this add warmth to a sleeping bag, it helps keep your sleeping bag clean. it’s easier to wash a bag liner than it is to wash the whole sleeping bag. Canteen   Blankets   Inflatable Cushions For under the sleeping bags. Pillows Coats work great if you’re in a pinch for space. Camping Lanterns We use the battery operated kind. They are not as bright as gas lamps, but are much safer with a small child and can be used in the tent without fear. Camp Stove Make sure to bring fuel. Propane Grill   Charcoal and Lighter Fluid   Long Handle Pick Ax   Bandanna   Cooler   Backpacks Include ones for the kids – Why carry snacks for everyone? Let the kids pack and carry what they want to bring (they might want to bring less stuff next time). Portable Radio Great for entertainment and severe weather bulletins! Food Bin Plastic Dish Pan This keeps stuff from rolling all over in the trunk and comes in handy for dish washing and bathing. Paper Plates Twice as many as you think you need. Bring plenty, they burn very well for fire starting purposes. Can Opener   Cup-O-Noodles   Granola Bars   Silverware 2x everyone in your party. Bring some regular silverware and some plastic stuff. Napkins or Paper Towels   Toothpicks   Coffee (Sugar / Cream) The makings for a good cup of coffee. Also, single serving coffee bags or tea bags Beef Stew   Corned Beef Hash Great with eggs! Canned Pie Filling Excellent! Ravioli Even good cold and kids love it! Macaroni and Cheese Very soupy but tasty. Baked Beans   Soups Pick the stuff your family likes best. Canned Vegetables Green beans, peas, mushrooms, corn, carrots, etc. Canned Fruits Pineapple, applesauce, peaches, pears, apricots, etc. Bread Bring a good loaf of bread. Cheese Cheddar or mozzarella Sandwich Meat   Butter   Condiments Almost all condiments will keep well – Just make them easy to get to. Adult Beverages   Kids Drinks   Hot Dogs Excellent food. Box of Cereal Cherrios, Chex’s, any cereal that requires no sugar. Eat this out of a cup. It’s a quick and easy breakfast. S’more Fixings Marshmallows, Hershey chocolate bars, and graham crackers! Zip-Lock Storage Bags Really handy if you hate seeing your butter floating around in the bottom of the cooler. Aluminum Foil   Spatula   Cooking Utensils A serving spoon, a pitch fork, a pair of tongs, and a good knife. Hot Pads   Clothes Pin   Frying Pan I use an old cast iron pan. Car / Glove Box Car Registration   Car Insurance Information   Medical Insurance Bring everyone’s cards; better safe than sorry. Travelers Check Receipts   Camera and Film Many cameras take strange batteries – bring a spare! Cell Phone and Charger Make sure you turn your phone off if you do not have cell service at the campground. Most cell phones will burn through the battery quickly while searching for service. Turn the phone on as you approach a town or city. Bring a Book If you read, bring something. You never know where you’ll be waiting. Your Wallet   Your Drivers License Obvious, but please make sure! Your AAA Card If you don’t have one, I recommend you get one. Free tows in the U.S.A. are only the beginning. Your policy may say they only tow 7 miles – but that’s not the full truth. AAA will tow you seven miles in town. Your Checkbook Most self-service campgrounds accept checks. Your Credit Cards and ATM Cards Yes, I have left my VISA at home accidentally- the only time I have needed it. Money Don’t bring hundreds please! Water I use a large container for the bulk of the water and keep a soda bottle with water in reach for drinking in the car or on hikes. Maps   Toys Let your kids pick out what they want. Snacks Good distractions for the little ones. Towels I use them as seat covers to protect from accidents for easy packing. Clothing Good Hat   Rain Poncho   Bug Head Net   Multi-Pocket Vest A great piece of apparel. Keeps all your little items handy. Sport Sandals   Long Underwear   Filp-Flops Great for showering in as well as lake swimming.

 

Checklist courtesy of: http://www.thecampingsource.com/item/camping_list/id/552/category.aspx