20 Things To Remember On Your Family Camping Trip

I love going camping with the family.  We haven’t been yet this year, but I’m excited because my youngest daughter is finally old enough to take out there without any problems.  Camping is fun for everyone – adults and kids of all ages.  However, camping with the family takes planning.  The last think you want to do is not plan your camping trip, especially if kids are coming along. 

20 Things To Remember On Your Family Camping Trip

If you’re considering a family camping trip here are a few essentials to bring along.

• Gear – One of the most important things to bring along is of course tents and all accessories needed to put it up properly.  Be sure to check your tent before leaving to make sure it includes all needed accessories.  If you’re missing a pole, you might have trouble getting it to stay up.
• Sleeping Essentials – Sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, and anything else needed to keep the family sleeping comfortable. 
• Flashlight& extra batteries – You’ll decently want to bring along a flashlight in case anyone needs to wonder away from the fire to use the restroom or something.  Be sure to bring along a few extra batteries, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Fire – You’ll need to be prepared to build a fire so a lighter will be a necessity.  Well, unless you’re one of those awesome fire starters, lol.  I’m not, so I bring along matches or a lighter.
• Plan for weather – Be sure to consider the weather and bring along warm clothing for the evenings and maybe even a rain poncho to keep you dry if Mother Nature decides to send the rain your way.
• Toiletries – Don’t forget the toiletries, you don’t want to be without them if at all possible.
• Sunscreen – Keep your skin protected and bring along some sunscreen for daylight hours.
• Bug spray – Whatever you don’t forget the bug spray. 
• Rope – Rope will come in handy to act as a clothing line.  Things tend to get wet having a clothes line will help you keep them dry and smelling fresh.
• Can opener – If you’ve even gone camping with canned goods and not had a can opener you understand, lol.
• Knife and cutting board – You’ll be glad you’re brought them if you’re planning to cook on your camping trip.
• Baby wipes – This is because I have children, and I cannot reapply sunscreen or go to bed without removing it from my face first.  Baby wipes work well for so many things whether you’re at home, on the road or camping.
• Paper goods, utensils, and trash bags – Paper towels, plates, cups, and eating utensils make your adventure easy to clean up.  Tie your trash bag on a tree, and toss the trash as you go. 
• First aid kit – Be sure to restock your first aid kit before heading out.

• Food – Plan out your meals and bring enough for the whole family to eat plenty.  My family tends to eat more when we go camping because we’re busier during the day and there’s something about food cooked on a campfire.  LOVE IT!
• Drinks – Be sure to bring plenty of drinks – juice, soda, and LOTS of drinking water.
• Water – I know I already said drinking water, but you’ll likely need water for other things too – washing face, pots, pans, etc.  We always take several gallons of extra water depending upon how long we are going to be camping.  
• Compass – More often than not my cell phone doesn’t work and camping is a no-tech time for the family.  It’s a good idea to bring along a compass just in case you need it.  It’s small, easy to carry, and better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
• Marshmallows and maybe Smores – You have to roast marshmallows and possibly make smores on your camping trip so don’t forget the essentials.
• Snacks, snacks and more snacks – If you’re planning a family camping trip don’t forget to bring along easy, convenient snacks for everyone.