Camping with your family can be the thrill of a lifetime. You can introduce your young children to the majesty of nature, foster a love for the great outdoors, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Now is the perfect time to choose an outside vacation.

When preparing for a family camping trip, you’ll want to make sure that you pack all of the essentials. Camping isn’t like other vacations. There aren’t mini shampoos or handtowels stored for your convenience. You’re out in the great outdoors and, therefore, at the will of what nature has to offer. So, if you forget something, it may be challenging to get what you need. To avoid spending several days without necessary cooking supplies, blankets, or changes of clothes, review this list of 10 things you need to pack for your family camping trip.

10 Family Camping Trip Essentials

Water

Water is one of the most important items you’ll need to pack for your family camping trip. You don’t want to be stranded and dehydrated out in the woods. Depending on your campsite-of-choice, clean water may not be readily available. As you pack, remember a canteen to carry your water while you’re hiking. You won’t want to lug around a heavy jug of water on your off-site excursions. Prepare for every possible situation.

Food

You can make some delicious meals like hobo dinners while camping. Don’t forget to bring plenty of food for the duration of your family camping trip. You’ll want enough food breakfast, lunch, and dinner for each day of your stay, plus some snacks. Make sure to bring extras if you’re traveling with teens.

If you are not staying in an RV, make sure to pack it in a cooler with ice to avoid perishing food. You won’t want to spend your family camping trip tending to food-borne illness. Store all dairy, meat, and fish products in a storage unit that doesn’t exceed 40 degrees.

Cooking materials

Ample food storage is great, but don’t forget to bring along the kitchenware and pans you’ll need to prepare it and eat it during your trip. You’ll want a camp stove, pots, and utensils for cooking.

You’ll also want to pack cups, plates, bowls, and utensils for eating. It’s best to bring reusable items for an eco-friendly camping experience. However, if you choose to bring along disposable items, it’s important not to leave any trash at the campsite. Littering should be taken seriously, especially if you’re hoping to preserve the ecological sanctity of your favorite campsites.

Tent

Unless you’re fortunate enough to own an RV, you’re going to want a tent. Tents come in a range of sizes and have all sorts of features to make your time outdoors more comfortable. Just make sure that you purchase a tent with enough room for your whole family.

Even if you do own an RV, you might want your kids to experience the beauty of sleeping in a tent every now and then. Nothing says enjoying Mother Nature like a night under the stars in a good ole’ fashioned sleeping bag.

Sleep system

Before you hike out to your campsite, figure out how everyone wants to sleep. Some people are okay with a sleeping bag on the ground, but if you are going to be camping for several days, an air mattress or cot may be more comfortable.

Another popular sleep setup is the tent cot. A tent cot is one of the most comfortable ways to experience nature, while still getting a good night’s rest.

Camp blankets

Depending on where you camp, temperatures can drop significantly during the night,  even during the summer. Make sure to bring plenty of camp blankets for every member of the family in the case of particularly-bitter evenings in the great outdoors. A blanket will not only keep you warm while you sleep, but they’re also great for snuggling around the campfire with your loved ones.

Fire-starting materials

No camping trip is complete without a campfire. Be sure to pack all of the fire-starting materials you need, including matches and fire-starting tinder. With the right fire-starting materials packed, all you’ll need to do once you’re at the campsite is locate some wood, kindling, and tinder. Don’t forget a fire extinguisher in case the fire gets out of control.

If you’re going to build a campfire, you and your family will want to treat yourself to some fire-roasted marshmallows and some decadent s’ mores. For some young children who are just starting to explore the majesty of nature, s’ mores are the best part of camping. So, pack your graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, and don’t forget skewers.

First aid kit

With any luck, your camping trip will be accident-free, but it’s best to prepare for the worst-case scenario. You may be far from the nearest hospital, and your cell phone might not have good reception. A well-stocked first-aid kit is not only convenient but while camping, it can be life-saving.

Make sure you have the basics like bandages, antibacterial ointments, and disinfecting wipes. It’s easy for wounds to get dirty and infected when you’re exploring the outdoors, exposing yourself to dirt, debris, and disease-carrying insects. You may also want to bring along an antihistamine and anti-itch cream in case you come in contact with some poison ivy.

Camp chairs

No matter how much you love being outside in nature, no one wants to sit on the ground. Camp chairs are great because they can fold up into a compact state so that every member of your family can pack one for your family camping trip.

Flashlights

A flashlight serves many purposes while camping. It can help you find your way if you have to venture out into the woods after dark. It can also help you find a pocketknife, lighter, or first aid kit you may have misplaced. It’s a good idea to have at least one flashlight for every member of your family for any emergencies that may arise.

On a more fun note, flashlights are great for keeping your young children entertained as you sit around the campfire telling ghost stories

Wrap-up

Camping has become increasingly popular in recent years. With a greater emphasis on the importance of family, more working folks are vowing to spend more time outside and with their family. Once you have the right gear, all that’s left is to grab your family and head to the campsite.

The post 10 Things to Pack for a Family Camping Trip appeared first on Travel Experta - Family Travel Blog.