Camping is one of America’s favorite outdoor activities. According to recent reports, nearly 85 Americans went camping last year. That figure has been on a steady uptick over the last few decades, and it’s expected to continue growing in the years to come. Camping is a wonderful way to escape the chaos and monotony of everyday life, shed unnecessary stress, and get in touch with nature. It’s also a fantastic family bonding experience.
Getting Ready for a Camping Trip
If you’d like to plan a family camping trip, your first step should be a visit to a pop up camper dealership. You can certainly camp in tents, but countless nature enthusiasts will tell you that campers are a better option. They’re more comfortable and more secure. They also offer better protection from the elements and the more unpleasant aspects of the great outdoors.
Once you find the right camper for your family, it’s time to get ready for your adventure. What do you need to take along for the trip, though? Where is the line between the essentials and unnecessary excess? Remember to pack the following necessities for your camping trip so you’ll be able to make the most of it.
Extra Clothes
One of the most important things to pack for your family is extra clothing. That may seem a bit obvious, but you never know what might happen or how many outfits you’ll need to go through when you’re enjoying nature. From getting caught in the rain and slipping in the mud to falling in the lake and getting covered in sand that won’t brush off, any number of unexpected developments could arise. You’ll need enough extra clothes to cover all the possibilities.
Aside from that, you’ll need to plan for chilly mornings and evenings as well as hot, humid days. As such, be sure to pack both warm and cool clothes for your family. Ideally, everyone should be able to dress in layers to stay comfortable in spite of changes in temperature and weather. Bring extra shoes and socks for everyone too. Flip-flops and sandals are great for summer weather, but you may also need hiking boots or sneakers for certain activities.
Food, Cookware, and Dinnerware
Additionally, be sure to pack food, cookware and dinnerware for your trip. With a camper, that’ll be easy. You can even buy a set of dishes and cookware to keep in the camper for your outings so you don’t have to transfer them before and after every trip.
In terms of food, consider bringing plenty of non-perishable snacks for everyone to enjoy. Plan for meals that are camping friendly and relatively fast and simple to prepare as well, so you don’t have to spend the majority of your vacation cooking. Hotdogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, and the like are great for camping trips, but they’re not your only options. Don’t forget marshmallows for roasting over the campfire and chocolate bars and graham crackers for s’mores. Having plenty of water and other beverages on hand is also important.
Personal Items
Remember to pack your family’s personal items. Those include body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels, and washcloths. If anyone in your family needs prescription medications, be sure to bring those as well. An asthma attack or blood sugar spike could quickly turn a fun camping trip into a dangerous situation. Pillows and blankets also fall into this category.
Tools
Consider packing any essential tools you might need as well. That includes those for making quick repairs to your truck or camper if needed. Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, ratchets, sockets, and duct tape are some of the basics. Anything can happen when you’re out on the road, so it’s important to be prepared. Be sure you have a spare tire for your vehicle and one for the camper in case of flats.
First-Aid Kit
Don’t overlook the value of a well-stocked first-aid kit. It should contain bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, scissors, a thermometer, disposable gloves, and treatments for bug bites and burns along with other items. Some kits go as far as to include pain killers, allergy pills, and additional over-the-counter medications. Though ready-made first-aid kits are widely available, you may want to build a customized one that’s tailored to your family’s unique needs.
Entertainment
Though you’ll probably want to enjoy the great outdoors as much as possible, your family may not get to spend the entire trip outside. No matter how carefully you plan, pop-up showers and summer thunderstorms are bound to arise. Having activities for your family to enjoy while you’re waiting out the weather is crucial. Think about packing cards, books, and board games if you’re interested in unplugging for the trip.
Phone Chargers
Chargers have become crucial equipment at this point as well. Everyone needs to be able to keep their phones charged even if you don’t plan to use them any more than necessary. They’ll be your lifeline if you get lost or stranded or someone gets separated from your group.
Extra Essentials
In addition to the items already listed, certain others should be included in your essentials. That might include a can opener, zip bags, trash bags, salt and pepper, a lighter, paper towels, toilet paper, insect repellent, flashlights, extra batteries, and sunscreen to name a few. Again, keep your family’s unique needs in mind to help you cover all the bases.
Packing for Your Family’s Outdoor Adventures
For many people, camping means getting away from everyday life and enjoying nature. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up certain luxuries and conveniences, though. Having a camper will make your outdoor adventures much more comfortable. It’ll be like taking the comforts and amenities of home wherever you go. Depending on the camper you choose, you may even have a built-in kitchen and bathroom to take advantage of.
Beyond the camper, remembering to pack the essentials will help make your trip more enjoyable. Everyone is bound to forget something, and most items can be replaced on your way to the campground. When your family plans together, though, there will be far fewer chances of leaving out something important.
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