Adventurous couples don’t need to put that life behind them when they settle down and have kids. With the right equipment and attitude, it’s much more fun to start planning family camping trips instead. While it’s true that things can be a little more hectic, the experience will be good for the whole family as long as parents remember all of the essentials. Read on to find out what to pack to make sure that every family camping trip is a success.
Essential Kitchen Gear
Whether families plan to camp out in tents or they’re taking an RV, parents need to remember all of the essential kitchen gear because nothing is more stressful than a hungry, cranky toddler. Even those who plan to cook on the fire should have a backup in the form of a propane camp stove, an ice box, and a dry goods bin. Bringing a Travel Berkey eliminates the need for carrying bottled water, so that’s also a good investment. Otherwise, stick to the basics and be sure to pack:
- Pots and pans
- Plates, bowls, and cups
- Cutlery and cooking utensils
- Tongs
- A can opener, bottle opener, and corkscrew
- A kettle and a coffee pot
- A dish pan and dishcloths
- A cutting board
- Extra storage containers or bags
- Paper towels
- Tinfoil
- Garbage bags
- Parents of younger children often opt to bring along portable high chairs or booster seats for use at the picnic table, as well.
Comfortable Sleeping Gear
The kinds of sleeping gear required to camp out with kids vary depending on whether families plan to RV camp or set up tents. When going tent camping, most families find that it’s worth sizing up the tent so that kids have someplace to hang out that feels like an indoor environment, especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Either an air mattress or comfy sleeping pads, plus sleeping bags for each of the kiddos, are also essential, and many parents bring along camping pillows too to make it feel a little more like home. Of course, an RV is like a home on wheels, so all the amenities should already be available in the form of real beds, blankets, and pillows.
Basic Campsite Gear
Glampers and tent campers alike should bring basic campsite gear like comfortable camp chairs, a clothesline, a lantern, headlamps, duct tape, a multi-tool, and an ax for firewood. Depending on the season and the location, things like a fire starter and extra wood, insect-repellant candles or a mosquito tent, and a small fold-up table might also need to be thrown into the mix.
Distractions for the Kids
The idea of taking kids camping is to get them out into nature, but parents will want them to have at least a few toys and distractions around so that they can also enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Be sure to bring along a frisbee and some fun outdoor games, beach toys if there’s a beach, and hiking gear for family hikes. Books, magazines, and a deck of cards can also go a long way if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Start Planning Now
Avid campers, whether they prefer glamping or roughing it in a tent or underneath the stars, usually have a good idea of what they need to bring. When they become parents, though, they’ll have to throw some additional supplies into the mix. The items described above are just the beginning for most families, so start packing well in advance.
