Camping Help

I always forget to bring enough water. I now bring 3 gallons. One -two gallons for drinking and the other for washing hands and dishes. You never know if the spot you are going will have running water. I also bring Dr. Bronners soap (found at any natural food store) it can be used to wash hair, hands, body and dishes. 100% safe for use in river, lake etc... doesn't have harmful ingredients that will harm fish.

1 mom found this helpful

I actually have a list on my computer which I print out whenever we go camping. I have two lists, one for tent & one for camper. I'm assuming you are going in a tent.... We also prepared menus and pre-cooked food whenever we could, just to be re-heated later. A menu table is also on my list. Here it is... hope it helps.

Air Mattress
Air Mattress blower
Bug spray
Butter
Camp Soap
Change(s) of clothes
Coats/Jackets
Cocoa Mix
Coffee Pot/Pan to boil water
Cups
Dish Rags
Dish Towels
Drinks
Flashlight (& batteries)
Games
Garbage bags
Grill - either for campfire or BBQ (don't forget fuel - ie propane or briquets)
Lantern
Paper towels
Pillows
Plates
Pots & Pans
Radio (& batteries)
Rope
Socks - extra
Shoes – extra pair
Silverware – cooking
Silverware - eating
Sleeping Bags
Snacks
Syrup
Tarp
Tent
Toilet Paper (& Baby wipes)
Towels
Wal-mart bags (for trash)
Wash rags
Water jug / Water

Menu:
Breakfast Lunch Snack Dinner Snack

1 mom found this helpful

Hi C.

Dont forget the can opener and a way to light the fire

Have fun :)

1 mom found this helpful

My biggest things are Bug Spray, hand sanitizer and TP. Don't forget an extra tarp and blanket. Depending on where you are, it can get cold at night, and if it rains.... UGH! Happy Camping!

1 mom found this helpful

The two things we always seem to need more of are water and some warm clothing. We camp quite often and it will usually cool off so much at night that we need the extra clothes. Then in the afternoon it will be so hot that we drink all the water:) One more thing that isn't a necessity but is great to bring are the smores! Have fun on your camping trip!

1 mom found this helpful

I have a camping checklist that we've been working on the last two years (my boys are 4 & 5 1/2)

www.thehealthymom.com/files/CampingChecklist.pdf

I actually created a little adventure backpack for each of them with kid-size binoculars, magnifying glass, compass, walkie talkie, whistle and crayons

Hope that helps!

1 mom found this helpful

I just have a helpful hint for next time - put your list on the computer so you have a saved copy, then when you get back you can add anything that you may have forgotten or needed. I have done this for years. It's kinda funny to see what my priorites were prior to kids and now. (Shot glsses vs. wet wipes.) But it is a great way to be prepared for next time. We never forget the bug catcher. I think I got them at the $ store. In fact I always have some $ store new items I can pull out in case they get bored. You can also get those glow necklaces and bracelets at the $ store. They keep kids entertained and then they can double as a night light in the tent or camper in case anyone has the late night bathroom visits. In fact, we camped in the redwoods a couple years ago and it was so dark at night we lost bearings while in bed. It was scary because my son was so young and I couldn't even see him. So, the next night that glow necklace was my best friend.

I hope you have a great time. Don't stress about it, it can make it a disaster. Just look forward to it, it will be great!! You can always improvise.

Toilet paper and hand sanitizer

We just went camping with our 2.5 yr old a few weeks ago for the first time. Take extra socks as they get dirty and wet (if you're near water) quickly. Evenings got chilly so take warm clothes too. The one thing I'm glad we took (because we almost didn't bring it) was our shade tent. We popped it up over the picnic table and it was perfect for getting out of the hot sun. I also bought small nets for all the kids that joined us so they could play in the water and try to catch minnows, frogs, etc. Have fun.

Heavy Duty Alum Foil. You can use it to cook, line the grill or just cover dishes.

Thanks so much for asking. My family is going soon and I was just thinking I needed a list:)LOL
The one thing I always forget is a spatula to flip the pancakes:)
My Mom SWEARS by dryer sheets, I hate the smell of bug spray so I usually get eaten alive. My mom found out that if you take a not used dryer sheet and rub it on your clothes and then whatever exposed skin it will keep the bugs away and you don't smell! Make sure and rub it on your clothes first so that it's softer on your skin. When done, stick in your pocket and reuse later in the day. I used the ALL Free and Clear sheets on July 4th and it worked like a charm. Have fun!

Hi C., several items that I cannot do without when camping include "strike anywhere" matches (sold at grocery stores), a couple lanterns (make sure to bring extra mantles in case they burn out), flashlight(s), firewood (in case there isn't any dead wood around to access, plus it's cheaper than having to buy it at the campsite), coleman fuel (starting campfires), pocket knife, and a canopy or tarp to name a few!

1. Air Mattress - I shared a full-size w/hubby. 3 yr old had her own twin-sized, and the baby slept in a pack n play.
2. A good sense of humor.

We went camping again this summer, and I forgot how absolutely FILTHY two toddlers can get when they are surrounded by dirt, creeks, sap, etc! I just took a deep breath and let it go, and scrubbed them down when we got home.

Best of luck,
S.

A couple of good books. When our kids were that age we brought along "Alice in Wonderlannd" (the original full length version) and my husband would read out-loud a chapter every night. Everyone really looked forward to what was going to happen next and it was a nice way to quiet down for the evening.

How fun! Even when we go out 4wheeling - always take:
hats, sunscreen, babywipes, water and snacks. Have your hubby pack a useful tool kit - we needed fuel switches and fortunately my hubby's safety tool kit had them.
You can never go wrong with a few extra things - a warmer jacket for each, an extra pair of shorts/pants and socks, extra stash of matches, utensils (sounds silly but it has been forgotten!!), pan, disposable camera, AND toilet paper. My hubby laughs at the roll of TP but it has saved him more than once. The babywipes too - hubby had to do minor vehicle repair last time out - got filthy but the bws were a hit. Never leave home without these things - haven't had a problem yet.

I have a good list that I could email to you. Email me ____@____.com and with some modifications, it'll be good to go, based on your needs.

We go camping every summer. I love our Coleman camp shower. You fill it with water and the sun heats it up. It is great for washing hands, hoseing kids off, and even washing your own hair. Don't forget lots and lots of clothes. Bring lots of healthy snacks. I always hit the dollar sotre before we go and pick up toys, that way if they get broke of lost, no big deal. Sunscreen is huge plus. Also, and I have seen it already, bug spray and lots of it. Be sure to pack extra shoes for everyone. Also, baseball caps or hats of any sort are good. I wear either a scarf or baseball cap the whole time we are out. Warm PJs are a must. Also, now don't laugh, but if you have the training potty seat from when your kids were potty training, this is such a life saver. My daughter is almost 3 and this prevented her from having to learn to squat and potty all over herself. Don't foget camp chairs and two tarps is you are tent camping (one if in a camper). When we camp tent, we always place a tarp under the tent. The extra trap is good for covering the tent in a rain storm or erecting a sun shelter in the day. Have a great trip and let us all know how it goes.

Toilet paper, a shovel (you have to dig that hole to bury the tp and waste in), bug spray, sunblock, s'more fixings, and most importantly a positive attitude. Keep the packing to a minimum as you have to lug it and keep track of it. Oh yeah, several plastic grocery bags to pack out your trash and any other trash you happen to find!
Have a great time!!!

We just went camping and the first thing that comes to mind is Bug Spray and anti-itch cream. It seems that no matter how much spray we use the kids and I still get bit. Make sure you take the old clothes and be prepared for them to be dirty. We also like to take hot cocoa for the mornings (just in case it is cold) and smores (don't forget the sticks for roasting). Good luck.

Baby wipes, sunscreen, bug spray, firewood and paper, flashlights, deck of cards, camera, towels (if you are gong by water and the kids are swimming), chairs, eating utensils, s'more sticks are some of the things I had forgotten in the past!! Good luck, have fun!

Hi C.,

I just returned from camping yesterday with my 1 and 5 year old. I brought everything and was glad that I did. Don't forget the toys. Don't bring them all, but enough to keep your kids entertained when you don't have time to be off hiking or swimming. I brought chalk, bubble toys, a couple of books, crayons and most importantly a DVD player. Both kids got to watch their own movies and kept them happy in the down time. Remember, you have to carry this "Toy bag", so keep the toys small if possible. I had one for each kid. Also, don't forget the first aid ket. It may be an extra few things to carry but well worth it. Be sure to include the bug spray and sunscreen. Have fun!!

Alicia has a great list.

Things that I have previously forgotten until the last minute - flashlight, toilet paper, trash bags, pillows, hand sanitizer, washcloths

matches, good sharp knife, flashlight, rope, even a little axe would be good, candles (the wide ones that stay put without tipping over - these are the things to always have in the car, JUST IN CASE;
TENT !!! :)
lotsa blankies, some pillows, favorite stuffed animal for each kid;
emergency kit for health issues, like band-aids, tylenol/ibuprofen/aspirin, tums, Aloe Vera Gel for skin scratches and even sunburn, sun-block, some mosquito repellent probably;
napkins, paper towels, toilet paper;
healthy snacks, like nuts, trailer mix, raisins, apples, in case when the kids suddenly say 'Mom I'm hungry' and there's no store around...
well, you know the rest :) !!!
happy camping, and keep doing it more often, C., dear! :)

We went camping last year and once we got there we realized we forgot the matches. We had no lighter or anything. Luckily there were some prepared Boy Scouts in the next campsite. I did have a list that I made last time we went camping, but I can only find my food list. Things I made sure to bring was tin foil, garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper and of course all the sleeping gear and clothing and whatever you plan to eat. Have a fun camping!

First Aide Kit
Sun Screen
Bug Spray
Extra Clothing. 1 more then you think you will need. (for you not the kids)

I actually have 3 things that are essential. First aid kit, sun screen, and bug spray!

Hi, The two big things i find are most important to my family is a good first aid kit, and bug spray, with lots of deet. if i might we always also take a couple toys or some games to entertain the kids, they get bored. good luck and have lots of fun.

this is the list that I use,
http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com...
it pretty much covers everything. I just copy it and paste it in to Word and add or take away items. Here is a tip for your sleeping bags if you are using them. Feet get cold when they don't touch the bottom of the bag. I make the pad the size of the child, and then I tuck the end of the sleeping bag under the pad so that it is the length of the child too. That way there is no cold space at the bottom and their feet are a lot less likely to get cold.
One thing I added to the list was hand warmers. They are just fun for the kids... and warm up their hands. We slip them in a child size mitten and then let the kids have them after they get in their sleeping bags.
I also bring one big blanket to cover the kids sleeping bags on top. Helps keep the heat in.
Another thing I take are Clorox Wipes, and Hand sanitize. They both come in very handy.
Good luck and have fun!

I haven't been camping in a while. Here are 2 things I remember. Skin So Soft from Avon - it's a good bug repellant. And (you can laugh if you want to) my Dad ALWAYS brought along 30 gallon trash bags. Yes, we used them to clean up when we were done, but each kid had to carry one in their pocket at all times. That way if it rained we could poke a hole in the bottom and have a rain pancho. If you get soaked, hypothermia is a big risk - even in the summer!

wet wipes ugh, I hate when I forget the wet wipes

One of the most useful items is baby wipes... I usually end up wanting a hatchet - for wood and for hammering in tent stakes.

Garbage bags and ziploc bags often come in handy as well.

I can say that we have been camping too many times to count and it has rained on us. Even when the forecast says "clear skies!" So
rain ponchos
towels to dry off
games, cards, toys, etc to play with while "camping out" in teh camper or tent!
Have a great time and know-no matter how hard you "try" to remember everything and not forgot anything-you will ALWAYS forget something! And when that happens, the best thing to remember is a positive attitude-especially with little ones!!!

Flashlight...wouldn't be much fun w/o it
I have to agree with warm clothes - we thought since it was July it wouldn't be cold but I was freezing at night.

Hmmm...A change of clothes (even if it's only for one night that you are camping) for everyone, and lots of baby wipes!

somores of course are always a big hit..and for comfortable nights sleep , if you plan on going alot,buy paco pads to sleep on. they are delux comfort sleeping pads..considered rafting gear but if you are car camping they are perfect.expensive but make or break a comfortable night sleeping.splurge for the parents, then you will be psyched to go again..Jacks plastic makes them..you can google it.have a geeat time J.

We just got back from camping for the second time this summer last week... BUG SPRAY. we forgot it both times and the bugs were AWEFUL! thankfully someone took pity on us out at the lake the last time and shared their stash lol

Hi, Candace. Congrats on taking on camping with kids. It's a lot of work but so much fun! Two things I would recommend...a kid potty (one that can be at your campsite..that was the most important thing we had along!) and a large water container (something that can hold water for washing at the campsite). Have fun!

Disinfectant wipes and PB&J!

Sun block and my mom always used raid to spray around the eating area. she'd use it about an half an hour before we ate and it kept the flies and bugs mostly away. Also, I wished I had brought winter pjs for the kids. Good luck and have fun.

Hi C.,
Always have a medical kit with you. Put a whistle necklace on each child just in case they get separated or scared they can alert you.
Have fun,
SarahMM

food, water, toilet paper, pans, cooking utensils, sleeping bag, matches

Are you sleeping in tents,or are you sleeping in a camper?
I would make sure you had some bottled water,and whatever it is you all drink.Have a few easy snacks available for the kids. I would also have the kids pack a few activities they may want for when theres down time. We always packed a cooking stove, and grill. (small all in ones you can find at sports authority, or any sporting goods store. Thats all I can think of at this time. I hope you all have fun.

Baby wipes, can never have enough. Pack-n-play. That way you don't aleways have to hold baby and they still get to out with everyone else too.

If there was something else I could have had it would have been a little bed for baby girl. Its hard to share a sleeping bag with a tossing and turning 9 mo. girl.