What Did I Forget? (Camping)

Updated on May 20, 2011
T.B. asks from Bloomington, IN
19 answers

We have a weekend camping trip at a camp about an hour away with family this weekend. We will be in cabins and there is a dining hall with meals provided. I have my mental list of things to pack, but wanted to ask if there is anything I am forgetting.
Bedding, toiletries, towels, clothes/pjs, jackets, diapers/wipes, snacks/sippy, stroller, bug spray... I'm sure there's other things I am not thinking of... Can you think of anything?
Usually, we do not go places that are so secluded. We can't just run to Walmart if we forget something. I knew I could count on you ladies to help!

Edit: This is sort of a barely roughing it camp. Paved or gravel walks and drives between all of the building, cabins have nylon covered matresses on bunk beds and bathroom with sinks/toilets/showers, staff that is guiding us through activities like archery and rock climbing wall. My Dad bid on the weekend at a fundraising auction, so it's not something we normally do.
Love the ideas so far!! I've added toilet paper, tampons, matches, flashlights, sunscreen, hats, cooler with bottled water, bag chairs, and toys to my list!
HELLO!!! Camera!!!

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L.S.

answers from Spokane on

A good first aid kit, sunscreen, books and activities for when bored or if it rains, hats, toilet paper, allergy meds, bottled drinking water, outdoor activity stuff (bocce, horseshoes, etc), bikes? bathing suits?

2 moms found this helpful

More Answers

L.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

flashlights, hats, swim suits, board games, cards, pain reliever, pillows...

4 moms found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

Make sure the toiletries include toilet paper! I've been at a few camps, that have run out. Sunscreen, aloe lotion or neosporin in case someone gets a scrape or burn, band-aids

2 moms found this helpful
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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

Absolutely, extra toilet paper -- more than you think you'll need because you do not want to run out. Even if the place provides it, bring some. And sunscreen.

Full first aid kit, including tweezers, "Instant cold packs" (they go freezing cold when you snap or whack them; for injuries), plastic ziplock bags (put any ticks you pull off kids into these, then take them to the local health department for evaluation for Lyme), plastic gloves (for cleaning up blood or vomit), Ace bandage, gauze roll and gauze pads, etc. etc. Just buying a drugstore fully packed kit doesn't do the job if you're really somewhere isolated -- you will need the things like the cold pack and REAL tweezers (not the plastic ones those kits contain). Also learn to turn a bandana into a sling for an arm. That must be online somewhere.

Do the cabins have running water? Is the water on the campsite "Potable" meaning it is safe to drink? Check it out first. If not, you need to bring all your drinking water too. And teach your kids that the word "non-potable" means do NOT drink water from that spigot etc. Some campsites label certain water sources if they are non-potable water. I figure this place has potable water if there is a dining facility but that does not mean every water source in the place is potable water.

Extra socks, lots for the kids. You're in the woods, right? Shorts are fun but not for the woods -- ticks will crawl right up legs to get to warm, moist places like, it must be said so I'll say it, kids' groins. And adults' too. Long pants and socks long enough to tuck pants into really are essential if you're in the woods or in or near high grasses. With Lyme disease you don't want to mess around. It's cooler in the woods anyway so shorts would be chilly.

2 moms found this helpful

S.H.

answers from Spokane on

first aid kit
toys for kiddos (we always have trucks, books, crayons, baseball mits)
will you be close to water? fishing tackle.
hats
sandals and tennis shoes (water/hiking)
water guns (my boys don't leave home w/o theirs!)

2 moms found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Kansas City on

sunscreen, stuff to tie your hair up, tampons (just in case), extra pillows, matches, first aid kit

2 moms found this helpful
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T.W.

answers from Boston on

some outdoor toys such as a few balls

2 moms found this helpful
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B.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I always bring wooden matches, a candle and toilet paper. Especially toilet paper. I hate to be surprised by single ply and I hate even more to find mouse droppings on the toilet paper.

Good luck to you and yours.

2 moms found this helpful

S.L.

answers from New York on

Sounds fun! Do you have a bathroom in the cabin? If not bring a potty chair even if your kids are using a real toilet. a nightlight is great if you have electricity. If not the dollar store near me sells glow stick bracelets five for a dollar, it takes the place of a nightlight and keeps them happy at bedtime. Be prepared for rain with raincoats umbrellas and board games, too

1 mom found this helpful
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M.N.

answers from Charlotte on

long extension cords for radio or lights or curling irons if a lot of girls go.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

Sunscreen!! Activities for the kids to do in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.S.

answers from Houston on

sun tan lotion, ice chest pop in case they dont serve what you like,the candles to keep bugs away,is there a pool there if so you need pool supplies.first aid kit, blanket for the kids to play on , dirt toys if your kids are old enough, fishing gear if there is a lake,

1 mom found this helpful
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J.G.

answers from Tucson on

Just do a mental run down of everything you will be doing (cooking, showering, playing) and make a list of what you will need for each activity and than you can organize the list and than when you think you have finished packing I walk around the house looking at everything there i find the stuff we use alot and will need and than by looking I also find things i would like to bring toys activities etc. I love when i find toys that the kids dont play with or i keep up (arts and crafts) than i can bring them with me and use them. Hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.B.

answers from Washington DC on

we are going camping this weekend as well... but ours is 3 1/2 hrs away, no electricity, nearest store us 15 miles away and we are in tents instead. I say you don't need the stroller (most places that you camp at do not have stroller-friendly terrain), but a baby carrier instead and don't forget lanterns and flashlights. Also, kids love those glow-stick things. a bandana or hat is VERY VERY helpful if you are in the woods. Ticks generally get on people by falling off of trees onto them- your head is the main target! Keep all heads covered at all times! Also, if you aren't used to this- you may want to be a little more comfy than a cabin has to offer- check to see if there are mattresses. If not, you may want an air mattress.

Gross story- went camping last year, and you could just FEEL the ticks falling -specifically if it was my shouder or arm! literally every minute. yeck!

1 mom found this helpful
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C.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

1. flashlights
2. tent
3. air bed
4. pump for air bed
5. extra batteries for flashlight and pump
6. zip lock bag in different sizes
7. bug spray
8. sun lotion
9. cooler
10. first aid kit ( poison ivy spray, allergy medicine, blister band aids, alchol wipes,)
11. tarp for tent in case it rains
12. lysol wipes in case the bathroom is nasty
13. foldable chairs
14. compass if you are into wild type camping..in case you get lost
15. tin foil and pan
16. portable camping stove
17. bike
18. kayak
19.one of those new type of ice packs. you just run it under water and it expands and stays cold..if someone gets injured and needs a cold pack.
20. remember put all food in car other wise you will attract bears well at least where we camp.

1 mom found this helpful

M.L.

answers from Houston on

rope, first aid kit, flash light and a hatchet... you never know!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

Bug spray for one....Have fun!

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T.M.

answers from Bloomington on

first aid kit that includes alcohol and tweezers for ticks. you want to get those suckers off right away, before they bite. (if they do: you have to be sure to get the head out to prevent disease so first soak it with alcohol until it starts backing out and pull very gently) be sure to check periodically for them. (ick!)

did anyone say matches? you'll want those of course...

i'm in bloomington too, and packing for a camping trip! :) maybe we'll see you?

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K.K.

answers from Dallas on

Benadryl, allergy meds. If not you someone will needs some.

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