Packing for a camping trip requires remembering the accessories for your accessories
When a dad is packing for a camping trip with his kids, it’s pretty easy to forget the bare essentials. Why? Because we’re focusing on emergency items and things that our kids can’t live without. We’re trying to avoid temper tantrums, and in turn, remember what’s important to our kids instead of what’s important to the whole trip.
During Dads and Kids Camping weekend, these bare essentials—that dads really can forget—consist of the obvious: a tent, sleeping bags, air mattress or sleeping pads, a portable stove for camping and a way to light the fire.
If you have a pretty cool head and have remembered all of the above, there are still other hidden things that can be forgotten when you’re packing for a camping trip. Between the yelling kids and the stress of loading up a car, I’m not going to blame you if you forget some of the following:
Packing for a camping trip? Remember the ESSENTIALS.
Even an air mattress has accessories. You will need bed sheets for the air mattress, a pillow, and something that can blow it up, like a foot pump. You will also need basic toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brushes, shampoo, soap and towels. You may also need toilet paper, so call the campground and check before you finish packing.
Packing for a camping trip? Remember the FOOD.
Depending upon how long you’ll be camping, you will need to pack breakfast, lunch, and dinner for each day. Having a few extra snacks on hand is a good idea because kids get hungry at the strangest times. Be certain to pack at least one gallon of water for each person in your party. That way, everyone stays hydrated.
Packing for a camping trip? Remember the CLOTHES.
You can pick your kids’ clothes for them or let them do it themselves. Make sure that they’re packed for the right season and have a rain jacket, boots and clothes for both cold and warm weather. You can always remove layers to keep cool, but if you don’t plan enough layers to keep warm, you might spend a few nights in the car.
Packing for a camping trip? Remember the TOOLS.
You never know when you’ll need firewood or a rope, so taking these things with you is a great idea. If you plan on breaking branches and digging in the woods to get wood to start a fire, remember that anything in the woods can have dew or moisture on it. Bringing dry wood to the campsite ensures that you’ll have something to start with when you arrive. Having a hammer to nail in the stakes of the tent is also smart.
If you want to learn more about how to start your own Dads and Kids Camping Weekend, check out my 45-page Dads & Kids Camping Handbook.