Make an Organized Camp Check List
How to Be Prepared on Your First Camping Trip
The best place to start organizing your trip is to first decide where your family is heading in order to determine if it is appropriate for the type of shelter you will be staying in, whether it be a tent or a camper/RV.
The next step would be to start the research on your destination. Finding out what is in the area, getting your directions and map of the park and checking, if available, the website of the grounds for specifications and restrictions. Rand McNally, a leader in print atlas and maps, also is a great online resource for specific driving directions and custom maps.
Finally, you will have to adjust your needs to the expected weather during your trip, amenities the park offers, the type of shelter you are staying in and any restrictions that may be placed on you.
Once you have committed to the details of the trip, you can move on to the layout of your needs. Each trip will have it's own unique equipment requirements, depending on what is available to you at each campground or park. Modern parks will have electric and water hookups for RVs and shower houses for thoses staying in tents or campers without a bathroom. Older campgrounds or parks may be very rustic and would require more gear on your end such as a battery powered radio or fan.
A basic setup for your list would be to first consider your necessities in these 4 groups: eating, sleeping, bathing and playing. These are your principle needs while away from home. When thinking of all of the "luggage" you will require while away, most will fall under 7 categories.
Clothing: It is important when packing, to cover all weather possibilities that may occur during your stay. Check national weather services such as The Weater Channel online for the most up to date predictions. To be on the safe side pack clothes appropriate for layering such as long sleeve t-shirts and light jackets.
Toiletries: Make sure to bring enough product for all of your family members. Many campgrounds have very simple shower houses that may not be in the best condition. For sanitary reasons, waterproof sandals will prevent picking up any germs in the restroom. Sample sized products will cut down on the unnecessary bulk of full size bottles if storage is of concern.
Sleeping: Bedding needs will depend on the type of sleeping arrangements you will have, whether a bed, sleeping bag, or cot. RV beds are suited for standard size sheets and blankets. Extra bedding will cover the possibility of cold night weather and accidents due to illness. Flashlights are great to keep near everyone's bed for the middle of the night restroom run if the campground is not well lit.
Cooking: Food needs for your family will largely depend on your plans to prepare meals at your site, or to eat out. Even if your plan is to eat out 3 times a day, it would benefit you to have drinks and snacks available for between meals or to take along to activities. RV and campfire cooking and RV hints and tips are other articles with more detail to cooking outdoors. Many, if not most, campsites are equipped with a fire pit or grill. However, it is your responsibility to bring the charcoal, lighter fluid and matches, or your own propane cook stove. Many parks also have restrictions on the type of wood you are permitted to bring on the grounds. Planning meals ahead of time and even partially preparing them is key when you will be away from the comforts of your home kitchen. A good investment would be in a high grade cooler that can keep ice frozen for up to 3 days. Thermos type jugs are also valuable in the 2 and 5 gallon variety. The 2 gallon will store a days worth of drinking water or whatever type of beverage your family would like. The 5 gallon jug is great to store water for cooking, washing dishes or hands and rinsing off grass or mud.
Cleaning Keeping your site clean is vital to keeping away bugs and small animals. Antibacterial hand gel is great for quick cleanups when you don't have time to walk to the restrooms. Bringing your own trash bags is necessity to keep your space clean and to protect the park where you are staying. The most important items to bring are dishsoap, multi-purpose cleaner and a broom.
Activities Beaches in state parks have different regulations to the type of flotation devices you are allowed in the water. Make sure to call the park before taking up space to pack rafts and floats. If you are traveling with young children be prepared to haul plenty of toys, bikes and games to entertain them. Large plastic storage containers are a great way to store smaller toys and bike gear.
Emergency A wise way to plan for your trip is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Better to be over prepared than to have an emergency and no way to treat it. Besides a stocked first aid kit, a battery operated radio and backup flashlight will come in handy in the case of bad weather. Basic items are also necessary such as bug repellent and sunscreen. The American Red Cross has an excellent list of the main components to a first aid kit.
Your first outdoor excursion is a great time to do a test run of your plan. This way your will know what to bring and what you could have left behind. Also, you will be able to identify the things that you forgot to add to your list and be able to update it as you go. Knowing when you go into the first trip that it may not run smoothly will give you the opportunity to correct the problems before your next outing.
Organized and On the Road
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