Bringing the family camping can be such a fun and rewarding adventure. But, more times than not, just the idea of all this planning and organizing and the time it takes to pack, can be enough to keep too many families from even trying.
Take away some of the hassle and stress of family camping by grabbing this camping checklist that you can refer back to during the planning, packing, and organizing of your trip.
Why is camping packing so hard?
Just for once, you want to finish your family camping packing feeling excited and eager for the trip… not resentful and full of worry that you’ve forgotten too many things!
Just for once, you want to spend less days packing than you’ll actually spend at the campground!
Just for once, you want the whole family to help you organize and pack and be assured that everyone has what they need without you having to double check everything!
Using a camping checklist:
The single most helpful thing you can do to make family camping a little easier is to start using a camping packing checklist.
Whether you grab this one or make one up yourself, make sure it has all the camping essentials listed. Then, use it! Don’t just leave it on the counter as a suggestion or something to casually refer to.
If you want to actually feel in control of planning your trip, get out a pen and start writing on that list…. and make more lists as you go.
So for example, you might have your packing list which includes all your gear. Then, as you go along and start packing, you might realize you need to pick up items at the store or borrow them from your neighbor. Now, you have 2 lists going: your ‘packing list’ and your ‘need to pick up list’.
But, don’t stop there. You also need to think of food.
The easiest way to plan and organize food is to create a meal plan for each day. You don’t have to stick to this while you’re camping. But you’ll have a better chance of packing the right amount of food if you have a general idea of what you’ll eat and when you’ll eat it.
Therefor, before you start packing food you’ll want to have a completed meal plan with a detailed list of foods, drinks, and snacks for each day. Now, go through each item and either pack those foods or if you need to pick them up at the store, add them to your ‘need to pick up list’.
Sure, this can get a little overwhelming. But, believe me, after years of planning (and being overly-stressed) over too many camping trips, this is system I use and it is a tremendous help!
Are you ready to skip the overwhelm of planning and packing for your family camping trips?
Download this family camping checklist and start getting some control over the whole process!
Want to hear a little more about these family camping checklists?
These checklists have been made with simple camping in mind. These lists are the ones we use. They are complete with the camping essentials, and these lists don’t go overboard with all the camping extras.
Why not? Because simpler camping means less planning, quicker packing, less gear, and more fun (since you asked). Kids will enjoy camping just as much if you leave all the extra toys and clothes at home. They don’t care about fancy foil campfire meals or uber trendy camping gadgets.
Do make sure you’re bringing all the items you’ll need to keep yourself happy and comfortable (you don’t need to deprive yourself), but you also can likely manage the weekend of camping without your sandwich maker and inflatable couch! Remember, the less you pack, the easier the planning and packing will be.
Read More: Here’s a whole post that you’ll want to read all about simplifying your family camping and packing.
On these printable lists you’ll find all the camping essentials for sleeping, shelter, cooking, safety, and personal stuff.
As a bonus you’ll also get the Happy Camper Packing Lists for your little campers to take responsibility of their own items. Sure, you might want to do a quick double-check, but for the most part, you can let them pack their own stuff and feel a little more confident with delegating that task.
For more camping reading, check these out next:
Exploring this family camping checklist was a delightful surprise. Its engaging design, both charming and intuitive, immediately grabs attention. The ‘cute’ factor isn’t just for show; it adds genuine fun to the camping prep process. More than just looks, its ‘super helpful’ nature shines through with detailed categories, from basic needs like shelter to often-missed items such as specific first-aid supplies. This free printable is a thorough guide for all campers, reflecting its creators’ expertise, making it essential for families gearing up for outdoor adventures.