Family Camping Checklist

Be prepared for your next adventure

If you're like most of us, whenever you rush to get ready for that camping trip, you always end up forgetting "something". So here's a handy checklist to help out. Although it is not a complete list of items that you might want to bring on your trip, it does list the most common camping items. You can print this list and use it to prepare for your next trip!!

 

Before you go

checkboxGather your travel guides and maps for the road
checkboxReserve your camping site ahead of time
checkboxEnsure your vehicle is "ready" for the trip
checkboxCancel your newspaper delivery
checkboxInstall on/off timers on a few lamps in your house
checkboxShut down your water heater (just in case....)
checkboxEnsure all windows and doors are locked
checkboxActivate your home alarm
checkboxLeave a key to your home to a trustworthy neighbor
checkboxArrange for someone to cut your lawn (if necessary)
checkboxArrange for someone to empty your mailbox periodically

Clothing

checkboxA hat, a baseball cap or a sun hat
checkboxA pair of long underwear ("Thinsulates" are great)
checkboxSwimwear
checkboxShorts and long pants
checkboxRain gear - a poncho or a rain parka with pants
checkboxA windbreaker
checkboxFootwear (sneakers, sandals, rain or hiking boots..)
checkboxA pair of thick wool socks
checkboxSunglasses (with UVA/UVB protection)
checkboxA sewing repair kit

Health related items

checkboxA first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic ointment, gauze, aspirin etc..)
checkboxMedication (prescribed or otherwise)
checkboxWater purification tablets (just in case....)
checkboxA pair of spare prescription glasses
checkboxToothpaste and toothbrushes
checkboxHairbrush, combs
checkboxAn unbreakable (plastic) mirror
checkboxSoap, shampoo and bath towels
checkboxInsect repellant
checkboxSun screen (waterproof if you're planning to go swimming), lip gloss
checkboxToilet paper

Camping Items

checkboxYour tent (don't forget the stakes and poles)
checkboxA tube of "seam sealer" for your tent (stick, spray or liquid)
checkboxAn emergency "repair kit" for your tent (patches, glue, needle, thread ....)
checkboxYour sleeping bags and/or warm blankets
checkboxA sleeping mat (foam or air-filled .don't forget the air pump)
checkboxPillows for everybody
checkboxA folding table (very convenient)
checkboxA tarp (for your cooking area or to install over/under the tent if necessary)
checkboxA battery operated lamp (remember that using a propane lantern inside a tent can be extremely dangerous)
checkboxA lantern for outdoor use (don't forget to bring spare mantles and the propane canister)
checkboxA cooler / ice boxA cooking stove (and fuel) or a small BBQ
checkboxCooking pots, a frying pan, a kettle, a few mugs and some utensils
checkboxA plastic egg container
checkboxA plastic butter container
checkboxA dish pan
checkboxA can opener and a corkscrew
checkboxA plastic tablecloth
checkboxA laundry bag (garbage bags also work fine)
checkboxInsulated food containers
checkboxAluminum foil (especially if you're planning to cook on a open fire)
checkboxHot dog sticks
checkboxA large water carrier (2-5 gallon)
checkboxA water bottle / canteen
checkboxPlastic bags! Small and large... they're always handy!
checkboxRope - at least 100 feet (nylon being the most resistant to weather)
checkboxTape (electrical and/or duct tape work best)
checkboxAn small (folding) shovel
checkboxAn axe or a hatchet
checkboxA small broom
checkboxA knife (swiss army knives are always useful)
checkboxMatches and/or a lighter (waterproof if possible)
checkboxCandles
checkboxA flashlight or two (always have a few spare bulbs around)
checkboxBatteries

Miscellaneous items

checkboxYour passports (only if necessary)
checkboxYour camera ....and extra films!
checkboxA battery operated radio
checkboxA walkie-talkie set
checkboxUmbrellas
checkboxBinoculars
checkboxFishing permits
checkboxA good book
checkboxBoard games (chess, cribbage..)
checkboxA deck of cards
checkboxA folding chair or two (or a hammock to pamper yourself)

 

 

 

 

*Contributed by Camping-Canada.com

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