Camping season is here!
Here is my Camping Checklist:
(You can print this list using the green printer friendly button at the bottom of this post.)
____ Tent
____ Sleeping bags
____ Pillows
____ Extra blankets
____ Camera
____ Camp chairs
____ Driving directions
____ Additional information on location such as history or trail maps
____ Kitchen ware : pots and pans including a coffee pot, plates, cups, silverware, dish cloths, paper towels and (older) kitchen towels, pot holders, biodegradable dish soap, two containers for washing and rinsing dishes, marshmallow sticks, pitchers, spatulas, serving spoons, kitchen knives, portable grill or camp stove.
____ Food, and make sure to including butter, salt, and any other condiments.
____ Cooler for cold food and ice.
____ Flashlights with extra batteries.
____ Mosquito coils, citronella candles, off and/or other bug repellent.
____ First aid kit
____ Scissors or a pocket knife, and small multi tools come in handy.
____ Matches or lighter to start campfire and grills.
____ Toiletries: Soap (at least two, for a family), shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels large and small, baby wipes (nice for quick wash-ups), hairbrush, razor, deodorant, hair accessories, quarters for showers, and (if you must) make-up.
____ Clothing: depending on stay, but 2 shorts, 2 pants (especially dark ones for kids), 2 t-shirts, 2 sweaters, a coat, pj's, socks and undies for each day plus a few extra, at least 1 change of shoes and or hiking boots.
____ Swimsuits, kids sand buckets, etc.
____ Sunscreen even if not swimming.
____ Check the weather report and take appropriate items. (Tarps & rain gear if needed.)
____ If near the ocean, check tide charts.
____ Fishing gear (including a bag for fish that have been caught).
____ Wood, LOTS of wood, if in an area where campfires are allowed.
____ Extra plastic bags for garbage, for food, etc. These are very handy to have.
____ Boats, paddles and pumps if boating.
____ Canteens or way to carry water on hikes.
____ Small backpacks for hikes.
____ Bikes and helmets.
____ Basket balls, kites, horse shoes, cards, a frizbee
____ Geo-caching stuff if you geocache (what is
geocaching?)
____ Pets left at home are provided for.
And a few tips:
S'mores, bacon, corn on the cob, and hot cocoa are great for camping. Individual drinks always work best for us. Lunchables are nice to take hiking. CASH, we always seem to end up somewhere that only takes cash. Cell phones do not usually work in the woods, but on the off chance they will, making sure they are fully charged before you go helps. Games are fun for the kids. I never get around to making tea while camping, so I stick to coffee, french presses work well. Cook extra the last night for dinner. The smell of campfire food is delicious at home and makes for easy leftovers when you are tired and trying to settle back in.
