Most families love camping. In hindsight, any family camping trip may seem blissful, but when you’re loading your station wagon with tents, coolers, first aid kits, extra water bottles, utensils, life jackets, and so on, it is not really that calming. However, with some careful planning and heeding to some essential family camping tips, you can make your trip truly comfortable. Here are some family camping essentials to make your outing enjoyable and relaxing.
1. A camping tent
Nowadays, the best family tents are sold online or are available in stores. Tent size and shape are important if you do not wish to feel confined. Consider the length and width of the tent. It should be large enough to accommodate two adults and two small kids. Plus, you need to stock your other camping gear. Family camping tents come in many shapes to choose from — the A-frame, the umbrella, the dome, or the wall tent. Irrespective of shape, the best family tent will be tall enough to stand in, waterproof, and made of thick rip-stop fabric without any rusty zippers. Remember that the weather at the campsite can be sunny, windy, rainy, hot, or cold, and all this will have diverse demands on your family’s camping tent.
2. A whirly-gig
You never know how many tents in the campsite will look similar. So, a whirly-gig, like a flag or windsocks, will help you or your kids quickly recognize the tent.
3. Sleeping bags and blankets for your family to stay warm
If you feel cold in the night, you will become miserable. Carry enough sleeping bags, blankets, hot water bottles, duvets, and layers.
4. A lighter, matches, and firewood
Carry some firewood in case you are unable to forage any. You will also need some matches and a lighter. A campfire is always enjoyable, just remember to extinguish it after you’re done for the night. Softwoods are great to start camp fires, and dry hardwood will help to get you a bed of hot coals. What is camping without a campfire!
5. A camping stove to cook your hot meals
Carrying a camp stove makes sense. You can cook hot meals or use one to warm water for a hot beverage. Nowadays, there are plenty of choices when it comes to camping stoves. Choose one with the number of burners you will need for your camp cooking.
6. Food, a cooker, and utensils
Carry a cooker with sides so as to protect the flames from the blowing winds. Other essential utensils to carry are enamel plates, cutlery, bowls, and mugs. Water bottles are a must.
7. Some pancake batter, a frying pan, and a spatula
Carry your pancake batter in a cooler if you want, along with some boiled eggs and some homemade buttermilk to help sustain you until you properly set up your camp kitchen.
8. A backpack with extra essentials
Each of your family members may need extra socks, sweatshirts, sunscreen, toothpaste, toothbrushes, books, puzzles, and so on depending on their needs.
9. A first aid kit
Carry a personal first aid kit. This will handle most of the minor problems that you may encounter and you can treat yourself. If you are allergic to insect bites, make sure to carry your prescription medications.
10. A camp lantern
A camp lantern helps to make your late-night suppers stress-free. It allows you to play games or even read after sunset. Your camp lantern makes your campsite feel like a little retreat in the dark. You can carry either a battery-powered lantern or one that is powered by propane gas.
11. A camera
Your family camping will do well with a lightweight, durable camera. You can capture great images from your camping trip. Featured photo credit: Julian Bialowas via unsplash.com
