What do you need to take on a camping trip

What Do You Need To Take on a Camping Trip?

I am preparing for my first camping trip and looking online I could take everything including the kitchen sink so need to whittle it down to the basics otherwise I really will want to take everything.

Camping is supposed to be cheap and cheerful but if you bought all the equipment and camping gadgets that are on the market then the costs are going to obviously mount up. However camping allows you to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise which is no wonder camping is such a popular family holiday. If you have been camping before please share with me some of your favourite camping tips as I am still learning.

There is nothing fancy about camping unless you go down the glamping route. For just a few days or a week that you can spend enjoying time with family and friends and having a break from everyday life. Camping in England can still be fun even if the weather might not be, I would love to do some camping in the National Parks in the USA that would be an amazing cool experience.

You can travel somewhere new and camp there, or you can keep it closer to home. You can stay in a tent, caravan or chalet – the choice is yours and you can customise it to your preferences and budget. But what do you need to bring with you when you go camping? Here are some ideas.

Delicious Food and Drink

One of the best things about camping is getting to enjoy some tasty alfresco dining. Camping is all about being cheap and cheerful, but you’re still on holiday so it should be delicious food that the whole family is going to enjoy.

If you’re going to be barbequing, you could take along some prepared meat and veggies. If you’re going to be having a campfire, you could wrap potatoes in foil and have baked campfire potatoes.

You can use saucepans and frying pans to cook things like baked beans and bacon, you could even take a big pot of prepared food and warm it up on the fire. Casseroles, chilli and pulled pork are all crowdpleasers. If you’re going to be staying in a caravan or chalet which has a fridge and cooking facilities it’s even easier.

You could make sandwiches for lunch, and for breakfast go simple with cereal/ cereal bars or go all out cooking a fry up on a gas camping stove or the barbeque. Read my tips on cooking and camping.

You’ll need to bring bottles of water, drinks and snacks too. Keep in mind what kind of refrigeration facilities you will have, if there are none then the first night/ morning you can keep things cool in a coolbox with some ice packs. From there, you will either need to eat dried foods or go to a shop to buy more fresh things. If you have a fridge, you can stock up ahead of time.

Bikes and Hiking Boots

I must admit I am not very energetic but I actually will be taking some decent walking shoes so I can explore the area. A bike might be a bit ambitious for me personally at the moment.

Camping is all about enjoying the outdoors. Two of the best ways to go about this is either on your bike, or lace up your walking boots and go on hikes. To transport the families bikes, you could either use roof racks on your car or a bike rack for your caravan if you’re taking one with you.

Don’t forget helmets, protective knee and elbow pads for kids and a puncture repair kit. Another option that could make life a little easier is renting bikes at your destination, if you’re camping in a touristy kind of area then this might be on offer. Do your research beforehand to find out what’s there. If you’re planning on doing a lot of orienteering and hiking, some maps, a compass and good footwear are all essential.

Ideal Clothing for Camping

Speaking of footwear, the clothing that you take camping is also imprortant. Your enjoying the outdoors, it is not a fashion show so choose things that are comfortable and practical.

During the summer, long and light layers will protect you from getting burned without getting too hot.

Full length trousers as opposed to shorts and skirts can prevent scratches from brambles and nettle stings as you navigate through meadows and woods, climb over gates and walk alongside rivers and lakes.

You’re probably going to get quite dirty, so plenty of changes of clothes will be needed. Be sure to pack for all weather conditions too, you might get one scorching day and one that’s pouring with rain! Also it might seem a bit extreme but camping in the winter can still be fun if its not too cold.

First Aid Kit

Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s always sensible to bring along a first aid kit especially when you’re going to be open to the elements in the outdoors. Plasters and bandages, antiseptic cleaner, bug repellent and painkillers should all be part of your pack. That way you can resolve any minor injuries if they do happen while you’re away. Make sure you check out this camping first aid check list.

Indoor Activities to keep you entertained if it rains when camping

Camping is most definitely an outdoor adventure, but it doesn’t hurt to have a few indoor things to do too. In the evening before bed you could play a board game togther for some fun family bonding time.

If you have a rainy day, you have a couple of activities to do together until the weather lets up. This is especially useful if you have small children with you who get bored easily! Games, puzzles colouring books, movies on a tablet or laptop (if you have an electricity hookup at your campsite) are all options.

That way you can make the most of the time together, regardless of what the weather does.

PIN IT FOR LATER