We go camping pretty often as a family. In fact, I have started a whole series on this topic, which you can read about here:
- 10 Easy Camping Recipes You Can Cook Over the Fire and/or Make Ahead
- All the Essentials You Need on a Family Camping Trip
- Easy Way to Build a Campfire (video tutorial)
- FREE PRINTABLE Camping Packing Checklist
- What to do if you want a relaxing camping trip with kids
- Amazing Camping Nachos Recipes
I thought it would cool to show everyone a handy list of the mandatory things you must take camping. I know a lot of people aren’t sure what the best gear is, so let’s break it down!
Must Have Camping Gear – Quick Checklist
This is from my perspective, as a mom who goes camping with a husband and 3 kids. So this list is perfect for families.
1) A tent large enough to comfortably sleep everyone + 2
You’ll be really glad you got a large tent when you are all crammed in a single room for a few nights! This is the type of tent we have:
2) 1 flashlight for every 2 people
This means we take at least 2 flashlights for 5 people. The last thing you want is to be stuck with no flashlight to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night because someone else already left 10 minutes ago with the only flashlight. lol
3) Fire-safe frying pans
We love cast iron skillets for cooking on the fire. They’re so versatile! You can cook all sorts of breakfast foods and dinners on here.
4) Bug Spray
No explanation needed. If you get bit up as much as I do, you will be glad you took some!
5) Personal Care Kit
We usually have to remove a splinter or two on each camping trip. And someone always needs scissors. So this is a handy handy thing to have around.
6) 10 x 10 Tent Canopy
If you expect rain and/or lots of bugs this is great to have. See #7 for why it matters for bugs (and animals). You can out it over eating areas, or use it as an extra layer of protection from the rain over your tent.
7) Canopy with Net
This is probably the best invention ever in the history of the world! The woods are full of life, we use this one so we can sit in peace without flies or other bugs flying all around us while we eat. It also keeps the small animals away from our food, especially if we accidentally leave some out at night.
8) Fire Proof Cooking Utensils
Assuming you’ll be cooking on the fire, you don’t want to bring your regular rubber spatulas or anything fancy like that. Bring the tough stuff so it won’t melt!
9) Citronella Candles
My husband never gets bitten by mosquitos, but they LOVE me. I never forget to bring a few of these!
10) Sleeping Bags
Here are a few awesome ones we like:
11) Air Mattress
Alright, my husband and I disagree on this one. I like sleeping on the ground with just a sleeping bag….but he and my kids insist on using an air mattress. So I’m including it in this list in protest. 🙂
The good news is when you get an oversized tent like the one above, you can easily fit the equivalent of 2.5 queen size mattresses in it.
12) Box Fan
So many uses, especially in warmer months. In the summer, it keeps you cool AND keeps the mosquitos away. Did you know that mosquitos are really weak flyers? This means that a slight breeze can keep them off of you! 🙂
If you go camping when it’s REALLY hot outside, this is great to have for your stuffy tent.
That it so far….I’ll come back and add more to this list as I remember stuff!
Happy Camping!
Khorae Olivier says
I really like how you talked about having fireproof cooking utensils on your camping trip. When my husband and I go camping, we like to hit the camping store to make sure we aren’t forgetting anything important. You did a good job of explaining how not bringing fancy cooking supplies is the best idea so it won’t melt on you!
Lena Gott says
haha yeah I’ve learned this the hard way in the past! 🙂
[email protected] says
You forgot medication for the whole family especially for those prone to allergies from bug bites. I would also pack a first-aid kit and just like you I prefer using a sleeping bag without the mattress.
Lena Gott says
Oh I totally forgot medications! Good catch!