The good thing about camping is that you can ‘get away from it all’. The bad thing about camping is that you are ‘away from it all’ – so if you forget to take something then you’re pretty much up the proverbial creek.
Going camping is a quintessential holiday for Australians, and getting the kids into the great outdoors can be a lot of fun.
But it is important to make sure you have everything you need and mark it off against this camping trip packing checklist.
Family camping trip packing checklist
General camping supplies checklist
- Tent: complete with everything you need to put it up, practice beforehand so you know.
- Small table and chairs
- Bedding: whether that is a camp bed, air mattress, just a sleeping bag, or all of the above.
- Extra blankets and pillows if needed
- Torches: and plenty of batteries to power them.
- Headlamps: easy to wear when you need both hands.
- Clothes: enough for how long you’re there for, warm things as nights can get cold, and spares in case of accidents.
- Shoes: ones for normal use, and ones for hiking and other activities.
- Something to cook with: some places let you have a fire, but check first, otherwise bring some other kind of portable cooker.
- Cooking utensils: pots, pans, wooden spoons, can openers, etc.
- Eating utensils: plates, bowls, cutlery, etc.
- Cleaning utensils: dishwashing liquid (environmentally friendly), sponges scrubbing brushes, etc.
- General first aid kit: include insect repellent.
- Good quality esky: complete with ice enough to keep food cold, dry ice works well.
- Wet-weather provisions: tarps, gumboots, raincoats, etc.
- Plastic bags: for rubbish and assorted other uses.
- Towels: both tea and bath varieties.
- Water: lots of it.
- Mat for tent entrance
- Toiletries: all the usual stuff and especially lots of toilet paper.
- Electronics: if you want them for entertainment, though “real” campers don’t take any.
- Sunscreen: at least SPF 30, UVA and UVB protection.
- Camera
- A good knowledge of your camping area: make sure you’re all prepared for everything.
- Rules: set them before you go and make sure they’re adhered to.
Camping with babies checklist
- Nappies
- Nappy changing necessities
- Feeding necessities
- Toys: enough to keep them happy
- Baby sunscreen: usually a stronger SPF and gentle on baby skin.
- Baby carrier
- Sleeping arrangements: however and wherever you’d like the baby to sleep.
Camping with kids checklist
- Toys: you won’t need many, but do take a few.
- Games: inside games for bad weather, active games for good weather.
- Books: both reading and writing, for when you can’t spend all day outside.
- Writing implements: pencils, eraser, pens, etc.
- Headlamps: fun to run around the site with and good for night-time toilet trips.
- Potty: if you’re in the toilet-training stage.
- A good knowledge of camp safety and courtesy: avoid unnecessary mishaps.