If you are a newbie camper like me, you probably have no idea what to pack for your first family camping trip. Camping isn’t like a hotel vacation, so the packing list is gonna be a little different.
If you follow me on Instagram or we are friends on Facebook, you know that we were in all our camping glory this past weekend. While I did pretty good for my first go-round, I still was a bit unprepared. Luckily the facility I stayed at was a campsite that had an on-site store and it was stocked full of all the things the newbies forget, and the veterans may run out of.
This is a comprehensive list of things you may or may not have thought about for your next camping trip.
The New Campers Family Camping Packing Guide
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Food & Groceries
This is in no way an all-inclusive list. It will change with your personal eating preferences. Just make sure you account for all meals of all days that you will be camping. Particularly if your campsite is not within driving distance of a local grocery store or restaurants for dining out.
- Canned goods
- Bread
- Cereal
- Eggs
- Lunch meat
- Coffee cream
- Condiments
- Ketchup
- BBQ sauce
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic (fresh or powder)
- Sugar
- Vegetables
- Drinks
- Bottled Water
- Juice
- Adult Beverages
- Instant coffee
- Tea bags
SMORES supplies
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate
- Marshmallows
Because you can’t go camping without S’mores. It wouldn’t be right.
- Snacks
- Fruit
- Yogurt
- Chips
Cooking/Kitchen Supplies
Nothing worse than having all the food you need, and not having the utensils needed to make the darn food. Prime example, I had planned chicken and potato foil packs for dinner. But forgot to pack knives. Luckily my husband always has his pocket knife on him. But it was not very pleasant cutting chicken and potatoes with a small pocket knife.
Don’t be like me, pack the utensils…
- Can Opener
- Sharp Knife
- Grill tools
- Fork
- spoon
- Cooking spoon(s)
- Silverware
- Plates
- Spatula
- Tumblers
- Water bottles
- Dish towel
- Charcoal
- Skewers sticks (for making smores)
- Aluminum Foil
- Paper towels
- Napkins
- Cookware
- Cast iron skillet
- Pot
- Dish soap
- Garbage bags
- Lighter stick
Personal Items
These are those things that go without thinking, but that is easily forgotten.
- Towels
- Drying
- Beach
- Washcloths
- Pillow(s)
- Pillowcases(s)
- Sheets
- Sleeping bags
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Bug repellent
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Wet Wipes
- Sunglasses
- Goggles
- Deodorant
First Aid Items
- Bandaids
- Cut Ointment (Neosporin)
- Sanitizer
- Tylenol
- Peroxide
- Alcohol
Additionally, you could opt to purchase a pre-made first aid kit
Clothing
- Tank tops
- T-shirts
- Sweater (for if it cools off)
- Poncho
- Shorts
- Comfortable pants (if going in the woods in buggy areas)
- Swimsuit / Trunks
- Flip flops
- Tennis shoes
- Hat
Other
- Broom
- Sleeping bag/Covers
- Sheets
- Portable grill (if your campsite doesn't have a fire pit or grill for cooking)
- Fire starters
- Folding chairs
- Flashlight
- Cleaning Wipes
- Electronic chargers
- Camera
- Radio/iPod/Bluetooth Speaker
- Outdoor lights for night time
- Citronella candles
- Allergy medicine
- Gloves (mechanix or rubber)
Click To Download a Family Camping Printable Checklist
This post is a part of the Our Family Camping Vacation With GoRVing & Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Daddy Joe's series.