I have put a list together what i usually prepare before camping, I usually leave my family camping essentials. list on the living room table so if something comes to mind i can always add it on before forgetting (i have a memory of a fish).
I would then cross items off as i pack and put stuff ready by the front door i would start preparing about a week before we leave. I usually put the food list at the bottom of my list so i can fold it over and do a shop before we leave or on route to our destination so everything is fresh.
I suggest using large strong shopping bags (bags for life) i find these are really handy to pack everything in. plus they fold up flat when not in use, or they can become handy as storage containers whilst in the tent. Pack your towels, games and saucepans plates and cutlery and utensils in them. I personally take a suitcase for me and the boys and i would keep it either in my room in the tent or in the boot of car. I would give them all they socks, underwear, sleepwear, towel and toiletries, plus their games/toys and blankets to personalise their own space.
when packing the car or your van ideally leave the tent for last, because its the first thing you will need to pull out. if not like me i put the tent in first and pack around it using every compartment of the car even under the seats. top tip - put the children in with them sitting on their bedding (pillows, quilt) and pack around and over them!
This video was part of our road trip up to Aldershot were stayed at Runways End Outdoor Centre.
Camping Essentials List
Putting up the tent - find a good spot - think which direction you want to sit in the night and where your entrance is to go in and out - everyone has a job - teamwork or tears.
Tent repair kit guide ropes extra pegs windbreakermallet duck tape scotchguard tapoling groundsheet old blanket/towels brush/dust pan
(I find these handy cleaning the tent in wet weather and cleaning the tent when packing away so it dont get damp and moldy)
Sleeping areas - decide who sleeping wear and delegate jobs - blow up their beds and unpack the belongings/toys - when you unload and set up rest of camp- collection of water.
Double air bed Single air bed Foot/electric pump
sleeping bags quilts blankets pillows onesies/bed socks
Kitchen- put the kettle on have a break have a cuppa, i take a fold away table to use as a worktop to put - stove, kettle, tea, coffee and sugar on-plus to put food on when cooking. plus a foldaway bench table to put outside (bring inside when raining).
if you are using electric (do not forget your electric hook up) i suggest taking an old toaster so easy with children, plus i got an electric fridge this is so handy to keep everything cool, if not just get your fresh milk daily and keep stuff in a cool box or cool bag with cold water bottles, kept in a cool place.
stove gascanisterselectric hob kettle toaster frying pan saucepan cutlery mugs large plate tongs plates sharp knife scissors tin opener utensils kitchen bowl dish cloth
table sponge washing up liquid tea towels black bags foil tupperware fold away bench bowls pen knife/Corkscrew/bottle opener
Clothes - if the children are small you always need to take more especially if it's raining and muddy, children will always find a nice mudslide to play in. leggings i love taking easy to wash and quick to dry on wet days out.
underwear socks/bed socks trousers/leggings trainers wellies
flopsflops hoodies/jumpers t-shirts swimwear shorts pjs/onesies rain jackets maxi/sundress
Toiletries - i make sure the boys had they own bags to go in showers with. makes it easier than trying to pass under the cubicles.
Shampoo conditionersoap/shower gel brush bobbles
tooth brush/paste tampax makeup moisturisers sponge/flannel nail clippers tweezers first aid kit ointments hand towels bath towels ear plugs wet wipes/toilet paper deodorant gel after sun/sun cream
Games - you can't beat an old game of eye spy but family games are essential to family bonding when camping.
UNO cards playing
cards connect four down fall frisbie water bombs. football rugby ball tennis bats and ball. cricket set. badminton croquet/bowls swingball. goggles/snorkels colouring pens
colouring book water ball lego
BBQ & outdoors essentials for the starry and Cwtchy nights around the campfire. BBQ then roasted marshmallows and chocolate...yum yum.
After using the disposable BBq i would put the fire logs on it for the night.
Disposable BBQ fire logs lighter/matches wooden skewers solar fairy lights lighting/for tent head torch torch batteries extension lead phone charger duck tape
sunglasses book/magazine pen/paper inflatable seats deck chairs picnic blanket lounger electric hook up
Food shop - this is just an easy list obviously everyone's shopping is different but this is some of the stuff i would take. i would usually do my shopping a day before or on route to destination as everything is then fresh and cold.
Milk Butter Eggs Bread/ rolls burgers bacon beans
tinned tomatoes
cheese sausages hot dogs hotdog bread
tomato sauce onions salad stuff tuna
wrap/pitta ham crisps fruit
mayonnaise rice cakes chocolate spread marshmallows
strawberries sweets/treats tea bags/ coffee sugar
water bottles squash
I hope this list helps you think of all your essentials everyone is different so just adjust to your families needs.
Also don't forget your money, small change driving licence and your booking confirmation - if in another country - passports or even the children.
but most importantly Enjoy and happy camping.
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