I have received so many requests for a camping checklist, but I don’t go camping so this wasn’t something I could do. However, I bumped into local blogger Melissa from All Around Oz recently and asked if she wouldn’t mind sharing with my community some of her top camping tips plus, she was more than happy to (thank you Mel!). Plus Melissa has put together a great checklist, which I was going to try to make into a printable, but time has got the better of me with moving house, I promise I will create the checklist over the next month or so and have it ready for next holiday season.
Going camping would have to be one of the best ways to spend a family holiday. Whether you head to the beach or the bush, you are guaranteed to have a great time if you are well prepared. But the prospect of going camping can be a very daunting one, especially if it is your first time. There is a lot to organise and the temptation to over pack is ever-present. You literally have to be able to pack a whole kitchen into a couple of plastic tubs and fit it all into the boot of your car or trailer, along with all your clothes and food as well.
CAMPING TIPS + CAMPING CHECKLIST
If you are going to be going camping this summer, and particularly if it is your first time these tips, along with this handy checklist will ensure that your camping trip is one to remember for all the right reasons.
Meal Plan
My number one tip is MEAL PLAN – this will save you time, money and effort. Just like at home if you know what you are going to eat for the time you are going to be away, you will know exactly what food to take and how much. It will also help you organise what cooking equipment you will need to pack. Keep your meals as simple as possible. Think hamburgers, sausages and salad, kebabs or a one-pot meal like Spaghetti Bolognese. You can even make a few things before you go and freeze them to save you cooking, especially on the first night.
Storage
I use a good quality set of plastic drawers and a couple of plastic tubs to pack all our needs in, even the kids clothes. I have four drawers that sit neatly in the back of our camp trailer but they could just as easily be set up in the back of a four wheel drive. I love plastic tubs for packing clothes and towels in as you can easily see what is in them. Also if you get ones that have tight fitting lids it keeps dust, moisture and ‘creepy crawlies’ out. Opt for small ones rather than large ones as the are lighter to carry and fit into awkward spaces better.
Use camp ground facilities
If you are staying in a caravan park or camp ground you will generally find that there will be a camp kitchen there. Use these whenever you can. You will find most camp kitchens come equipped with a kettle, toaster and microwave as well as one or two BBQ’s. All seem to have generous sized sinks and bench areas as well.
Get the kids involved
Camping is so much easier if everyone that is old enough to help does so. If all the jobs get done quickly, that means you and your family have more time to enjoy your holiday.
Relax your rules
Let the kids get dirty, climb a tree or go exploring. This is all part of the fun of camping. It is also a great opportunity for them to learn new skills.
Technology
Leave technology such as phones and i-pads at home or at the very least limit usage time to the evening only.
Relax
Most importantly of all, relax and enjoy your break. Camping is all about enjoying all that the great outdoors has to offer.
CAMPING CHECKLIST
EATING
- Plates x _________
- Bowls x _________
- Cups x __________
- Mugs x __________
- Cutlery x _________
COOKING
- Portable gas stove
- Whistling Kettle
- Large saucepan
- Small saucepan
- Frying Pan
- Tin plate or tray
- Chopping Board
- Can opener
- Sharp knife
- Bread Knife
- Potato Peeler
- Toaster Rack or forks
- Tongs
- BBQ Scraper
- Gas Lighter
- Egg Flip
- Large mixing bowl (can double as a salad bowl)
- Small plastic containers (for leftovers)
- Measuring jug/cups
- Camp Oven (optional)
WASHING UP
- Plastic bucket or tub
- Dish washing detergent
- Dish cloth
- Scourers
- Rubber gloves
- Tea towels.
FOOD BASICS
- Tea/coffee
- Milo
- Sugar
- Salt/pepper
- Cooking spray
- Sauce
- Vegemite/jam/peanut butter
- Spaghetti/baked beans
- Tinned veg – beetroot/corn/baby carrots
- Pancake mix
- Longlife milk
MISC
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Baby/toilet wipes
- Insect Repellant
- Sunscreen
- Garbage bags
- Pegs
- Cling wrap
- Foil
- Paper towel
- Washing powder
- Headlamps (much easier for kids to manage)
- Tablecloth (great for throwing over grubby picnic tables)
KIDS
- Board games
- Books
- Colouring books
- Buckets and spades
- Football/soccer ball
- Cricket set
- Totem tennis set
- Fishing Rods
About Melissa
Husband and wife team, Brenden and Melissa Chambers, having been writing about and photographing their Aussie travel adventures since 2011. They hope that by sharing their travel tales they will inspire more people to get out and explore this beautiful country of ours, regardless of how they choose to travel.
Follow Melissa adventures: Blog | Facebook | Instagram
10 comments
Hi melissa! great article. I think that list will come in handy.
Thanks Theresa glad you enjoyed my article. I love a good list – it’s how I remember what to pack!
Great checklist! I have fond memories of camping as a child – food always seems to taste better outside for some reason. I’m a bit soft these days but still enjoy a picnic – does that count?
Thanks Alix….I’m a bit soft too – that’s why we now have a camper trailer. And yes food definitely does taste better outdoors so I think a picnic does count.
Hi Alix…I’m sure a picnic does count but I can tell you we definitely don’t ‘rough’ it when we camp!
We bought a trailer tent a few months ago and we are in the process of getting it all kit out ready for us to in the Spring (Weather dependent – we live in the UK!) – great list – Thankyou! xx
Hi there. I am finding your tips really helpful. I have been invited to go camping next summer with some friends. I have no camping gear as yet and need help with a list. Tent is of course top priority but could you advise me on other things. I do not want to go to the store and get “bullied” into buying unnecessary things. Thank you so much x
Hi Gillian….buying camping gear can be daunting and there is nothing worse than pushy sales staff. Apart from your tent, which I would suggest you spend the most money on if it is something you are going to be using a lot, I would recommend that you get a good fold up chair, you will need something to sleep on like an air mattress or camp stretcher and maybe a sleeping bag or you could just bring blankets from home. If you are going with friends check and see what gear they have but maybe bring a plate, bowl, cup and utensils for yourself. A billy is also handy to boil water in or cook in. Hope that helps and hope you enjoy camping. Melissa 🙂
About to try first time camping with our 3yo son … Thank you for this article, a great plan for what to bring.
ooh how sweet, i hope you have a fantastic time!