50+ Things To Pack For Your Very First Camping Trip {+ Family Camping Checklist}

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.

The links in this post may be affiliate links.  That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission.  It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.

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

Just a reminder that Kenya Rae is a space to help you find solutions, new products and more. Occasionally when I recommend a product or service, I get a commission. This article includes affiliate links.  You can read what that means and how it affects your experience here.

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

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.  Making it simple and easy, and bringing you one step closer to being prepared.

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)
So there you have it!  A full list of items for your next family camping adventure.  I surely hope you enjoy yourself as much as I did.

 

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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.