Planning a Camping Trip: Packing and Organizing

Many families are turning to camping vacations as a way to save money and get back to a simpler way of life. The value of connecting with nature and sleeping in the great outdoors has been re-heralded, and many people are heading outside for their first family camping trips.

Camping should be low-stress, both in planning the trip and executing it. However, one can easily become bombarded by all the camping equipment available for purchase today. Many times, families end up bringing everything but the kitchen sink on their outdoor outings. This is not only un-necessary, but it distracts from the camping experience in general. Good camping trips are often surprisingly simple.

Camping Organization

The best way to keep camping simple is to narrow the equipment you'll need down to the basic essentials, plus a few luxury items. Now, organize the camping supplies into two piles: camping and kitchen. Everything related to food preparation goes in the kitchen pile. Everything else goes into the camping pile. For example, skillets, paper towels, camp stoves, fuel and kitchen utensils go in the kitchen category. Sleeping pads, tent, fire starter, lanterns and tarps belong in the camping category.

Now, move each pile of camping supplies to a large tote. 18-20 gallon lidded, plastic totes work best for this. Buy clear ones to help see the contents better. Label the tote appropriately. Use the third tote for extra items unable to fit into the first two tubs, and label that as well.

This method helps one to not only stay organized, but it simplifies camping. Whenever you want to go, simply grab the two totes and put in the car. You automatically know you have everything you'll need (aside from food). This makes setting up and tearing down camp much easier as well, since everything is neatly placed inside each of the totes. The last thing anyone wants to do when they arrive to camp late is search for basics like the camp lantern or tent!

 When using the tote method, it's important to repack essentials like trash bags after returning from each trip. This way, you don't have to worry about what needs restocking while preparing to leave for another trip. Some items you will need to take inventory are:

• Trash bags
• Paper plates, cups and plastic silverware
• plastic zip lock baggies (gallon and quart sizes)
• batteries for flashlights/lanterns
• cooking fuel/ lighters
• fire-starter
• paper towels
• wet-wipes
• first aid-kit
• bug-spray

Having all these items ready ahead of time can make a camping trip much more enjoyable and stress-free for everyone. No more fretting where the spatula went or if Dad remembered to get fire-starter.

Another tip when packing for camping trips is to label each bin with the contents. This makes finding items even easier and helps when repacking as well. Having your camping inventory on paper also holds you accountable to how much camping stuff you really do have and keeps things to a minimum.

Camp Easier

Organization and proper packing can greatly enhance a camping trip. Stop stressing out over camping excursions. This is when you should be relaxing and connecting with the outdoors. By utilizing the camp tote method, you will save yourself many headaches and have more time to enjoy the important things in life.