When the first thought of camping came into my mind I started making a list of what all we need to take....that list is piling into a few pages on Microsoft Word! I feel like we're having to bring the whole house!
We have a van & 2 young kids! I have several plastic bins & thought I could take out the 3rd bench in the van to have more floor space. Then compile everything inside the bins & label them: dry food/cooking; first aid; clothes; etc. Then as we unload the van we can simply carry the bins to our camp site & we could bungee cord them tight (to keep critters out). They could be used as small tables for the girls to eat on or use for games or could be used as a foot stool.
What ways do you organize for your camping trips (especially if you have kids)?
Sounds just like us! We also use the tub concept. We made our first trip in years the past weekend and decided we were trying to take the whole house. With us, it's the grandkids that we try to take too much for. I've spent the last day or so sorting through and making "we need it" and "we can do without it" staks. We use the tubs for tables and night stands in our tent as well. We also lable them, kitchen, clothing, bedding, dry and canned goods. I too would like to hear if someone has a better method.
Hey there fellow T.C.W.K. (Tent campers with kids) We have and Xterra and it's just a Mom and a 7 year old. I fold down one of the back seats and load in the following.
Very large clear deep bin with lid containing "Gear Box"
lantern
propane
electric cord
twine
table cloth
stew pot with mixing bowl and smaller bowl inside ( with lid)
2 air mattresses and pump
hammer
slender clear box with hinged lid that you use under the bed "Chuck Box"
knife in sheath, cutting board
utensils in old metal lunch box for clean storage
plates, paper towels,
spices, foil, ziplocs, trash bags, pam, frying pan,
measuring cup, 2 coffee cups ( good for soups )
unscented baby wipes, hand soap, dish towel, small bungee cord, dish soap, and plastic scrubber ( won't get moldy)
and various pantry items, pie filling, bisquick mix, rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned veggies, V-8 juice, cereal, bread, chips, raisins, pudding, crackers, jerky, anything you can keep unrefrigerated. Pack this so the bread, fruit, and chips don't get crushed. Tortillas are a great camping instead of regular bread.
2 coolers, each labeled. the best one for food, the other for drinks.
We have 2 coleman extremes from walmart. I get a block of ice for the food cooler and add cubes last.
always in the truck, matches, toilet paper, bug spray, sunscreen, first aid kit, and river shoes ( under the driver seat).
The large "Gear" box goes in on the right, with tent, (And sometimes the canopy) and chairs going down the center. The "Chuck" box goes on top of the gear box. Behind that, 2 coolers, with camp stove on its side, and folding table on its side between the coolers. The sleeping bags go right behind the back seat. The clothing goes in a rolling back pack style bag in the back, on top of a cooler. Secure the load to prevent shifting with a couple bungees from ceiling to floor. It's not nice to have the chuck box slide into your sons head.
Extra beverages go on the floor boards. Firewood can go on the roof or be bought upon arrival. Longer trips require more gear. That is what the front seat and the remaining space in the rear and roof can be used for.
Last summer we did 9 nights out and only needed to replenish the ice. I had everything we needed. Now, summer camping is easier. Add the fan, and beach towels and thats about it. I pre-packed the meats in single portions and froze them. The meals we intended to eat last were at the bottom of the cooler.
All the gear gets put away in the garage the same way upon returning from each trip. It's always ready when you are. We could be ready to rock in under 30 minutes. Pack the clothes, grab some food, load up, add ice and gas.....and we're gone!
I totally agree with campermom. I will post my camping list below. It looks like a lot of stuff, but most of it fits in one basic gear box, and one cooking supply box. The tent and our clothing duffels gt bungeed to the top of the car (we have an Explorer). The thing that takes up the most space is wood. We bring our own from home, so obviously it's easier to come home than it is to go. Once you get this gear assembled and in a couple of Rubbermaid boxes, all subsequent trips will be so easy to grab and go.
I think you also live and learn. The kids don't need a lot of toys, just a bug catcher and some shovels. Mine love the bug catcher and binoculars. I also keep the menu pretty simple. I don't want to have to take a propane stove, so cooking over the fire necessitates simplicity. Burgers, steaks, dogs. One time I took my big cast iron pan and thought I'd make bacon and eggs over the fire. What a mess! The bacon took forever to crisp, then I had to set it aside to make the eggs and they stuck to the pan like glue. I decided from then on that breakfast is cereal or cinnamon rolls or something easy. This last trip to McKinney Falls the racoons sucessfully lifted the lid on the cooler even though it was weighted down and ate all the homemade muffins I had brought!
Recreation
_____ sport gear
_____ fishing pole & gear
_____ camera & batteries
_____ books, mags, cards
_____ guitar
_____ life jackets, floaties
_____ beach towels
_____ DVD player & movies
_____ cigars
WOW! Thanks for the ideas on what to take while camping.
Now I just need to get my husband in gear to go! The girls have been ready since we camped in the backyard acouple weeks ago!
Here is something I forgot. Instead of bringing bottles of condiments, keep the stuff from Mc Donalds and Chick Fil A. You won't need to refrigerate it, you'll just use it and toss it. ( And it was free).
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