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Checklist for First Time Family Camping

5/27/2021

8 Comments

 
US Japan Fam's Checklist for First Time Family Camping
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking. We haven't tried any of these products personally... yet...
Over the past year and a half, we've had to adapt our daily lives and how we do things - hello remote working and learning!! Regarding tourism, while many were afraid to fly or use hotels, RV sales and rentals shot through the roof! Things are starting to head back to normal, but if camping hadn't been on your radar before, it probably is now!

​I know I've been itching to give camping a try, but I'm so nervous if we'll actually like it! Not really sure "roughing it" is really for me, and there seems to be quite a long list of things to buy for your first camping trip, especially if you want to go more for "glamping" which I think I do LOL!

​Keep reading for our "Check List for First Time Family Camping" and be sure to comment if you're an experienced camper with any tips! Lucky for us, online shopping is easier than ever - you can find most of these quickly on Amazon!

FOR SLEEPING:
  • Tent: Switch Back Travel has a great post going over tent features and their top picks in several categories - one key recommendation is to get a tent larger than the number in your party (ex. A family of 5 like us should probably get a tent for 8 people). The "instant" tent that sets up in one minute (poles are already in it) really speaks to me, I'm leaning toward this Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent which is an "Amazon Pick" with over 3,000 ratings and 4.5 stars!
  • Waterproof Pad for Under Tent: how about this REDCAMP Waterproof Camping Tarp, #1 best seller on Amazon, for just $26 (though we'd need 2 if getting a super big tent)!
  • Sleeping pads or air mattresses: comfort is king, especially for you glampers! This POWERLIX sleeping pad is Amazon's #1 best seller, packs to the size of a water bottle and is just 1.3 pounds! At $39 a piece, it adds up quickly though, I'm thinking just for my husband and myself. 
  • Sleeping bags: this is a tough one since they're temperature rated, you have to know what is the coldest you might be out camping in... you can get single sleeping bag, or a double if you wanna get cozy with your partner! This Tuphen sleeping bag is an Amazon Choice, rated down to 40*F, has a 2-way zipper, packs super small, and comes in 5 great colors.
  • Pillows: Honestly, I may just bring my regular memory foam pillow... but this Wise Owl inflatable pillow is a top seller on Amazon.

FOR EATING:
  • Heating mechanism (grill & charcoal, stove & propane gas)
  • Cookware: this 17 piece set by Gold Armour is Amazon's top pick under $30.
  • Recipes and food for easy campfire or barbecue cooking - I don't know how these Mountain HouseAdventure Meals taste but they look fun (and easy)!
  • Drinks and snacks / food that don't require cooking, just don't forget necessary bottle or can openers
  • Plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, napkins: call me old fashioned but it's probably easiest to go with disposable items, of course better for the environment if you bring reusable stuff made of stainless steel or another eco-friendly material)
  • Cleaning supplies, collapsible sink, and means of food storage & garbage disposal (like this pop up garbage can) to avoid attracting avoid bears and animals.

MISCELLANEOUS:
  • Lighting (flashlights, head lamps, or torches for inside the tent, getting to the bathroom, etc): check out this best selling 2-pack of LED lanterns or this 2-pack of headlamps.
  • Portable chairs and table: this portable chair by Coleman and this folding aluminum table are Amazon best seller
  • First Aid Kit: like this299 piece emergency kit
  • Bug spray / repellent, sun block, and bare minimum toiletries

ACTIVITIES:
​Obviously sky's the limit with camping activities - anything meant to do outdoors, especially with no gear or small portable travel-sized options work great! But you can think out of the box too. Look at some of these fun ideas!
  • Toss these into your campfire to turn the flames different colors!!
  • This book has 50 creative ideas and activities for kids to explore nature.
  • A card game for thought-provoking fireside chats
  • Portable tick-tac-toe and checkers game

BOOKING YOUR TRIP:

Once you have all the gear, you're ready to go!! Obviously we haven't been camping yet but I've heard families RAVING about KOA campgrounds & Campsites. With pools, bounce pads, and tons of kid-friendly amenities, they make a really fun camping experience for families! Bring your tent or RV or book one of their cabins.

Not ready to load up on all the camping gear? Give glamping a go at a campsite already set up with the necessities! You can find great unique options here such as tents, teepees, tiny houses, RVs, barns, and more:
  • Petite Retreats, Glamping Hub, and Airbnb have great lists of unique stays including tiny homes, yurts, cottages, glamping tents, and more.
  • ​Harvest Hosts - if you have an RV, these 2k+ wineries, breweries, farms etc will let you camp for free!
  • Many campgrounds have a few cabins - we actually spent a weekend in a KOA Cabin, read more about that here!

RELATED READ:  20 Amazing Benefits of Camping and Top Tips for Beginners
www.EverywhereChair.com has the best selection, price and service.
8 Comments
Amber Myers
5/27/2021 02:41:31 pm

I'm not sure if we're a camping family. But glamping? Yes. We'd try that out.

Reply
Marta link
5/28/2021 01:22:40 am

Thanks for sharing so many good tips!

Reply
bella
5/28/2021 12:11:22 pm

I have been goign camping for such a long time and Im a distance hiker but this is amazing! great check list

Reply
Tisha
5/28/2021 01:50:02 pm

We love camping this is a great list to remember!!

Reply
Art link
5/28/2021 03:17:08 pm

I want to go camping, I've never been! Thank you for sharing so many helpful tips for people like me!

Reply
Donna
6/13/2021 01:43:08 pm

I've been wanting to give camping a try! It would be fun to go with my son and grandchildren. Thanks for sharing this list.

Reply
Helga
6/14/2021 11:22:44 am

That's a perfect checklist. Very important to be prepared when camping.

Reply
Camper Folding Table link
5/29/2022 09:47:26 am

Backyard camping can help you test out your gear to see what might be missing. Plus, it’s a great way for kids to get a sense of what “real” camping will be like. If you can, make time for it before the ‘real’ thing.

Reply



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    I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins plus 1).  This blog is chock full of product reviews, family travel guides, and giveaways galore! It's also home to Bay Ridge Families, and several guides focused on kid-friendly activities and guides to South Brooklyn, Hudson Valley, and New Jersey, as well as family-friendly destinations beyond the NYC area (check the menu bar!)

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