There’s no better way to create magical family memories that you’ll all treasure than to take the kids camping. Think fresh air. Laughing kids enjoying the great outdoors. Tired kids who sleep all night. Sitting out looking at the stars. You’ll talk about it for years to come.
And as any parent knows, *preparation* is the key to success. Preparation is the difference between your long-awaited frolic in nature and bored kids, grumpy parents and no-one sleeping well.
We hope you’ll find our packing checklist for your family camping holiday. I’m sure we’ve missed some so please leave a comment if you can think of anything else to help parents like yourself.
BASIC CAMPING EQUIPMENT
- Tent, poles, ground sheet, extra pegs
- Pop up Gazebo for hanging out rain or shine
- Bungee cords or rope
- Hammer
- Repair kit, duct tape
- Pocket knife
- Lighting for tent (solar lamps or small Euro shop round flat lights work well!)
- Torches/head lamp
- Batteries for all above
SITTING
- Camping Chairs
- Camping table for the serious campers
- Mats/Blankets to sit on
- Buggies
SLEEPING
- Air mattress & pump & batteries
- Ear plugs & Eye masks
- Sleeping bags
- Pillows
- Teddies & blankies
- Hot water bottles
ESSENTIALS
- Insect repellent, insect candles, lighters
- Pad locks for the tent
- Tea towel & Shower Towels
- Shampoo & Shower Gel
- Toiletries
- Tooth brushes and toothpaste
- First aid kit ( scissors, safety pins, band aids etc)
EATING & DRINKING
- Food & drink cooler
- Beakers for the kids
- Plastic Beer/wine glass
- Bottle openers – beer & wine
- Plastic/disposable bowls, spoons, knives
- Ice Packs
- Gas stove and gas canister
- Kitchen box with sharp knife, chopping board, plastic forks/knives/plates/bowls/mugs, pot & frying pan
- Water, Juice boxes
- Breakfast cereal, milk, bread, ham, sliced cheese etc
- Snacks for adults and kiddies
CLEAN UP
- Bin bags
- Kitchen paper
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Baby wipes
- Ziplock bags
- Washing up liquid
ENTERTAINMENT
- iPod, speakers, batteries, chargers
- Football, frisbee, bat & ball, toys, colouring, books, games , kites
- Rain gear & Wellies for kids and adults
- Sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses
- Warmer gear for the evenings.
- Phone chargers
- Marshmallows and skewers!
- Energy drinks
- Lighters
- Glow sticks
- Laser point
- Binoculars
- Camera to capture the memories – phone just as good!
One final tip – you’ll have lots of free time to spend together. Be sure to look for campsites that have something to keep the whole family occupied. Research walking trails, immerse yourself in the outdoors and why try some outdoor adventure – get in a canoe or run through the woods playing paint ball. Bring your bikes. Or jump off a cliff into the sea.
Consider what you’ll get up to in the evening. Check if barbeques are allowed – great fun for the family. Are there any fun and games organised at the campsite in the evening? Is there a restaurant or bar on site? Bring the books you’ve been meaning to read….those camping chairs and head torches will work well together. And what the heck, if there’s Wifi, you’ll be able to catch up on “House of Cards” on Netflix.
Happy camping families – have fun!
Did you know we have premier Campsite and Caravan Park here at Westport House? Why not elevate your camping experience and stay in our Glamping Village.