Our family started camping when I was 10 years old and we have camped every summer since. The very first time we went, we arrived at the campground at midnight. We had no idea where we were within the campground itself. My sisters and I sat in the back of our station wagon watching my parents attempt to set up a tent trailer for the first time. We woke the next morning set up in the middle of a baseball field.

Our time camping is our children’s most favourite thing in the world. We camp for almost three straight weeks and we camp without water or electricity. Here are my best tips whether you go for a weekend or a whole summer.

WHAT TO BRING

Clothing. We find ourselves wearing the same, (dirty) clothes over and over again. Nicholas has taken this to a whole new level. This picture is after 11 days of camping. Gross! You really do not need new clothes for everyday. You will need clothes for all conditions though. There is nothing worse than being cold or wet when you are camping.

Gear

  • A large tent – or borrow someone’s trailer! You will need room for the whole family and some clothing. 2 person tents are only good for storage or one person at the most!
  • A good air mattress! We have had success with this one.
  • Our own sheets, blankets, comforters and pillows. We don’t use sleeping bags. Our own bedding is so much more cozy and comfortable.
  • One folding chair for everyone coming.
  • A lantern and flashlight
  • Coolers – we pack ours with blocks of ice. Two seems to be the magic number.
  • A camping stove – I would not want to rely on a fire for all of our meals.  We use it every morning for our tea, coffee, hot chocolate and Pop Tarts!
  • A good coffee maker. Your morning cup of coffee is so important!
  • Other basic items – a large pot for boiling water and cooking, a frying pan, a wooden spoon, a flipper, a can opener, scissors, a sharp knife, utensils, cups and plates
  • Paper towels, kleenex and some sort of wipes
  • I do not like to use chemical bug spray. This is the homemade recipe I use – not sure how well it works but it smells great!

EAT WELL

We start out every morning with a great breakfast – usually eggs or pancakes and bacon. We cook the bacon in tin foil trays which makes clean up a lot easier. Actually, before our proper breakfast, we eat Strawberry Pop Tarts! This buys me time to read and ease into the morning before preparing a larger breakfast for everyone.

For lunch, I like to pack food for lunch plates – cheese, crackers, dips, veggies, fruit and some kind of protein. Below are some pics from our lunches last year.

Dinners include hot dogs and hamburgers, of course. But also spaghetti and ribs and anything that can be cooked on a a hibachi. Fajitas are also a camping favourite of ours.

Don’t forget salt and pepper, cooking oil, syrup and butter.

A FEW MORE TIPS

I like to leave notes to myself to remember for the next trip. I write down what we have and what we need.

When it rains all day, we head into the nearest town for a movie and a meal.

We used to bring craft supplies and every piece of sporting and water equipment we owned. Now, we stick to the basics. Everyone usually brings a book and we bring a volleyball, football and baseball gloves. The simpler the better. No more craft supplies!

Prep your food before you leave. Wash and cut all veggies and fruit. Pre-cook and freeze meat like chicken. This is a lot of work before you go but it makes the experience an easier one.

WHY LEAVE THE COMFORTS OF HOME FOR ALL THIS WORK?

Seeing the kids be free from technology and running wild with their friends and in nature.

Cool mornings and warm fires at night.

Living a simple life.

Connecting with my family in a way that is free from technology and busy schedules.

Oddly, all sleeping together in one space.

Waking up in the morning with my tea and my book with no where to go.

Slowing down.

What are your best camping tips? Where are your favourite spots?

A bit more…Have you considered Glamping? Even more tips. And everyone has had a bad night trying to sleep camping!