Because Annie asked, not because we are experts yet by any means! This list evolved by trial and error and has been tested a total of two times. Will you experienced campers please let me know if we are missing anything? Thanks.
Camping Packing List
Two coolers: one for drinks, one for food
keep coolers in van overnight – racoons can open them
(guess how we know)
Non-Food Kitchen stuff in plastic storage tubs:
can opener
hot pad
knife
cheese slicer
corkscrew
pocket knife
pot for oatmeal
coffee pot/kettle to heat water for Via
coffee mugs
tablecloth
dish pan
dish soap
dish sponge
steel wool
paper plates
plastic cups
plastic cutlery
paper towels (as many as you have room for)
trash bags
sandwich bags
plastic wrap
camp stove
lighter
fat wood
spatula and tongs for grilling
roasting forks for marshmallows and hot dogs
campfire toaster/sandwich maker
an ice cream maker would be nice too
(we don't have one yet)
Camp:
folding chairs
folding table
tents
hammer and extra tent stakes
screened pavilion to put over picnic table
clothesline and clothespins
lanterns
flashlights
battery air pump
air mattresses
sheets
sleeping bags
pillows
pack & play with sheet
little broom and dustpan for dirty tent floor
cheap floor mat to catch dirt in tent entry
bug spray
sunscreen
first aid kit
itch ointment
bug boxes for collecting insects
camera
Suitcases:
clothes
PJs
beach towels
swim suits and goggles
hats
jeans for hiking
toiletries
baby things (like enough wipes)
Food – put pantry items in plastic tub, keep in van overnight
Breakfast:
Via (HT Margaret)
yogurt and granola
mixed berries
muffins baked ahead
oatmeal in a bag with brown sugar/cinnamon/raisins
cereal, milk (serve in plastic cups)
half & half, sugar cubes
Lunch:
meat, cheese, bread, lettuce, mayo in small container
tortillas and rice/bean/tomato/cheese mixture in gallon ziploc
made-ahead pasta salad
(something with beans and corn for fiber)
cheese, summer sausage, crackers, grapes
cubed watermelon
potato chips
cookies
picnic basket or small cooler to carry lunch items
picnic blankets or table cloth
(really think ahead about what you need to pack before heading out for the day)
Dinner:
marinated meat in ziploc bags
hot dogs, buns, ketchup, can of beans
salmon burgers and buns
bread, cheese, butter for grilled cheese
s'more ingredients (keep chocolate in the cooler)
many more creative ideas at Camp Recipes and About Camping
as much bottled water as you can fit in the cooler
(sport tops are great)
For the Van:
Books on CD
Sing-along CDs
DVDs
never seen before baby toys and books
maps for kids
travel games
plastic grocery bags for trash
hole puch and metal rings for a postcard collection
Don't forget the camera!
Getting cash on the way out of town isn't a bad idea either!
