There is something magical about embarking on a trip into the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on your back and a well-stocked backpack. Back-country hiking is a wonderful way to commune with nature and get in touch with your wild side, but it may not be possible with a couple of kids in tow.
If you love to camp and hike but have a family to think about, you might want to think about car camping. Car camping can give you the same sense of fun and adventure, but with a touch of comfort. Car camping is a great way to introduce reluctant spouses and young children to the joys of camping, especially if you prepare carefully for your first adventure.
Whether you are camping with a couple of kids or just hitting the trails with your significant other, you can use this handy checklist to make sure your first trip is a fun and successful one.
Full Checklist
Camping gear
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Camping tent” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camping tent[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”camping Sun shade” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Sun shade[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Sleeping bags” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Sleeping bags[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Sleeping pads” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Sleeping pads[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”camping Air mattresses” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Air mattresses[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Pad/mattress repair kit” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Pad/mattress repair kit[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00E5TQBDW” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″ cart=”y” cloak=”y” localize=”y” popups=”n”]Pump for air mattresses[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”camping Pillows” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Pillows[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Camping knife” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camping knife[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Daypacks” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Daypacks[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Trekking poles” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Trekking poles[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”camping chairs” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camping chairs[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Camping table” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camping table[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Cots” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Cots[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Hammer” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Hammer[/easyazon_link](for tent stakes)
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Headlamps” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Headlamps[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Flashlights” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Flashlights[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Lanterns” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Lanterns[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”camping Water filter” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Water filter[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Fishing ” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Fishing gear[/easyazon_link]
Clothing and Footwear
It can get cold during the night so make sure you bring appropriate clothing.
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Moisture-wicking T-shirts” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Moisture-wicking T-shirts[/easyazon_link]
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Quick-drying pants/shorts” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Quick-drying pants/shorts[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”long sleeve camping” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Long-sleeve shirts[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”camping hat” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Hats[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Swimsuits” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Swimsuits[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Bandanas” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Bandanas[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Camping Boots” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camping Boots[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Camping Socks” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camping Socks[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Long underwear” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Long underwear[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Insulating jacket” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Insulating jacket[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Insulated pants” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Insulated pants[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”camping Gloves” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Gloves[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Rainwear” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Rainwear[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”camping Sandals” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Sandals[/easyazon_link]
Kitchen
There is nothing like enjoying a home-cooked meal over a roaring fire. Be sure to pack these essential items in your car so you can enjoy some true campground cooking. Here you can find a list of some must-have items you need to bring on your camping trip.
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Camping Stove” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camping Stove[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Matches” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Matches[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Charcoal” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Charcoal[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”camping Grill rack” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Grill rack[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”camping Cook pots” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Cook pots[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Portable coffee” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Portable coffee[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Hot-cold vacuum bottle” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Hot-cold vacuum bottle[/easyazon_link]
- Hand-crank blender
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Marshmallow sticks” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Marshmallow sticks[/easyazon_link]
- Trash bags
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Camping Coolers” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camping Coolers[/easyazon_link]
- Plates, bowls, mixing bowls,cups, mugs
- Kitchen organizer
- Cutting board or cutting surface
- Foil
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Biodegradable soap” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Biodegradable soap[/easyazon_link]
- Pot scrubber/sponge
- Water container
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Camp sink” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camp sink[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Drying rack” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Drying rack[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Quick-dry towels” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Quick-dry towels[/easyazon_link]
Personal Items
One of the best things about car camping is that you can bring along some of the comforts of home. Some modern campgrounds even have heated bathrooms and electricity. Here are some of the comfort and personal hygiene items that belong in your camping car.
- Toilet paper
- Lip balm
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Insect repellent” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Insect repellent[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Hand sanitizer” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Hand sanitizer[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”First-aid kit” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]First-aid kit[/easyazon_link]
- Toothbrush
- Brush/comb
Other Items
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Camera” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camera[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Binoculars” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Binoculars[/easyazon_link]
- Campsite reservation confirmation
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Camping Maps” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Camping Maps[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Two-way radios” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Two-way radios[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”handheld gps” cloak=”y” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″]Handheld GPS[/easyazon_link]
- Cell phone
- Umbrella
Safety First
No one wants to get hurt while camping, but it is important to be prepared. Here are some essential safety items every car camper needs.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B002LAHLLS” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″ cart=”y” cloak=”y” localize=”y” popups=”n”]Lifeline Trail Light Dayhiker First Aid Kit[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B01188WOTW” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″ cart=”y” cloak=”y” localize=”y” popups=”n”]Core Survival Paracord Survival Bracelet[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B0049PJ5W6″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”thecampingcan-20″ cart=”y” cloak=”y” localize=”y” popups=”n”]Coghlans Bear Bell With Magnetic Silencer Hiking[/easyazon_link]
Car camping can be a lot of fun, especially for families with young children. You still get to enjoy the beauty of nature and introduce the kids to the wonders of the wilderness. At the same time, you have the comfort and security of a campground and help from other campers when you need it. If you pack properly and bring along everything you need, you can create a new family tradition with your first car camping adventure.
