I haven’t posted much the past couple of weeks as we were getting ready for a big camping trip.  We leave today for 10 days of camping in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and ending at Itasca State Park.  We “car camp” (actually “van camp”) with the kids, that means we can drive up to our camp site.  Because of this we are able to bring Rubbermaid containers that we put in the back of the van to organize the food (breakfast/lunch, lunch/snacks and supper/beverages/plates etc. and a box that I use as my kitchen box.  Below is the list I always double check before we go.  While planning the menu, I don’t want to put that much thought into packing the rest of our stuff.  We usually camp for much shorter trips that don’t require that much food planning, but not this time!  When I  get back, I will post our camping menu after our big road test.


Camping packing list:

SHELTER AND SLEEPING:

Ground Cloth

Tent(s) (poles and stakes!!)

Sleeping Pads for everyone

Camp chairs/stools

Sleeping bags

Pillows

Screen tent (optional)

Extra tarp (optional)

Cord to hang tarp (optional)


CAMP KITCHEN:

Stove (test it each time before you go)

Stove lighter

Charcoal/lighter fuel, if grilling

Firewood/kindling

Matches (waterproof)

Cooking pots and pans

Kettle

Water container (to keep water at your site)

Utensil set (spoons, knives, forks, cooking utensils such as serving spoons, cutting knives, spatulas)

Measuring cups/spoons

Bowl with lid

Can opener

Mess kits for everyone (plate, bowl, cup) or paper plates, etc.

Cooler or coolers

Ice for cooler

Dish soap (pref. biodegradable)

Dish towels

Sponge

2 Plastic basins for washing dishes (one wash/one rinse)

Paper towels

Napkins

Tables cloth (Heavy duty plastic coated)

Trash bags

Foil

Plastic wrap

Zip closure bags (freezer gallon and quart)

Hot pads

Citronella candle


CAMP STAPLES:

Peanut butter/nut butter

GFCF crackers/pretzels

GFCF Margarine

Cooking oil

Condiments (GFCF ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, etc.)

Beverages (juice boxes, GFCF milk)

GFCF Cereal

Coffee

Tea

GFCF Hot Chocolate Mix

Brown sugar/sucanate

Maple syrup

Honey

GFCF Marshmallows (large and mini)

GFCF graham-style crackers and GFCF chocolate (if want s’mores)

GFCF Choc. Chips

Dried fruit/raisins

Mixed nuts

GORP/snack mix

Salt/pepper

Seasonings/spices


HANDY CAMPSITE TOOLS:

Rope/cord/twine

Clothes pins

Duct tape

Lightweight hand saw

Hammer

Swiss army knife

Screwdriver or muti-tool

Small, hand-held broom (for sweeping tent)


LIGHT SOURCES:

Lantern (at least one per tent, battery powered)

Flashlights for everyone

Headlamps (optional)


TOILETRIES:

Bath towels and washcloths for everyone

Soap in plastic container

Antibacterial hand soap (the kind that doesn’t require water)

Shampoo

Quarters for pay showers/laundry mat

Toothpaste

Toothbrushes

Dental floss

Deodorant

Lotion

Brush

Comb

Hair accessories (bands, barrettes, etc.)

Glasses cleaner

Glass case

Contact stuff

Razor

Toilet paper and trowel (in case no bathroom!)

Lip balm

Baby wipes/Wet ones

Small non-breakable hand mirror


FAMILY MEDICAL KIT:

Small first-aid kit for day/hiking pack

Bandages

Hydrogen peroxide

Benadryl

Antibiotic ointment

Burn ointment

Thermometer

Bug repellent

Sun block

Needed prescriptions

Fever reducer (make sure to have kind appropriate for different ages for family)

Tweezers

Blister bandages

Diapers

Baby wipes

Child port-a-potty

Small garbage bags for soiled diapers


CLOTHING FOR ALL:

Shoes/hiking boots

Water shoes/sport sandals

Extra shoes

Extra socks

Pants/sweat pants

Shorts

Underwear

Long underwear

P.J.’s

Long sleeve shirt

Tee shirts

Sweatshirt

Jacket/rain jacket

Sun hat

Sunglasses

Warm hat

Gloves

Swim towel

Bathing suit

Swim diapers (if needed)

Day packs

Water bottles

Whistles, one per child


PLAY EQUIPMENT:

Camera and film

Extra battery for camera

Video camera

Extra battery for video camera

Reading material for all

Color pencils/pencils/sharpener

Sketch book

PFD’s for all if boating

Guidebooks/maps

Camping reservation info.

Outdoor toy or 2 (such as ball, bug catcher, wiffle ball etc.)

Special blankets/stuffed animals for a peaceful night

Toy, board games, deck of cards, UNO

Water toys or floats (if needed)