Making a camping list… What is practical? Do you like to get in with the great outdoors by cuddling with your loved ones around a campfire making Smore’s? Do you like to hike through the woods and see all that God has given us? Camping is the best way to accomplish all of that.

Some campers have gotten the packing down to a science on what they can leave behind and what they can’t do without. How long will you be gone is the most important question you need to ask yourself before going on a camping trip. This will allow you to know how much food to take as well as staple supplies.

Length of stay is a major factor when going camping. After you decide how long you will be away from home you can then decide how many meals you are planning on cooking and how elaborate you plan on making them. Most families that go camping just have sandwiches that make everything seem easy. A cooler, ice, sandwich meat, condiments such as mustard or mayonnaise, paper plates and drinks is about all you need for this feat.

Most experienced campers go all out just as if they were home taking kitchen ware, dish soap and a rag to clean your dishes, food items and cutting boards if you plan on slicing anything up. I have found from experience that we do the sandwich thing for busy days and we fix larger meals for breakfast and supper. Fixing these kinds of meals is more time consuming but your packing list grows.

A few necessity items that you will need to pack is a grill, tarp, snacks, bath items, sleeping bags, maybe a cot and something to start a fire with.

Camping is an enjoyment that all families of any ages can enjoy. Your family may be on the high maintenance end and need more than this simple list. This list was prepared by an avid camper who has five children that tries to keep camping down to a bear minimal.