This article covers:
1. What you need to ask about your Pop Up Camping Tent site when booking.
2. How to be safe and prepare for your camping trip.
3. The personal items you need to take.
4. Types of clothing and footwear you need.
5. The recreational equipment you should take.
6. Food prep and supplies planning.
7. Camping gear and equipment list.
Growing up on a farm in the sixties taught me a lot of small but valuable skills that I still use today and have taught my kids. One of them is how to plan for a trip. Many farms, like ours, were located many miles from easy shopping. So, we would take a monthly trip “into town” to buy supplies. I remember being on a trip into town to pick up supplies and forgot to get something my dad really needed for the tractor. Needless to say, when I returned home without it, I learned my lesson.
From that day forward, I’ve been a thoughtful planner. One of the best skills I learned was to keep a running list of things that would be needed for the next trip into town. I do the same for my camping trips. I start a week in advance writing my list(1) of what I’m going to do on the trip which will let me know my next list(2) of what I need on the trip. I’ve learned the hard way for example, that not all campgrounds have drinkable water and if not, you have to be prepared to treat the water there or bring your own.
I hope this list helps you plan a little better for your next Pop Up Tent Camping Trip.
List One
“What are we doing on our camping trip?”
1. How many are going on a camping trip? Adults_____ Children_____
2. How long is the drive?
3. Will we be camping along the way or only when we get there?
4. Is it a typical campsite at a park or is it a primitive site?
5. What will the weather be like?
6. Who back at home needs to know that I (we) are on this trip (when, where, and how long)?
7. Does your campsite have the following available?
a. Potable Water
b. Electricity if not don't forget your Patriot Solar Power Cells.
c. Restrooms/bathhouse
d. Lights
e. Paved Parking
f. Security Staff
g. General Store
h. Medical Staff
i. Café
j. Park Rangers
k. Fishing
l. Swimming
m. Canoes/Kayaks
n. Lifeguards
o. Laundry Machines
p. Garbage Containers
q. Wild Animals
8. For your primitive campsite:
a. Do I need a permit?
b. How long can we stay at a time?
c. How long is the hike to the site(s)?
d. What wild animals will I need to know about?
e. Can I take an animal (horse, dog, etc)?
f. Is Park Ranger patrolling the area in case you need help (what’s their number)?
g. Are there any natural threats (falling rocks, freak storms, flood watches, etc)?
h. What is the trail level of difficulty?
i. Are there any campfire burn notices?
j. Are there emergency phones?
k. Is fishing or hunting available (permits)?
l. Are there special plants, streams, waterfalls, mountain top views, or animals to see?
Now that we’ve taken care of List #1 of our Pop Up Tent Camping Checklist, we can now move to List #2 (what do I need on the trip?).
List Two
What do I need on the trip?
PERSONAL ITEMS (for each person)
1. Driver License/Legal Identification
2. Credit Card
3. Medical Insurance Card
4. Emergency Contact List
5. Hunting/Fishing License
6. Campsite Reservation
7. Cash
8. Pistol if necessary or allowed
9. Multipurpose Knife
10. Cell Phone/Charger/External Battery
11. Small Personal Flashlight/Batteries (don’t use your phone, it will get damaged)
12. Quart Ziplock Bags for items 1-7 & 9 (nothing worse than wet papers or phone)
13. Sunscreen
14. Bug spray
15. First Aid Kit
16. Toiletry
17. Personal Hygiene (toothbrush/paste/sanitizers)
18. Prescription Medications
19. Brush/Combs
MOISTURE-WICKING FOOTWEAR & CLOTHING
1. Sunglasses/Hats
2. Sleepwear
3. Socks
4. Boots
5. Sandals
6. Swimsuits
7. Hiking Pants/Shorts
8. Shirts/Tee’s Both (Short/Long Sleeves)
9. Lightweight fleece or jacket
10. Water Shoes
11. Raingear
12. Coats/Gloves
Food Prep Supplies (for each person) and Equipment
1. Firestarter/Matches/Lighter
2. Cooking Pots/Frying Pan
3. Camp Stove/Fuel
4. Charcoal
5. Utensils and knives (cooking/eating)
6. Openers (bottles, cans, corkscrew)
7. Cups/Bowels/Plates you can cut in)
8. Coolers/Water Containers
9. Cutting Board
10. Zip Lock Quart/Gallon Plastic Bags
11. Coffee Pot and Cups
12. Dry Storage Bins
13. Cleaning Supplies
Campsite Equipment (for each person)
1. Tent(s)
2. Tarps/Stakes
3. Sleeping Bags
4. Sleeping Pads
5. Pillows
6. Camping Cots/Hammocks
7. Lanterns/Headlights (extra fuel/batteries)
8. Binoculars
9. Field Guidebook(s)
10. Compass
11. Clothesline
12. Firewood or Wood Saw or Axe
13. Camp Table & Chairs
14. Games
15. Pet Supplies/Gear
16. Trash Bags
17. Toilet Paper
18. Camp Shower
19. Duct Tape
20. Power Cords
I know this list has help my family and hope it makes your trip easier.
Thanks for reading my Pop Up Tent Camping Checklist.
Do yourself a favor, take a kid camping, it will change your life!
All the best,
Alex