Getting away with your family on a long camping trip can be a great way to reconnect with nature and each other. To help make the trip successful, though, there are certain supplies you can’t do without. Although you may be able to improvise to make up for some of these items, your life will be much easier if you remember to bring them along.
Bug Spray
Unless you’re camping in the late fall or winter, bug spray is a must-have item. In the woods, bugs show no mercy, meaning that you and your family could end up with countless bug bites if you leave your bug spray behind. Just be sure to use kid-friendly bug spray to prevent potential allergic reactions.
Disposable Dinnerware
If you don’t have access to clean water to be able to wash dishes, disposable dinnerware will make your life much easier. When using disposable dinnerware, it’s important to pack it out with you instead of burning it, as that can release harmful toxins into the air.
Trailer and Towing Equipment
Depending on how long you will be gone and how many people you are taking with you, you are going to need somewhere to put all of your camping gear for the drive out. Tents, sleeping bags, and coolers take up quite a bit of room. Utilizing a trailer will help you to have somewhere to store everything, even when you’re not actively using it. Adding on an aluminum trailer storage box makes for a great place to store non perishable food items, emergency first aid supplies, and other small items that you want to have easily accessible.
Rope
When camping for an extended period of time, rope of various lengths and thicknesses is a lifesaver. Whether you’re using it as a clothesline or makeshift tent support, rope is one of the most useful tools at any campsite. When cutting rope, you’ll want to use a lighter to melt the end to prevent fraying at the site of the cut.
Sports Equipment
While there is plenty to do in nature while you’re camping, there are still stretches when your children could get bored. To help overcome this boredom, it’s a good idea to bring along some basic sports equipment. Items such as balls, flying discs, jump ropes, and other similar items can provide hours of fun, especially in the wide-open context of a campsite.
Extra Batteries
To power lanterns, flashlights, fans, and other equipment, you’ll need lots of batteries. By bringing along extra batteries, you protect yourself against losing power when you need it most. Since you need to protect batteries from moisture, it’s important to transport them in a waterproof case.
Although you may have a vision and a plan for how your camping trip will go, you’ll likely find that that plan needs to change. If you pack plenty of patience and flexibility, though, you’ll be able to enjoy your camping trip far more. This will help you create happy memories that you and your family can cherish for a lifetime.