Camping season is in full force. Do you have any camping trips planned before summer is over? Do you prepare ahead of time or at the last minute? I love camping and often have 4 to 5 trips planned in the summer and fall. It is always best to be prepared to avoid the stress of having to run to the store at last minute because you forgot something like batteries, flashlights, matches, etc. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare for you next camping trip.
Take inventory
It is always a good idea to take inventory of everything you have. While you are taking inventory create a list of things you need to add to your supplies. Do you need extra batteries, matches, aluminum foil, propane, etc? Add everything you need to your list or use this one that I created as your guide.
Check Equipment
Next you want to get out all your equipment out and check to make sure everything is working properly. Blow up all your air mattresses and flotation devices and check for holes. You may even want to sleep on the mattresses overnight to see if they deflate or not. I can’t tell you how many times my air mattress has deflated in the middle of the night. Check your lanterns, and propane stoves to ensure they are working properly. One year, I couldn’t get my stove to work and a burn ban was in effect so I couldn’t cook by fire. Luckily, others with me had stoves so I was able to cook my food.
Prepare Food In Advance Or Create A Menu
Often times, I will prepare my food in advance to save time for meal prepare. This is especially helpful for things that take a long time to cook, like potatoes and corn on the cob. If you don’t mind waiting, then feel free to cook everything by fire on your stove each day. I strongly suggest having meal plan and menu though. This will make it much easier to create your grocery list.
Create Camping Bins
Get some big sterile containers at the store to keep all your camping gear in. This makes it super easy for your next camping adventure. I keep my tubs in the shed and grab them when I am ready to go. Buy things just for camping so you don’t need to take from your kitchen. My bin has plates, cups, bowls, silverware, foil, cutting board, knives, cooking spray, dish soap,towels, pot holders, and everything I need for camping. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on these items. I go to dollar tree and stock up.
Pack In Advance
It is always a good idea to pack at least a week in advance if possible. Using the camping checklist above will help. I always have a toiletry bag packed and ready to go for any trip, whether it be for camping or other travel adventures. Buy a toiletry bag for each family member and keep it stocked with travel size soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes. I get the refillable travel bottles from the dollar tree. Other things I tend to already have packed are long johns, wool socks, and my favorite camp sweatshirt.
GET READY FOR NEXT ADVENTURE
Now that you have some tips to help you prepare for your next camping trip, get ready and go have some fun. Be sure to watch this video below.
