Weekend Camping Trip Checklist

Is 2020 your year for weekend getaways? Camping adventures? Or more family time together in the outdoors?

Camping can be a great option for getting away while still keeping to a relatively small budget. Whilst camping can be tiring, it can also be lots of fun. It is nice to go back to living the simple life. Choose a place not too far away to begin with and have something nearby to do or see; i.e bushwalk, beach, friends. Pack your book, board games or your deck of cards. Camping is a great opportunity to create memories with your family or friends.

Who you are going on your camping trip with, will depend on what and how much you pack. Keep in mind you probably only have the car boot to transport everything so try to keep it as simple and minimal as possible. I find that is the best approach for camping. Keep it simple, pair things down and go without unnecessary luxuries. I mean just getting away, a change in routine and getting into nature is a luxury in itself, isn’t it?

Also keep in mind the weather and the time of year, as well as the activities you have planned while you are away. This will also impact on what you intend to take.

bushwalk

So what to pack? Below is a list of the basics; the essentials you will need for a weekend away camping.

CAMPING MATERIALS

  • Tent, pegs

  • Groundsheet

  • Hammer

  • Mattress

  • Sheets, sleeping bag, blankets, pillow

  • Dustpan/broom

  • Light or a lantern

  • Chairs and small table

PERSONAL

  • Towel and toiletries

  • Toilet paper, insect repellent, sunscreen

  • Clothes, pyjamas, swimmers, shoes

  • Wind jacket, waterproof jacket, umbrella

  • First aid kit (just incase)

KITCHEN

  • Food - that requires easy preparation

  • Cooking oil, salt, pepper, margarine

  • Ice pack, esky, chopping board, napkins, can opener

  • Plates, cutlery, cups in a drawstring bag

  • Sharp knife, saucepan, spatula, tongs, matches, peeler

  • Dishwashing detergent, sponge, dishwashing towel

  • Drinks

  • Plastic bag for rubbish

OPTIONAL

  • Picnic Rug

  • Cards, board games, reading books, kindle, headphones

  • Head torch

  • Warm woolly socks, beanie, scarf and a blanket if it is cold

camping

Less is more when you are camping. You will probably find yourself wearing the same clothes all weekend. Most sites have a picnic table or camp kitchen so you may not even need to pack table and chairs. Do your research first.

If there is a camp kitchen, use their hot plate or BBQ for cooking. Store your cold items in the fridge and place a water bottle in the freezer so you can pack it in your esky to keep your food cold on the way home. Saves money on buying ice.

If you are new to camping, a weekend trip will probably be a good place to start, rather than go headfirst into a week or longer. Camping is not always particularly comfortable or relaxing so you may need to pack your patience and tolerance, particularly when there are lots of people close by in your camping area.

Preparation and organisation will help your trip to go much more smoothly so spend some time considering and checking you have packed all you need.

Is there anything I forgot? Help us out and add your thoughts below. Or have you found a great camping spot that you love and can recommend?

Travel, Travel TipsLaura Woodburycamping, Australia, travel, weekend getaway, packing tips, pack like a proComment