Gav Grayston We wanted to go beyond the normal ‘camping checklist’ and put something together to help you organise a great family camping trip.
Get the Family Camping Planner
Enter your name and email address and we'll send you the family camping planner.
When you download and print the Family Camping Planner, you’ll find a number of lists. Let’s take a quick look…
What to Take – The Packing List
Any good camping checklist needs a packing list…
For short camping trips you might not need to take all this, and there are sections you can skip, such as if you are not using an Electric Hook-Up.
We’ve also included a list of items you may need if you are having a campfire.
The blank lines are for you to add your own items to the lists.
Help & Tips
Staying Dry with a Camping Tarp
If you are not sure about using a tarp shelter, then view this guide on what they are, how they help, and how to use them.
How to use an Electric Hook-Up
If you have never used an electric hook-up but are thinking about it, then read this guide to using EHU.
Understaing Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
Not sure what sleeping bags are appropriate for the season you are camping in? Then read this guide.
Using a tent heater to keep warm
Thinking of taking a heater for your tent? Then read this guide to tent heaters.
Don’t forget the kids!
Kids get their own page, with plenty of space for you to customise.
Help & Tips: Kid’s Camping Trip Ideas
Travel games and activities for kids.
Download and print this drawing scavenger hunt for the kids to do
You just need to take some string and a blindfold for this game
You don’t need to take anything for this game
One-Armed Tag: another game idea that doesn’t require anything
Bring some string to help make these tiny rafts
Just need pencils and paper for this one
Download and take this game, and help your kids learn map symbols
Games to play on a walk through the woods
A great game for groups
Take things to build a den
Make a treasure map with our Treasure Map Construction Kit (club members only)
Get the Family Camping Planner
Enter your name and email address and we'll send you the family camping planner.
What to Eat
A family always needs feeding! This sheet should help you plan out your family camping meals.
In the left column, write out the recipe, and then in the column next to it, right out the food items you need to take the campsite.
You use the final column to write out any items that you don’t currently have and need to go on the shopping list.
Family Camping Recipes
Pocket Pizzas
Making and using a campfire pizza oven
Quick campsite doughnuts
Trips and Wet Day Planning
Use this sheet to pre-plan places you might want to visit.
Make sure you research places that might be a useful visit for a rainy day.
Tip
When you find a campsite on Get Out With The Kids, scroll the page down and you’ll see things to do nearby.
This includes places to visit and routes to walk or cycle. These are shown on the map as well as an indication of how far they are away from the campsite.
Get the Family Camping Planner
Enter your name and email address and we'll send you the family camping planner.
Gav Grayston Contributor
Father to 3 kids, who loves getting out and about (hiking, running, camping, cycling, canoeing...) Co-founded Get Out With The Kids to help other parents enjoy the outdoors with their family.
Great suggestion.
For the very basics, you’ll want the tent (obviously), sleeping mats, and sleeping bags.
For pitching the tent, take a tent peg mallet.
For the night, you’ll want some torches.
To make things very simple, you could eat out.
However, you will still want snacks and drinks.
If you are planning on cooking something, then take a small gas stove, whistling kettle, and a small pan. You’ll also need a water container and a bag for rubbish, and a hand towel is very…handy.
Camping plates, cups, and cutlery, plus you’ll want something like a washing up bowl, washing utensils, and a tea towel to take everything to the campsite’s washing up facilities.
For yourselves, clothes to keep warm and dry, as well as wash items and towels.
See the ‘Take stuff from home’ list here https://www.getoutwiththekids.co.uk/family-camping/equipment/
I hope that helps.
Cheers,
Gav
Hi Gav,
These planners are great, however being a first time camper with a young child (trying to get my son into it), it would be great to have a list/planner of the minimum equipment/supplies I would need for a short weekend.