Family Camping Guide: Packing Essentials for Car Camping

Car camping is the best way to go for a family camping trip. Your vehicle will be your home base for several days, while you still enjoy the outdoors from private campgrounds or those in state and national parks. Your car will allow you to pack some of those heavier camping luxuries prohibited on backpacking trips, which just might prevent junior from having a melt-down. The following is a guide to the 10 essential items you should pack for your family camping trip this summer. Get out and explore!

1. Tent - Be sure to get a tent that is big enough for everyone to sleep comfortably, or get a couple of smaller tents; one for mom and dad, and one for the kids. Whichever route you go, be sure the tent has a rain Fly to keep you dry. You will also want a tent that is ventilated.
2. Sleeping Bags - Everyone needs a sleeping bag that will protect against seasonal cold temperatures. If camping in the mountains and high plains, it can get pretty cold at night in the summer.
3. Sleeping Pad - You will sleep a little better each night you are camping if you have a sleeping pad. Consider purchasing a foam pad for a regular bed that would cover your entire tent.
4. Camping Lights - You will want to have some lights to help you navigate in the darkness. Headband lights are a good way to go.
5. Cookware, Stove and Cooking Fuel - Bring everything you will need to prepare your meals and eat them: Pots, pans, cups, silverware, dishes, prep knife, etc. etc. You will also need a stove, grill or open fire for cooking. Whichever you choose, be sure you have plenty of fuel: stove fuel, charcoal, wood and/or matches.
6. Cooler, Food, Ice and Extra Water - Make sure you pack enough food to cover your entire camping trip. Try to bring as many groceries as you can that do not require refrigeration. If you do need refrigeration, be sure to pack your cooler with ice, or purchase one that can plug into your car lighter. Be sure to include snacks! I recommend packing extra food and water in case of an emergency.
7. Insect Repellant - Bugs can be a nuisance on a family camping trip, and can carry some nasty diseases. Good insect repellant will protect you against mosquitoes and West Nile virus in addition to ticks and Lyme disease.
8. Hats and Sunscreen - Good protection from the sun is essential if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Whether hiking, fishing or hanging around your campsite, you will want to protect against sunburn.
9. Folding Chairs - It seems like every time I go camping I find myself wishing I had remembered our folding chairs. Sitting around and talking is a lot more enjoyable when everyone is comfortable.
10. Sports Equipment and Playing Cards - If you are planning an extended stay at a campsite, bring some things along for the kids to play with. Frisbees, baseball gloves and balls, fishing tackle, footballs, soccer balls or even just a couple of tennis balls can be excellent sources of entertainment and exercise. Playing cards are a nice way to pass the time if you are caught in a down pour.