The Ultimate Packing Guide to Family Camping: How to Stay Organized and Keep Your Sanity

When it comes to camping with a big family, chaos can easily ensue without proper preparation. As a seasoned camper with four kids, I've learned the hard way that being organized is the key to a successful outdoor adventure. Our secret weapon? Plastic bins meticulously packed according to a carefully crafted chart, ensuring that we have everything we need for a fun and stress-free trip. (I, honestly, stole this idea from my friend, Jenn, who is the camping QUEEN!)

Each bin serves a specific purpose, helping us stay organized and ensuring that nothing essential gets left behind. From kitchen utensils to entertainment options, everything has its designated place, making setup and teardown a breeze.

Here's how we do it (, and the bins we use!)

Bin 1: Kitchen Essentials

• Plates

• Silverware

• Grill tongs

• Spatula

• Lighter & Matches

• Tin Foil

• One Sharp Knife

• Cups

• S’mores sticks

• Corkscrew

• French Press (, for coffee lovers!)

• Kettle (, to make the coffee!)

Bin 2: Essentials

• Flashlights

• Wet Wipes

• Paper Towels

• Small Dish Soap

• Sponge

• Trash Bags

• Gallon Ziplocs (, to keep wet clothes in or left over food.)

• Fire Starter

Bin 3: Just in Case

But it's not just about packing efficiently; it's also about staying sane amidst the inevitable chaos of family camping. With four kids in tow, unexpected situations are bound to arise. That's where our "Just in Case" bin comes in handy. From first aid supplies to itch cream and Benadryl, we're prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

• First Aid Kit

• Bug Spray

• Batteries

• Itch Cream

• Medicines: Allergy, Headache, Eye Drops, Ear Drops

• Sunscreen

• Clothes Line

• Toilet Paper

Bin 4: Entertainment

And let's not forget about fun! Camping isn't just about roughing it; it's about creating lasting memories with the ones you love. That's why our "Entertainment" bin is filled with games, activities, and gadgets to keep everyone entertained, rain or shine.

• Playing Cards

• Extra Phone Chargers

• Coloring Books, Crayons

• Headlamps

• Frisbee

• Football

• Volleyball

• Hammock

• Jenga

• Dominos

• Mancala

• Cards Against Humanity (, for the late night when the kids go to bed.)

Bin 5: Sleep

Of course, no camping trip would be complete without a good night's sleep. Our "Sleep" bin ensures that everyone is comfortable and cozy, with sleeping bags, mattresses, and even tent fans for those hot summer nights.

• Sleeping Bags

• Sleep Mattresses

• Tent Fans

• Extension Cords

• Electrical Strips

• Extra Stakes and Rope

• Foot Towel for Tent Door

• Shoe basket

Other Items to Pack

Personals

• Shirts

• Shorts

• Sweatpants

• Sweatshirts

• Jammies

• Socks

• Sneakers

• Sandals

• Undies

• Bathing Suits

• Bathing Towel

Hygiene

• Shampoo

• Body Wash

• Toothpaste

• Toothbrushes

• Hair Brushes

• Hair Ties

• Deodorant

• Towels

Swim

• Fins

• Snorkels

• Swim Towels

  And Don’t forget your Camping Chairs & Tents!

Perhaps the most important aspect of our organized approach to camping is the peace of mind it provides. Instead of scrambling to find a missing item or improvising a solution to a problem, we can relax and enjoy quality time together as a family.

So the next time you're gearing up for a family camping trip, take a page from our playbook and embrace the power of organization. With a little planning and the right tools at your disposal, you can turn any outdoor adventure into a memorable experience for the whole family. Happy camping!