Does preparing for a camping trip seem to take longer than the actual camping trip itself? And even then, you arrive at the campsite and realize you've forgotten something important. If that sounds familiar, then check out our getting ready for camping checklist.
Whether you are going camping or on an overseas holiday, good preparation will help you make the most of your trip.
Preparing for a camping trip isn't just about your camping setup and gathering that all together. Although important, you also need to attend to all of the housekeeping tasks that can often get overlooked in the 101 things you feel you need to do before you head off.
Our getting ready for camping checklist provides our members with a timeline to help speed up, as well as smooth out, the process so it doesn’t feel like this massive all week job that seems to take longer than the actual camping trip itself. If you like to be able to head off at the drop of a hat, a lot of the steps in our checklist could be done at anytime, and well in advance of your departure date.
An organised and step by step approach to preparing for a camping trip can really save you time and stress, and you will be reassured that nothing important is left behind. As we've mentioned throughout the website, the responsibility shouldn’t be left to just one person. Everyone should have at least one task.
Print your checklist, or download a customisable version
You can print a simplified one page PDF copy of this checklist. An editable document is coming soon.
Any time between your previous camping trip and d-day
1: Organise, repair and replenish
In the rush of the last campsite pack up, you will most likely not have been able to pack your gear and the car as well as you did when you left home. Items will be misplaced or just jammed into the car wherever they fit. Sooner rather than later (but any time before departure day):
During the week prior to d-day
2: Housekeeping
A camping getaway involves a lot of organising of camping gear, to the point where some of the important housekeeping duties can be overlooked. In the days before you head off:
3: Carkeeping
Loaded with all of your camping gear, your car will be carrying much more than it would on a typical trip around town. The car you drive is THE most important part of your camping gear and is really the key to safely getting you and your family from A to B, often over long distances. Again, before you head off:
4: Plan your journey
A well planned journey can save you time and stress and help you to take full advantage of your trip. Consider your goals and skill level, and those of your group, and choose an appropriate destination and program of activities.
5: Plan your menu
Our camp kitchen might on the surface appear to be a little limiting, but we have plenty of recipe options, and many more if you cook over a campfire. Before your trip:
6: Freeze items
Freeze items in advance of your departure to be transferred to your fridge before you leave to help keep your the fridge / icebox cool, including:
One to two days before d-day
7: Recharge your electronics
Set up a charging station for all of your rechargeable items to run off a power board. That way you can transfer the items to your travel bags, knowing all of the right cables are accounted for as well. Charge solar powered items as well. This includes:
8: Pack your clothing and bedding
9: Cool down your icebox or fridge
Departure day
Departure day can be a big job, but an organised approach can really help and get you safely on the road quicker. If your gear is in its rightful place, and you know exactly how / where it will be packed and transported, you can just transfer the items directly to the car without any double handling. You could also do most of the car packing and loading on the day before as well, especially if you want to get an early start.
10: Packing the car and getting on the road