How to prepare for Summer Camping

Every time we prepare for a camping trip, I (Karen) find myself amazed and annoyed that I still have not conquered some relatively easy tasks that would make trip-prep a heck of a lot less exhausting. Matt. of course, already has his system and has had it down for years. Me? Not so much. I reinvent the wheel every.single.time. So here are a few things I’d highly suggest you do to make camping easier and I am going to take my own advice (eventually) and implement these, too. Then we can all go camping together and talk about how organized and efficient we are.

1. Packing lists: Matt has his handy-dandy all-encompassing list that he refers to each time we pack up. I make a new list every time we go camping. And it takes me forever to pack. I always feel like I’m forgetting something. Or I lose my list and then have to re-write a new one. I waste huge mental energy on re-creating these lists. Do you do that? Do you write out a new list every time you go camping? You can download Matt’s as a good place to start or simply create your own. Here’s a tip: laminate it or slip it into a clear document protector sheet and put it in your camping bin so you’ll always have it when you need it.
2. Meal Lists: We are not very creative when we go camping so we eat the same kind of meals nearly every time. Then why haven’t I made a meals list and grocery list?? Sigh, I am ashamed. The next time you go camping, keep your meal plan and grocery list! Tuck it into a clear sheet and SAVE IT!!! Put it in your camping file (see below)! Then, in the future, when you’re headed out, grab your plan and list, double-check against what you have in the house and boom! Meals are done and all you need is a trip to the store.
3. Stuff-to-do-before-we-leave List: Regardless if you’re leaving for a night or for two weeks, there are a few things you always want to do before leaving your house locked up. On my list, there’s – take out the garbage, dump the compost, clean the cat litter bin, check the mail, check the laundry (don’t want any moldy clothes!), water plants, stop mail (if needed), get someone to care for pets, etc. Again, I write these things out every single time. Why?!?!?!
4. Women’s personal item sack: I suppose men could have one of these, too, but women need one. This would be a special bag that has stuff inside that always stays inside to be immediately ready for camping (or any number of other outings). This bag would include feminine products, an eye/sleeping mask, ear plugs, face wipes, headlamp with extra batteries, an extra ziplock, small shampoo/conditioner containers, small toothpaste, lip balm, sunscreen… Seriously, a small stuff sac already filled with these things would go a long way towards easing my mind about packing.
5. Camping folder on the computer & Camping File in the cabinet: We need a place to store all of our lists! Do you have a camping file on your computer? Or one in your cabinet? I’m sure Matt does so I suppose I need to ask him where he hides it… But, having one central place where you keep trip ideas, lists, meal plans, itineraries, etc. would be a really good idea.
6. Bin List: I’m not even sure if Matt has one of these… we are constantly re-hashing how many bins we’ll be taking and what they’re for. As of now, we have a food bin, a boys bin, my bin, Matt’s bin, firewood bin, and a camp-kitchen bin (Ha! there’s my list!). But, because fitting them into the X-terra is a crazy puzzle, we keep counting the bins and talking about them. Just add them to your packing list (or organize your packing list according to bin) and you’ll always know how to pack what you need to take!
7. Realistic view of what the trip will be like: I am queen of taking too much stuff when we camp. I try to pack for every imaginable scenario; somehow envisioning playing board games and cards with the kids, while at the same time also believing that I will have time, luxurious time, to read 5 books and write for hours in my journal. Alas, I end up shlepping all of my stuff around and futzing with it as it gets crushed beneath my feet in the car. Instead of bringing me enjoyment and satisfaction, I am resentful and tired of dealing with it being in the way. So, for future trips, I am going to try to cultivate a more realistic view of what I will actually be doing when we camp. I will strike a balance between bringing a book or 2 (instead of 5), and accepting that I might only get to read a few pages each night before I fall asleep. (Please don’t suggest a Kindle – I need a real book!) I also will not bring my goals/work/life planners with the intent of organizing and planning my next 6 months, but will accept that that activity is best done at home. What about you? Do you over-plan for your trips? Do you take all your fishing gear only to never cast a line? Do you bring all sorts of games only to have your kiddos just run around the woods?

Right now, I’m really into the idea of simplifying, and car-camping with kids is one of those things that can be hard to simplify. I look around at all the stuff we take and it all feels so essential. I’m not sure how I can simplify the gear, but I do believe I can simplify the process. I know that the above list is not rocket-science, but how many of us have these things in place? Hopefully, you are far more organized than me. I’m going to be working on these things this summer as I’ll have ample opportunity to use and perfect them. I look forward to looking forward to camping since I’ll no longer be exhausting myself mentally and physically, rewriting all my lists for the hundredth time.

What is the hardest part of camping-prep for you??