Let’s Go Camping! | How to Plan Your Trip

With back-to-school sales popping up in stores and the summer months passing us by, we know that summer 2015 is drawing to a close. What better way to say goodbye to this wonderful month than to plan a fun camping trip? Whether you will be going to spend time in the great outdoors with family or it’ll be a friends-only trip, here are some tips on how to plan your trip…

 

Camping Gear List

Essentials

• – Water is a must. Even for those who are going to be staying at campgrounds, you never know what may happen so you want to have enough water for yourself and your fellow campers.
• – If you are going to be making a fire, a fire starter and a lighter or matches would be great to bring along to make your fire-making process much smoother.
• – Whether you are camping in a tent or in your RV, your sleeping arrangements must be figured out. Be sure to pack your sleeping bag, blankets, and pillow, along with any other comforts you like to have when you say “good night”.
• – If you are going the old school route and camping in a tent, you’ll need your tent, extra stakes, a tarp for the ground, and of course a sleeping bag or ground mat to sleep comfortably.
• – A flashlight is a great tool to bring — and don’t forget the extra batteries!

 

Miscellaneous

• – Sunscreen
• – Chapstick
• – Ice cooler
• – Insect repellent
• – Candles
• – First aid kit

 

Clothing

Depending on where you will be camping, your clothing decisions will vary. But here are some garments that would be safe to bring in any climate:

• – Sweatshirt or jacket
• – Hiking boots and/or sneakers
• – A bandana or something to keep hair out of your face
• – A pair of comfortable shorts and a pair or comfortable pants
• – Under garments
• – Rain gear, just in case
• – T-shirts
• – Swimsuit and towel
• – Laundry bag

 

Foods

Cooking Ahead

• – Sandwiches like peanut butter and jelly or turkey are great to pack because they’re easy to make and good grab-and-go options.
• – Cold cut roll-ups: If you are making anything that needs to be refrigerated, be sure and have a cooler with ice ready to transport your foods and keep them good over the course of your trip.
• – Pasta salad is a tasty option because it can be eaten hot or cold. You can mix your noodles with some creamy Caesar dressing, green olives, and pickles for a savory dish!
• – Fruit is great because it is easy to pack and many fruits don’t require a fork and plate. Some good fruits to bring are grapes, strawberries, apples, oranges, and bananas.

 

Cooking On-Site

• – When we think of camping foods, s’mores are, without a doubt, the first that come to mind! Grab your graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows for a delicious campfire treat!
• – Corn on the cob is a fantastic campfire food because you don’t need utensils, and once they are husked, you can pop the cobs right on your grill or over your fire.
• – Hot dogs taste so much better when cooked over an open fire, so pack some hot dogs for a tasty meal or snack!

 

Best Camping Activities

• – Roasting s’mores: An obvious must.
• – Telling ghost stories: If you get too scared, non-scary stories will do too.
• – Making music: If you are musically inclined, bring your guitar or drum along for a fun singalong with your group.
• – Playing games:
  • – Cards
  • – Dominoes
  • – Name That Tune

See also: Getting Outside with the Kids | Fun Ways to Explore Nature

 

 

Camping in San Diego North County

• – South Carlsbad State Beach Campgrounds
  
• – San Elijo State Beach Campgrounds
• – Del Mar Beach Resort at Camp Pendleton
• – Moonlight State Beach

 

Camping in Temecula

• – Lake Skinner
  
• – Vail Lake RV Resort
• – Dripping Springs Campground

 

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