After many weeks of cold temperatures, it appears as if Spring is finally within reach. Birds are chirping, and the grass is changing from its drab brown to green indicating that warmer weather is on its way. With the warm Spring weather, many of us are looking forward to breaking our cabin fevers by enjoying the outdoors once again. One of the most popular ways to immerse ourselves in the splendor of the Ozark’s Spring time is camping. There is nothing like sleeping under the stars and sitting by a camp fire with friends and family to start the season off right.
When you are headed out camping, everyone wants to have a comfortable, safe experience with all the fun included, and to ensure you have this kind of experience, you need to make sure you are prepared with all the essential camping gear. Imagine, you finally arrive at your camp site only to learn that you have forgotten something important. A camping check list can help to eliminate forgotten gear, so your trip can be worry free.
The first step in getting ready to gather your equipment is to decide what type of camping you will be embarking on. In general, there are two types of camping. The first is trail camping. This is when you plan to camp at designated areas along a marked hiking trail. This type of excursion will limit the amount of gear on your list due to weight being an issue. No one wants to be exhausted before they reach their campsite because they are lugging a heavy back pack. The second type of camping is car camping. Car campers spend their outdoor days and nights at maintained sites that usually include utilities such as water and power. With access to your vehicle nearby, you will have a larger option as to what keeps you and your guest comfortable while you enjoy the outdoors. Once you have decided which option is best, its time to make your list. Here is a list that covers the five major needs of most camping trips:
Campsite
Tent, poles, stakes
Tent Footprint (ground cover for under the tent)
Extra tarp or canopy
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pads
Repair kit for pads, mattress, tent, and tarp
Pillows
Extra blankets
Chairs
Headlamps or flashlights (extra batteries)
Lantern (extra mantels)
Lantern fuel or batteries
Kitchen
Stove
Fuel form stove
Fire starter
Matches or lighter
Firewood
Frying pans
Pot
Portable metal coffee percolator
Corkscrew
Bottle opener
Roasting sticks for marshmallows, hot dogs, fish, and other meats
Food-storage containers
Trash bags
Cooler
Ice
Water bottles or gallon jugs
Plates, bowls, forks, spoons knives
Cups, mugs
Paring knife, spatula, cooking spoon
Cutting board
Foil
Biodegradable soap
Paper towels
Extra bin for washing dishes
Clothes
Clothes for day time
Sleepwear
Swimsuits
Rainwear
Shoes: hiking, walking, flipflops for showering
Blankets
Gloves
Hats
Personal Items
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
First-Aid kit
Prescription medications
Toothbrush, toiletries
Soap
Miscellaneous
Camera
Campsite reservation confirmation
Maps, area information
Bikes, toys
Pet supplies and food
Now that the trip items are in one place, it’s a good idea to prepare the gear. Test all the battery-operated equipment and charge cordless lights so that they are ready to be used. Next, you can pack like items together in the same bags or containers to make locating them easier. One last thing that will make your camping trip easier is to prep whatever food items you are including at home. This can be done by cutting up vegetables, wrapping potatoes in foil, and marinating any meats so they are ready to go at meal times. When you pack the cooler, put food items together meal by meal and consider any condiments, utensils, or kitchen tools you will need so that nothing is forgotten. These tips along with the list provided will ensure a more relaxing and fun filled time for everyone.
Warmer weather and longer days have everyone ready to get outside and commune with nature, and there is no better way to enjoy the outdoors than a family camping trip in one of the Ozark’s many wonderful parks. Whether its for a weekend or an entire week, a good list and a little planning can make your trip a time to remember. So, have fun and be safe.