Tent: Try to get a tent that is twice as big as you need it. If you have 4 people camping, you are going to want to get a tent that sleeps at least 6-8. If you get a 4 person tent, that means you can fit 4 bodies in there, but one of them is going to be bent into an “L” shape, and you may have to keep your backpacks, coolers and other items outside.

Air Mattress: Do not try to be a hero and sleep on the ground. Once you’re past the age of about 13, the ground is hard and uncomfortable. No one wants to be around Mom or Dad when they have had a terrible, sleepless night and they’re grumpy with any achy back. Don’t forget the air pump!

Blankets, pillows, sheets, sleeping bags: Whatever you’re comfortable with. This may also vary with the season.

Camping chairs: You never know if there is going to be a log to sit on around the fire. Some places have picnic tables at each camping site, but it’s not something you want to depend on.

Lanterns, flashlights, glow sticks: These are essentials! The later it gets, the darker it gets. A glow stick tied or pinned to the back of a jacket or t-shirt is very visible and helpful when looking for a lost child. A flashlight affords a child the option of going for a moonlight hike with friends, or a game of flashlight tag. It’s also very comforting when you have to walk to the bathroom at 2 AM. Lanterns are great for inside the tent or at the table when you’re eating in the dark. There are tons of options, just get one that will suit your family’s needs.

BATTERIES: Enough said!

Toiletries: Always bring toilet paper just in case! Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, and towels…whatever your family requires. Don’t forget to bring a handy tote to carry these items back and forth to the restrooms as well.

Cooler: For your cold foods. A tip in packing is to freeze everything that you can and put it in your cooler instead of ice. Examples of this are juice pouches, water bottles, hot dogs... all of these items can help keep your cooler stay cold without using up valuable space with ice.

Cook stove: A hot cup of soup or a steaming cup of coffee are priceless on cold days! If you can cook it on the stovetop at home you can cook it on a cook stove. Keep in mind most cook stoves require small propane canisters to cook. You can get them at the same place you get the stove. You may also want to pick up a folding table.

Hot dog roasters: You can use metal hangers but they get hot quickly. You can buy roasters with wooden handles at places like Wal-Mart and Target. Or get creative and fashion your own! It’s worth it to buy them because you will use them a lot. Hot dogs and marshmallows are all cooked over the fire. And what’s a camping trip without that?

Paper plates, napkins, disposable utensils, trashbags, dishsoap: When you are setting up camp, don’t forget to keep your trashbag off the ground from little critters.

Lots of clothes: Especially in the fall/winter! It can get really, really cold at night and really, really hot during the day in the same 24 hour period. Dressing in layers can help with this temperature change. Always bring a warm jacket and warm pajamas. A swimsuit is great too since you never know when an impromptu game of water balloons or water guns will break out!

Online there are a ton of resources to help you plan exactly what you will need. These are all just suggestions! Your family will be camping for a long time, and you will definitely learn the essentials for your family as you participate in more campouts. Also, don’t forget to plan your menu before you go, or get with another family and plan a meal together. And be sure to try the classic ziplock bag omlettes and cardboard box oven cakes. Look online for simple recipes and think about how you can adjust them to suit your camping style. And most of all HAVE FUN!