7 Tips for Planning a Successful Camping Trip

If you are going on a camping trip planning is essential.

Camping at Arches National Park, Utah. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Whether you are a retired senior planning the trip of a lifetime, a snowbird, family looking for an economical way to vacation, or a couple looking to get away from the stresses of the work week, camping provides the perfect alternative to the conventional holiday.

It also allows you to experience the fresh air that camping in the countryside offers and to meet new friends.

But like any getaway, whether it’s for a weekend, a month, or an extended period, camping requires careful preparation to ensure all goes smoothly.

When you think of what you’ll need for a road trip, a common list unfolds. Food, beverages, snacks, paper products, lawn chairs, maps, and GPS are all normal items you might bring along.

Packing List

The night before leaving on the camping trip will be less hectic if you plan ahead what to pack. Be careful not to over pack, take only what you need. You can always do laundry on the road. Take snacks, especially healthy ones, to save on fuel stop cravings.

Pre-packed gear

If you are a frequent camper it pays to have the regular non-perishables stored together ready to go. Things like plates, cooking utensils, pots, pans, dishes, and cutlery can be washed after each camping trip and stored in tubs or cupboards in the RV.

You could use another tub to store items like canned goods, can opener, coffee, potholders, ziploc bags, aluminum foil, wax paper, saran wrap, and cooking oil as well as paper products, towels, and first aid kit. Being prepared will save time and frustration.

Encompassing over 1.2 million acres, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Lists

Make a list and check it twice. Using a checklist is an excellent way to make sure you have everything you need. Even if you are not a list person, make one.

Checking off items as you pack will ensure you don’t find yourself in the middle of nowhere without toiletries or water.

While camping, make note of things to take on your next outing.

Must-haves

There are some items you CANNOT do without while camping and these should be at the top of your list.

It’s important to take sufficient drinking water, well-stocked first aid kit, toilet paper, and clean-up materials (soaps, scrubbers, rags, trash bags, dish drainer).

Packing

Check the weather forecast and the facilities available at your camp site and plan accordingly.

It may make sense to pre-plan meals so you are not lugging unnecessary items back and forth.

When planning for a road trip, people often think to check the weather at their destination so they know which clothes to pack and the type of activities to prepare for. But how many people think to track the weather along their route?

Try not to over pack. You can’t plan for every eventuality.

Set a Budget

Planning a budget first will help when planning the itinerary and will prevent over-spending. You’ll need to budget for:

Fuel
RV parks/campgrounds
Food
Admission fees
Miscellaneous expenses
Emergencies

Decide how much you will need to spend in each category. If you need to, adjust some categories to make the totals match.

Plan for Emergencies

While you hope nothing unforeseen happens, it’s better to be prepared in case it does:

Have all vehicle maintenance up to date
Understand all campground cancellation requirements
Let friends and relatives know your itinerary and how to contact you
Take a copy of your vehicle insurance policy with you
Include name and phone numbers of your family doctor
For long road trips, plan a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained, such as watching movies, car games, books to read aloud, and pillows for a comfortable nap

Please Note: This is Part 1 of a 2-part series

Part 2: Make a Memorable Road Trip

Worth Pondering…

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.

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If you enjoy these articles and want to read more on RV travels and lifestyle, visit my website: Vogel Talks RVing.