DIY Camper Plans

Camping should be a fun activity for everyone in the family. However, even the best camping trip can be ruined by improper planning. Proper camping plans should be completed weeks before the trip even starts. When planning your own camping trip, be sure to make a checklist of supplies. This will help you organize the trip so nothing gets left behind.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your camping location carefully. Location is extremely important for a camping trip. Discuss possible sites with your family. If hiking and wildlife is a priority, then check out a few nearby national forests. If boating and swimming is more to your liking, find a local lake that permits overnight camping.

    • 2

      Make a checklist. Put together a list of what must be done early in the trip. This will help ensure that everything gets done at its appropriate time. Also include a supply list to decrease your chances of forgetting something.

    • 3

      Pack your supplies carefully. A few days before leaving for your trip, run through your inventory of supplies. Visualize the entire trip to get an idea of everything you might need. Don't forget essential camping supplies such as a tent, sleeping bags, flash lights, batteries, pest repellent, toilet paper and extra clothes.

    • 4

      Look up activities. Plan for the things you and the family can do while camping. Purchase or download trail maps for surrounding hiking and biking trails, and gather information about local swimming and boating areas. Don't hesitate to bring your own entertainment like playing cards or a Frisbee.

    • 5

      Plan your meals. Cooking over a camp fire is one of the coolest things about camping. Pack supplies for a few camp meals. Even a breakfast of oatmeal can be easily prepared by just boiling water. Ensure that you bring enough food to last the duration of your trip. Include snacks, such as granola bars, trail mix and S'more ingredients.

    • 6

      Prepare for emergency situations. Pack a first aid kit with any medications anyone on the trip may need, such as inhalers and EpiPens. Compile an emergency contact list with numbers of the local hospitals, a family physician and a few family members. Know where you and your family plan to camp so you can give this information in the event that emergency personnel need to find you.