Planning a trip alfresco this summer? Tara King provides her must-pack camping checklist to ensure you’re prepared for anything
You'll need sunglasses, a sun hat and plenty of sun cream. Even if it’s slightly sunny, you should slap on heaps of suncream as you’ll be outside all day
I love camping. I love to watch the kids running wild and free around the site. I love the fits of giggles around the campfire. I love the chats with strangers who become new friends over the weekend.
I love eating bread and sausages all weekend, washed down with endless pots of tea and a few cheeky glasses of wine. There’s no pressure when you're camping and I think that’s why – despite the mountain of stuff and unpredictable weather – I keep going back for more.
For those who like to travel light, be warned. Packing for a weekend away under canvas is on a par with a military operation. Armed with lists, your house will soon resemble an indoor car-boot sale as more essential stuff is added to the pile. And that’s before you’ve even started on the food. But don’t be put off. Just get organised with our ultimate family camping packing list…
Your camping checklist...
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Tent and mallet for hitting in the tent pegs.
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Airbeds and pump. Be warned: my kids used my airbed as a crash mat last summer and it deflated overnight. It wasn’t a nice experience.
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Bedding. Keep cosy in sleeping bags. Pack pillows, quilts and blankets for extra comfort.
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Blankets to wrap up in at night, plus waterproof-backed blankets for daytime lounging.
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Torches, lamps and headlamps so you can see in the dark.
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Fold-up chairs and table.
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Sunglasses, sun hat and plenty of sun cream. Even if it’s slightly sunny, you should slap on heaps of suncream as you’ll be outside all day.
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Layers of cool clothes for day, warm stuff for night
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Wellies and wet weather gear.
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First Aid kit including plasters, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, child and adult pain-relief tablets or sachets.
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Insect repellent and sting relief to protect yourself from pesky midgies and wasps.
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If you wear glasses pack a second pair or contact lenses just in case yours get lost, dropped or broken.
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Hand sanitiser and wipes for a quick clean after a day of play.
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Big tub to store outdoor stuff in. Big enough to double-up as a kids bath and washing up bowl.
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Don’t forget the potty if you’re camping with little ones.
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Lots of toilet roll and packets of tissues.
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Towels. The hooded variety are great for kids.
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Camera to capture the happy camping moments.
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Book or Kindle (if you’re lucky to grab some reading time).
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Lots of plastic bags and bin-liners for rubbish collection and for keeping stuff dry.
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Balls, cricket, tennis rackets and outdoor games. I don’t pack toys as they only get lost.
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Your mobile – charge it up before you leave. Campsite offices often let you charge your phone or get a car charger.
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Kitchen utensils and camping cooking gear including a bottle opener, tin opener, knife, chopping board, plastic bowls, paper plates and cups for easy clearing-up, cutlery, mugs, tea and coffee pot.
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Bottled water.
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Pack lots of dry food and snacks. You work up an appetite camping.
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You can be adventurous or play it safe camping. We love traditional camping fare: bangers, burgers and baked potatoes and BBQ halloumi and veg kebabs for vegetarians. Don’t forget the favourite classic camping pudding, foil-wrapped chocolate bananas and toasted marshmallows.
