How to Simplify Camping Preparations

Preparing for camping trips can be a lot of work, but you can start preparing for winter storage of your equipment and simplify camping preparations for the next camping season. This simple trick helped our family when we camped in tents and trailers. It made those weekend getaways easier to prepare for after a full work week.

When we started camping years ago, we had a small child and a tent. Over the years, our family grew and we still tented for many years through babies and toddlers and older children. It wasn’t until recent years that we finally bought our first trailer.

Both my husband and I grew up in a rural area and find peace and comfort when we go camping. We love to get out of the city for the weekend and see the stars at night without the constant hum of city traffic in the background.

After a full work week, camping preparations were hard work and time-consuming. It was a constant rush to get it all done in time to get to the campsite on Friday night. This is when we simplified it so items weren’t forgotten and we could enjoy our family time.

Simplify Camping Preparations

As I write this it is fall and you are probably wondering why you should prepare for camping at this time of year. It is actually the best time to start preparing for the next camping season right now.

What?!

When we were tenting we took the time to create bins for standard items we used regularly during our trips. I also created containers for pantry staples that I used for meals. I even cooked pancakes over the fire so the dry ingredients were a must-have for that favorite meal during the weekend.

Now that we have the trailer the items stay in the trailer and the bins are only used during the winter preparations. We gather the items that won’t weather the cold winter months and bring them to the house for storage.

To help simplify preparations further I created a list of standard supplies that may need replenishing throughout the season, in the spring, or in the fall to help keep the rodents away during the long storage period. You can download that list for Free.

Cleaning out the tent and trailer at the end of a trip is a must-do for me. I want to start out my camping trip with a nice relaxing fire with the family. Coming into a trip knowing that you have to clean up just to set up for the weekend isn’t fun. It just adds to the work.

When tenting I would pack a small broom and dustpan to sweep out the tent. With the trailer, Lysol wipes and Swiffer dusters, and floor cleaners are my best friends. They make it easy to keep surfaces clean. I also use vinegar to clean the fridge and freezer area. This helps keep that area disinfected and mold-free. A small shop vacuum helps keep the carpet and upholstered areas clean too.

In the fall, after giving the camper a quick check and prep it for storage I go through the checklist and mark down what I’ll need to pick up for that first camping trip. The list is then stored with the items we keep at home for the winter. Ready for me when we pull it out in the spring.

The camping checklist is simply a lifesaver that I personally couldn’t do without. It cleared my brain from having to remember everything that was needed for the weekend trips or even the longer camping adventures.

When the end of the camping season came around it was easy to use the list to prepare for spring. The items were packed away and the list was filled in and stored with the items that came home for seasonal storage. Then when spring arrived, I would dig out the list and know what items were needed and what I had ready to go.

How do you Simplify Camping Preparations?