Proper planning makes for a successful trip. Planning and execution is everything. The more evolved the plan, the better the execution.
Start well ahead, lay out everything as you go. Create menu, prep list and shopping list along with equipment and necessity items. The list, of course will evolve and be ever-growing!
Attire: As far as clothes go, I think I will leave that up to you. You know what you feel comfortable in. I would suggest though, to check the forecast before you go as you will want to plan for hot/cold temperatures and whether or not rain is expected.
Personal items: Other than your toiletries, I would make sure to bring some sort of an emergency kit, sunscreen, sun burn cooling gel, insect repellent, itch cream, pain and/or allergy relief pills.
Shower and toilet facilities: Most camp grounds do have them. Be sure to bring a tote bag to carry all necessities to the bath house. Oh, and if you have a delicate bum, then bring your own TP and wipes. A trip can be ruined if things aren't right down there, trust me. I also suggest bringing Clorox wipes (again, trust me), as well as flip flops to wear in the shower.
Fire Rings: Most sites provide a picnic table and a fire ring. Some fire rings have grills for cooking, but I always bring a grill grate of my own to use (I know where my grate has been and what has been on it). The grills that are provided are good for pots and pans or your dishes that are in foil.
Lighting: Parks also provide a lantern post for hanging a lantern. Initially, I thought it was a place to hang trash. Now I know it can be both.
Talking about lantern posts, there are electric and non-electric sites. Typically electric sites are for RV units and the tents take the non-electric. This being said, if you can get an electric site for your tent, it may cost a bit more but will provide a few extra comforts (i.e., a fan or light). I have found that using one of the larger box fans not only keeps you cooler on hot camping days, but also helps keep the bugs at bay.
Firewood: If you are going to a state park, there will be an area to buy a bundle of wood. It's usually 5-7 bucks per bundle. Sometimes a better deal can be found outside of the park at a residential or local business selling wood.
Cooking equipment: I have a couple of hard plastic trunks that contain all of my 'gear.' One is for cooking supplies and service ware. The other is more for tools and such. I also have a separate container for all the chemical-type items, propane, bug spray, dish soap (camping soap) and hand sanitizer.
knives, hard spatulas, soft spatulas, whips, tongs, mixing bowls, colander, can opener
prep kitchen set up, Coleman stove, propane
pots and pans, cast iron griddle, dutch oven, grill grate, pie irons, fire skewers, pan spray and oil
cutting board, digital stem thermometer, infrared thermometer, lighter
aluminum foil, hot pads and side towels, aluminum foil pans with lids
zip lock bags, trash bags
paper towels, napkins, hand wipes, food handling gloves
plastic plates and bowls, reusable utensils, mugs and cups, table covering, dish basin
dish soap, sponge, and drying towel(s)
potable water for cooking, hot beverages and cleaning
Hydration: This depends on what kind of trip it is going to be. If it is a rest and relaxation trip, then adult beverages are ok. Keep in mind though, state parks prohibit alcoholic beverages. Private camp sites are better for that kind of thing. If your trip is going to be a little more strenuous, then you need to take something thirst quenching (water) which will be of benefit, maybe with added electrolytes. Stay away from high sugar drinks, sodas or fruit punch - they can really bring you down at the end of the day. Gatorade does have a low sugar as well as a no-sugar beverage that is good too. Also, keep in mind that cold space is at a premium. So, if you can bring beverages that can be stored at ambient temperatures and cooled when needed, so much the better.
Shelter: There are a ton of great tents out there but my suggestion is to get one that is basic, roomy and easy to set up and break down. I also suggest that you practice how to set-up and break down your tent before you head-out to camp. Use the practice time to teach the young-uns too. Nothing is worse than getting to your site when it is dark and/or raining, having to try to figure out how to set up the tent.
If you are a family of 4, get an 8 person tent. It is good to have a little extra breathing space inside. It is also a good idea to buy some Scotch Guard spray and seal the seems of the tent, especially on the fly cover. Not fun to wake up in the middle of the night to find water leaking into the bed.
Tarps: A tarp over the tent is a great idea, especially when heavy rain is expected. A tarp can go underneath the tent as well to protect the floor of the tent from weeping. I also tend to put a small tarp outside the entrance of my tent.
Bedding: A few options here depending on the level of comfort desired and allowable space you have available. There are a number of different sleeping pads ranging from memory foam to a thin blow up pad. There are also cots with kids in mind. This is a nice option as the storage room below the cot is a plus when space is at a premium. Then there are the blow-up mattresses - single, double or Queen. I recommend using two separate single units. As on the queen for two, if the other person turns over, you go bouncing. If none of these seem ideal, then there is always the good ole fashioned ground. BYOP (Bring Your Own Pillow)!
Hopefully this blog post gives you a general idea about how to plan and set-up for the perfect camping getaway. As you take more and more excursions, your list will change and grow into something that works best for you. And, it will become second nature to get prepared and ready for a great trip. Camping is fun, but work at the same time. Enjoy the things that you have to do and remember to spread out the tasks at hand. Teach the young ones how to do some things so that they feel included in the experience and take a few things off your plate at the same time.
Hope you can get out soon and enjoy yourself and your family.
--CC
Note re my blogging: "J" = my wife, Jennifer. "Q&W" = my twin boys, Quinton and Will.
For a less stressful camping experience, it's helpful to plan ahead and simplify your packing. Opt for easy-to-prepare meals, set realistic expectations, and focus on enjoying the moment instead of stressing over perfection. Essential gear like a good tent, comfortable sleeping bag, and multi-purpose tools can make a significant difference in comfort. Remember to embrace flexibility and be prepared for unexpected situations. Camping Cannobio