Regardless of where you’re going or the length of your trip, camping with kids can be a harried experience. But don’t get so overwhelmed by the thought, that you cancel your trip before you even start packing. The secret is planning ahead and here are some tips for Low-Stress Camping with Kids.

• compactly fold outfits together, including socks, undies, and even a matching hairband/scrunchie for girls; enough PJs so one pair can be worn twice; don’t forget PullUps, if necessary (you can pack one small tote bag per child or one large upright bag for all the kids clothes together, if possible)
• have separate sets of shoes per child; pool shoes (for pool ONLY), sandals (preferably covered-toe), & sneakers
• one small favorite sleep-toy
• travel-size toothbrushes (w/their name on it) because they take up less space & come w/their own case; travel-size toiletries are also much more convenient for the bathhouse (or to be even more frugal—fill travel-size bottles w/your own toiletries); to make it easier, you can also keep your kids’ toiletries in a Ziploc bag, separate from yours
• disposable washcloths are great for kids age newborn right up ‘til they’re old enough to shower independently and don’t forget detangler for the pool-hair!
• remember prescriptions, itch-cream, Benadryl, Motrin, etc.; these can be put into a Ziploc bag as well
• plan your meals before you go (Ex.: hot dogs, burgers, BBQ’d chicken, taco pie)
• and don’t forget to bring the condiments & basics; PB & J, salt & pepper, cheese, milk; will you use propane or charcoal?; will you bring a cooler?; will you cook breakfast or do cereal bars and yogurt?; you don’t want to have to buy a lot at the campground store because that will get costly
• money for laundry & arcade (for the older kids)
• a pump for bike tires and pool floats
• SPF, swimmies, swim diapers, towels, & other pool items
• waterproof  bed pad, plenty of diapers, wipes, bottles, & formula (if necessary)
• a bag of activities for the ride there (Game boy, CD player, books, crayons & paper) and keep this close at hand where the kids can access it
• remember your pillows*

This may sound like a lot but don’t fret. Start a list for your camping trip at least a few weeks before you go and start purchasing items you don’t have, such as travel-size items or extra paper goods. You can also start a “camping pile” (away from the front door, of course), where you start putting pool towels, sleeping bags, linens, etc. You can start packing clothes a couple days before your trip. As kids get older (11+), they will usually want their own bag and to assist with their packing. Find out ahead of time where the closest medical center, markets, and pharmacy are from where you’ll be camping.

Before leaving, also remember to arrange to have your plants/garden and any pets left home to be cared for. Using these helpful tips will make your trip much less stressful so you can enjoy your trip and all the memories you’ll be creating together.

* * *

This is a guest post provided by Lana Taylor Figgs, a student of the MakeMoneyFromWriting.com program.  Lana is learning how to turn her freelance writing skills into a profitable business.

Tips for Low-Stress Camping with Kids was created by and is property of American Consumer News.