Clothes to pack for a camping holiday
When camping, it’s best to be able to adapt easily to changes in the weather. Pack light clothing for hot days, but also a few long- -sleeved items and a warm top for cool evenings. Even in summer, temperatures can drop once the sun has set.
Add a waterproof garment or a light jacket to your luggage in case of rain, as well as plenty of underwear and socks. A swimsuit is also essential if your campsite has a swimming pool or if you’re planning to go swimming nearby. Don’t forget to pack a comfortable outfit for sleeping.
Bring a bag to keep your dirty laundry separate. Most campsites have a self-service launderette, which means you can limit the amount of clothes you need to take for a stay of several days. If you only have a few items, you can also wash them by hand and hang them out to dry on a line stretched between two trees on your pitch.
As for footwear, make sure you pack at least one pair suitable for walking and a lighter pair for getting about the campsite, such as flip-flops or sandals, which are ideal at any time of day – especially if you get up in the middle of the night to use the toilet.
Before you set off, check the weather forecast so you can pack according to the season and your destination.
Toiletries and everyday essentials
Your toiletries bag should contain the usual essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, a hairbrush or comb, as well as any other products you need on a daily basis. Don’t forget your towels, unless they’re provided at your holiday accommodation.
Add some sun cream, sunglasses and mosquito repellent, which is particularly useful on summer evenings.
A small first-aid kit is also worth packing. It could include plasters, antiseptic, compresses and the items you usually need for minor everyday injuries.
Finally, unless your holiday accommodation includes them or you can hire them at the campsite, don’t forget to pack the necessary bed linen: fitted sheets, flat sheets or duvet covers, and pillowcases.
What should you pack for sleeping in a tent?
First and foremost, the tent
Before you set off, check that you have all the equipment needed to pitch the tent: the tent itself, poles, tent pegs, guy ropes and a mallet, in particular. Take this opportunity to check the condition of the fabric and its waterproofing, especially if the tent hasn’t been used for a long time.
An extra tarpaulin or sheet can also be very useful. Set up above the tent, between trees or using suitable poles, it provides extra protection against the rain, as well as against UV rays and heat by providing shade. It can also be used to create a sheltered area in front of the tent or an outdoor dining area. However, it must be set up in a way that suits the campground and complies with the campground’s rules.
For sleeping
To ensure a good night’s sleep, bring a groundsheet and an air mattress, a season-appropriate sleeping bag, and a pillow or cushion. An extra blanket can be useful on chilly nights. If you’re using an air mattress, don’t forget the right pump.
A head torch or a small camping torch is also essential for easily finding your belongings or getting around once it’s dark.
Everyday accessories
A few accessories can make life in a tent easier: a small broom or dustpan to clear up dirt; bags to keep shoes or damp belongings separate, and a few ‘ ’ storage bags to keep the inside organised; waterproof bags or boxes to protect your belongings in case of rain or condensation.
A washing line and a few pegs can also be useful for drying towels and small items of clothing.
Cooking and meals: what should you take with you?
The equipment you’ll need depends largely on your type of accommodation. If you’re camping in a tent, you’ll generally need to bring your own kit: a camping stove and suitable gas cartridge, a saucepan, a frying pan, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils.
Don’t forget a tin opener, a knife, water bottles, a cool box or insulated bag, as well as the essentials for storing food, such as airtight containers and cling film. A sponge, washing-up liquid, tea towels and a few bin bags will also come in handy. Don’t forget a pair of kitchen knives: they’re very handy, but are rarely included in a holiday let’s inventory.
If you’re staying in a mobile home or other holiday accommodation, check the inventory provided by the campsite before you set off. Crockery, utensils or certain appliances may already be available on site. This will save you from overloading the car unnecessarily. If your accommodation is fitted with a dishwasher, take a few suitable tablets with you, as these are rarely provided.
Essentials for enjoying the outdoors
Camping is all about being outdoors: remember to bring along what you need to make yourself comfortable in front of your pitch. A blanket or groundsheet, folding chairs or armchairs and, depending on what’s provided in your accommodation, a small table may come in handy.
If you like to relax in the shade, you could also bring a hammock to hang between two trees, provided that setting one up is allowed on the campsite and the trees are suitable for this purpose.
A water bottle and a rucksack are also handy for walks and activities outside the campsite.
For fans of outdoor games, pack a few space-saving items: a ball, rackets, a frisbee or pétanque balls – many campgrounds do indeed have a pétanque court.
Again, check what the campsite has to offer before you pack. Some campsites have play areas, campgrounds with sports facilities and table tennis tables, or offer equipment for loan or hire.
What should you pack for the children when camping?
For children, be sure to pack their favourite soft toy, some books and a few games that are easy to carry. Board games can keep the whole family entertained in the evening or when the weather isn’t suitable for being outdoors; in fact, some campsites may even lend you some new ones to mix things up a bit.
Don’t forget to pack several hats or caps to protect them from the sun.
Children of all ages love swimming. If the campsite has a swimming pool or water park, make sure you pack the essentials your children will need to enjoy it, including a few toys for playing in the sand at the playground or on the beach. You can also find out about swimming options near the campsite: a lake, river or other body of water can offer an alternative to the pool.
A few simple activities for rainy days can also be slipped into your luggage: colouring books, small games, books or card games. There’s no need, however, to pack your suitcase to the brim: the campsite and its surroundings often offer plenty of opportunities to keep busy, especially if there’s a kids’ club at the campsite.
If you’re travelling with a baby, pack the everyday essentials they’ll need, but check with the campsite first to see if they offer a baby kit for hire. A travel cot, high chair or baby bath may be available on site, saving you from cluttering up the car.
A small inflatable UV-protective tent might also be useful: it protects your baby from the sun, provides a little space for them to play or rest, and can serve as a quiet corner away from the hustle and bustle of the campsite. It can also be used during trips to the beach or to a body of water, provided you follow safety guidelines and keep a close eye on your children.
Practical items not to forget
Certain small accessories can make a big difference to your day-to-day life. Be sure to pack an extension lead, a European plug adaptor and a power bank or solar charger. Don’t forget the chargers for your various devices either.
Documents and final checks before you set off
Don’t forget the documents you’ll need for your stay: booking confirmation, ID, driving licence if you’re travelling by car or with a caravan, and your payment methods.
Before you close your suitcases, do a final check of the facilities at your accommodation. What exactly does the mobile home or pitch provide? Are bed linen and towels included? Can equipment be hired or borrowed on site? Check what facilities are available at the campsite. Whether there’s a swimming pool, a water park or a nearby water source, a launderette, a communal barbecue, equipment hire, sports facilities or other services offered by the campsite: this information can help you lighten your luggage considerably.
Also check the weather forecast and the activities you’re planning during your stay. A few minutes’ preparation can often help you avoid forgetting anything… and, above all, ensure you only pack what you’ll actually need.