Camping is definitely the greener way to vacation.  With three children, we don’t go all in for the entirely unplugged trip – in fact, we usually camp in a camper cabin – but this weekend we’re going to attempt the tent camping as part of the Great American Campout.

Outside of what you might bring on a regular hotel trip, camping can require some extra thought and planning.  This is our list for our family of 5 for two days of tent camping.

On top of our usual luggage, we’re bringing:

Our 8-person tent (bigger = better)

5 lawn chairs

1 tarp

5 pillows & 5 sleeping bags

3 cots and 1 air mattress

Swimming Accessories (for us, swimming is a big part of the trip!)

Flashlights

Lighter

Jug of Water & 5 cups

Perculator, Coffee, Mugs

Sunscreen & Bugspray!

Newspaper for kindling

Playing cards, books, and our hiking backpacks (each kid loves to pack a small backpack with hiking essentials: magnifying glasses, binoculars, bandaids, sunglasses, extra socks, usually toys, and pens and notebooks)

Cooler with PBJ, crackers, cheese and plates and utensils (we’re skipping the more intense cooking supplies and going simple this weekend)

There are several great camping spots in the Champaign-Urbana area, but you can even pitch a tent in your own backyard! Check back for more info about camping with the family in our greener family blog.