Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to spending time in the great outdoors, one of the most important things you can do to create the perfect trip is to get organized and make sure you have all the essentials necessary. And that’s just what a camping planner can help you do!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
What Is A Camping Planner?
A camping planner is a place to keep all of your important information in one place.
For example, this huge planner is divided into four sections so it’s easy to use, and depending on the camping trip you’re going on, you can choose which pages you will need.
The sections included in this camping trip planner include:
- RV Camping
- Camping Planner
- Camp Food
- Tent Camping (would also work well for dry camping or boondocking!)
Ready to see what exactly is inside each section? Great, let’s get to it so you can plan an amazing trip!
–> Love this printable planner? Grab yours here! <–
RV Trip Planner
Staying in an RV can be a lot of fun! If you think of camping as staying on public land, backpacking to your site, not having shower facilities or even toilet paper, and picturing a whole family that’s miserable and just wants to go home- think again!
While backcountry camping can be fun, staying in a camper is a totally different experience!
Many RVs have all the comforts of home and with a little planning, you can stay in a fun campground, set up your camper in minutes, and enjoy the camping experience with family or friends (even on rainy days!).
If that sounds like your type of trip, let me show you how you can plan and organize it quickly and easily so you can be enjoying nature however you like in no time 😉
In the RV Camping section of this planner you’ll find:
- RV information- record all the info you need about your RV
- Toolkit checklist
- Pre and post-maintenance checklist
- Monthly, seasonal, and yearly maintenance checklist
- RV maintenance log
- Packing checklist
- Consumables packing list
- Kitchen essentials packing list
If you’re taking an RV trip, these are the lists you’ll need to remember all of the essential tools, maintenance, gear, and any other camper-specific needs you might need to pack.
Now that the RV is taken care of, let’s talk destinations, campgrounds, reservations, and activities!
Camping Planner
This is the largest section in the camping trip planner, and for good reason.
With these pages, you can plan out your next camping trip and have everything ready before you head out.
This section will help you decide on and plan dates, a fun destination, your campsite, and activities for you and the kids.
Here are the pages that will help you in your search for the best campground and planning a fun adventure for all:
- Camping highlights
- Camping year in review
- Friends and memories
- Camping activities
- Activity ideas
- Weekly activity planner
- 3-day camp schedule
- 1-week camp schedule
- Campsite research
- Site details
- Campsite review
- Camping bucket list
- Camping log
- Before you leave checklist
No matter how many people you have in your party or what kind of trip you want to plan, these pages will help you create camping trips and memories you won’t forget!
Up next… everyone’s favorite- CAMPING FOOD!
Camping Food
Planning your camping meals before your next trip is essential!
If you are camping on public lands, in national parks, or free camping, making sure you have all of the essentials like a water source, water bottles, and all of your food is really important because there may not be a place to buy supplies for miles.
But, even if you’re staying in state parks, campgrounds near grocery stores, or staying in a camper where you have the ability to store quite a bit of perishable food, a good shopping list, camping menu, and food packing list is a must-have item so you can plan your next road trip easily and be well prepared.
Ready to make that shopping list and plan delicious meal ideas? Let’s get to it!
The camping food section includes:
- Meal plan
- Camping food recipe cards
- Grocery list
- Food packing list
Ok, now let’s go over a camping checklist including the gear, tools, and tips adventurous campers need if they like to do some car camping, camp in tents, or stay at campsites where boondocking/free camping is allowed.
This kind of camping trip can be just as fun as staying in a camper but requires a little more planning and equipment (especially in cooler weather!).
If staying on a camp site in the middle of nowhere with nothing but your hiking boots and the hope of solitude sounds good to you, these lists can help you plan the perfect trip.
(The lists below will work for tent campers that like to stay in campgrounds too, you don’t have to enjoy backcountry camping to use them 😉 )
Tent Camping Planner
Rustic camping is an experience to be sure!
To get the most out of your trip, you’ll want to make sure you pack all of the gear, food, and supplies you’ll need so you can stay safe and comfortable while you’re out in nature.
Here are the rustic camping planning pages you’ll need:
- Tent camping packing list
- Blank checklist – room to plan for your specific needs
- Tent camping tips
- How to leave no trace
Well, that’s all for the printable camping planner, but let’s go over a few helpful tips and FAQs that can help you plan for your next trip and make sure it’s amazing!
Camping Trip FAQs
Have a few questions about how to actually plan a camping trip, where to find more information, and more!
1. How Do I Plan A Camping Trip?
If you’re new to camping, planning a trip can seem overwhelming! But don’t worry, with the printable camping planner, the tips below, and a road trip or two under your belt, you’ll be a seasoned camper in no time.
To start planning a camping trip, you’ll need to:
- Decide on the type of camping– will you stay in an RV or a tent, choose car camping, or be really adventurous and sleep under the stars?
- Choose where you will stay– are you going to stay in a campground, on state or federal land, in your backyard?
- Research and reserve– research the area where you would like to stay, reserve a campsite if necessary, and then start to plan.
- Plan your trip and make a list– make a list of all the gear, supplies, meals, and activities you’ll need. Keep in mind that a little extra planning may be necessary if you will have kids in your party.
- Test your gear and perform any needed maintenance- before heading into the great outdoors, it’s essential that you get out all of your equipment, inspect and test it, and perform any maintenance (this includes your RV if you have one!)
- Prepare for all weather conditions-be sure to check the weather before you head out, but prepare for all conditions. It’s better to over pack a little than to forget something essential and hope you don’t need it.
- Leave valuables at home- unless absolutely necessary, be sure to leave any valuables at home. Most campers are nice, honest people but if you leave anything of value at your campsite you are running the risk of it being stolen (or broken, lost, or damaged).
Bonus Tip
*For your safety and the safety of those you camp with, let family or friends know where you’ll be and give them an itinerary of your activities.
In addition, be sure that you have more than one form of communication available. If your cell phone dies or doesn’t have a signal, it is important to be able to contact someone another way.
2. When Should I Start Planning My Camping Trip?
As soon as possible! Many campgrounds start booking their sites early in the year (some around the first of the year) and sell out right away!
If you’re thinking of camping on public lands, there are some places where reservations may not be accepted, it’s more of a first come first served kind of thing, so be sure to do some research well in advance and start making plans early.
3. Are There Camping Apps Or Websites To Help With My Search?
Yes! There are actually quite a few.
If you’re thinking of planning a camping trip, here are a few apps and websites that can help you find the best and safest places to stay so you can have a great trip.
Have questions I didn’t answer here?
Feel free to comment below or send me a message!
If you’re wondering, that means someone else is too so let’s chat about it and help each other 😉
Last Thoughts About A Printable Camping Planner
Spending time in nature can be a great way to unplug, forget your worries, and let go of stress.
The best way to achieve a vacation like that is to plan ahead!
And that’s exactly what this camping trip planner will help you do.
You’ll be able to plan your next camping trip with ease and be able to relax knowing that you remembered to pack everything, your camp site is chosen and reserved, and you even have fun activity ideas and supplies for rainy days.
I hope this trip planner helps you create a great outdoor experience.
Happy Camping!
Related Articles
- The Ultimate RV Maintenance Checklist
- Camping Bucket List: 27+ Fun Activities For Every Season
- Nature Journal for Kids: A Fun Activity to Help Your Child Explore and Learn
- RV Boondocking For Beginners: Everything You Need To Know Before You Go
Looking for more information about camping? Check out the RV Basics section and find all the articles you need to help make your camping trip a success! And if you’re looking for fun activities, be sure to check out the camping games!
