Everything You Need for a Family Camping Trip on the Upper Colorado River
Camping is a wonderful way to get out into nature and spend some quality time with family and friends. Lucky for you, Colorado has some amazing campsites along the Upper Colorado River where you can pitch your tent for a fun filled trip. Check out BLM for established sites or pitch your tent at one of many dispersed sites in the area. Family camping trips are an easy and cheap way to build lifelong memories with your loved ones. As someone who grew up camping at every opportunity, I highly recommend getting out into nature with your kids and making memories as a family.
If you’re not quite sure where to start when it comes to packing, I’ve put together a list of everything you need for an amazing trip! Below you’ll find a list of all the necessities you will need for camping on the Upper Colorado River. I’ve also thrown in some items that aren’t required but that might make your camping experience a little more comfortable.
Essential Campsite Items
- Tent (tarp and stakes too)
- Mallet or hammer (for hammering tent stakes)
- Sleeping bags
- Pillows
- Water or water filtration system
- Camp chairs
- Lanterns, flashlights, or headlamps
- Camp table (if there isn’t a picnic table)
- Matches/Firestarter/Lighter
- Firewood
- Toilet paper
- First-Aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Air mattresses or pads (air pump too if needed)
Campsite Kitchen Items
- Cooler with ice
- Plates/bowls
- Mugs/cups
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Trash bags
- Dish soap, dish tub, dish towels and scrubbing utensil
- Frying pan/cooking pots
- Cutting board
- Food of course(meal prepping is your friend while camping)
- Stove and fuel(if you’re not cooking over the fire)
- Napkins or hand towels
Personal Items
- Bath towels
- Toiletry kit
- Medications
- Wallet and phone
- Books
- Clothes for everyday
- Extra clothes for layering
- Rainwear
- Swimsuits
- Multiple pairs of shoes (ex: sandals for showering, tennis shoes for hiking)
Optional Campsite Items
- Sunshade
- Hammock
- Water bottles
- Hot dog roasting sticks
- Navigation tools
- Bug spray
- Hat
- Portable camp shower
- Camera
- Disinfectant sprays and wipes
- Maps or aerial information
- Bikes or toys
- Family card games
Happy camping, friends! As promised, this is a detailed list of everything I think you will need for an amazing family trip on the Upper Colorado River. If you are anything like I am when it comes to being prepared, then I highly suggest making your own list as well to ensure nothing gets left behind! Camping with kids can sometimes be more difficult, but with preparation, you can ensure your visit to the wonderful state of Colorado is as stress free as possible. I hope you enjoy the gorgeous state of Colorado as much as I do!
Written by Allison Martin, Contributing Member of the Sales and Marketing Team
Edited by Rosa Canales, Marketing Specialist