Getting Ready for Camping Season (The Slow Way)
Every year, as the weather starts to turn, I feel the pull to get outside again. Camping season always sounds simple in theory—but if I’m not intentional, it can quickly turn into overpacking, overbuying, and overcomplicating.
So instead of rushing into it, I’ve started creating a slower rhythm of preparing. Not just gathering things—but refining what we already have, swapping what no longer works, and choosing items that align with how we actually want to live while we’re away.
This is how I prepare our family—and our 5th wheel—for the season ahead.
Starting with Clothing (Less, Better, Natural)
The first place I always begin is clothing.
Before buying anything new, I go through what we already own and ask:
- Does this feel good to wear outside, all day?
- Is it breathable and comfortable?
- Would I actually choose this again?
I’ve been slowly moving our clothing toward more natural fibers—especially 100% cotton. It’s breathable, simple, and feels better for long days outside.
For the kids, I intentionally look for brighter colors. It’s not about aesthetics—it’s about safety. Bright swimsuits and clothing make it much easier to spot them:
- In the water (especially in Minnesota lakes where visibility can be low)
- Around the campsite at dusk or night
I keep their wardrobe simple:
- A few mix-and-match outfits
- Layers for changing weather
- Nothing precious or high-maintenance
And every year, I’m reminded—we always need less than I think.
Layers for Real Weather (Not Ideal Weather)
Minnesota camping is beautiful—but it’s not always predictable.
Even in summer, I make sure we have a small set of true weather-ready items:
- Lightweight rain jackets
- Puddle boots
- Hats and gloves (especially early and late season)
Not for every day—but for the days that would otherwise make camping feel miserable.
Having these packed ahead of time changes everything. It turns “we should probably go home” into “we’ll just put on another layer.”
Blankets + Comfort (Secondhand and Simple)
One of my favorite parts of prepping is going through blankets.
Over time, I’ve started swapping ours out with ones I’ve found secondhand—often from places like Goodwill. They’re softer, more worn-in, and somehow feel more like camping should feel.
We keep a small collection in the camper:
- A few for beds
- A few for outside by the fire, that i don’t mind getting singed by sparks that may fly out of the fire.
- One or two extra for flexibility
Nothing fancy—just comfortable and used often.
Swapping Out the Small Things
This is where a lot of the quiet changes happen.
Instead of buying new camping gear every year, I look for small upgrades that feel more aligned with how we want to live.
One simple shift we’ve made is moving away from plastic where we can.
We now use:
- Stainless steel cups
- Thrifted plates and bowls
- Simple, durable materials that last
It’s a small change, but it makes everyday moments—like meals outside—feel more grounded and less disposable.
Personal Care (Simplified + Low-Tox)
Camping is one of the easiest places to simplify personal care.
I try to bring only what we truly use at home:
- A simple shampoo and conditioner
- Basic skincare
- Multi-use products when possible
Less clutter in the bathroom space of the camper makes everything feel calmer—and easier to maintain.
Natural Medicine (What I’m Packing This Season)
This is something I’ve been slowly building over time.
Instead of a large, overwhelming kit, I focus on a few foundational natural supports:
- Herbal tinctures (for things like sleep, immune support, or calming)
- Salves or balms (for bites, skin irritation, minor cuts)
- Basic first aid items
- Electrolytes or mineral support
Traveling with Tinctures
Since we’re in a 5th wheel, storage is a little easier than tent camping—but I still keep things simple and contained.
What’s worked well for me:
- Store tinctures in an essential oil travel case (Small – about 9 tinctures) (X-Large – This is what I currently have to travel with all my tinctures)
- Keep them upright when possible
- Use amber bottles with tight droppers
- Keep them in a cool, darker cabinet space inside the camper
If I’m bringing smaller amounts, I’ll sometimes transfer them into:
- Mini dropper bottles (2oz)
- Clearly labeled, travel-size containers
The goal is to make them easy to access—but not something I have to dig for.
Preparing the Camper (A Reset, Not a Restock)
Because we camp in a 5th wheel, a lot of our items stay in place—but I still treat the start of the season as a reset.
I go through:
- What didn’t get used last year
- What felt like clutter
- What would make things simpler this time around
Instead of adding more, I try to remove what we don’t need.
The Shift That Matters Most
Over time, I’ve realized that prepping for camping isn’t really about having everything ready.
It’s about creating an environment where:
- We’re not constantly managing stuff
- The kids can move freely and safely
- The days feel slower, not packed
The less we bring, the more space we have—for the experience we were actually hoping for.
In the next post, I’ll share more about the natural medicines and low-tox essentials we bring with us—and how I keep them organized throughout the season.
