Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to camp we go! Whether you’re a Family Camp veteran or a newbie, it’s always nice to have a packing plan before you head out.
After 10 years as a Family Camper (and 14+ as a camper/counselor), I’ve learned a thing or two about what to bring (and what NOT to bring) to the banks of the Greenbrier River. Here are some words of advice to help make the most out of your trip!
Start Early!
Start the packing process early. Each year, I always designate a room in my house for our family’s camping gear. About a week before I leave, I start tossing items in that room as I find them around the house. Unlike a quick pack job for the beach, packing for a ‘Ghany adventure may take a little more thought and planning.
General Packing Tips
Packing can seem like a challenge if you’re squeezing a family and all your camping gear into 1 car, so you want to pack smart.
First of all, if you don’t own a trunk, there’s no need to buy one! My boys didn’t have trunks when we started coming and they did fine with large Tupperware containers. This is where all of their clothes, shoes, and other items can go. I even fit their individual linens and towels in there, too.
I also have each child bring a backpack and pack it with all the toys, books, and games they plan to use. Kiddos will definitely need some activities to keep them busy during the daily Rest Hour.
What about linens? Most Alleghany alum will recommend using a duffle bag for this. Think: towels, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and laundry bags. (I’ve been known to stuff some bulky sweatshirts in there, too, if there’s room.)
One last word about pillows. If you’re worried about them getting dirty on the ride over the barge, I recommend putting them into laundry bags or garbage bags. Garbage bags can also be reused for wet items on the trip home!
What NOT to Bring
A common Alleghany piece of advice: don’t bring anything that would upset you if it’s ruined!
Bring clothes, linens, and other items that are used or old. It’s simply hard to keep out the dirt when you’re living outdoors!
For Family Camp, I usually trade out my nice watch for a cheap, plastic one. No extra jewelry or makeup makes it into my trunk. I bring my faded bathing suits and towels and leave anything expensive at home.
Take it from me, everything will be taking a pit stop in the laundry room when you get home!
If the Shoe Fits…
Proper shoe wear is a game-changer at Camp Alleghany. Happy feet = happy campers.
If you’re trying to pack wisely, the Teva/Chacos/Keens style of shoe is the way to go. These can be worn in the river, the shower, on a hike, and in the rain! How convenient! I actually bring 2 sets: Keens for the day and Tevas for the river & shower.
If you want more options, though, Crocs can be a good sub for wet shoes. Cheap flip flops are good for the showers. Tennis shoes and hiking boots work for daytime activities and the rifle range. And rain boots are perfect for—well—the rain! (And don’t forget that raincoat!)
Toiletries
Camp Alleghany boasts some of the best outdoor showers around. Where else can you wash your hair in the fresh air while gazing at the morning fog on the mountain?
Packing tips for toiletries include:
- Travel-sized items– no need for full bottles to take up precious packing space
- Shower bucket—so everything can be carried in one handy place!
- 2 Towels—one for the river and one for the showers
I always recommend bringing a plastic cup, too, for your toothbrush and toothpaste. This is handy for your am/pm brushing trip to the bathroom!
Bedding Down
Camping in the mountains in August has been a little unpredictable over the last few years. Some nights can be a warm 65-70 degrees and some nights can be 60 or lower. You’ll need to pack for both.
Beds can be made up with single sheets for cots and a fleece or army blanket on top. Again, no need to buy anything new. They WILL get dirty. (Especially if you have young children!)
If you’re traveling with a partner, you can even bring a set of double sheets. Many couples push two cots together to make a bigger bed. Consider bringing an egg crate, though, to cover up that pesky “crack” in the middle!
Families with Young Kids
Camp Alleghany is a young child’s dream come true: a literal playground is outside your tent flap, s’mores or milk & cookies get served each night, and friends are around every corner.
Here are a few items to consider to make the fun last even longer!
- Glow-in-the-Dark Accessories: Family Campers often enjoy glow bracelets, necklaces, and other glowy toys after 9pm when it starts to get dark (and Taps hasn’t blown yet!)
- Fairy Lights: These tiny twinkle lights are fun to wrap around the front tent pole and string inside the tent for a little extra illumination
- Quiet Activities for Rest Hour: Books, playing cards, crafts, and bracelet-making activities are all essential if grownups want to catch a midday nap
- Detergent Pods: Washer and dryers are available for unexpected accidents or laundry emergencies
- Electric Lantern: A little extra light inside the tent is helpful for late-night PJ changes and a book before bedtime
- Sturdy Water Bottles: Water bottles are handy to carry throughout the day to various activities. I recommend all family members have one.
- Flashlights for Each Child: Early morning or late-night bathroom breaks will need a flashlight. Headlights are a fun option, too!
Tent Life
Living in a tent is an experience like no other. I will always have fond memories of going to bed under a spray of bright stars and waking up in the crisp, cool mountain air.
Here are some tips that can help you set up your new abode:
Inside the tent there is a washstand for basic everyday items. I suggest bringing a recycled plastic bag to use as a trashcan in addition to some tissues for various needs. I often bring 1-2 crates during the packing process, as well, which can be used a small nightstand beside my bed. Perfect for books, a small lantern, and a place to rest my glasses at the end of the day!
A few items are stored outside of the tent, too. Fishing poles are handy if you want to fish off the bank or from a canoe. Folding chairs are a necessity for campfires, music events, or just relaxing after a full day. Inner tubes for each person are everyone’s favorite luxury for the ever-popular River Floats. (Don’t forget the electric pump to blow them up!) Finally, coolers are useful for extra drinks and snacks. Which leads me to…
A Word About Food
One must remember we are sharing the great outdoors with hungry critters. All food needs to be securely kept in Tupperware containers or closed coolers.
While plastic containers with extra snacks can be kept inside the tent during the day, my personal experience strongly recommends that you place them outside at night!
Family Camp provides plentiful breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, so I’ve never found the need to bring much extra (other than a few packs of crackers or granola bars.) Some Family Campers, however, do enjoy some late-afternoon appetizers and beverages. In this case, airtight containers for safekeeping are a wise choice!
Final Thoughts
Don’t fret if you’re on the road and realize you’ve forgotten something! The Camp Store has basic toiletries, clothing, and even Crazy Creeks if you missed them on the packing list. Walmart and CVS are a quick barge trip away, as well.
Well, that’s it! Consider yourself prepped and ready for your next outdoor camping adventure.
Camp Alleghany is waiting for you, my friend, and you’ll be heading down I-64 with a packed car before you know it.
I’ll see you there!- Sarah Takacs, Family Camper and Alleghany Alum
