Camping essentials/ handy tips while trying to pack light.

[starmoonsun]

I'm going camping solo with 6 and 8 year old children for 5 nights. Haven't been for a few years and want to keep luggage to a minimum as not tonnes of space in the car.
What would you say are essentials, other than obvious stuff, airbeds, sleeping bags, clothes, cooker etc.
For example what things do you take to make it easier that you'd never think of.

Judging by my current experience, earplugs (loads of late night noise, and loads of seagulls squawking from 4am) . Toilet, as you cat leave the DC alone in the night to go for a wee.

Waterproofs and wellies. Stuff for them to do if it rains

Micro fibre towels take up very little storage and dry really quickly

Avon skin so soft is an excellent bug spray

Dry shampoo

If you don't have a water cannister, you can buy a 5L bottle of mineral water from the supermarket and refill it - its just the right size, not too big to fit in the car and much cheaper than a proper water caddy.

Lots of snacks

Umbrella for if it pours down when you’re putting the tent up !

Flip flops or slip on shoes for late night toilet trips and to wear in the showers

Do you have a folding table? Really good for card games and things like that in the evening.

Gaffer tape in case anything breaks or leaks

Wet wipes, either battery operated night light or glow sticks for helping kids feel safe and comfortable going to sleep, insect repellent, torches and red cellophane for if you want to look for nocturnal animals (red cellophane protects their eyes and night vision), marshmallows to roast over a fire, first aid kit.

If it is a long drive have a jerrycan of petrol just in case.

Pegs and a washing line, even if you’re not intending on doing any washing! Great for hanging up wet towels or even waterproofs.

Wet wipes, absolute god send!

I freeze cartons of juice rather than taking ice blocks.

Currently camping for week with 2 kids. Recommend a book they will both enjoy so that in the evenings they have something to do. Hot chocolate if they enjoy it. Pack of playing cards for endless possibilities. Sweets in wrappers - hunt the sweets will pass half an hour when they are antsy and you need a break. Finally relax, drop your expectations and enjoy it. I see too many stressed mums on holiday trying to stick to routines and marching kids around whilst shouting at them! In the tent next to us mum has not moved from her chair all week and the kids are doing every order she barks at them !

Length of rope, long enough to tie doubled over between 2 trees (no need for pegs if doubled as you twist it and use the twists to hang the clothes).

Although I have a set of pegs that were bought purely for camping so kept clean, that can either hang clothes or close food packets.

Woolly hat for sleeping.