Camping with Senior Citizens and Older Adults (Checklist)

Camping is fun at all ages. People need special equipment for kids and different things for camping with senior. Older people get frustrated by living in the house for a long time. The trip gives them recreation and a reason to keep fit.

Camping gives us a chance to live in nature. It allows us to spend quality time with our loved ones. People believe camping is more suitable for young people, but it can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including older people.

11 Things To Consider When Going Camping With Seniors

If you want to plan camping with senior citizens and older adults for the first time, this is the perfect camping with seniors checklist to get you ready for your next camping trip!

1. Consider the weather

Checking the weather is important before embarking on your camping trip, especially for older people. It can influence what items you pack for your trip. If it’s sunny, pack beach gear & a picnic basket If it rains, pack more waterproof clothing.

Low temperatures need more expensive equipment like insulated sleeping bags. Prepare for all weather eventualities. Your sleeping bag will keep you warm or cool. Pack the right clothes.

2. Pack the right clothing

Pack plenty of layers, waterproof clothing & right footwear for seniors. Prepare for all weather scenarios & pack light clothing. Make sure to pack some swimming gear, towels to keep you dry during your trip. Create a rough guide during your camping holiday.

The temperature drops at night, so take plenty of warm clothes. It’s always better to be over-prepared, rather than underprepared. Pack glove, hat & scarf, regardless of the time of year.

3. Have a first aid kit

For any ongoing medical conditions, check with your doctor beforehand as to whether it is the right time for a camping trip. Pack any medicines you take & remember to stick to your usual when camping. Keep a little box filled with medical items like sting relief cream, plasters or painkillers etc.

Get ready for any minor accidents. The first aid kit & charging device can help you deal with emergencies. Sunburns can ruin vacation & bugs can be annoying. Pack some after sun to add some hydration back into your skin.

4. Choose the right tent

Live comfortably & sleep properly during your trip in a suitable tent specially for grownups. The type of tent you need differs from the one you used many years ago. Look for height, living space & how difficult it is to pitch.

Tent with a standing room gives enough room for an air mattress. Make sure you have a good-sized tent that doesn’t need bending to get in. Bell tents from 5m upwards can work although they are harder to put up.

A separate living space to the bedroom comes in handy. When it is too cold to sit & eat outside, relax in your make-shift kitchen & living area.

5. Check out how old people can sleep comfortably

People with age need a lot. Your sleep won’t be sacrificed on a camping trip. The sleeping arrangements that work best include air beds, sleeping mats or camp beds. Bring an airbed rather than sleeping mats.

Sleeping on the floor is uncomfortable. An air mattress can make your night more pleasant to get more sleep. They don’t take much space in the car. Take a suitable pump.

Think of another alternative to manually pump the bed. No lumps and bumps on the ground. Camping beds will take up a larger space in the car. But they are easy to put together.

6. Stay warm

Keeping warm when camping is crucial especially for older people. It can be achieved if you pack the right items. For ensuring a comfortable sleep when camping, must pack plenty of pillows & warm sleeping bags. Stay warm at night.

The evening heat can drop low if you’re sitting around a campfire. Keeping warm is a must. Buy a nice woollen blanket to keep warm. Careful around the campfire with any blanket, the sparks from the fire may jump & could land in your blanket.

Every zip should be done up properly to prevent any unwanted drafts.

7. Think about the lighting

Lighting is what you need to think about before going on a camping trip. Sunsets late in summer, you’ll be in complete darkness unless you have lanterns and torches. Pack lanterns to have around a tent. Hook of the roof of the tent will hang a large lantern.

Add smaller lanterns around the tent for visibility. Having proper lighting is a must for preventing trips & falls. Always carry a torch to prevent accidental trips & falls. Add a few solar powered garden spike lights. Pack a torch so that you can navigate the campsite after dark. Head torches are the best for this.

8. Create a kitchen for the right food

Although restaurants and cafés are not too far away, you’ll need to pack the right equipment to create a makeshift kitchen. Get well seasoned meals for older people made from many different ingredients. Pack a BBQ to enjoy some smoky delicious meals.

Add everything from sausages, burgers, vegetables & fish onto a BBQ. Bring along a cool box & ice packs. Also bring pegs & empty lunch boxes for keeping opened packets of food fresh. A stove & kettle are must-haves for camping.

9. Find the perfect camp chairs

Finding the perfect camp chairs is a must, if you struggle with joint pains. Choose a camp that is also upright enough for you to eat in. Get a chair from mountain & camping retailers that include extra padding & cup holders. They are lightweight & fold into a small size.

For overweight senior persons, you may need oversized camping chairs for their pleasure. A good quality chair can make your camping experience all that bit more comfortable.

10. Notebook & pen

Taking notebooks and pens is very important while camping with senior. Older people are not accustomed to using new technology. Pen and notepad can help them to write necessary things.

Pack a local map & pick up some leaflets of local attractions from the campsite’s reception to visit the best things in the area. Planning ahead of your stay will give an idea of whether the campsite and area are suitable for your needs & what you want to get out of your camping trip.

Spend some time researching about the area you want to camp & the campsite.

11. Pack some tarps

If There are some spells of bad weather, take some extra measures to ensure the tent stays dry. By using tarps you create an extra layer to prevent this from happening. 2  tarps will make your camping life much more enjoyable. Use the second tarp as a rain shield over the top of the tent.

Choose the pitch to set up camp. It is worth requesting certain things to make your stay easier.

It is less fun when you have to scramble up uneven & ungroomed trails to get there. There are many campgrounds that offer a compromise between being easily accessible & still allow you to feel like you’re a part of nature. Check out how far the toilets are from your camp before you book.

FAQ on Camping with senior