Camping Basics - Returning Home

The ride home after a camping trip can be long, particularly when you have a hot shower and cozy bed waiting there for you. But before relaxing, some final chores need to be done:

• unload gear
  First things first, unload your car, truck, or camper and separate everything used on the camping trip.
  
  
• empty the cooler
  Remove all food from your cooler and place it in the refrigerator, then rinse the cooler and allow to dry.
  
  
• store food items
  Return all remaining foods to the pantry or cupboard.
  
  
• wash the dishes
  Even if you did it at the campground before leaving, it's still a good sanitary practice to wash them again.
  
  
• dispose of trash
  Gather up and dispose of any remaining trash. Also a good time to whisk out the car or truck of any debris.
  
  
• do the laundry
  Before washing, shake out all your camping clothes and bedding, especially the kids' clothing.
  
  
• stow away the gear
  Shake out all your gear too. If any gear is wet, lay it out or set it up to dry before packing it for storage. Mildew is much easier to prevent than it is to remove.
  
  
• reminisce
  Until the next camping trip ...

Next page > storing gear

Camping Basics Index

• introduction
• making your bed
• more about bedding
• sheets blankets pillows
• campsite shelters
• what kind of tent
• staking the tent
• setting up camp
• what to do next
• dealing with pests
• cozy campfires
• leave no trace
• kitchen duty
• breaking camp
• returning home
• storing gear