Lifestyle

The Ultimate Camping Packing List [The Outdoors Are Calling]

This article may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Privacy Policy.

Do you love the great outdoors? With the weather warming up, people are gearing up to spend more time in nature. When enjoying the great outdoors, it is also important to be prepared with the right items for a successful camping trip.

Whether you are RV camping or backpacking, there are some essentials you want to make sure you have for your trip.

What follows is a list of the most important things to make sure to pack for your camping trip.

These items will ensure your comfort, safety, and enjoyability of your trip. Here is our ultimate camping packing list.

Campsite Essentials

There are a few items that are essential for when you arrive at your campsite. Many of these items are common sense items, while others may be things you have never thought about before. Having shelter, a place to sit and items to keep your campsite safe and clean are campsite essentials.

  • Tent
  • Stakes
  • A tarp
  • Clothesline & Clothespins
  • Folding table
  • Camping chairs
  • Trash bags
  • Personal backpack
  • Bug spray
  • Hand warmers
  • Sunshades or screen house
  • Broom & Dustpan
 

Campfire Essentials

A camping experience isn’t complete without a roaring fire.

Proving warmth, a way to cook your food and entertain yourself, campfires are a must for any successful camping trip. Most campsites will allow visitors to build a fire, so make sure you have the proper tools to build, maintain and enjoy your campfire.

  • Lighter
  • Lint for a firestarter
  • Old Newspaper
  • Lighter fluid or charcoal
  • Roasting skewers
  • Firewood

If you are looking to up your game by bringing your own chainsaw and cutting down your own firewood, Chainsaw Larry is a great resource for all your chainsaw needs.

Tools

Having the proper tools for your camping trip can be the difference between a successful trip and a disaster. You will need light for when it gets dark at night. You’ll need the proper tools for setting up your tent, clearing brush and chopping wood.

In case items get damaged, you want the proper gear to make needed repairs as well. Depending on what type of camping you have planned, you will also need a power source.

  • Multi-tool
  • Ropes/cords
  • Mallet & Hammer
  • Hatchet
  • Headlamp
  • Lantern
  • Flashlights
  • Zip ties
  • Spade
  • Duct tape
  • AC adapter
  • Batteries
  • GPS
  • Generator (in case there is no power source at your campsite)

Kitchen

At some point, you are going to need to eat during your camping trip. Whether you are RV camping or tent camping, having some basic cooking items will help you to prepare and store your food properly.

Using disposable plates and cutlery, as well as some trash bags, will cut down on how much cleaning you have to do with every meal.

  • Camp Stove and/or grill
  • Propane tank
  • Pots and Pans
  • Knives, forks, spoons
  • Kitchen knives and knife sharpener
  • Wooden spoon and tongs
  • Can opener
  • Cutting board
  • Cooler
  • Plastic bags
  • Ice
  • Aluminum foil
  • Dish soap & Sponges
  • Paper plates
  • Table clothes

Food & Drinks

Bringing the right food and drinks is important. You want to stay hydrated, and make sure you bring enough water with you for your trip. You also want to make sure to bring food that will be easy to store and won’t spoil before you eat it. Keeping perishables in a cooler can help. Also, having non-perishable snacks and food on hand will help to lower your food waste.

  • Water storage (bottles, gallon jugs)
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Food that will not spoil easily
  • Healthy Snacks
  • Protein Bars
  • Canned Goods
  • Cooking oil and/or spray
  • S’mores
  • Spices
  • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, hot sauce,  mayo, etc.)
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Instant Coffee

The Bar

Many people enjoy a few adult beverages while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether it’s a glass of wine, a mixed drink, a bottle of beer or straight liquor having the right equipment to enjoy your drink of choice is important.

A few bar essentials are key. As always, make sure to drink responsibly, even when in the great outdoors.

  • Corkscrew & Bottle opener
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Cups, mugs, shot glasses
  • Coffee press
  • Your favorite beverages and mixers

Clothing & Footwear

Having the proper clothing can be the difference between a comfortable and uncomfortable camping experience. Make sure you check the weather for the place you will be camping ahead of time to make sure you are prepared with the proper clothing.

Again, most of these items are common sense, but others you may not think of, such as having a jacket in case it gets cold at night during a summer camping trip.

  • Jacket & hoodie
  • Hat & mittens
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sturdy boots
  • Swimsuits
  • Rain Poncho
  • Shorts
  • T-shirts & Tank tops
  • Sports Bra
  • Underwear
  • Pajamas
  • Sunglasses
  • Socks

Sleep

When it is time to turn in for the night, you want to make sure you have a comfortable evening. You have a few options, such as sleeping bags, cots, and air mattresses. Pick the one that best fits your needs, and you have space for in your tent.

Items such as eye masks and earplugs may help you to fall asleep in unfamiliar surroundings.

  • Sleeping bag & Sleeping pad
  • Eye mask
  • Pillows
  • Blankets
  • Earplugs
  • Air Mattress & Pump
  • Cot

Entertainment

Camping in itself is a fun experience. However, you want to have some ways to keep yourself and your group entertained on your trip. Some items can be great for educational purposes, while others can be fun ways to simply pass the time while enjoying nature.

  • Camp Rug
  • Camera
  • Camping games
  • Hammock & Hammock straps
  • Ping pong balls
  • Playing cards
  • Solar-powered string lights
  • Solar-powered speakers
  • Aux cables & Chargers
  • Sky charts
  • Field guides
  • Fishing equipment

Health/Hygiene

You want to make sure you keep yourself clean and healthy while on your trip. Basic toiletries and items like sunscreen will keep you clean and healthy while enjoying the great outdoors.

  • Soap
  • Lotion
  • Dry Shampoo
  • Toothpaste & Toothbrush
  • Deodorant
  • Toilet Paper
  • Sunscreen
  • Prescription medications, if any
  • Wet Wipes
  • Camp Towels
  • Eye drops
  • Feminine products
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lip balm

First Aid

When you are camping, sometimes accidents happen. Someone might get a cut or scrape, or pick up a splinter. If you or a fellow camper forget their sunscreen, they may get a painful sunburn. Having a few basic first aid items with your gear will help in case of an emergency. Of course for serious injuries or situations, seek immediate medical attention.

  • Band-aids
  • Neosporin
  • Aspirin
  • Aloe Vera
  • Tweezers
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Scissors

Packing these essentials will ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe camping experience. Being prepared is important when camping, and these items will ensure you are prepared for whatever mother nature may send your way.

With this list, you will be prepared for your trip, whether it is exploring one of the country’s national parks or visiting your favorite campground.

You might also be interested in: The Top 10 Things From Camp Chef To Up Your Grill Game

Brady Smith

view post

More from Lifestyle category