With warmer days ahead, spending time outdoors and in nature is sounding more appealing by the minute! And booking a campsite can be great for some fun under the sun with your family and friends. Planning an outing like a camping trip can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many things to remember. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
We’ll touch on everything from general camping equipment and kitchen items to activities for your kiddos and first aid essentials. Let’s dig deeper into what you might need to bring on your next camping adventure.
Camping trip must-haves
Starting off your camping trip on the right foot begins with packing the essentials. These are the foundation of any camping trip and are items you don’t want to forget!
Camping basics to pack:
- Tent (make sure to double-check that you have all your poles and pegs!)
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Chairs
- Flashlights or headlamps
- Extra batteries
Get your grub on!
The key to successful cooking while camping is plenty of planning and prep. Knowing what you want to cook in advance makes it easy to put together a grocery list and have everything you need to feed yourself (and campsite-mates) and provide the fuel you need to enjoy the outdoors. It may feel overwhelming to cook without a kitchen, but there’s actually a lot you can make! Looking for some inspiration on meal planning? check out this blog!
Kitchen items to pack:
- Lighter and/or match sticks
- Camping stove and fuel
- Cooking pot(s) and pan(s)
- Spatula and serving spoon
- Plates and bowls
- Eating utensils
- Knife and cutting board
- A water jug
- Cups and water bottles
- Paper towels
- Hand sanitizer
- Trash bags
- Nutritious drinks to quench your thirst
- Cooler with ice
Oh, and don’t forget to grab some ingredients for delicious snacks your kiddos will love, like s’mores!
What to wear?
When you’re going on a camping trip, it’s important to pack multiple layers of clothing. This way, you can cover all your bases and be prepared for any unexpected weather.
Clothing to pack:
- T-shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Light sweater
- Rain jacket
- Quick-drying pants and shorts
- Socks
- Pyjamas
- Sun hat
Hygiene and skin protection essentials
Getting a little dirt under your fingernails is to be expected when camping. But you also want to make sure to pack those items you need to keep up your hygiene on the go!
Health & hygiene essentials to pack:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Soap and facewash
- Sunscreen
- Quick-dry towel
Keep the kiddos entertained
While a camping trip gives your little ones plenty of opportunities to explore the wilderness and stay busy, it’s also good to have some activities planned to make sure they don’t run out of things to do. Because let’s be honest, you never know when your kids are going to get bored or change their minds!
Look up nearby trails or hikes for a fun nature excursion, and try to spot some deer, birds, chipmunks and other friendly animals. And for nighttime fun, share some spooky campfire stories while you enjoy your s’mores.
Entertainment to pack:
- Bikes
- Roller skates
- Skateboards
- Binoculars
- Swimsuits
- Goggles
- Water toys
Be prepared for boo-boos
One of the most important things to remember for your camping adventure is that accidents can happen! In addition to the occasional scrapes and bruises that can occur in the great outdoors, you may come across some bugs and plants that can result in a not-so-great reaction. (Looking at you, mosquitoes and poison ivy!) That’s why it’s essential to pack an up to date first aid kit.
First-aid items to pack:
- Bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Gauze pads in different sizes
- Bites and stings creams
- Burn relief cream (for sunburns and cooking mishaps!)
- Tweezers
- Travel-friendly chewable probiotics to keep little tummies happy
Backcountry necessities
Most drive-up campsites have a picnic table, a place to park your car, and an area to pitch your tent. Some even have shared bathrooms, as well as running water and laundry! But if you’re venturing out into the backcountry, there are a few more items that you want to have with you.
Backcountry essentials to pack:
- Toilet paper
- Small shovel to dig a latrine
- Water purification tablets
- Clothesline and clips
- Pocket knives or utility knives (such as a Swiss Army knife)
- Compass
- Walkie-talkie
Camping is a wonderful way to get outside and spend quality time friends and family in the summer months. And coming prepared with all the right essentials can make your experience that much better.
Use this list as a starting point to make your next camping adventure a blast!
