Pack up the car, it’s time to head out on your next camping adventure! Nature is calling your name, and you can’t wait to find a beautiful camping spot surrounded by trees and beauty. This is your time to escape from all the busy life stresses and simply relax, but wait!
Do you know what to bring to experience a relaxing and stress-free camping trip? What does your camping packing list consist of? How will you know if you have all the required necessities?
The last thing you want to do is wind up at the campsite with insufficient supplies to live comfortably for your entire time. We want to make sure this camping trip is one that you’ll want to plan annually. That’s why we will tell you exactly what to bring camping to keep everyone happy and comfortable.
Top Camping Packing List Items for 2023
Continue reading below for the camping checklist you don’t want to miss!
1. The Basics
Let’s start with the basics. These are the things that most people think of when they’re planning their camping trip. Although you might know what basics to bring, it’s still a good idea to have a list written to ensure nothing is forgotten.
The Tent
You want to pack your tent or tents, but you’ll also need to pack a sheet or cloth for the ground. You can place the tent over one to prevent it from touching the ground. You can place one in the seating area right outside the tent as well.
You should also bring a tarp to hang over the tent in case of rain. This will also provide shade.
Sleeping Bags
Bring your sleeping bags and sleeping pads to place the bags on. The pads will create a more comfy sleeping area. Don’t forget your pillows, either.
Foldable chairs are also a good idea to have, so the tent and sleeping area isn’t the only place you can rest.
Lights
Remember, there won’t be much lighting in the middle of your campsite. Because of this, you’ll need to bring lanterns and flashlights. Some sites do offer outlets to plug items into.
These are beneficial for plugging in lamps, but bring spare batteries just in case.
Tools
A rope, a Swiss army knife, a backpack, and a broom and dustpan are also necessary. You never know when a few of these things will come in handy. You’ll need the broom and dustpan to sweep out your tent and keep it clean.
Your Clothing
The type of clothing you pack with you should be quick-dry material for the most part. This will make it easier to wear some of the same clothing more than once. This type of fabric also comes in handy if you plan hiking or exploring during the day.
Long sleeves and pants are also necessary since some nights might get cold.
Accessories
You should also bring a waterproof jacket, wool socks, sunglasses, and a swimsuit. The waterproof jacket is great for rainy days. If things do get cold at night, the wool socks will keep your toes warm.
Sunglasses and swimsuits will also be needed throughout your camping trip.
Shoes
Don’t forget to bring your hiking boots and water shoes aside from your regular everyday shoes. If you plan to do any hiking or swimming, both of these items will be beneficial.
2. Your Personal Items
When choosing what personal items to take with you, you’ll want to be selective. The less you bring, the better as it’ll save you space. You do want to ensure you have all of your necessities, though.
Medications
If you have medications or prescriptions that you take daily, even if they’re just vitamins, bring them with you. You should also bring pain medication as well for surprise headaches and more.
Bug spray, anti-itch cream, and antibacterial ointment should also be included.
Restroom Necessities
Don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper, or you might find yourself in quite a bind. Besides that, you also need to bring hand soap, hand sanitizer, and other restroom necessities.
Personal Hygiene
Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant are all items you’ll want to have when you arrive. Anything that you use each morning or night should go with you.
Protective Items
Sunblock, chapstick with SPF, and bug spray (as mentioned before) are essential for protecting yourself against nature. Be sure to include these on your camping packing list as well.
3. Your Food and Drinks
There might be a restaurant on-site, but you aren’t going to want to eat there every night. There’s also the chance that the campgrounds don’t have many places to eat. You’ll need to bring your own food and a portable kitchen.
Cooking Tools
Bring a cooking stove made specifically for camping. You’ll then want to bring all the necessary cookware, such as pots, pans, and utensils for cooking and eating. Bring a cutting board as well for preparing your food.
Food
Packaged snack items are a must, as they’re easy to eat while on the go. Freeze-dried meals are perfect for cooking on the trails. Other food items you can cook on your portable stove depend on what your family enjoys.
Just be sure to bring enough to last you the entire trip.
Water
Refillable water bottles are another must-have item on your camping trip. Aside from the bottles, you should bring a water filtration system as well. If you need to gather water from nearby sources, you can filter it before drinking.
4. The Navigation Devices
If you want to embark on some exploring and hiking during your camping trip, then you should bring your navigation devices along with you. These can also come in handy when needing to get around the campsite if you’re not familiar with it.
GPS
A portable GPS with a charger can keep you from getting lost. You should also bring a map and a compass with a few pencils. If something were to go wrong with the GPS, you have a backup.
Communication
A two-way radio is another safety net that should be kept close by if you plan on traveling and exploring during your trip. Have a plan for emergencies so everyone knows how to respond if an emergency happens.
5. Your First Aid Supplies
If any accidents happen, you need to have a fully-equipped first aid kit on hand. Check your first aid kit before packing it. Be sure it’s full and has everything you need, from bandages to gaze and everything in between.
You don’t want to be stuck in the woods with no way to properly clean a wound and bandage it.
6. Your Entertainment
Now we’re getting to the fun part. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your family without anything else getting in the way. Be sure to have all your favorite board games, card games, fishing gear, canoeing or kayaking gear, and more.
Bring treats to make s’mores at the campfire, and bring cameras and binoculars to enjoy spotting different creatures and critters. If you enjoy riding bikes, the entire family can bike ride through the campsite and get in some good exercise each day.
Bring anything you can think of that’ll keep you and everyone else entertained.
7. The Extras
There are plenty of extra items that you can bring to make your camping trip that much better. If you have the space for it, then why not? You can bring a few extra things such as a hammock and cots to relax.
You can bring a radio or speaker to play music on. Solar charging stations are great because you won’t use power outlets to charge your devices. A clothesline and clothespins are a good idea if you want to wash and hang dry your clothes.
Anything else that you can think of that might not be necessary but something that’ll make you happy, bring it!
What’s on Your Camping Packing List?
Creating the ideal camping packing list doesn’t happen overnight. Be sure to plan beforehand so you don’t have to rush at the last minute to grab what you need. Use this guide to help you along the way, and you’ll have everything you need quickly!
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