Here is our list of items you should bring with you on your next camping trip.
Toiletries
Many companies send out sample sizes of their products. I throw the stuff I get
in a box and save it all up for camping trips.
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Dental Floss
Mouthwash or Breath Mints
Shampoo
Hair Conditioner
Metal Mirror
For shaving, hair combing, or "What do I look like today?"
Toilet Paper and a Small Shovel
Just in case you can't find a rest room!
Quarters for the Showers
Hair Combs and/or Brushes
Hand Soap
I find the anti-bacterial soaps very reassuring on camping trips
Sun Screen
Bug Repellent
Skin Lotion
Shaving Accessories
Don't forget the power cord!
Tweezers
Someone is always getting a wood or glass sliver.
Aspirin or Tylenol
Children's Tylenol
Some kid size fever reducer.
Forehead Thermometer
Finger Nail Clippers or Nail File
Antiperspirant
Lip Balm
Some come with U.V. protection.
Prescription Medications
Get spares of all you can; especially allergy and athsma medications as these
conditions an be worsened by changing climate and vegetation.
Basics
Flashlights with Batteries
Wooden Matches and a Lighter
Basic Tools
Phillips head and slot head screwdrivers, a hammer, and a camp knife are a
must. If you know anything about car maintenance add to this basic list.
Fire Extinguisher
It may sit in your trunk for years or you might find yourself putting out an
engine fire like I did a few years ago.
First Aid Kit
Sewing Kit
Scissors, thread, a few needles and safety pins will do it.
Duct Tape
Dish Soap
Rope
Swiss Army Knife
Or something comparable
Folding Multi-Purpose Tool
1 Cup per Camper
Roll of Trash Bags
Great for packing up wet gear, dirty laundry, dirty dishes, and trash.
Gear
Tent
Make sure you have all the stakes, ropes, poles, etc. Most tents come
with lousy stakes that bend after the first few uses - I buy 'industrial
strength' stakes at my local hardware store.
Ground Cloth or Tarp
You should always have a two or more tarps to go with your tent.
Tent Carpet
A piece of used or remnant carpet, cut to fit your tent floor, makes for a
comfortable tent experience.
Sleeping Bags
Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner
Not only does this add warmth to a sleeping bag, it helps keep your sleeping
bag clean. it's easier to wash a bag liner than it is to wash the whole
sleeping bag.
Canteen
Blankets
Inflatable Cushions
For under the sleeping bags.
Pillows
Coats work great if you're in a pinch for space.
Camping Lanterns
We use the battery operated kind. They are not as bright as gas
lamps, but are much safer with a small child and can be used in the
tent without fear.
Camp Stove
Make sure to bring fuel.
Propane Grill
Charcoal and Lighter Fluid
Long Handle Pick Ax
Bandanna
Cooler
Backpacks
Include ones for the kids - Why carry snacks for everyone? Let the kids pack
and carry what they want to bring (they might want to bring less stuff next
time).
Food Bin
Plastic Dish Pan
This keeps stuff from rolling all over in the trunk and comes in handy for dish
washing and bathing.
Paper Plates
Twice as many as you think you need. Bring plenty, they burn very well for fire
starting purposes.
Can Opener
Cup-O-Noodles
Granola Bars
Silverware
2x everyone in your party. Bring some regular silverware and some plastic
stuff.
Napkins or Paper Towels
Toothpicks
Coffee (Sugar / Cream)
The makings for a good cup of coffee. Also, single serving coffee bags or tea
bags
Beef Stew
Corned Beef Hash
Great with eggs!
Canned Pie Filling
Excellent!
Ravioli
Even good cold and kids love it!
Macaroni and Cheese
Very soupy but tasty.
Baked Beans
Soups
Pick the stuff your family likes best.
Canned Vegetables
Green beans, peas, mushrooms, corn, carrots, etc.
Canned Fruits
Pineapple, applesauce, peaches, pears, apricots, etc.
Bread
Bring a good loaf of bread.
Cheese
Cheddar or mozzarella
Sandwich Meat
Butter
Condiments
Almost all condiments will keep well - Just make them easy to get to.
Adult Beverages
Kids Drinks
Hot Dogs
Excellent food.
Box of Cereal
Cherrios, Chex's, any cereal that requires no sugar. Eat this out of a cup.
It's a quick and easy breakfast.
S'more Fixings
Marshmallows, Hershey chocolate bars, and graham crackers!
Zip-Lock Storage Bags
Really handy if you hate seeing your butter floating around in the bottom of
the cooler.
Aluminum Foil
Spatula
Cooking Utensils
A serving spoon, a pitch fork, a pair of tongs, and a good knife.
Hot Pads
Clothes Pin
Frying Pan
I use an old cast iron pan.
Car / Glove Box
Car Registration
Car Insurance Information
Medical Insurance
Bring everyone's cards; better safe than sorry.
Travelers Check Receipts
Camera and Film
Many cameras take strange batteries - bring a spare!
Bring a Book
If you read, bring something. You never know where you'll be waiting.
Your Wallet
Your Drivers License
Obvious, but please make sure!
Your AAA Card
If you don't have one, I recommend you get one. Free tows in the U.S.A. are
only the beginning. Your policy may say they only tow 7 miles - but that's not
the full truth. AAA will tow you seven miles in town.
Your Checkbook
Most self-service campgrounds accept checks.
Your Credit Cards and ATM Cards
Yes, I have left my VISA at home accidentally- the only time I have needed it.
Money
Don't bring hundreds please!
Water
I use a large container for the bulk of the water and keep a soda bottle with
water in reach for drinking in the car or on hikes.
Maps
Toys
Let your kids pick out what they want.
Snacks
Good distractions for the little ones.
Towels
I use them as seat covers to protect from accidents for easy packing.
Clothing
Good Hat
Rain Poncho
Bug Head Net
Multi-Pocket Vest
A great piece of apparel. Keeps all your little items handy.
