Although tent camping is considered “roughing it,” there are still a few “must haves” to enhance the experience. Packing the correct accessories can make a camping experience much more enjoyable, so it is important to plan ahead.
Camping Essentials: Bring Along an Outdoor Grill/Stove Top
Although part of the charm of camping is cooking over the open fire, sometimes that just doesn’t work out as planned. The wind can be blowing too hard, the wood might be too wet or green or maybe someone wants something easier cooked in a pan. This is why a portable grill-stovetop combination is important to make any camping trip successful.
While many such devices only have a grill or stovetop burner, not both, there are a few that offer a combination of the two. This allows for grilling hotdogs or hamburgers, among other items, as well as putting something, such as baked beans, into a pan to prepare for a side dish.
The grills run on a small propane tank, which can be attached when it is ready to be used. The grills can sit on any table to be used and the sides and back fold down for easy storage and transportation.
Camping Essentials: Don’t Forget the Chairs, Lantern and Other Necessities
Also on the list should be chairs and a lantern, which come in handy when relaxing in the evening. While a campfire provides light for a while, eventually it will burn out and a battery-powered lantern also can be taken inside the tent for some bedtime reading or games with the family.
Wood is another item campers may want to remember. While it is usually available for purchase at many camping areas, it will cost more than if purchased ahead of time from a store. Be sure to follow any rules and restrictions about transporting wood from one place to another. Don’t give harmful insects and other forest pests a free ride.
Camping Essentials: First Aid
On the top of the list of needed items should be bug spray. There is nothing worse than being attacked by mosquitoes while trying to enjoy the great outdoors.
With the wonder of the great outdoors come a host of things like bee stings, scraped knees, cuts, and burns. A first aid kit can come in handy for small cuts, stings, and injuries.
Camping Essentials: Toiletries
Some campgrounds include restrooms with flush toilets and TP – while others do not. If you’re heading to a remote campground – consider taking your own portable camping toilet. Either way, having a few rolls of toilet paper packed is a good idea.
Also, if you like clean teeth and showers, etc., you’ll need to pack those essential items as well – soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
Camping Essentials: Clothes
Check the weather and pack your bags according to the forecast and climate. An extra warm layer for nighttime outside is always nice. And rain layers can come in handy for wind or wet weather, even if you aren’t expecting storms. Remember to keep sun protection in mind while you are packing since you’ll be spending more time outdoors.
Camping Essentials: Sleeping Bags
Campers should consider the time of year and location where they will be camping in determining the appropriate sleeping bags. Sleeping bags come in varying warmths, which are labeled on the packages. In the mountains, regardless of the time of year, it will get colder at night than other places. Keep this in mind when choosing a sleeping bag.
Many campers may also want to bring along an extra travel pillow. Although sleeping bags have a pillow built in, they often are not enough to allow for a comfortable night’s sleep.
A camping trip can be an enjoyable experience if one plans ahead and makes sure everything is packed for the trip. It is helpful to create a checklist of the necessities for a camping trip so as not to forget anything.
Camping is a great way to get outside with family and friends or even by yourself. You can go camping in many state and national parks, at private campgrounds, in the backcountry or even in your own backyard. Most campsites include a picnic table, a place to park your car and a spot to pitch your tent. Many also have shared bathrooms and running water.
Having the right camping essentials will definitely make your trip more enjoyable!
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