Summer is here which means it is camping season! Whether you are a first-time camper or camping is your favorite hobby - this blog will cover our 12 essentials for the perfect camping trip! So, grab your friends and family and head on down to a campground for a fun weekend getaway in nature!
1. Map
At many campsites, you may not have cell phone reception.
Many parks will have maps at the welcome center for visitors and campers. These
are important so you know exactly where you are and locations nearby that you
may need to visit on your trip.
2. Tent
This one is obvious, but we have a few ways to spice up your
normal tent. There are various tent options available varying in size and setup
requirements. Target, Walmart, and Amazon have a pretty good selection for you
to choose from. To turn your camping trip into a glamping trip, bring string
lights and decorations to make your tent cute and cozy. You can also bring
picnic tables and other small furniture to really elevate your glamping
experience.
3. Sleeping Arrangement
So, you got the tent up but there are also various options
to consider for bedtime. If you want to have a traditional camping experience,
we suggest going with a sleeping bag. If a sleeping bag outside is not your
thing, try looking at air mattresses. There are ones you can easily blow up and
set right inside your tent. Another thing to remember is tons of pillows and
blankets. It can get cold at night sometimes, so make sure you bring extras.
4. Campfire
No camping trip is complete without a night around the
campfire. It is important that you plan how you will be setting up the fire and
bring the right supplies. Some grounds have fire pits already set up that you
only need to light up. However, other locations might require you to build one
from scratch.
5. Inside-Out S’mores
Because what is a campfire without s’mores? However,
ordinary s’mores can be quite messy and require you to bring multiple
ingredients and supplies to the trip. Inside-Out S’mores solve this problem
completely! With the chocolate and graham cracker tucked inside the
marshmallow, and all readily assembled on a stick, all you have to do is roast and
enjoy! These come in various flavors and with extender pieces which can be
attached to the stick for safe roasting.
6. First Aid Kit
Make sure you bring some medical supplies like band aids,
antiseptic wipes/spray, and Aspirin or ibuprofen in case anyone needs it during
the trip. Hopefully, you will not have to open it, but it is always best to be
prepared.
7. Food & Water
Choose your food based on the equipment you will have
available when camping. For example if you are bringing a portable grill or
will have one available, you may be able to get a barbecue going. You will also
need to bring plates, eating utensils, and napkins. If you want to save some
time cooking or preparing food when there, you can also make it beforehand.
Wrap your meal in tin foil and bring coolers so it's fresh when ready to
enjoy.
8. Flashlights/Lanterns
Once it gets dark, you will need some tools to brighten up
your space. Bring tons of flashlights and/or lanterns to set up around your
area.
9. Board Games
Late night board games in the tent are so much fun! Bring
your favorite board and/or card games with you. This will provide some great
fun and entertainment for your whole crew.
10. Insect Repellant
No one wants to come back with a trillion mosquito bites so
make sure you bring bug spray with you! Spray throughout the day/night to keep
those insects away.
11. Camping chairs
If there are not picnic tables nearby, you will need camping
chairs for when it’s time to eat or gather around the campfire. You can get
these at many places, of course including Amazon.
12. Sun Screen
Lastly, if you are going to be out in the sun all day - make sure you have sun protection. Sun screen, hats, and sunglasses are important to stay safe and prevent you from coming back with sunburn.