Camping Essentials: What to Bring to Camp

Of course, the essentials for sleeping and shelter are must-haves for camping, but there are a few additional items to consider. Plus, there’s gear that’ll make the campsite more welcoming and more like home.

• Tent: No camping list would be complete without a good tent to provide shelter from the weather, insects and wildlife. Choose a size based on the number of people and type of gear that’ll be sharing the space.
• Sleeping Pad and Sleeping Bag: You’ll want a sleeping pad and sleeping bag to keep you off of the hard ground and make cold nights comfortable. If the sleeping pad is inflatable, make sure you’ve got a battery-operated air pump. Pay attention to the temperature rating on the sleeping bag.
• Camping Chairs: Chairs give you some of the comfort of home, and these are perfect for gathering around a campfire or just relaxing outside of your tent. Make sure you get comfortable chairs that are easy to set up and pack up.
• Trash Bags and Recycling Bags: You need to take out what you bring in, and it’s not a good idea to throw trash or garbage into a campfire. Even if you’re at a commercial campground, bags will make it easier to dispose of the trash.
• Mallet or Hammer: Chances are you’ll need one of these for setting up tents, and you may find other uses as well. Keep one packed with your camping gear so you don’t forget it.
  

If you’re in a commercial campground or state park campsite, there may be an outdoor charcoal grill at your campsite as well as a source of clean water nearby. If not, you’ll need to think about how you’re going to cook your meals and how you’ll provide a supply of clean water. Here are some ideas of necessary items to add to your camping list.

• Portable Grill or Propane Cooker: If you don’t have a grill on-site and don’t want to cook over a campfire, you’ll need some type of grill that’s compact and easy to use. Make sure you have enough fuel — either propane or charcoal — and a lighter or some weatherproof matches. If you’re using charcoal, make sure the coals are fully extinguished and cool before leaving the area.
• Grilling Utensils: Make sure you have a spatula, tongs and any other utensils you need to cook on a portable grill. If you’re going to make camping a recurring event, consider getting a grilling utensil set with a case for easy packing. Read our Grill and Smoker Buying Guide for tips on grills, accessories and utensils so you’re ready to cook wherever you are.
• Portable Cooler and Ice or Ice Packs: For many types of food, cold storage is a necessity. Make sure you’ve got enough cooler space and enough ice or ice packs. If you need to keep food cool over several days, make sure you’re able to replenish ice as needed.
• Manual Can Opener: You can find can openers on many multi-tools and pocket knives, but if canned goods are likely to be a staple of your campsite meals, you’ll appreciate having a handheld opener.
• Plates and Bowls: It’s a good idea to avoid disposable dinnerware for camping — it generates a lot of trash. If you don’t have dedicated camping dinnerware, melamine plates and bowls can be good options for outdoor dining. They’re reusable, durable, lightweight and easy to clean.
• Cups, Mugs and Pitchers: As with the plates and bowls, avoid disposable cups. Look for drinkware that’s tough and easy to clean and pack.
• Utensils: Again, try to avoid disposable spoons, forks and knives. Get reusable utensils that’ll last for a long time. They don’t need to be fancy, just sturdy and easy to care for.
• Cooking Forks: If you plan on cooking hot dogs, roasting marshmallows or making s’mores, you may see a set of cooking forks as a necessity.
• Washing Supplies: You’ll need a plastic tub or two and biodegradable dish soap to clean everything after meals. Make sure you have reusable cleaning cloths, sponges and scrub brushes.
• Plastic Storage Bins With Lids: Get enough plastic bins to pack your cookware, dinnerware, utensils, etc. You’ll also want a few to transport your food and keep it dry and protected from wildlife at the campsite. You may be able to use one or two to double as washtubs.
• Clean Water: Of course, you’ll need a source or supply of clean water. Reusable water bottles will work for hiking and other activities, but you’ll need a plentiful supply to make sure you’re well hydrated and to have available for cooking and cleaning.
• Pet Supplies: If your pets are going to be camping with you, don’t forget to pack food for them as well as food and water bowls that will stand up to outdoor conditions.
  

Outfit yourself with the tools and utility items you’ll need to set up camp, take down the campsite and successfully navigate the outdoors.

• Flashlights: Make sure you have plenty of flashlights and batteries to power them. If a hike ends later than expected or you need to navigate the campsite after the sun goes down, you’ll be glad to have light readily available. Better yet, add a headlamp or camping lantern for all of the campers to provide hands-free lighting. See our Flashlight and Camping Lantern Guide for tips on selecting your portable lighting.
• First Aid Kit: Have a first aid kit to keep at the campsite and, if you plan any activities away from the campsite like fishing or hiking, have a kit to take with you. Familiarize yourself with the contents of the kits and how to use the items. Before each trip, check expiration dates and replenish the supplies as necessary.
• Weather Radio: Even if you’re keeping an eye on the weather forecast, it’s a good idea to have a weather radio with an alert feature to keep you aware of emergency weather situations — especially if you’ll be camping in an area without a reliable mobile phone signal.
• Hatchet or Camp Axe: If you’re planning on building campfires, a hatchet or small axe will be useful for gathering firewood. Collect wood from the ground only and not from standing trees, whether they’re dead or alive. See Learn How to Make a Campfire: Techniques, Tips and Safety.
• Pocket Knife: From cutting up sticks or carving wood chips for tinder to helping out with meal prep, a pocket knife with a variety of sharp blades and any other tools is a necessity at the campsite.
• GPS Receiver: A necessity if you’ll be camping or hiking in the wilderness, a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver can be useful for any camping trip. A GPS receiver will help you find your way, and some help you track and post your progress on hikes. If you’re camping or hiking in the wilderness, look for a model that allows emergency communication or signals.
• Insect Repellent: Some insects are a nuisance, while others can carry serious diseases. Make sure you’re protected from both types. Choose the Best Bug Spray for Your Home gives you factors to consider when shopping for bug repellents.
• Cord and Rope: A roll of cord or rope can be handy for making repairs to tent cords.
• Duct Tape: A roll of duct tape is handy for quick repairs to tents, canopies, backpacks and even sleeping bags and pads.
• Extra Batteries: Make note of all of the camping gear that uses batteries and make sure you have plenty of extra batteries. Be sure to dispose of any exhausted batteries properly or pack them to take with you for disposal when you leave the campsite.
• Mobile Phone and Portable Mobile Device Charger: Even if you’re not relying on a mobile device for entertainment, you should make sure you have at least one mobile phone ready for emergencies.