Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned camper, these 25 must-have camping essentials are necessary for everyone!
25 Must-Have Camping Essentials
Do you love to explore the great outdoors? Camping is a great way to do just that.
Camping with family and friends is a wonderful way to make memories while enjoying nature.
If you plan to spend a few nights under the stars, here are 25 camping essentials to make your trip the best it can be!
Before you pitch a tent, take a peek at these 25 camping must-haves to make sure you show up prepared.
1. Oilcloth or vinyl tablecloth.
You can find these at most retail stores in various colors and patterns.
The best part is they cover the picnic table included with most sites and wipe clean easily and quickly! Plus, if it starts raining, you can use them to cover the woodpile.
2. Zip-close baggies.
These are perfect for keeping toiletries, matches, and other items that can’t get damp.
You can also store seasonings, hair accessories, and other small travel items in them.
Clip them to your clothesline for easy access.
3. Dryer lint.
Nothing gets a campfire going like dryer lint! Save some up and stuff it in toilet paper tubes.
When ready for a fire, tuck it under the wood and light it.
You will be amazed at how great it works!
Don’t want to bother with the dryer lint?
Use a Fire Starter to get that campfire blazing quickly!
4. Trash bags
Trash bags can line the ground to keep moisture off your bedding.
It can also be used to store used clothing and keep trash cleaned up.
Cover your woodpile with a trash bag at night to keep moisture off.
5. Simple games.
Bring some fun, simple games like playing cards, dominoes, Checkers, and other tabletop games that are perfect for passing the time.
They are a great way to keep yourself entertained!
Uno is our favorite game!
6. Scissors.
Whether you are cutting the cord off firewood, opening snacks, or trimming your citronella candle wick, scissors come in handy when camping.
Keep a good, sharp pair packed so you have them when you need them.
7. Dried sage or lavender.
Want to keep mosquitoes from biting?
Toss a bundle of dried sage or lavender into the fire to keep bugs away.
It also smells fantastic and crackles nicely!
8. Citronella candles.
These not only add ambiance to your space, but they can also keep biting bugs away.
Keep citronella candles in the areas where you dine, play games, relax, etc.
You can also drip the candle wax into your fire to get it roaring.
9. Clothesline/Clothespins
String up your clothesline; clothespins will come in handy for drying wet towels, clothing, and bathing suits.
You can hang any items you need to keep high and dry.
Dollar Tree sells both of these items!
10. Rope or cord.
Rope or cord is perfect for tying up wood bundles and closing trash bags.
You can also use it for a clothing line, as mentioned above, or string up food bags so animals can’t get to them.
11. First aid kit.
Hit up the dollar store for basic first-aid kit items.
This would include band-aids, tape, antibiotic cream, lotion, tweezers, cotton balls, etc.
Keep these items in an airtight container that won’t get wet and will be easy to access. [See how to make your travel first-aid kit]
12. Tin foil.
You will be amazed at how helpful tin foil is when camping!
You can wrap food in it and toss it on the grill for tasty dinner packets, line grill tops, wrap up leftovers, and keep items dry.
Take a few rolls of tinfoil for these needs and more.
13. A cooler.
A roomy cooler is perfect for camping and keeps food and beverages cold.
Fill it with plenty of ice and your favorite drinks and snacks, and you will have cold items at your fingertips.
Coolers are easy enough to rinse out and refill when the ice melts. Don’t forget your ice packs!
14. Air mattress.
If you are sleeping on the ground, you will want to invest in an air mattress.
This can make sleeping more comfortable and your nights more peaceful.
Just remember to buy a pump and some simple bedsheets to accompany it!
15. Battery lamps.
Don’t rely on candles or the fire for all of your light.
Take a battery-operated light or two, so you have plenty of light after sunset.
They will be handy for game time, storytime, or even late at night while you tend the fire.
16. Cast iron pan.
A cast-iron pan can handle everything that camping throws at it!
Use it to cook hot dogs, bacon, pancakes, steaks, and burgers!
A good cast-iron pan is a must-have for all your camping meals and can even be used over an open fire.
17. Plenty of warmth via blankets and clothing.
Nights at the campsite can get chilly. Feel free to overpack blankets and warm clothing.
You may want, and need, several layers to stay comfortable while sleeping.
Extra blankets are also great for sitting around the fire.
18. Collapsible chairs.
Bring collapsible or travel chairs you can use comfortably by the fire.
These typically cost less than $15 at Walmart and fold up and store nicely when not in use.
You can even find collapsible cots!
19. Plastic bin or basin.
These can come in handy when you want dishes or clothing.
Fill them with water and dish soap, and you have a makeshift sink for cleaning items.
20. Can opener.
Many people forget this item!
If you are taking canned soup, beans, or other canned goods for your meals, make sure you have a quality can opener on hand.
Otherwise, you could end up hungry.
21. Bug repellents.
Choose from all sorts of bug repellent sprays, or use essential oils such as lavender and peppermint oil.
You can also use mosquito netting over your dining and sleeping areas, plus plenty of citronella lamps and candles.
Some people even like repellent bracelets worn on the wrists or ankles.
22. A backpack.
This can come in handy when you leave the campsite and want to hike or bike.
Use it to store snacks, water, a change of clothes, bug spray, and your first aid kit.
A comfortable-to-wear, lightweight backpack is ideal for this job.
If possible, choose a durable and waterproof one.
23. High-protein snacks.
Pack plenty of high-protein snacks to stay energized.
These include granola and fruit bars, jerky, nuts, and other dried snacks.
They pack well for camping, add easily to your backpacking supplies, and are perfect for eating around the fire.
24. Newspaper.
You will need plenty of this to get your fire roaring.
It also helps line the table before you put down your tablecloth or as an extra layer between the ground and your sleeping bag.
Before your trip, shred the newspaper and store it in plastic bags so you can toss it into the fire.
25. A tent!
Last but not least, you need a tent to sleep in!
You can choose from the simple two-person pop-up tents, or more complicated multi-room tents.
The variety is huge, and tents range from $15 to $300.
Find a tent that fits your family, is easy to assemble, and holds up in any weather.
You can also choose canopy tents for dining or relaxing.
Read why SUV Camping In The Kia Sorento This Summer Was An Awesome Idea!
Are you ready to go camping?
Consider this list of 25 camping must-haves to make sure you arrive prepared and ready to have fun!
Planning a camping trip soon? Use this camping checklist to keep track of everything you need before your trip.
Print your free camping checklist here.
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Camping Activities For Families & Free Printables
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