Everyone has their own retreat for unwinding. For me, it’s camping. I find that connecting with nature is the best way for me to rejuvenate myself. And camping does just that! Far from the hustle and bustle of the cities, camping helps me relax, clear my mind and recharge myself.

There are many activities that can be done while camping. Hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, to name a few. Or simply just “camp”! Put up a tent, sit outside (or inside!), take in the view, breath in the fresh air, and relax!

Whether you are travelling solo, with family or friends, this post will cover all the basic camping gear you need.  But please note all the gear covered in this post is based on drive-up camping only. I will post separately for backpacking/wilderness camping.

Camping Must-haves:

  1. Tent
  2. Multi Tool/Swiss Army Knife: This is a really compact tool that fits right into your pocket! It serves various purposes and comes in extremely handy
  3. Sleeping bags/bedding (keeping weather in mind)
  4. Flash light or lantern: It can get really dark out there! Plus incase of any emergencies.
  5. Cooking stove/grill: Although this can be a nice to have, especially if there is a grill on site, I personally don’t like to use those grills, so this is a must for me
  6. Propane or coal and matchsticks depending on type of stove/grill
  7. At least one pot or pan for cooking
  8. Cooking utensils: Big spoon and spatula is must
  9. Edibles: The older I am getting, the more health conscious I am becoming. Although canned food is the most preferred when camping, I refuse to take canned food as much as possible. I think my only exception is Evaporated milk, simply because I cannot live without tea! Since most of my camping trips include hiking as well, I like to pack healthy snacks. Nuts are my most favorite go to. Also, fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, although perishables, can easily last for few days without requiring cooling. So I make it a point to carry these. They are healthy and keep you energized
  10. First Aid Kit: I always carry this wherever I go. I have one in my car at all times as well. Never know when you may need it or someone else!
  11. Garbage bags

Camping Almost Must-haves:

I put almost here because it is important to carry these items if you are travelling with family and especially, if family includes kids! Earlier this summer, I took the love of my life, my 1 yr old nephew, camping. My baby had the best time of his life. So did I. His mom…. Well, just keep a look out for my post on How to take a 12 month old camping :-)

  1. Tarp: This is excellent to keep under the tent. And, if you forget the tent, you will have the tarp to sleep on 
  2. Hammer or Mallet
  3. Cooler: What is camping without grilling?! My husband and I are big grilling junkies. We grill at least twice a week for regular dinners too. So no way am I going camping and not grilling. For perishable food items, this is a must
  4. Ice/Ice packs: If camping for a night or two, I simply use ice packs in the cooler. They easily last for two days keeping the food cool. If camping for more than two nights, then you will need to purchase more ice. Most parks sell ice. Otherwise may have to grab from the nearest gas station
  5. Can opener: If you have any canned items that is
  6. Eating utensils: Plates, bowls, mugs, spoons, knives, and forks. I prefer melamine as they are light. I like to avoid paper products
  7. Insect Repellent
  8. Sun screen: Only if you are afraid of a little tan!
  9. Rope: For drying clothes or hanging food items at a height

​Camping Nice to Haves:

These are not necessarily required for camping, rather, these depend on personal preference.

  1. Tooth brush and paste
  2. Soap
  3. Toilet Paper
  4. Hammock
  5. Sleeping pad or cot
  6. Pillow
  7. Dishwashing liquid and sponge
  8. Shampoo/body wash: If there are showers at the camp site

Some helpful tips:

  1. Always store the phone number of the park you are travelling to handy (in case of emergency)
  2. Wear quick drying clothes
  3. I prefer full sleeve even in the summers as they keep them bugs away!
  4. Closed toe comfortable shoes
  5. Make sure to check the weather forecast and take clothes/bedding accordingly
  6. I always carry 1-2 extra pair of socks
  7. Always keep an umbrella in the car
  8. Check the car tires before driving and make sure to carry a spare
  9. Always have jump start cables in the car
  10. Study the surrounding area of the park you are heading to. If possible, and I highly recommend you do this, carry a map. An actual hard copy map :-)  If you are one of those who is reliant on the phone, please keep offline maps downloaded on the phone. Most parks have no phone signal so do not depend on the GPS

If you are planning to do any activities while camping, then you will need to include that gear. More on this another time.

Thanksgiving weekend is coming up! Go outdoors and enjoy nature at its best! For those who have never been camping, you must experience it once in your lifetime.

Tent set at our campsite