Essential Camping Gear

“Be Prepared” isn’t just a scouting motto; it’s a good motto for anyone who wants to go camping. This is especially true of the family that likes to camp together.

It can be a challenge, however, to identify all of the things that you need to have with you when you go camping. While you certainly can camp with the bare essentials, like a tent, sleeping bag and some water bottles, you’re going to have a much better time if you bring more gear.

Here’s a list of some of the most commons sorts of camping gear you might want to bring with you on your next family camping trip:

Shelter and bedding

• Tent or tents
• Doormat
• Sleeping Bags
• Fitted Sheet
• Air Mattresses
• Pillows
• Extra Blankets
• Picnic Blanket
• Fan and Extension Cord

Camp cooking gear

• Coolers
• Propane stove
• Propane tanks
• Propane hose
• Egg holder
• Dutch oven
• Sauce pan
• Griddle
• Hot dog skewers
• Cooking utensils
• Chopper
• Can opener
• Pot holders
• Grill tools
• Cutting board
• Kitchen knife
• Silverware
• Measuring cup
• Plates bowls and cups
• Plastic mixing bowl
• Covered 2 qt. Pitcher
• Collapsible water jug (2)
• Dish tubs/dish soap
• Dish towels
• Sponge/scrubber/scrub brush
• Paper towels
• Table cloth & clips
• Trash bags/Ziploc bags
• Aluminum foil
• Collapsible trash can
• Funnel

Lighting & campfire

• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Lanterns
• Extra mantles
• Lighter
• Fire starter blocks
• Firewood
• Matches

Safety gear and medical supplies

• First aid kit
• Prescription Medications
• Over the counter medications such as a pain reliever, anti-diarrheal, decongestant and antihistamine
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent
• Hand Lotion

Tools

• Wisk broom
• Rope/clothespins
• Pocketknives
• Scissors
• Axe
• Small shovel

Personal hygiene

• Toilet Paper
• Portable shower
• Hand sanitizer
• Bath soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Bath towels
• Washrags
• Baby wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Nail clippers
• Hair brush
• Shaving cream and razor
• Deodorant
• Shower caddy

Clothing

• Pants and shorts
• Shirts
• Socks
• Old shoes
• Sandals
• water shoes
• Good shoes (for town)
• Emergency ponchos
• Swim suits
• beach towels
• Bandana or hat
• Underwear
• Pajamas
• Laundry bag
• Laundry soap

Other items

• Atlas
• area brochures
• directions
• Games for adults and children
• Coloring books and crayons
• Books
• Flyswatter
• Toys
• 2way radios