As the weather turns and the nights get warmer, many people are excited to get back to their favorite campsite. Camping is the perfect way to get out into nature and unplug from the busy everyday lives we have all been enslaved to. Ever since I can remember, my parents have loaded us up and hauled us away for yearly camping adventures.
I've spent many nights laid out by the river listening to the quiet of the night and gazing at the stars. Out of all the camping adventures I've had the pleasure of experiencing, my favorite was when we went with my dad's brothers and their families. We slept by the river in teepees all bundled together to keep warm. During the day we children would play in the river, collecting tiny shells and fishing. Our mothers would all sit around gossiping and watching us while tending to the campsite and our fathers would take off and do some fishing of their own. These memories are embedded into who I am as a person and make me excited to take my children out and give them the experiences I was so fortunate to have growing up. As with any adventure, there are items you need to make your experience easier. In this blog, I will go over the essential items needed to make your time camping a pleasurable one.
Oftentimes, people will travel to the same campsite every year. This allows them to know what to expect and how they should pack for their trip. Other times, people will want to be more adventurous and try new places. Whether you are a reoccurring visitor or more of an adventurer, your campsite necessities will not change. Every successful campsite will include the following:
- Water Storage
- Fuel
- Pot
- Frying Pan
- Eating Utensils
- Trash Bags
- Cooler and Ice
- Soap
- Dish Towel / Sponge
- Knife
- Food
- Lighter / Matches
- Shovel
- Flashlight
- Lantern
This list is what you will what to have handy while you live your life outside. If you forget anything, you will wish you hadn't.
There are a few options when it comes to your shelter, some of the more commonly used are tents, pop-ups, RVs, and rooftop tents. While not everyone chooses the rugged camp life, I was always a fan of sleeping in a tent. The closer to nature I could get, the better. Whichever your preferred shelter, you will want to make sure it suits your campsite and the weather.
Your sleeping gear is equally important especially if you are taking the "closer to nature" route. You will want something that is comfortable and will leave you feeling refreshed in the morning. As a child, I was fine with my sleeping bag, but as I've gotten older, I've become quickly aware of how nice it is to have a blow-up mattress. Again, this will be based on your preference.
Don't forget to pack appropriate clothing. You won't want to get where you're going and realize you didn't bring the right gear. Hiking boots are recommended for this camping trip also. The extra support and slip-resistant soles are essential when treading through the woods. Some other items that will help make your camping trip more enjoyable:
- Camping Chairs
- Hammock
- Sunshade
- Camp Games
- Fishing Gear
- Swimwear
Just because you are getting out into nature doesn't mean you should leave your personal hygiene routine at home! Here is a list of items you won't want to leave behind:
- Toilet Paper
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- First-aid Kit
- Bug Spray
- Hand Sanitizer
- Prescription Drugs
- Menstrual Products
These are the basics; however, I understand some individuals will want more luxuries on their trip. No judgment here.
When wrapping up your camping adventure, it is important to clean up your messes. Don't be the guy I curse under my breath when I show up next and see your mess. There is nothing worse than getting to your little slice of weekend heaven and seeing trash and debris laying everywhere. The animals who inhabit the area will appreciate your tidiness as well.
While camping can be hard work sometimes, the memories you make will last a lifetime.