Everything you need to know about camping is a 5 part series presented to help calm your apprehensions about camping and get you out into the great outdoors. If you have never tried camping before, the idea of getting outdoors and next to nature can be a little overwhelming. Questions arise quickly… “Where should I go?” “What should I take?” and “What will I eat?” are just a few that come to mind. Let’s start from the beginning and break it all down to see if we can get you outdoors and up close and personal to nature. Hopefully after reading a few of these ideas you will be out building a fire, cooking up great meals and leaving all your cares behind in no time flat.
In Part 1 we discussed 3 main topics:
- What exactly is camping?
- Why should I go camping?
- Where should I go camping?
If you missed it you can go to Part 1: So You Want to Go Camping to read what you missed.
This week Part 2 – 10 Must Haves When Camping, will prepare you to be a successful camper.
10 MUST HAVES WHEN CAMPING
1. Shelter
Whether the decision has been made to sleep under the stars, pull a trailer or rent a cabin; some type of shelter is one of the must haves when camping. I have had the great privilege of doing all three and each one takes their own considerations.
Tent Camping – Choosing a tent
Trailer or RV Camping – If you don’t already own a trailer or RV and aren’t interested in buying one, renting is a great option. Do a Google search for RV rental and you will be amazed at the number of places that come up. Another option is to check Craigslist in your area to see what might be available. There are a handful of owners wanting to offset the cost of their trailer purchase by renting it out when not personally being used.
Cabin Camping – When looking for a cabin to rent, try out the State and National Parks for the most reasonable rates. They are usually quite a bit less than what you might find from a private owner. Be prepared to bring almost everything you would need if you were tent camping. The bare necessities is usually all that is provided.
2. Bedding
It is essential to have something comfy and cushy to sleep on; making bedding #2 on the list of must haves when camping. This is pretty easy to accomplish if you are sleeping in a trailer, but when sleeping in a tent a little more forethought is necessary. Sleeping Pads
3. Cooking Necessities
There are many different options when it comes to cooking when camping. Some will swear that cooking over a fire in a dutch oven
4. Firewood and a Fire-Starter
No matter what type of cooking you plan on doing, having a way to start the flame trumps everything else. Cold beans are okay in a pinch but taste so much better if you have a way to heat them. Waterproof matches, a reliable lighter, and some type of combustible material is a boon when camping. Many times it is easy to scavenge for wood and light twigs, but it never hurts to have a backup.
5. Light
Unless you plan on heading off to bed when the sun goes down, on the list of must haves for camping you will need to include some type of light. A lantern is great when you need large swaths of light, but I recommend a personal light as well. As with all the other camping equipment there are numerous options you have to choose from. A flashlight works great for taking that trip to the port a potty. If a hands free approach is more to your liking, you may want to consider a head lamp. I have one that is clipped to a stretchy head band that fits snug around my head. The light has multiple settings depending on what I am using it for. I’m pretty sure I could land a plane with that headlight when it is set at the highest setting.
6. Bug Spray and Sun Screen
Bug spray and sun screen on our must haves when camping list should be a no brainer, but I can’t begin to count the numerous times I have forgotten to bring them. Mosquito bites are never any fun and can turn a fun trip into a miserable venture. Put this on your list and be sure to check twice before you head out the door.
7. First Aid Kit
Accidents happen and it is always better to be safe than sorry. The American Red Cross has a great article Anatomy of a First Aid Kit on what to put into your kit. It is a lot less expensive to make your own than to buy a ready made one. No matter how you get one, be sure it is on your must haves for camping list.
8. Clothing
Obviously you know that you will need clothing, but it is important to think ahead about what you might need. Are you going to the mountains? The temperature will surely drop. Are you heading to the desert? Hot days and cool nights. The best advice I can give you is to think layers. Easy to put on, and easy to take off. Don’t get caught unprepared without a thing to wear.
9. An adventurous spirit – Taking time in the great outdoors to rest and rejuvenate is a worthy goal, but adding a little adventurous spirit will take you places you may never have seen otherwise. Take a hike and go explore your surroundings. It doesn’t have to be a five mile hike up the mountain and back. It can be as simple as walking the little path that leads away from your tent. Open your senses to the area around you. Your soul will thank you for it. God’s handiwork is awesome and crying out to be discovered.
10. A sense of humor– Sometimes no matter how careful you are or how much you plan, things go awry. A sense of humor can turn a disaster into memories that can last longer and be more memorable than if everything went right.
I remember a camping trip with a group that we had planned out for months. Every i was dotted all the t’s were crossed. 5 brave souls were off to Yosemite to climb the 14 mile trek up Half Dome; a granite dome reaching 8,800 feet above sea level. We had worked hard to get in shape, made our reservations and had a day permit in hand. Everything was in order. I even made a big ugly hat to shade the sun that I had written “Half Dome or Bust” on for the special occasion. The long awaited day came at last but unfortunately so did disaster. The morning of our hike, while still snug in our sleeping bags, we were awakened by a loudspeaker manned by a park ranger. There was a large fire in the area and everyone was to be evacuated. No Half Dome for this girl, just a big fat bust! We cried, we laughed, and then went and rented a cabin outside of the park area. No hiking on that trip, but there was still some mighty good fishing and icy cold beer!
To sum it all up, preparation is key when going camping, but don’t worry so much about the little surprises. The unexpected is what builds memories and cements relationships. One more added benefit to the great outdoors!
See More…
Part 1 – So You Want to Go Camping
Part 3 – Let’s Get Cooking
Part 4 – The 5 Essential Tools For Camp Cooking
10 Must Haves When Camping shared with:
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Gr8 ideas. Thanks for sharing. Yep – prep and the right equipment is everything when it comes to camping! Took me years to perfect our checklist and I recently put that on my site to help other fellow campers. Stop by if you like. Camp more, worry less. 🙂
These are some great tips. It seems like every time I go camping I forgot to bring something but a checklist like this can help me avoid making that mistake. Thanks for sharing.
So many great tips! I love that you were able to make fish tacos from your trip! I love the idea of having fresh food to eat, especially when out camping! Thanks for all of the options when it comes to camping, thanks for sharing!
Great camping checklist. A lot of things must be prepare for a trips so make a list help usremember all the items. Add some more items from your list. Thanks!
I love this post! Pinned. Hugs! Lou Lou Girls
Lou Lou Girls recently posted…Strawberry Cream Pie
Thanks! Hugs right back at yah!
Shari
You have some wonderful tips here – I especially like the requirement for a sense of humour! I’ve never been a big fan of camping, my brother and I were lucky enough to go to Woodstock 99 up in New York State and some clever person decided it would be a good idea to set fire to the campsite! That was not a good experience.
Clare recently posted…Cheerios & Fruit Breakfast Muffins
I can see where that would dampen your experience, wow!I bet you can laugh about it now and at the very least it is something you will never forget! Thank you for coming by and sharing your experience. It made me chuckle. 🙂
Blessings,
Shari
Great information Shari! I’m heading out camping later today and thanks to your post, I realized that I didn’t pack a flashlight. Rookie mistake! It sure does get dark in the woods. Sense of humor is so important. Things never seem to go as planned and it is amazing that the things that go wrong are amongst my favorite camping memories.
Christina @ Juggling Real Food and Real LIfe recently posted…Let’s Get Real Friday Party #49
Have a great time. We just returned from a trip on Tuesday and I am already counting the days until we can go again. Stay safe.
Blessings,
Shari
We’re hoping to dip our toes into camping again by going without kids. Our childhood camping memories are mixed. Thanks for these tips!
Julia @ Swirls and Spice recently posted…Shrimp and Chicken Summer Rolls with Thai Peanut Sauce
Now that are kids are grown Tim and I look forward to getting away with just the two of us. It is an incredible bonding time. Hope you and get away and get a chance to experience it.
Blessings,
Shari
Love the final must have. There has been far too many times where the only thing that got us through was laughter. Great post!
Thanks Laura. I love the little (and sometimes big) mishaps that make the trip so memorable. I am glad you enjoyed the post!
Blessings,
Shari
Great list! I have to make a list of specific cooking items so that I don’t forget anything. I also make sure I keep matches or a lighter handy because I am not about to sit here and try to start a fire the old fashioned way. That’s never fun! 🙂
Everyday with Chrys recently posted…Welcome to Everyday with Chrys
I agree, starting a fire with two sticks and some twine is certainly not my idea of a good time. Matches or a bic lighter is the only way to go! Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share. I appreciate it!
Blessings,
Shari
I used to love camping but it’s been so long! I need to plan another trip and get back to the simple stuff 🙂 thanks for sharing at sparkles of inspiration party!
Jessica
Jessica recently posted…Sriracha Chicken Egg Rolls
Sometimes it is nice to get back to the “simple stuff” 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Shari, I’m so pinning this! I need to get it together in terms of what we will be needing for this type of thing. I’m so grateful for you sharing this series with us!
Brittnei recently posted…I believe…
Thanks Brittnei. It has been fun putting this series together and remembering all the memories that come with those pictures. Always a pleasure sharing at your party.
Blessings,
Shari
This is a great series, Shari!
My husband is an experienced camper. I am not :0(
He’s been wanting to go on a camping trip for months now, and after following your posts . . . I feel like I have more knowledge under my belt so that we’re prepared for when we decide to go.
Thanks for all the great information!
Have a wonderful week,
Suzanne
Simply Suzannes at Home recently posted…maple agave lemonade with peaches & thyme
Thanks Suzanne. I hope you and your husband get to take that camping trip. It’s a wonderful experience even when things go wrong. It will give you something to talk about for years.:) Thanks for stopping by for a visit. It’s always a pleasure!
Blessings,
Shari
Shari, truly wonderful and invaluable tips for camping and vacationing outdoors. I will say the bug spray one is truly must even though I have never gone camping, because this summer alone from walking our puppy both Kevin and I have been getting bug bites galore and I am finding I need to definitely use bug spray more and more just for this, so I could only imagine going camping for a few days and not using bug spray how many bug bites I would get. Thanks again and shared all over 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted…Today It’s My SITS Girls Day!
Thanks Janine. I have tried several organic and natural bug sprays along with the Skin so Soft from Avon everyone touts. While they work most of the time, I still carry the heavy duty stuff when I am out backpacking. Mosquito bites are miserable and drive me crazy from the itching. Thanks for stopping in a and sharing too.
Blessings,
Shari
Love these reminders! I haven’t been camping in years and this makes me want to take a quick trip!
Tiffany recently posted…Crazy 8 Baby & Kids Clothing Clearance Sale
I am getting ready to take off today for another short trip to my happy place. Camping helps center me by getting away from the craziness for awhile. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share.
Blessings,
Shari
I LOVE this series Shari. I shared it all over the planet and featured on my fb page. Whether someone is a camper, or not, your photography is just beautiful. Thanks for putting all this together for us. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Thanks Carrie. Everyone of those pictures holds special memories I never could have acquired sitting on my couch! I appreciate your sharing.
Blessings,
Shari
Shari,
One day we are going to get an RV and go camping. I would love to travel to Idaho. I have only been there once but it was beautiful. The weather was perfect too. It is just to HOT in Alabama, Louisiana, and even Arkansas for me to camp. At least an RV would give us a little bit of air. I would love camping for relaxing, NO PHONES , and even NO internet for a short period. I also think that family have to work together, communicate, and stick together when camping. Camping should help build stronger families.
Thanks for sharing!
Diane
Tim and I do mostly camping in our 5th wheel now. Lugging 50-60 lb packs on our backs doesn’t hold the same appeal it did when we were younger. I enjoy my soft bed way more than the hard ground 🙂 Getting away from everything is marvelous. Thanks for stopping by for a visit. I always enjoy your comments.
Blessings,
Shari