I’ve spoken before about how I slept in a tent for the very first time just two years ago… and now I’m a desert-dwelling, road tripping, public lands aficionado. In the last year or so, I’ve become quite the car camper, too. Camping is the most authentic, least expensive way to explore. Below is a relatively comprehensive list of everything to pack for a super prepared trip to the great outdoors.
Featured photos were taken at Lee’s Ferry, inside Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Shelter
- I am all about an easy set-up tent! I don’t own my own, but my go-to camping friend Jess has this one. We get it up in a few minutes and have plenty of space.
- Not totally necessary if your campsite has a picnic table, but folding chairs or a Crazy Creek are a great move for hanging out in other spots.
- Sleeping pads
- Air Mattress + battery-operated pump
- I usually bring a full-size regular pillow, but a blow-up pillow is a great option if you’re really packed up
- Lantern + extra batteries, because you never know
Cooking + Food
- Camp stove! I have this single-burner that is compact, lightweight, and super dependable.
- Fuel for camp stove
- Stainless steel pan or cast-iron skillet
- Reusable, washable utensils
- Multi-purpose knife, of course with a cover!
- Cooler + ice or ice packs
- Snacks like Lara Bars, nuts, dried fruit … easily stored in reusable produce bags or sturdy baggies
- S’mores sticks
- Salt + Pepper (plus, if you’re extra like me, turmeric for scrambled eggs)
- Coffee percolator! Just boil water and pour it into this percolator with grounds, over your mug
- Coffee thermos
- Stainless wine glasses, if you also love a campsite happy hour, + compact corkscreen
- Compost container for proper disposal of food scraps
- Repurposed plastic grocery bag for trash
Personal Items
- Biodegradable soap
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush (I used a bamboo one!) + Toothpaste
- Bathing wipes if you’re into that
- Your full skin care routine, if we’re being honest
- Toilet paper roll
- Washcloths + Towels
- Reusable water bottle
- Day Pack + Water Bladder
- Cards, for campfire games
- Book, for early morning reading with coffee
- First aid kit with the basics: bandages, ibuprofen, allergy meds
- Sunscreen
If you are interested in making your camping trip more eco-conscious, check out this post with tips!