CAMPING & GLAMPING
Camping doesn’t have to mean loading your entire house into the car. Whether you’re pitching a tent in the woods or glamping somewhere with a comfortable bed and a beautiful view, the secret is simple: prepare ahead, keep it organized, and bring what you actually need.
Start with the bare necessities: shelter, sleeping gear, food, water, appropriate clothing, lighting, basic cooking supplies, and a first-aid kit.
SLEEP
A good night’s sleep can make all the difference when you’re camping. Think in three simple layers: something to sleep in, something to sleep on, and something to sleep under.
Tent & tarp — Choose a tent that fits your group and offers protection from the weather. A tarp can provide extra coverage underneath or overhead.
Sleeping pad or air mattress — Add insulation and cushioning between you and the ground.
Sleeping bag or blankets — Bring something warm and comfortable that matches the expected overnight temperatures.
FOOD & HYDRATION
Planning your meals ahead of time makes camping much easier. Pack the basics you’ll need to prepare, serve, and store your food.
Something to cook with — A camping stove, grill, or other cooking setup.
Fuel — Make sure you have enough fuel for your entire trip, plus a little extra.
Utensils — Don’t forget forks, spoons, knives, and cooking utensils.
Cooler — Keep perishable food and drinks cold and fresh.
Plates, bowls & cups — Reusable camping dishes are convenient and easy to clean.
Pots & pans — Bring cookware appropriate for the meals you plan to make.
Water & hydration — Pack plenty of drinking water or have a reliable way to treat and carry water.
COMFORT & CLEAN UP
A few simple extras can make your campsite much more comfortable and keep things organized.
Camp chairs — A comfortable place to sit around the fire or relax at camp.
Table or camp surface — Useful for preparing meals and keeping gear organized.
Trash bags — Pack out everything you bring in and keep your campsite clean.
Paper towels & wipes — Handy for quick spills and everyday cleanup.
Soap & dishwashing supplies — Bring biodegradable camp soap, a sponge, and something to wash dishes in.
Toiletries & personal items — Pack the basics you’ll need to stay comfortable during your trip.
SAFETY
Being prepared for the unexpected is an important part of camping. Before heading out, make sure you have the essentials to handle minor injuries, changing weather, and other emergencies.
First-aid kit — Include basic supplies for cuts, scrapes, blisters, and other minor injuries.
Flashlights or headlamps — Bring a light for every camper and extra batteries or a reliable way to recharge.
Weather protection — Pack rain gear, extra layers, sunscreen, and insect repellent as appropriate.
Emergency supplies — Consider bringing a whistle, emergency blanket, basic repair supplies, and a backup power source.
Navigation — Have a map, compass, or offline map available, especially when camping somewhere without reliable cell service.
Fire safety — If campfires are permitted, follow local fire restrictions and always completely extinguish your fire before leaving it unattended.
A little preparation goes a long way.
Pack the essentials, check the weather and campsite rules before you leave, and you’ll be ready to enjoy more time outdoors and less time worrying about what you forgot.One of the easiest ways to make camping less stressful is to create a dedicated camping bin. Keep items such as headlamps, lanterns, matches or fire starters, cookware, utensils, rope, tarps, batteries, and other camping odds and ends together. When the next adventure comes around, you’re not searching through closets wondering where everything went.
The same idea works for a hiking bin. Keep your daypacks, water bottles, trekking poles, maps, emergency supplies, sunscreen, and other trail essentials in one place.
And remember: camping isn’t supposed to feel like a military operation.
Because sometimes the best part of camping is doing absolutely nothing—sitting around the fire, looking at the stars, eating something delicious, and realizing you didn’t need much after all.
Pack smart. Get outside. Enjoy the adventure.
