Camping Essentials - What to Pack for a Weekend of Tent Camping
09-05-2018
Author: in Education
Generally speaking, we are RV campers. That said, sometimes it's fun to get out there and really rough it with a weekend of tent camping. For this very reason, we keep a tent tucked away in our storage area, just waiting to be taken out on an adventure.
The main problem we run into when tent camping is the packing part. We are so accustomed to hauling all of our belongings with us wherever we go that the prospect of picking and choosing what to take can be overwhelming, to say the least.
For this reason, I've compiled a tent camping packing list. Because I know there have to be others out there with a similar problem, I'm sharing my list below in the hopes that I can help someone out.
Under each item I've included an explanation for why you might want that particular thing. Don't think you'll use it? Take it off the list. Think you'll need more than what's listed? Add to the list! After all, everyone camps a little differently, and taking what suits your personal tastes is always the best way to go.
If you're going to be camping, you'll need a tent. Be sure to pack stakes, a footprint (which goes under the tent when it’s set up), and all the other important parts!
Make your tent comfy with all your sleeping gear. Some people like to go all out and pack an air mattress. Others prefer to hop in a sleeping bag directly on the ground. Personally, I like putting a sleeping mat under my sleeping bag.
There's nothing quite as relaxing as sitting around the campsite and having a nice chat. Unfortunately, the relaxing aspect is lost entirely if you forget to pack chairs.
Campgrounds are usually pretty darn dark at night, and walking to the restroom after the sun has gone down can be a difficult without a flashlight or lantern. Make sure a few light sources find their way into your things. You may also want to pack extra batteries to be safe!
A camp stove can be tremendously helpful to those who don't want to build a fire every time it's time to cook a meal. Grab some fuel as well and you'll be good to go.
Firewood and Matches or Lighter
Nothing says camping quite like a lovely campfire. Make sure you have firewood and a way to light it so you can take part in the most traditional camping activity of them all.
Related Read: How to Start a Fire (and Fire Extinguishing Methods)
Pots, Pans, and Cooking Utensils
Of course, if you're going to cook on the stove we mentioned earlier, you will need the tools to do it. Be sure you have a pot, a pan, and at least one spatula.
The only thing better than a campfire is roasting marshmallows over a campfire. Pack some roasting sticks so you can enjoy the gooey goodness of a roasted marshmallow.
No matter what you do, you're bound to finish off the weekend with some trash. Bring bags to store it in, and if there is no dumpster onsite, remember to take out what you bring into the campground.
There are no refrigerators in nature. Instead, keep your food cold in a cooler filled with ice.
Staying hydrated is essential to a good camping trip. Grab a few reusable water bottles to ensure you and your family get plenty of water.
Related Read: The RVers Guide to Drinking Water
Camping doesn't have to mean eating like a caveman. Pack plates, bowls, silverware, and cups so you can enjoy your meals like civilized folks.
Preparing meats and veggies is much easier when you have a surface to do that on, as well as a quality knife to work with.
Foil comes in handy for lots of things while camping. You can use it to make foil-wrapped campfire meals, to clean the grill, or even to wrap leftovers in.
Dish Pan, Sponge, Dish Soap, and Dish Towel
Gotta clean up somehow! Don't forget to bring dish cleaning supplies. Remember that a biodegradable soap is necessary since you'll be dumping it on the ground.
Paper towels are great for quick and easy cleanups. Some people like to bring wet wipes as well for the very same reason.
Okay, so this one is pretty obvious. Still, I wouldn't want to forget to pack clean clothes, so onto the list they go.
Obviously, you'll be wearing shoes when you arrive at the campground. However, you'll probably want a few different kinds of shoes. Slip-ons are ideal for wearing around the campsite because they can be easily removed when you head into the tent. Flip-flops are necessary for using public showers, and hiking shoes will be nice if you decide to do some exploring.
Depending on where in the country you camp, you never know when the weather might decide to give you a breezy and cool evening. Hoodies will ensure you're comfortable should a chilly evening come your way.
Spending several hours in the sun definitely calls for some good sunscreen. Not only will you want to pack some, you'll also want to make sure to use it.
Summertime is bug season. Help ensure you don't get eaten alive by packing some high quality insect repellant. You may also want to toss in a citronella candle for good measure.
When it comes to camping, being prepared is the name of the game, and nothing says prepared quite like a well-stocked first aid kit. Put one together and put it in your bag.
Related Read: Putting Together your RV First Aid Kit
Whether you are hopping in the shower or spending the day at the lake, you're going to want to dry off. Make sure you have something to do that with.
Speaking of showers, going camping doesn't have to mean you smell bad. Pack some toiletries, people. A bit of soap, shampoo, and toothpaste can really go a long way.
Last but certainly not least, toss some phone chargers into that bag of yours. Sure, you're roughing it, but sometimes things happen that require you to be connected to the world. Be prepared for those situations.
That, my friends, is my tent camping packing list. Did I forget something you think everyone needs while tent camping? Please let us know about it in the comments!
Comment
No comments found! Be the first one to write a comment!
Author: Chelsea Barron
