Well gosh, it’s a little late in the season to be posting a camping supply list, but if anyone is going camping over the Labor Day weekend, it might help. I came up with the list (in no particular order!) based on what we took on our recent camping trip, so this will pretty much cover all your bases.
tent
tarp (optional, but nice to have something to put the tent on so you don’t track dirt inside and all over your sleeping bags)
water — roughly a gallon per person per day or more, for drinking/cooking/washing
sleeping bags or bed rolls
inflatable pads to go under your sleeping bag
pillows
toilet paper
trowel/small shovel (if there aren’t outhouses, bring a trowel to dig a 6” deep hole for when nature really calls)
unscented baby wipes for “dry showers”
bath towels
kitchen hand towel
coleman stove
extra gas or propane if needed
coleman lantern (optional if you have flashlights)
fire extinguisher
matches
pots and pans as needed
potholder if needed (or use kitchen towel as a pot holder)
tupperware or ziploc bags for leftovers
cooler
food
measuring cup/measuring spoons if needed
metal spatula
ladle
steak knife or slicing knife
silverware
napkins
dish soap (we like Dr. Bronners because it’s gentle on the environment, and can be used for dishes, hands, bodies, hair, toothpaste, etc)
sponge
trash bags
2 flash lights
cups or mugs
plates and/or bowls
rope for clothesline if needed
collapsible chairs if your site doesn’t have a picnic table
bug spray
salt & pepper
oil for cooking
[UPDATE: rain ponchos are handy, too!]
What are your camping essentials?
A very comprehensive list! All I can think of to add is a rain poncho, just in case . . . 🙂
great list- but be aware that a tarp sticking out from under your tent will collect water and draw it under your tent if it rains. Always make sure none of your ground cover sticks out from under your tent. Is you experience with this different than mine?
Margaret, OH! Great point about the tarp in the rain– thanks for bringing it up!
A rain poncho is a really good idea…I will add it!