How to Plan a Great Camping Trip
Here’s a rundown of some of the most important equipment and supplies you’ll need to have a successful and comfortable camping trip.
First things first, choose your destination. Not only will you want it to be in an area you’d like to explore, but you’ll probably also want it to have certain amenities to keep you comfortable (think running water and toilets that flush) or entertained, like picnic areas, games and hiking trails.
If you don’t already have an idea in mind, you can find campgrounds in your city or state with just a quick online search. Wherever you decide to set up camp, make sure you brush up on the rules and regulations of the area to ensure a safe and happy experience.
Your list of things to bring will depend on what kind of camping you're doing:
- RV camping
- Car camping: you park near the campsite and don't have to pack your supplies in
- Backpacking: you need to carry all your supplies with you
- Bikepacking or boatpacking: you need to put all your camping stuff on your bike or in your boat
Check with the local parks department for information on trail and campsite closures, fire bans and more.
Pack These Camping Essentials
1. A Tent
If you’re new to the camping game and in the market for a tent, here are some things to consider before you purchase:
- Size: How many people are going on the trip? Choosing a tent size that will accommodate the group will ensure comfortable sleeping arrangements for all. If it’s just a party of two, then you’re safe with a two- or three-person tent. Larger families and groups will need extra space, and if you’re traveling with pets, they’ll need room too. It’s good to err on the side of caution and, if able, go up in size.
- Height: If you want to be able to stand up inside your tent, options with a tall peak height are your best bet. Tent style will also affect how much room you have to move freely. Cabin-style tents are designed with more vertical walls, while the walls in a dome-style tent are more sloped.
- Doors: Having multiple entry points to your tent is helpful if you’re camping with the family or a big group of friends.
- Rain Fly: If there’s rain in the forecast or you expect dew in the mornings, having a rain fly on your tent aids in keeping the interior dry. It’ll also help the inside of your tent stay warmer when temperatures are cooler.
- Ventilation: Most tents are designed with mesh panels in the ceilings, windows and doors. Along with providing a view of the outdoors, they also help with airflow.
If you don't find sleeping in a tent to be comfortable, consider hammock camping instead. You'll generally need a hammock, straps to hang it on a tree, a bug net and a rain fly.
2. A Sleeping Bag
The right sleeping bag can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep. Before you choose, think about the time of year you’ll be camping and look for bags with compatible temperature ratings. A sleeping bag’s temperature rating is the lowest temperature it’s able to keep the average sleeper warm. For example, if it’s rated at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, don’t plan to use that sack on trips where temps will fall lower than that. Winter campers need something that can handle low temperatures, while summer bags need to be comfortable when it’s hot out.
Choose a sleeping bag shape based on how roomy you want it. Rectangular bags provide the most room to stretch out, roll over and move around in general, while mummy-shaped bags fit snugly around you. These tend to be better choices for backpackers who’ll be carrying their gear with them as they hike.
Along with temperature rating, consider other factors. Weather conditions in the area, what you wear to bed, and if your body naturally runs hot or cold can all affect which sleeping bag will work for you — and ultimately how comfortably you’ll sleep. Consider bringing a blanket or sheet for extra warmth.
A sleeping pad or cot is a great addition to your sleep gear, creating a cushier layer between you and the ground. Opt for a cot if you’d prefer to stay off the ground altogether.
3. Cooking Equipment
Your sleeping situation is covered, so now it’s time to talk about food — one of the must-haves for camping. The best rule of thumb here is to keep it simple and think about the kind of camping trip you’re planning. You’ll need a cooking source like a camp stove or portable grill plus the fuel to go with it. Other essentials include pots and pans, plates, cups and utensils.
Check with your campsite or local parks department about requirements for bear canisters. Be mindful of wildfire risks and burn bans.
4. A Cooler
Coolers help keep perishable food and drinks cold and safely stored. You’re responsible for keeping animals away from your food so that you, your family and the animals stay safe.
Keep food and trash out of your tent and never leave food unattended. For easy access during the day, secure food in your cooler. At night, consider locking your cooler and other loose food in a bear canister if you're in an area with bears.
5. Camping Chairs
You’ll want somewhere to relax at the campsite, so don’t forget to pack some chairs. Folding camping chairs are easy to take along with you, and you can look for one with features like cup holders, a foldout side table, a canopy and more. If you’ve got the space for it and want a little more luxury out in the woods, inflatable furniture is another option.
6. Lighting
When the sun goes down, you’ll still need light to see, and sometimes the campfire just isn’t bright enough. Flashlights, headlamps and lanterns are all good light sources to bring along. Don't forget to pack extra batteries.
Check out our Flashlight & Camping Light Buying Guide for more tips.
7. First Aid Kits
The plan is always to have fun without incident, but having a first aid kit handy gives you peace of mind and shouldn’t be left off the packing list. It’ll have essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, antihistamines and other medical supplies to help treat minor injuries or illnesses while you’re in the great outdoors. You may need to customize the kit for specific needs (e.g. add an epi-pen for allergic reactions).
Check out our article for tips on creating a first aid kit.
8. Hand and Foot Warmers
Even during summer, nights and early mornings can be chilly, especially at elevation. Make sure you're ready with some hand and foot warmers so you're comfortable when you're making coffee or gazing at the stars.
9. Carabiners
Carabiners are great for attaching bags and other gear together for easier carrying on hikes and treks. Certified carabiners for climbing are essential for tying and securing ropes when rock climbing or mountaineering, too.
10. Tent Accessories
Make your tent comfortable with tent accessories like replacement tent poles and hanging LED lights for additional illumination inside your tent. Find weight bags or stakes to secure your tent when the wind is howling.
11. Hammocks
Tie a hammock between two trees to create another place to relax while camping. Perfect for an afternoon nap or for reading a book while the kids enjoy a hike or swim.
12. RV Accessories
If you're camping in an RV, get accessories and replacement parts for your waste holding tank, propane connection hose and sewer hose. Consider getting backup supplies, too, so if something breaks on the road, you're ready for the quick fix.
13. Games
Classic outdoor games — such as cornhole or horseshoes — are great options for entertainment. Set up away from your tents and campfire so dirt doesn't get kicked into your sleeping bags or cooking equipment.
Get inspiration for more outdoor games in our DIY guide.
Be a Responsible Camper
Don't have fun at nature's expense — enjoy wild areas responsibly.
Leave No Trace
It’s as important to protect the natural spaces you visit as it is to enjoy them. Following certain practices can help preserve areas for future visits and keep the habitats and animals in them safe, too. Basically, when you leave, it should be like you were never there.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Consider bringing an extra trash bag to clean up any litter or debris you find at a wild campsite.
Don't Bother Wildlife
You might encounter some cute creatures on your trip, but keep your distance. Never feed wild animals and don't disturb their habitat.
Be Prepared in Case of an Emergency
Find your state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and save their emergency numbers. When you're far away from town, you may need to contact an emergency line besides 911.
Let’s Go Camping
If you add all these things to your packing and to-do lists, you’re well on your way to having an enjoyable and memorable camping experience. So, when camping weekend comes around, gear up, hit the road and have a good time — and don’t forget the s’mores.