Top 10 Best Things to Bring When in Campground

Our day-to-day lives can be quite tiring and stressful at times. That is why staying away for a bit from reality is quite alluring. It allows a person to recharge, destress, and detoxify from things that are beyond one’s control. And, going to a campground in the great outdoors and experiencing a change of scenery is a perfect way to enjoy life once again.

But whether you’re a beginner or an experienced camper, being equipped with the right tools and essential supplies is key to ensuring a stress-free camping experience. That is why we’ve come up with a list of the best things to bring with you to the great outdoors.

Best Things to Bring When in Campground

1. Tent

If you’re planning to stay for a longer time then having a tent or shelter should be on top of your list to bring. It will protect you against high winds or unexpected rain, and will be your home away from home.

Here are some of the things to consider when looking for a good tent that fits your needs:

• Material used
• Is it easy to set-up?
• Does it have proper ventilation?
• Is it waterproof and leak proof?
• Does it have heavy duty zippers
• Are the poles good quality?
• What is the tent’s seasonality?

2. Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag is another must-have for many campers to ensure a comfortable sleep at night. It also acts as another layer of protection against insects that will be most active at night time.

There are different kinds of sleeping bags to have depending on the season or weather. If you’re staying in a colder camping ground opt for a four-season sleeping bag as they have a thicker and heavier material while a three-season bag is best used for spring and autumn seasons. The one-season and two-season bags are best used during hot weather with the latter being a good choice for late spring and early autumn when going to a campground.

3. First Aid Kit

The first aid kit is included in all kinds of lists of the best things to bring because safety always comes first.

And, as the saying goes, it is better to be prepared than not. While you’re unlikely to experience a major accident or have any life-threatening injury, it is always good to have a first aid kit with you all the time when camping.

4. Food, Water and Medicine

Food and water are two essential things for us to survive in the great outdoors. If you’re camping on your own or with your family, it is best to have easy-to-pack food. Pre-plan your meals so you don't have to worry about the amount you’re carrying.

Avoid dehydration by having enough water supply for you and your company. As a rule of thumb, have at least two liters of water per person each day when camping.

Lastly, if you are taking maintenance medication be sure to take them with you.

5. Clothing

Wear and pack clothes appropriately and accordingly.

You don’t want to wear thick clothes when the sun is scorchingly hot or have a thin shirt on a cold night.

Also, don’t overpack. Only pack the essentials. The key here is being ready whatever the situation may be at the campground but at the same time you’re not carrying your entire house with you.

6. Toiletries

Trying to stay fresh and clean can be challenging when outdoors. Bring the essentials such as soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a towel. There are also dry shampoos that you can use to remove sweat after a long walk.

7. Flashlights, Lighting and Chargers

Yes, your phone has a flashlight but nothing beats an old-school flashlight that can cover more area.

Have enough lighting with you, especially at night, to ensure that your nighttime activities are well-illuminated. There are rechargeable camp lights that you can easily bring with you. And, to keep your lights and phone powered up, you may also want to have a portable power station with you.

Having a portable generator with you on standby is a stretch for some. But, it is important that you’re able to charge your phone or lights.

An example of this is Nature’s Generator Lithium 1800. It can light up a lightbulb for 260 plus hours or charge up a phone 200 times (plenty for you and your family in the campground).  

8. Fire Starters and Pocket Knife

Having a campfire is part of the whole camping experience. While you can bring matches and a lighter with you for an easy and quick way to start a fire, having a pack or two fire starters as a fail-safe won’t hurt.

Include a pocket knife to your list of things to carry because it's multi-purpose. It’s not just handy for cutting things. You can also use it to open and tighten things.

9. Storage and Trash Bags

Be sure to have enough food storage with you. If you plan on eating on the campground like a good s’mores then have a good amount of containers with you to keep them safe and clean.

Lastly, bring trash bags with you. It is important to leave the area the same way you have arrived —- clean. This is camping etiquette 101, leave no trace.

Respect nature (and its wildlife) and consider your fellow campers (and the next campers) by cleaning after yourselves.

10. Money

Cash is king when camping. There’s no atm machine or card reader in the wilderness so be sure to bring enough cash to avoid any hassle.

Have the best camping trip!

And, there you have it! A list of the best things to bring to a campground. By having all of these included in your camping gear, you can be quite confident that you will have a safe and comfortable trip.

But if you’re a first-timer don’t overthink things and keep it simple. Start small. Choose a camping ground that is closer to home. It will be easier to go back in case you forgot something and it also allows you more freedom when it comes to schedule and travel arrangements.

Begin by staying overnight or two to test the waters out. See if you can handle being away from the safety of your home and being exposed to the wilderness.

* We want to give credit where credit is due. Professional writer, Cris Ilao, contributed research and content to this blog titled: Top 10 Best Things to Bring When in Campground Thank you, Cris, for your contributions!