The Ultimate List of Summer Camping Trip Essentials

This post of the Ultimate List of Summer Camping Essentials contains affiliate links.

It is almost that time of year! Time to set out on some amazing outdoor adventures. Not everyone can afford to set off to some beautiful luxury beach resort, but if you live near a provincial park- camping can be an exciting and frugal option. In fact, if you’re looking for free (yes, free!) or really cheap camping locations, just check out this post. 

Packing for your camping trip however, can prove to be a difficult task if you aren’t really organized about it. It is incredibly important to make sure that you are packing efficiently, especially when you are booking a date with nature. If you are new to camping, or just want to make sure you are taking everything you need, it is crucial to pay close attention to detail. I remember one time we went camping and forgot our ax. It’s pretty tough to break up firewood without one! 

Basic Equipment

· Tent and tent pegs

· Umbrella

· Emergency repair kit

· Groundsheet

· Tarp

· Pillows

· Sleeping bags

· Air mattresses and pumps

· Headlamp, flashlights and extra bulbs

· Binoculars

· Batteries

· Lanterns

· Rope and twine

· Duct tape

· Resealable bags

· Garbage bags

· Candles and holders

· Waterproof matches and lighters

· Folding table

· Camp Chairs

· Axe or hatchet

· Pocketknife

· Small shovel

· Walkie talkies

· Compass

· Battery Radio

· Backpack

· Watch

· Camera

· Mat for entrance to tent

· Bungee cords

· Extension Cords

Kitchen Stuff

· Camp stove

· Extra fuel

· Plastic bowls, mugs and plates

· Utensils

· Can opener

· Sharp knife

· Large mixing bowl

· Cutting board

· Wooden spoon

· Spatula

· Wooden spoon

· Pots and frying pan

· Oven mitts

· Strainer

· Tongs

· Dishpan and dishwashing soap

· Cooler

· Plastic containers

· Plastic tablecloth

· Aluminum foil

· Paper towels

· Kettle

· Reusable water bottles

· Potato peeler

Clothing Items

· Sweaters

· Pajamas

· Wind breakers

· Running shoes

· Swimsuit

· Warm clothes

· Rubber boots

· Shorts and T-shirts

· Underwear

Health Items

· Toothpaste

· Shampoo

· Soap

· Hand Sanitizer

· Toothbrush

· Hairbrushes

· Feminine hygiene products

· Antibacterial wipes

· Insect repellant

· First-aid kit

· Sunscreen

· Ointments

· Lip Balms

· Medications

· EpiPens and Inhalers

· Tweezers

· Tissues

· Towels

Camping with Little ones

· Water wings

· Stuffed animals

· Training potty

· Extra clothing

· Colouring books

· Bubbles

· Toys

· Kite

· Baby food

· Bottles

· Baby monitor

· Baby wipes

· Diapers

· Playpen

· Stroller

· Bouncy Chair

Camping with Pets

· Water and food bowls

· Leash

· Food and Treats

· Pet bed

· Toys

· Brush

· Towel

· Flea collar

Extras

· Campsite Information

· Licenses (Drivers license, fishing license, boaters license etc.)

· Health cards

· Cash and credit cards

Coleman 5-Gallon Collapsible Water CarrierTentsile Stingray – Suspended Camping Tree House Tent – 3 Person – Forest Green RainflyColeman 2000007827 Sundome 4-Person Tent, GreenAmazonBasics 8-Person Family TentLED Tent Light Bulb with Clip Hooks, Small But Bright 150 Lumens LED Hanging Night Light for Kids, Battery Powered Gear Light Bulb for Outdoor Activities, Hurricane Emergency Illumination (Blue,4-Pcs)KODOO 8Pack Solar Pathway Lights Outdoor, Outdoor Garden Lights, Solar Pathway Lights, Outdoor Landscape Lighting for Lawn/Patio/Yard/Walkway/DrivewayColeman Xtreme Series Portable Cooler, 70 QuartColeman Dexter Point 30 Adult Sleeping BagEtekcity 2 Pack Portable LED Camping Lantern Flashlights with 6 AA Batteries – Survival Kit for Emergency, Hurricane, Outage (Black, Collapsible) (CL10)Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person PVC-Free Air Bed Mattress for Camping and TravelIntex Cozy Kidz Inflatable Airbed, (Colors May Vary), 1 BedColeman 2000020279 Compact Folding TableColeman Cooler Quad Portable Camping Chair, BlackSOG Entrenching Tool F08-N – Folding Shovel, High Carbon Steel Handle, Nylon Carry Case, Powder Coat FinishMTech USA Camping Axe, Two-Tone Blade, Black Rubberized Handle, 11-Inch OverallColeman Classic Propane Stove

Camping is such an amazing activity to participate in over the summer months. The best way to make the best of your camping trip is to ensure that you are properly prepared. Don’t forget the camping essentials that will make the trip that much more enjoyable this year, stay safe, and make sure you have a blast.

Click on the PDF image below for a printable version of the checklist. 

The-Ultimate-Checklist-of-Summer-Camping-Essentials-Printable-28129-1

For some more great camping tips and tricks, check out this post. 

We’re more into glamping most of the time these days. My poor old back just isn’t up to sleeping on the ground anymore – okay, let’s be honest. My back isn’t up to trying to stand back up again after sleeping on the ground! But I do look back on our days of camp tenting fondly. Some of my favourite memories are of that time! If you’re also doing more glamping, you might find these posts useful. 

What to Pack when Renting a Cottage

What to Wear at the Cottage

Great Foods to Make When Camping or Glamping 

50+ Summer Fun Family Activities for Camping or Glamping

Looking for some amazing camping recipes and food ideas? Check these out! They sound delicious but many of them are a little different than the typical camping fare!