What to Bring on Your Camping Trip

To enjoy the most out of a camping trip, make sure you bring all the essential items needed for each of the following categories:

I. Cooking/Dining- There are a number of essential items you need for this category.
a) Food- Depending on the type of camp site you are going to and the number of days you will be staying at camp- you can bring a variety of food items from burgers to barbecue to beans. Just make sure that the food you will bring won't easily spoil. Dry foods and canned goods should be good for several days at camp.
b) Eating utensils- knives, forks, spoons, etc. Bring disposable utensils because they are lighter.
c) A portable stove or a camping grill and other cooking materials such as waterproof matches, a simple kettle, pots and pans.
d) Ice chest with ice or ice packs- to store food to keep them from spoiling and to keep cold drinks.
e) Water jugs

II. Comfort- comfort can sometimes spell the difference between an enjoyable and a stressful camp life.
a) Tent- the camping tent will protect you from the harsh elements outdoors. It will protect you from the sun as well as the wind.
b) Air Mattress or sleeping bags and pillows- so that you can get a good night's rest.
c) Folding camping chairs- you can use Coleman chairs for eating, fishing or just lounging around the camp site.
d) Tarpaulin- For use on the ground or protection against rain, strong winds, the sun, etc.

III. Safety and Hygiene- Safety is another major priority at camp.
a) First Aid Kit-bring a kit with band aids, bandages, aspirin and other essential supplies.
b) Clothes- bring enough clothes for the duration of your stay at camp.
c) Towel- for drying up.
d) Toothbrush and other personal hygiene items.
e) Jacket- if you're camping during the spring or summer, you should still bring a lightweight jacket to protect you against winds and rains.
f) Lantern- so that you can move around camp even at dark.
g) Insect repellent- nothing is more annoying than not being able to sleep at night because of the mosquitoes buzzing around camp.
h) Hat, sunglasses and sun block lotion- for skin protection from the sun.
i) Rope- for anchoring and fixing things around camp.
j) Garbage camp-make sure to keep all trash in garbage bags. Garbage bags can also be used to pack camping gear when it rains.

IV. Miscellaneous items- some products that you can choose to bring to make your trip more fun.
a) Camera- digital or film cameras to capture the special memories at camp.
b) Binoculars- for bird watching and observing at camp.
c) Games- for the kids and adults to enjoy during camp.