Depending upon the season, your camping plan may differ. You may have to pack the snow shoes in December in the mountains, and leave them out in the heat of the summer. Despite the obvious, there are a few essentials you need for every camping trip. Once you’ve packed most of these items, they can stay with your camping gear and you’ll just need to do a quick run-through before each trip!

Give Me Shelter!

Shelter is imperative when camping. Make sure you bring a tent or a tarp. Bring an air mattress or a sleeping bag so you can be comfortable (and possibly warm!) Comforters and pillows are luxury in the wilderness, but if you have the space and are able to bring it, why not? It’s great to have the comforts of home on your adventure! So pull up a chair and get ready for some relaxation.

Dinner Is Served.

Cooking in a camping atmosphere can be as primitive as you wish, or as luxurious as it can get! Essentials include: water, food, a can opener, a camp stove, a lighter, charcoal and a cooler! If you want to get elaborate, you can bring tables and chairs, a tent with a dining area, and a chuck box full of delicacies like paper towels, salt and pepper, plates and bowls, knives, a cutting board and aluminum foil.

Don’t forget to bring cleaning items like brooms and trash bags so you’re able to leave nature the way it was intended.

Scouts Honor

Staying safe in nature is one of the main priorities. The first aid kit is imperative and should include items like bandages, aspirin, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, burn creams, sunscreen, bug spray, scissors, tweezers and a snake bite kit! From hiking blisters to headaches, you need to be prepared.

Ready, Set, Go!

Packing may seem like a hefty task when going camping, but once you get it down pat-its routine and you have everything set and ready to go. Don’t forget about yourself, and especially if you’re packing for a family that includes little ones! You need t-shirts, shorts, pants, socks, hiking boots, or shoes, a hat, rain gear, undergarments, and a bathing suit if its summer. Don’t forget to bring a bag for your worn items-especially if they get drenched in a rain, or sweaty. You’ll want to keep them away from your clean clothing.

So Fresh and So Clean.

You’re going to want to bring some personal items on your trip such as: toothpaste, a toothbrush, towels, soaps, and brushes or grooming essentials and very importantly toilet paper.

What Did I Forget?

Being in nature is about having fun, relaxing and enjoying your home away from home. Make sure to bring cameras, binoculars, bunging cords if you’re doing any climbing, a gps, games, a lantern, matches, rope, a cell phone, a compass, and a whistle.