There are a few items that we have not covered yet. The items mentioned below are necessities to make your camping experience better.

Camp Tables – Usually the campsites all have picnic tables but some of these tables either cannot be moved to where you would want it or have seen better days. It is always good to bring along a table so that you can use it for cooking or eating. There are some nice folding tables that pack well and are very stable. Some of these tables actually pack into the space of a folding chair. You will need to assess how much room you have as these table can take up valuable space.

Folding Chairs – Outside of a picnic table you will not have any place to sit at you camp site. There are many types of folding chairs available. The best chairs for camping are also called soccer chairs. They have a metal frame and a canvas seat and back. These basic chairs are very comfortable and versatile. They come in many different styles. The basic chair with the back and seat can be complimented with arm rests and even a foot support. These chairs fold up nicely and pack away in a bag with a closure string making them compact when packed up. The bags often have shoulder strap to make carrying the chair from place to place easy.

Cooking Supplies – This is a very big category but it does not need to be over whelming. A basic set of pots and pans can be found at rummage sales and will save you some money in the process. Rummage or estate sales are also a good place to pick up the cooking utensils and eating supplies.  I offer these alternatives rather than using your good pots, pans and utensils. I also like keeping all my camping supplies in one spot usually in one or two boxes or Rubbermade type containers.

Food / Water / Snacks – Everyone eats more when they are outside all day. They are more active and the fresh air helps to increase the appetite. You will need to plan accordingly and bring along extra food, water and snacks for everyone.

Clothes – You will need to bring along clothes for the weather and the activities you are planning. You may want to bring along extra clothes that could be used for sleeping in or extra day clothes. You might be caught out on the weather or it may get colder at night than what was planned for so extra clothes are always a good thing to pack.

Personal Hygeine / Toiletries – Toothpaste, toothbrush, wash clothes, towels, soap and more, these things need to be packed and brought along.

Now you are saying we need help in order to remember everything you have told us to bring camping to make our outing a better experience. We have put together a camping checklist that you can use. This checklist is geared toward a weekend outing. The next 4 pages include the checklist. There are spaces at the end so that you can add things bicycles and helmets as most parks are easily navigated by bicycle and bicycles get you out of the car and out in nature.

Camping Equipment Checklist

Standard Camping Equipment

         Tent – Spring / Summer Camping: Standard Tent

         Tent – Fall / Winter Camping: 3 or 4 Season Tent

         Tarps

         Screen House or Sun Shelter

         Camping Table

         Folding Chair(s)

         Cooler

         Sleeping Bag

         Air Mattress or Camping Mat (pump for air mattress)

         Blanket

         Pillow

         Lantern / Flashlight (extra mantles for lanterns / bulbs and batteries for flashlights)

Tools

         Camping Axe (Hatchet) / Standard Axe / Maul / Sledgehammer & Splitting Wedge (depending on your specific needs)

         Handsaw

         Multi Purpose Screwdriver or Multi-tool

         Pocket Knife

         Hammer

         Nails

         Rope & Twine (Good for make-shift clotheslines) *Avoid the cheap yellow poly rope, it will not hold a knot.

         Shovel

Cooking Equipment

         Small Propane or Charcoal BBQ

         Propane or Liquid Gas Stove / Cooking Grill / Grate (for campfire cooking)

         Propane Cylinders, Liquid Gas or Charcoal

         Pots & Pans

         Utensils (Cooking and Serving: spoon, spatula, fork, tongs, hand mitts etc.)

         Wash Basin

         Can Opener

         Coffee Pot

         Cutting Board

         Kitchen Knife

Food & Water

         Condiments: BBQ Sauce / Ketchup / Mustard / Mayo

         Butter

         Cooking Oil

         Cereal

         Bread

         Packaged Bagels

         Packaged Cold Cuts / Cheese

         Beef, Chicken, Pork, Fish or Dehydrated Foods

         Eggs (use a plastic egg container for real eggs or bring powdered eggs)

         Bacon

         Sausage

         Pancake Mix

         Canned Goods

         Fruit

         Water – 1 gallon of water per person, per day (*2 gallons per day in hot climates)

         Milk (in plastic container)

         Soda / Juice / Other Drinks

         Coffee / Tea / Hot Chocolate

         Chips / Pretzels / Popcorn

         Snack Bars / Dried Fruit

         Granola Bars

Personal Hygeine / Toiletries

         Toilet Paper

         Napkins

         Paper Towels

         Biodegradable Camping Soap (can be used for washing pots, pans, dishes, hair and body)

         Sponge

         Toothbrush & Toothpaste

         Collapsible Water Bucket

         Collapsible Water Carrier

         Feminine Products

Clothing / Shoes / Linen

         Jeans

         Shorts

         Shirts

         Bathing Suit

         Sweatpants

         Socks

         Underwear

         Sandals

         Sneakers

         Boots

         Hand Towel

         Bathing Towel

         Sheet (useful for using inside of sleeping bag to reduce moisture)

Misc

         Emergency Rain Poncho

         Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

         Can Opener / Bottle Opener / Cork Screw

         Paper Plates / Cups or Washable Plates & Cups

         Tablecloth / Clips

         Camera / Film

         Batteries

         Tarp(s) (good for placing under tents to reduce moisture and for make-shift shelters)

         Sunscreen

         Bug Spray

         Lighter / Waterproof Matches

         Newspaper

         Extra Tent Stakes (cheap plastic stakes work well)

         “Ziploc” bags (handy to keep small electronics dry and for storing meat or chicken away from the rest of your food in the cooler)

         Garbage Bags (*many natural camping areas require that you take ALL of your garbage with you! Carry In – Carry Out!)

List additional or personal items you may want or need to bring:

Camping Tips and Tricks:

• *We suggest that you use a re-sealable container (Rubbermaid or Sterlite type) for storing food and cooking utensils to avoid having your food spoiled by ants or animals. You may want to consider storing your container in a separate tent or vehicle to keep away any “unwanted guests”.

• Block ice works best for extended cooling. It usually lasts for 2-3 days in a standard cooler, 4-5 days in an extreme 5 day cooler. Split the block in half and put a block on each side of the cooler. Add your food and drinks, then fill in the remaining spaces with cubed ice. Keep your cooler in the shade if possible.