What To Take on Your Next Camping Trip—The Handy Checklist of Camping Essentials

A proper checklist of camping essentials is a must if you want your trip to go smoothly. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time camper, you should create a list of all the things you'll need before packing, especially if you plan to camp off the grid.

From basic camping gear like a tent and sleeping bag to nice-to-haves like sunscreen and a portable shower, we've created the only list of camping essentials you'll need for your next escape into nature!

Can't decide where to camp next? The Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo campground in Orlando, FL, has spacious tent and RV camping spots with access to a bathroom, shower, picnic table, fire pit, and electric outlets. You can even book luxurious glamping tents with resort-style amenities.

The Camping Essentials List (Must-Haves and Nice-To-Haves Included)

1. Campsite and Sleeping Equipment

2. Camping Tools and Accessories

3. Clothing and Footwear

4. Camp Kitchen Gear

5. Essential Cookware and Utensils

6. Camping Food Items

7. Health and Hygiene

8. Personal Items and Recreational Gear

Find out which campsite gear, kitchen equipment, camp tools, and additional supplies you need to make your next camping adventure more convenient!

1 | Campsite and Sleeping Equipment |

Before anything else, get a season-appropriate tent. The best tents are family-friendly, easy to set up, and made of durable fabric. Don't forget to bring extra stakes to ensure you'll put up the tent successfully.

To make sleeping in a tent as comfy as possible, you'll need the following gear:

• A tent ground cloth

• A sleeping bag and a liner

• An air mattress and pillows

• Blankets

• A camping lantern

If you're planning a summer camping trip, especially in a hot place like Florida, you'll also need a plug-in or battery-operated fan. If you're expecting colder temperatures, getting a tent-safe heater is a great idea.

Your campsite isn't complete without a camping table and chairs—foldable ones are the best as they don't take up much space. To make camping even more convenient, you should also bring:

• A headlight or a flashlight

• Extra batteries

• A portable charging station

• Outdoor lighting like tiki torches or rope lights

• A tarp/sunshade/screen house

• A hammock (optional)

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2 | Camping Tools and Accessories |

Since you'll likely be spending time in a remote location, you should bring tools to help set up a tent and repair it in case of damage. These tools include:

• A hammer/mallet to install tent stakes

• Ducktape

• Extra cord

• Multi-tool

• Tent-pole repair sleeve

While this is optional, consider bringing a small broom and a dustpan to keep debris out of your tent, especially if you're camping for more than one night. Regardless of the length of your stay, garbage bags are a must—they'll help keep your tent and the environment clean.

Besides basic camp tools and accessories, you must bring the necessary equipment to light a fire, namely:

• An axe to chop wood

• A fire starter

• A lighter or matches

It's also a good idea to bring a portable fire pit to simplify this process. If you don't have one, well-equipped campsites like Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo provide access to a fire pit. Plus, you can get firewood, charcoal, and most camping supplies in its General Store.

3 | Clothing and Footwear |

The clothing and footwear you should take on your camping trip depend on the season and weather conditions. Still, your camp clothing should include comfortable underwear and sleepwear.

If you're expecting cooler temperatures, it's essential to keep yourself warm and cozy, so consider bringing the following:

• Baselayer

• A warm jacket

• A lightweight/fleece jacket

• A raincoat

• Sweaters and hoodies

• Warm hiking pants

• Waterproof boots and walking shoes

• Thick/wool socks

• A beanie and gloves (optional)

If you're camping during summer, your camping clothing and footwear list should include:

• T-shirts/tank tops

• Longsleeved sun shirts

• Hiking shorts

• Camp shoes and sandals/flip-flops

• Sunglasses and a cap

• Swimwear and moisture-wicking underwear (optional)

Moisture-wicking clothing items and quick-dry shorts and pants should be at the top of your camping essentials list if you want to camp in a hot place like Florida during summer.

4 | Camp Kitchen Gear |

One of the best parts of camping is preparing delicious meals in nature and sharing them with your loved ones. Although you won't have access to a fully equipped kitchen, you can make fantastic homecooked meals if you bring the right kitchen gear.

There are several ways you can cook food on a camping trip, including grilling, roasting, or using a stove. You can opt for one or mix a few options. The more equipment you bring, the more diverse meals you can prepare, so consider the following items:

• A camp stove or a grill and fuel

• A grate to cook food over the fire

• A roasting fork for each person

• A Dutch oven

If you're short on packing space, the campground at Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo has a BBQ grill at each platform camping site and electric outlets if you decide to bring an electric stove.

Although optional, you can also bring a portable coffee maker so you can enjoy a fresh cup in the morning.

5 | Essential Cookware and Utensils |

To make meal prep and food storing easier without bringing too many utensils, you can visit an outdoor store and get utensils designed for camping. They're typically highly durable and easy to store. You can also bring regular utensils or buy disposable ones if you want to avoid washing dishes.

The basic cooking accessories and utensils you must have include:

• Pans and pots

• Forks, spoons, and knives

• Cooking utensils like tongs and a spatula

• At least one plate, bowl, and mug for each person

• A cutting board

• Bottle and can openers

• Kitchen scissors

• Aluminum foil

• Oven mitts

As for food storage, a cooler, zip-lock bags, and plastic containers are an absolute must. Don't forget to bring a picnic table if the campsite doesn't have one, as well as cleaning supplies like sponges, dish soap, paper towels, and garbage bags.

6 | Camping Food Items |

Bringing plenty of groceries to your camping trip is necessary, especially if there are no grocery stores near your campsite. Focus on packing food that won't spoil easily, like:

• Potatoes

• Bread

• Beef jerky

• Store-bought pasta

• Granola or cereal

• Canned food

• Fruit and veggies

• Energy bars

• Salty snacks like chips and pretzels

• Ingredients for s'mores

Taking a cooler on your trip will allow you to bring groceries that require refrigeration. Some food items you should consider putting in a cooler include:

• Deli meats and cheese

• BBQ meat

• Hotdogs and burgers

• Eggs

• Condiments

Don't forget cooking oil or butter and a variety of spices, herbs, and seasonings—this will allow you to prepare diverse and delicious camping meals. If drinking water is not available at your campsite, make sure you also bring bottled water or water jugs you can fill if there's a source nearby.

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7 | Health and Hygiene |

Staying fresh and clean when camping in a remote location can be challenging, especially if you have no access to a toilet and shower. In such cases, consider bringing a portable toilet and shower along with other bathroom supplies.

If your packing space is limited, many campgrounds, including the Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo campsite, offer access to running water, toilets, and showers.

As for the basic hygiene and health supplies you should have on hand, pack the following items:

• A first-aid kit

• Personal medication

• Hand soap and hand sanitizer

• Toilet paper

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Shower gel, shampoo, and deodorant

• A quick-dry towel

• A hairbrush

• A hand-held mirror

• Tissues and baby wipes

• Tweezers and nail clippers

• A razor and shaving cream

• Skincare items like sunscreen

• Insect repellant

8 | Personal Items and Recreational Gear |

Equipping your tent and camp kitchen is essential for a smooth camping adventure, but don't forget to pack your personal belongings as well. Bring all the items you'd typically put in your handbag/backpack, including:

• Your phone and charger

• Wallet and credit cards

• ID and driver's license

• A water bottle

• Earphones

• Campsite reservation

Camping trips are a fantastic opportunity to engage in fun outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating, birdwatching, and playing camp games with friends and family. So, you can also consider packing recreational gear and accessories that will allow you to make the most out of your camping experience. Basic gear campers usually carry includes:

• Board games and playing cards

• Trekking poles

• Fishing poles

• A kayak/canoe

• A bike

• Binoculars

• Frisbees, footballs, and volleyballs

• Speakers

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Frequently Asked Questions About Essentials for Camping

What food should you bring to your camping trip?

The best type of food to bring to your camping trip is the one that doesn't spoil easily. The best options are cereal and granola, pasta, fruit, veggies, energy bars, and beef jerky. If you have a cooler, you can also bring BBQ meat, eggs, and hot dogs.

What are some camping essentials when camping with a dog?

If you're bringing your furry friend on a camping trip, essential items and supplies are food and water bowls, dog food and treats, waste disposal bags, a leash/harness, and a pet first-aid kit. You can also bring a dog bed and outdoor toys.

What supplies should I bring for camping if I want to cook diverse meals?

To prepare dishes that require diverse kitchen gear, bring a grill or stove, a grate to cook food over fire, and a Dutch oven. You'll also need pots and pans, knives, a spatula, tongs, and a cutting board. It's good to have various spices to add more flavor to your meals.

Which camp tools should I put on my camping essentials packing list?

Your camping essentials list should include tools like a hammer/mallet, cord, ducktape, multi-tool, and tent-pole repair sleeve to successfully set up a tent and repair any damage if it occurs. You should also bring an axe if you don't have access to chopped wood.

Which one-night camping essentials are a must-have?

If you're camping for only one night, you must bring adequate sleeping equipment. This includes a sleeping bag, an air mattress, pillows, blankets, pajamas, and a camping lantern. Make sure you also bring toiletries and weather-appropriate clothing.

What is the ultimate summer camping clothing list?

Camping during summer requires clothing that dries quickly, like moisture-wicking T-shirts and underwear and quick-dry shorts or pants. You should also bring walking shoes, sandals or flip-flops, a sunhat, and long-sleeved sunshirts.

What are the essential camping accessories when camping with kids?

Besides clothing and toiletries, camping with kids requires supplies and accessories like indoor and outdoor toys and child-sized camping chairs. If you're camping with a baby, you must also bring baby wipes, diapers, a pop-up playpen, a postable baby bathtub, and baby food.

Orlando—The Perfect Spot To Escape Into Wilderness

Orlando offers fantastic outdoor activities like horseback riding and rock climbing and popular attractions like Disney World. Have fun sightseeing, and enjoy nature while camping in scenic parks in and around Orlando! For more information on Orlando hotels and attractions, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.

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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there's a LOT to Check-Out! Your Orlando vacation awaits! Explore our Branson resorts today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors and enjoy a full camping experience with Westgate!

* Aside from Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.