14 Camping Essentials to Bring on Your Next Outdoor Trip

If you're not glamping in a rustic cabin, be sure to pack a good tent. A tent that is waterproof, not water-resistant, and includes a rain fly are the basic requirements you should aim for.

Growing up, we had a massive Coleman tent that fit all of my family, but most campers just need something above the size of Coleman's Montana tent. 

My sister has had this exact tent for years and we've not had any problems camping with it - even during a week where it rained more than half the time!

It's also very easy to set up. Space-wise, it's super comfortable for groups of 4, but if you stick to sleeping pads and don't keep your clothing and other gear inside, you can fit up to 8.

We usually do 2 Queen air mattresses or 1 Queen and 2 Twins and have plenty of space for 4 suitcases or duffles, plus 4 daypacks or purses - and still have plenty of space to maneuver around. 

Protect your tent - and yourself - in the event of rain by placing a waterproof tarp beneath your tent, as well as one above your tent. 

Even if your tent comes with a rain fly, I recommend adding a tarp above it. Rain flys tend to be water-resistant, not waterproof, so tarps provide better protection. 

Set the tarp up above your tent by tying each corner to a tree or another sturdy object. Angle it down on one side, away from the tent, to allow rain and moisture to drain.

Trust me on this tip! The ONE time my family and I forgot to use tarps, we woke up to about half an inch of water in our tent even though the forecast hadn't called for rain!

Sleep well with a warm sleeping bag. Before you buy, make sure you are purchasing a sleeping bag built to withstand the nighttime temperatures of the location you'll be camping in.

The temperature information should be available in the production description if you are shopping online.

If you're shopping in store, look for the temperature information on the packaging or tag.

In addition to a sleeping bag, you might also want to consider a sleeping pad or air mattress if you're not used to sleeping outdoors.

A lot of campgrounds will include a picnic table with their campsites, but if you’re camping with a group, you’ll want more flexibility to sit around the campfire at night.

A portable, collapsible chair is just what you need.

I love this chair from Coleman that includes a cup holder and pockets for a book, camera, phone, flashlight, etc.

Keep food from spoiling and your drinks cool with a packable cooler.

A soft-sided cooler is great for day trips, but if you plan to just store food at the campsite, I recommend a hard-sided cooler instead.

Don't forget to stay hydrated! A filtered water bottle will help save you money, as you won't need to purchase tons of bottled water. Plus it's more environmentally friendly.

I carry the Camelbak filtered water bottle with me even when I'm not traveling!

You can’t go camping without making s’mores!

Classic s’mores include graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows.

Craving something different? Switch it up with flavored marshmallows, peanut butter cups or other twists on classic s’mores ingredients.

But aside from the ingredients, you need a good roasting stick. These roasting sticks extend from 10 to 32 inches, keeping users a safe distance from flames. 

The sticks are also easy to rotate for even cooking.

Just like s'mores, you can't go camping without coffee!

Sure, you could get by with a campfire friendly percolator, but if you'll be camping lots, consider investing in a durable and portable pour-over coffee kit.

Avoid the hassle of starting a fire, especially during rainy or damp weather. Use these all-natural fire starters, instead.

These fire starters from Billy Buckskin Co. are made from dead tree stumps, so you don't have to worry about trees being killed to make them.

Pretty much anywhere you go camping in the US, mosquitos will be out in full-force. Bring a portable, easy-to-use repellent to help keep you from being bit.

Place a few on your picnic table or near your seating area to provide protection for up to 2.5 hours.

These incense sticks from Murphy's Naturals are DEET free and instead use essential oils to provide protection from pesky mosquitos!

After you’re done making s’mores, throw a few packets of Mystical Fire on your campfire and watch the flames flicker in gorgeous colors like turquoise.

My nieces and nephews always go crazy for these, but to be honest, so do the adults!!

Flash back to your childhood and bring along some glow sticks, necklaces, bracelets – whatever strikes your fancy.

Bonus: they double as a light source to help you find your way to the bathroom.

Travel-sized games are great for camping trips, especially if you’re trying to pack light.

A deck of cards or a classic game, like Yahtzee, are great for all ages. I like the waterproof card set from Hoyle because they'll hold up even in rainy or damp weather, as well as just being outdoors.

On my last camping trip, the adults couldn’t wait to sit by the campfire and play Cards Against Humanity.

This hilarious game guarantees a good time and is great for groups. It is definitely NOT for kids or the easily offended!

Check out my post on travel games for adults for more ideas on fun, travel-sized games that you can bring on your camping trip.

A durable backpack is great for packing your camping gear or to use as a hands-free day bag.

I recommend purchasing one from a company like The North Face or Burton, both of which offer lifetime guarantees for their luggage and bags.

Myself? I use the Borealis backpack from The North Face as a daypack and a larger backpack from Burton as a weekender or when I don't want to use traditional luggage.