So it is summer and time for the family camping vacation. Time to get away from the worries of life and spend some time with friends and family roughing it in the woods. It can be such an enjoyable time and should not be spent heading to the nearest city to pick up something you forgot that costs twice what it should at the local store. Here is a list of the essentials you should pack when planning a camping trip to the Northwoods or your favorite camping destination.
Essentials
• Cash and credit cards
• Emergency Preparation Kit
• Waterproof matches and lighter
• Utility Knife
• Toilet paper
• Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb
• Insect repellent
• Water Bottles
• Suntan Lotion
• Hunting/Fishing License
• Maps, Compass, or GPS.
Miscellaneous
• Glasses/contacts
• Prescription medicines
• Watch, alarm clock
• Camera and/or Camcorder
• Sunglasses
Clothing
• Pants, shorts
• T-Shirts, Shirts
• Underwear
• Socks
• Long Pants
• Long Sleeved Shirt or Sweatshirt
• 1-2 Swimsuits
• Pajamas
• Warm Jacket and gloves if applicable
• Bandanas
• Hat with Brim
• Rain Gear – Jacket and Pants or a Poncho
• 2 Pairs Sneakers/Tied Shoes
• Hiking boots if applicable
• Flip Flops or Beach Shoes for Waterfront and Shower
Camping Gear
• Tent and stakes
• Hammer to drive down stakes from tent
• Tarp to put under tent to keep things dry
• Sleeping Bags. Make sure to purchase weather certified sleeping bags
• Camping Pads, Portable Travel Cots, Inflatable Mattress for a more comfortable sleep
• Pillows
• Lantern(s) (including fuel, mantles, funnel, batteries as necessary)
• Chairs for sitting on
• Coolers for food, preferably with wheels
• Beverage/water jugs
• Camping shower
• Ax or hatchet if you plan to chop your own wood
• Backbacks if you plan to hike or other travel needs.
• Screened Canopy to keep the bugs out
• Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets or personal filtration water kit (if you plan to drink water so that it can be suitable for drinking)
• Hammock for relaxing
• Extension cords if the camp has an electrical hookup
Cooking, Food Service and Cleanup
• Propane stove if you plan to not cook by the fire.
• Dinnerware including plates, bowls, forks, spoons and knives
• Charcoal, firewood, and/or lighter fluid
• Camp grill/grate if you plan to cook by the fire
• Skillet, pots, pans, and dutch ovens.
• Cutting knives, spatula and Tongs
• Campfire Roasters
• Can opener
• Aluminum foil
• Forks, Spoons, Knives
• Dish detergent
• Garbage bags
• Oven mitt, pot holder
• Dish Towels