camping trip project

How To Plan A Camping Trip Like a Pro (+ Camping Gear Checklist)

The great outdoors is just that, GREAT! Whether you’re tent camping at a campground or looking to get off the beaten path into the backcountry for some wild camping, one thing is sure; a plan is needed to ensure your camping trip goes smoothly !

So how to plan a camping trip? How do beginners start camping? What are the steps to plan a camping trip? Do any of those questions sound like you? We’ve been there.

The planning process can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner at camping. But no worries! We’ve tent-camped ( and RV-camped! ) all over the U.S. and abroad.

We’re here to give you our step-by-step process on how to plan a camping trip so it’s the best it can be.

Sound good? Let’s get to it!

How To Plan A Camping Trip – A Step by Step Process

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Step 1: When Are You Able To Camp?

Weather and climate is a HUGE thing to consider when camping . This is why we are making it the number one thing to consider when you plan a camping trip.

Weather and climate will dictate what kind of gear you need and the activities you can do during your camping trip.

For instance, if you are tent camping in the summer, the Southern U.S. can be HOT, HUMID, and downright unbearable.

Our rule of thumb when we plan a camping trip is to follow the good weather !

Summers in the mountains have been some of our FAVORITE camping trips to date. While the days can get warm, the nights are cool, making it perfect for campfires and sleeping.

Alternatively, if you are looking to camp in the fall, spring, or even winter months, you could need to beef up your camping gear to ensure your tent, sleeping bag, etc, are rated for the cold temperatures you may encounter.

We can’t stress enough that the time of year you want to take your camping trip could dictate where you can go camp.

Step 2: Where Are You Camping?

Once you’ve identified the time of year you are going camping, the next to-do on how to plan a camping trip is deciding the place!

Now, this is the part that can seem the most overwhelming when you’re wondering how to plan a camping trip.

Start off by identifying what you want out of your camping trip. For instance:

How long do you want to go camping for?

If you can only go for a weekend, you’ll need to stay close to your house. So what campsites, National Forests, or National Parks are close to home that you can tackle over a weekend?

If you can go for 5+ days, how long do you want to drive to get somewhere? If you can drive 6-10 hours, you have a lot more camping destinations open to you! Or are you willing to fly?!

Identifying how long you can go camping for is an essential first step in determining some places you can access and camp at. Of course, please consider the weather of those places too 🙂

What do you want to do on your camping trip?

Do you want to go white water rafting? Go on an epic hike? Check a few National Parks off your list? See and photograph wildlife?

Identifying “what” you want to do is also an important step we think through when planning a camping trip! The “what you want to do” totally impacts where you can go camping.

For instance, don’t plan your camping trip to Acadia National Park in spring if your dream is to experience the leaves changing colors during fall in New England.

Summers in Colorado , Idaho, California, and Wyoming are amazing! Places that are higher in elevation, like Crested Butte , Telluride , Grand Tetons , Yellowstone , and Taos , are amazing summer camping destinations!

If you are thinking spring or fall, we can’t recommend Utah , Acadia , Arizona , South Dakota , or Asheville enough!

Just triple-check the weather. Further north places can still have snow in spring or early fall!

Step 3: Finding Your Campground or Backcountry Camp

Alright! So you are being mindful of the weather and picked your camping destination; now, where do you camp?!

Well, to keep it simple, you have three options :

• Designated campgrounds
• Dispersed camping
• Backcountry/Wilderness Camping

Wondering what’s the difference between these three? Lots actually. And each option totally depends on your travel style, comfort level, and what you want for your camping trip.

Camping At A Campground

A campground is a designated area with some sort of amenities like a bathhouse, toilets, running water, a campfire ring, a grill, a store that supplies things like wood or food, and an area that can be reserved for tent camping or RV camping, as well as ADA compliant sites.

In addition, making a reservation at a campground allows you to pull your car, travel trailer, or RV right up and into the site . The same is not the case for the last option – which we’ll discuss below.

Now, campgrounds can also have a first-come-first-serve option where reservations cannot be made ahead of time. Rather, you just show up, and if a site is available, it’s yours.

Depending on where you are wanting to camp, some campgrounds are managed by individuals, and some are managed by the government.

For those managed by the government, you can make your camping reservations on recreation.gov . For campgrounds managed by individuals, you’ll need to book your camping reservation directly through their website or call.

All of this is to say that NOT all campgrounds are created equal . Campgrounds vary in price per night, cleanliness, and overall amenities offered.

PLEASE BE SURE to read reviews before making any reservations so you know what you’re getting yourself into.

PRO TIP: Each campground has its own set of rules . Some have a limit on how many people can be at one campsite. Some allow dogs; others don’t. Before making ANY RESERVATIONS, be sure you read the campground rules to ensure you can stay in compliance and, above all, the site is right for you, your group, and your pet.

Camping in Dispersed Campsites

Think of this option as the middle ground between options 1 and 3.

Dispersed campsites are sites with little to no services or amenities . You won’t find any dumpsters for trash, toilets, or bathhouses at a dispersed campsite. Meaning whatever you bring with you (trash included), you need to bring out .

Dispersed camping is essentially primitive camping within a National Forest or National Park, and depending on the site, you may be able to pull your vehicle right up, or you may have to walk a distance.

NOTE: When looking to camp in dispersed campsites, understand the drive up may be over very rocky and rough terrain. Read site reviews to understand what you may be getting yourself into and ensure you have a vehicle that can handle the terrain and grade.

While still dispersed, you can’t just camp anywhere in the area. There are designated campsites marked for camping use. Some of those sites have a fire ring, while others may not. A fire ring is about the only amenity you’ll get in a dispersed campsite.

How long can you stay at a dispersed campsite?

Typically you can stay anywhere from 10-14 days at the same dispersed campsite for free or a nominal nightly fee. Some dispersed sights may require an overnight camping fee that you deposit into a lock box on-site once you leave.

PRO TIP: Dispersed campsites are first-come-first-serve only, meaning reserving a site is not possible. When looking to camp in dispersed sites, it’s always best to have an alternative dispersed sight or campground in your back pocket in case all sights are taken. We use Campendium , The Dyrt , and Free Roam to find dispersed campsites throughout the U.S.

Camping in The Backcountry (or Wilderness Area)

The most remote of the three camping options are camping in the backcountry or a wilderness area. You’ll have to use a backpack to carry all your belongings in and hike to your desired campsite. Pulling up to your site with your vehicle isn’t really an option.

You will not have a toilet, a fire ring, or any other sort of amenities at all. So whatever you need with you, you have to pack it and carry it . The same goes on your way out. All used toilet paper, food wrappers, and trash has to come out with you.

!REMEMBER to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when camping and enjoying this planet of ours. You always want to leave your site better than you found it.

But how do you find a backcountry or wilderness campsite?

Research and planning are the TWO musts for finding a backcountry campsite.

There are a few ways to locate a backcountry site:

• Google a National Forest or Wilderness Area to locate campsites, and if they have a website, look there to see if any backcountry sites are listed.
• Ask a local ranger where some backcountry campsites are located.
• Use apps like AllTrails to find some backpacking trip hikes, and from there, you can narrow down a potential campsite after looking at the trail map.
• Use a topographical map of the area you’re venturing into to locate a potential campsite.
• Hike it and find it. What do we mean by that? As you hike along, be on the lookout for a good campsite. Once you find it, claim it.

PRO TIPS: When choosing a campsite, be at least 200 feet away from any water and the trail. Also, understand that you may need to register and/or have a permit to camp in the backcountry or wilderness areas. Be sure to understand all requirements of the area you want to backcountry camp in before arriving.

Step 4: Reserve Your Campsite ASAP (if applicable)

We’ll say it again… reserve your campsite as soon as you know your camping dates ! Especailly if you want to stay in National Parks or nearby popular areas and attractions.

Campsites book up fast! For reference, Yellowstone National Park is known to book out a year in advance. So if you are looking to stay at a campground, making a reservation as soon as you are able is a MUST.

PRP TIP: If you can no longer make your reservation. Please cancel. Don’t be a jerk, and keep your reservation when another person or family could enjoy your campsite!

Step 5: Make Your Packing List (And Meal List!)

Alright! So you’ve identified the time of year you’re camping, where you’re camping, and the kind of campsite you’ll be at. Now it’s time to create that packing list!

By creating a packing list, you’ll clearly see what camping gear you already have or what you may still need to buy or borrow from friends.

Oh, and if you’re staying in bear country , you’ll need bear safety gear, such as:

• Bags to place your food in (we use waterproof bags )
• Rope(s) and carabiners to hang your food in trees
• Any bear protective food canisters you deem necessary

To help start your camping packing list, download our free checklist below!

FREE CAMPING GEAR CHECKLIST

If you need recommendations on camping gear, check out our essential camping gear here !

As for meal prepping , we highly recommend planning your meal in advance to avoid the back-and-forth trips to the grocery store once you arrive. You want to spend time camping and adventure, right? Plan your meals ahead of time.

Oh, and if you’re camping with a group, collaborate on meals ! Even if you just divide and conquer the dinners, having a group dinner in the evenings while camping is always so fun!

Now, for the food. Depending on the kind of camping you’re doing, you have two options :

• Freeze-dried meals
• Campfire/Campstove meals

Freeze Dried Meals & Camp Cooking

If you want minimal prep, minimal mess, and minimal cleanup , and you’re looking to go as streamlined as possible with your meals, freeze-dried meals are for you!

We love freeze-dried meals, especially while camping in the backcountry. They are easy and lightweight, making them perfect for carrying to your campsite.

Freeze-dried meals only require some hot water (we use a JetBoil Flash Cooking System – you’ll need fuel , too!). Once your water is boiling, add it to the bag and wait anywhere from 15-30 minutes for the meal to cook. Once done, you simply eat from the bag and enjoy!

Some of our favorite freeze-dried meals are:

• GOOD TO-GO Thai Curry
• GOOD TO-GO Herbed Mushroom Risotto
• GOOD TO-GO Pad Thai
• GOOD TO-GO Breakfast Hash

PRO TIP: We split 3 servings (1.5 servings each) of freeze-dried meals per meal. We found that one serving was not enough food for us. Also, there are loads of other flavors outside of our favorites listed above. Check out more options to try !

Camp Stove or Campfire Cooking

Now, if you’re not backcountry camping and packing light isn’t a worry of yours, lucky you! You can go as fancy or minimal with your camping meals as you want!

Want do we mean by that?

If you are camping at a campground or dispersed campsite where you can drive you’re vehicle up to, no need to pack freeze-dried food – unless you want to 🙂 You can go the traditional grocery route !

There are SO MANY great camping cookbooks out there. So if you need a little inspiration, we recommend trying a cookbook.

You can use a grate to sizzle up your favorite protein and veggies over the open campfire flame or bring a camping stove to cook with. We love our kitchen kit, as it makes camp cooking so easy!

Oh, and be sure you have a durable cooler with you so you don’t let perishables go bad . Regardless of which food route you go, planning and prepping meals ahead of your arrival will save you time and a lot of headaches!

PRO TIP: If you are in bear country, NEVER EVER leave food (or food trash/waste) in your car or tent. Either hang food from trees ( via rope & carabiner ), store food in bear-proof canisters , or use the bear boxes provided by the campsite. Never leave food, trash/waste, or remnants lying around.

Step 6: Research What Activities There Are To Do

By this point, you are prepped, reserved, and have your gear ready to pack! Woo-hoo!! You’re almost ready to leave.

Another very important thing to consider is researching what activities, events, hikes, etc., there are to do either in the area you’re staying in or nearby your campsite.

If you are visiting National Parks, consider the following:

• Some National Parks require permits to enter . Do your research to ensure you have what you need to enter.
• Check the latest road closures (if any) . Like road maintenance in your town, National Park roads also need maintenance, which could affect your route. Visit the National Park website to stay up to date on the latest road closures.
• Book any activities or tours at a National Park in advance! As we’ve said previously, accommodations and tours book up fast in National Parks. Sites like Viator or Get Your Guide are reputable and great online booking sites where you can find and reserve tours around the world, including our amazing National Parks!
• Is your dog coming? Ensure you know the pet rules and restrictions of the National Park you’re visiting! Even though places like Grand Teton’s are not the most dog friendly, we still found plenty of fun things to do with Huey ! By far, Acadia National Park and Black Canyon of The Gunnison of two of the most dog-friendly National Parks we’ve visited.
• If you visit more than 3 National Parks in a year , buy a National Parks Pass to save money on park entrance fees.

Visiting other places outside of National Parks?

Look to see what events are taking place during your visit.

For instance, some mountain towns like Crested Butte have free concerts during the summer! And if you’re visiting Telluride and didn’t do your research, you would not know that the gondolas are free to ride! Or how about Antelope Canyon ? Did you know reservations are 100% required ?

See! Doing research is an important trip-planning step. And booking tours or activities ahead of time (via Viator or Get Your Guide ) secures your fun-filled itinerary of the best things to do in the area you’re visiting!

PRO TIP: If you’re a hiker, apps like AllTrails are perfect for showing you amazing hiking trails in your area. It’s a great planning tool to help you identify the best hikes there are to do for your camping trip!

Step 7: Last-Minute Prep

Do one final check a few days before you leave for your camping trip. And who are we kidding? Sometimes the night before, are we right?! 🙂

• Download any offline maps, podcasts, and music you need (you never know what reception will be like)
• Double-check your packing list – make sure you have your medications!
• Assign roles so you can divide and conquer with setup when you get to camp.
• Let someone (family/friends) know where you are going and when you are returning.
• Ensure all your reservation confirmations are easily accessible (we create folders in our g-mail)

PRO TIP: If you don’t want to fly with a lot of camping gear, you can see if a local company or store rents camping gear. Reserve whatever gear you need ahead of time, and pick it up after you leave the airport!

Step 8: Have Fun, But Leave No Trace

Let’s flash forward to your camping trip. Please ensure you follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principals during your camping trip’s beginning, middle, and end.

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find (not including trash, pick it up and throw it away)
• Minimize campfire impact
• Respect wildlife
• Be consideration of other visitors

And, of course, have a freaking blast! You know how to plan a camping trip like a pro now. Enjoy Mother Nature!

How To Plan A Camping Trip – Pin It For Later

For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site and follow us on Instagram  @wanderingstus ,  Pinterest , and  Facebook . Oh, and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stus)

We're Lauren & Jesse, the creators behind Wandering Stus! We've been traveling for decades, exploring and experiencing the very best this world has to offer. Whether we're roadtripping the U.S. in our camper, hiking through National Parks, or jet-setting to different countries around the globe, we write detailed travel guides to help you plan one amazing (and unforgettable) adventure!

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How to Plan a Camping Trip! (Our step by step process)

Last updated on August 15th, 2023

Want to go camping, but unsure of where to start with planning? In this blog we’re sharing a step by step process to plan a camping trip, based on our years of camping experience! Nothing beats a night outdoors under the stars. Pitching a tent with an epic view (or rolling up in our van), watching the sunset, hearing the sounds of nature, hanging out by a fire, sleeping on the ground (okay, that part can be rough), and waking up to hot coffee with the sunrise is one of our favorite outdoor experiences.   However, growing up I (Kathryn) hated being outdoors. I didn’t like bugs and I also didn’t like sweating. And I remember early on in our relationship, Adam suggested going camping and I was sort of dreading it. But clearly a lot has changed, as we now live full time in our self-converted Sprinter van and camp in our van every single night, plus have quite a few nights of tent camping per year. And we wouldn’t have it any other way! 

While I grew to love camping, it can be a daunting experience if you have never gone before. There is a lot to think about beforehand in order to have a safe and fun experience and if you’re not prepared, camping can be downright miserable. But we’re here to help make your experience amazing ! In this blog post, we’re sharing a step by step process to plan a camping trip. If you’re new to camping or just wanting some additional tips to make your camping trips go smoother, we hope it helps you plan the perfect camping trip!

Step #1: Pick your destination

Step #2. choose your camping experience, step #3: find your perfect camping spot, step #4: plan your camping itinerary , step #5: make campground reservations (if applicable), step #6: make your travel plan, step #7: figure out what camping gear you’ll need, step #8: plan your meals for the trip, step #9: look for amenities nearby, step #10: review leave no trace principles, step #11: check the weather, step #12: download offline maps, step #13: pack for your trip, step #14: tell someone your plan, step #15: have a blast.

The first step to plan a camping trip is typically the most fun: where do you want to go? The world is your oyster! Do you want to stay close to home or go across the country to a new destination? What type of scenery do you want to be in? While this is a fun part of planning, as there are so many great camping destinations in the USA (and around the world), it can also be a bit overwhelming trying to decide. One good thing to think about beforehand is what time of year you’d like to camp, as some destinations are better in certain seasons. For example, the Southwest can get VERY HOT in the summer and may not be ideal for camping, but is glorious in the fall-spring, while the Pacific Northwest can be rainy in the winter and is gorgeous in the summer. We have camped in 30+ states in the United States and have a few spots that we especially love to camp at, if you’re looking for some ideas to get you started, here are some of our favorite camping destinations in the USA!

Southern Utah 

Best time of year: Late fall-early spring Southern Utah is the perfect location for camping, especially free camping! With five national parks, all within a few hours of each other, plus other amazing areas and hikes outside of the national parks, and tons of free land, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise!

For some itinerary options and things to do, check out: 10 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Guide The Best Things to do in Moab (+ where to stay & eat!) Things to do in Kanab, Utah (+ where to stay, when to visit, & more!) Things to do in Arches National Park (+ itineraries) The Best Things to do in the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park Visiting Island in the Sky at Canyonlands National Park (best things to do + 1 day itinerary) The Best Things to do at Capitol Reef National Park (+ 1 to 4 day itineraries) 3 Days at Zion and Bryce National Parks

Pacific Northwest

Best time of year: Summer or early fall The Pacific Northwest is our happy place. We lived in Seattle for three years and were able to explore so much of the region’s beauty. There are tons of areas to explore in the Pacific Northwest, but we especially lean towards the North Cascades, Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, Bend, and the Oregon Coast for camping!

For some itinerary options and things to do, check out: The best things to do at Mount Rainier National Park (+ where to stay & park tips!) Olympic Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary A Weekend in the North Cascades Itinerary 20+ Amazing Things to do in Bend, Oregon (+ tips & itineraries for any season!) 3 Days in Bend & Crater Lake National Park The Best Things to do in Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast!

Southwest Colorado

Best time of year: Summer or early fall Southwest Colorado is hands down one of our favorite areas in Colorado, as well as in the United States! With epic mountains, blue lakes, cool mining history, scenic drives, and fun towns, it’s a perfect basecamp for outdoor adventure. We were lucky enough to spend two months there in 2021 and fell madly in love with it!

For some itinerary options and things to do, check out: 12 Day Southwest Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Best time of year: Late fall-early spring Arizona is a classic Southwest destination, with insane canyons, red rocks, tons of cacti, delicious food, and really cool cities and towns to explore. We LOVE going to Arizona in our van (and tent camping)!

For some itinerary options and things to do, check out: The Best Things to do at Saguaro National Park West 1 Day in Page, Arizona Itinerary 1 Day at the Grand Canyon South Rim Itinerary 2 Days in Sedona Itinerary 2 Days in Scottsdale, Arizona Itinerary

South Dakota

Best time of year: Late spring through early fall We visited South Dakota for a week long road trip back in 2020 and it is still one of our biggest surprises! The western part of the state is insanely gorgeous, with rock spires, waterfalls, mountain peaks (the highest east of the Rockies!), Native American history, and badlands. In just a 1-2 hour area, you can experience SO much in South Dakota!

For some itinerary options and things to do, check out: 7 Day South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: Black Hills to Badlands The Best Things to do in the Black Hills (hikes, towns, food, & more!) The Best Things to do in Badlands National Park (+ where to stay & itineraries!) The Best Things to do in Custer State Park (+ where to stay & itineraries!)

Best time of year: Late spring through early October (Note: we noticed a lot of campgrounds shut down in Maine in mid-October, so plan to visit before then for the best camping options!) Maine is an incredible state for outdoor adventures! With mountains, lakes, a national park, and a rugged coastline, it offers a wide variety of scenery to enjoy on a camping trip! We spent a couple weeks exploring some of the coastline, including backpacking, and loved every second of our time

For some itinerary options and things to do, check out: The Best Things to do in Acadia National Park (+ itinerary options!)  How to Backpack the Cutler Coast in Maine 12 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary (Vermont, New Hampshire, & Coastal Maine) The Best Things to do in Acadia National Park (+ itinerary options!)

Minnesota’s North Shore

Best time of year: Summer or early fall Minnesota’s North Shore is a GEM! We often say it’s the most underrated place we have visited because it completely blew us away! With the gorgeous Lake Superior, tons of state parks, waterfalls, beaches, an epic canoeing route, and cool towns, it has so much to offer. It reminded us a lot of the Pacific Northwest as well, so it’s a great choice for those who live in the Midwest and want that PNW vibe!

For some itinerary options and things to do, check out: Visiting Minnesota’s North Shore (the best things to do + road trip itineraries!)

White Mountains in New Hampshire

Best time of year: Summer or fall The White Mountains were probably our favorite area we visited in New England! These granite peaks are unlike most of the mountains on the east coast and we were completely in awe of the views just driving through this area, as well as on hikes! There are lots of camping options here, plus towns to explore and a wide range of hikes!

For some itinerary options and things to do, check out: The BEST things to do in the White Mountains in New Hampshire (+ where to stay, itineraries, & more!)  The Ultimate Guide to Driving the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire (tips, best stops, & more!) 12 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary (Vermont, New Hampshire, & Coastal Maine)

When you think of camping, you may think of sleeping in a tent, but there are quite a few ways to camp. After choosing where you want to go, we’d suggest weighing the options to decide what experience you want to have before picking a campsite. Here are some of the options!

Tent camping

Tent camping is the classic way to camp! Putting together your own shelter for the night is a pretty cool feeling and allows you to be relatively exposed to the elements, making camping a more immersive experience. The downside of tent camping is that if it’s windy or rainy, it can be a tad brutal and sometimes sleeping on the ground, even with a sleeping pad, isn’t very comfortable, but it’s all part of the adventure!

Car camping

Car camping is when you sleep in your car at either a campground, rest area, or on free land. Before van life, we would do this occasionally at rest areas (where sleeping in a vehicle is sometimes allowed) to save money on road trips. We’d put down the back seats of our SUV and sleep on our sleeping pads and in our sleeping bags. If you want to experience camping, but be a bit more protected from the elements, it can definitely be a good option. Some people even convert their SUVs to be the ultimate camping vehicle!

RV + Van Life

RVs and vans are the most luxurious way to camp and we will admit, ever since moving into our van, sleeping in a tent feels extra uncomfortable. Nothing beats having your own bed (or a bed in general) when sleeping out in nature, as well as a (mostly) full kitchen, fan, toilet, and for us, even a shower. While this may not be roughin’ it, it is a great way to combine the comforts of home and nature at the same time. Don’t have a van or RV? You can rent one with Outdoorsy !

Backpacking

While we LOVE our van and its comforts, our favorite way to camp is to go backpacking! We consider backpacking to be any camping trip that requires you to hike into a campsite, carrying your gear with you. It’s incredibly rewarding to carry everything you need to survive on your back and provides for a much more remote, peaceful camping experience, as backpacking campsites are usually away from roads and crowds.

Just like choosing where to go and how to camp, there are also a lot of options when it comes to the type of campsites you can pick!

Do you want free or paid?

Depending on where you’re going, you may have the option of free or paid camping. Free camping is much easier to find out west, especially in more mountainous or desert areas. In the midwest and east, it’s pretty rare to find free camping, as there isn’t as much public land. The pros of free campsites is that they are FREE (who doesn’t love saving some $$), but the downside is that they are usually first-come, first-served, so you will be taking a risk with getting a site. We personally try to free camp as much as possible, but there are definitely perks to paid campgrounds! While paid campgrounds do cost money, you can sometimes find them for a good price (national parks, state parks, and national forest campgrounds tend to be much more reasonable than private campgrounds) and they are a guaranteed place to stay and usually offer some amenities. 

What type of hookups do you need?

Speaking of amenities, not all campgrounds are created equal! At the broadest level, there are three types of campsites: Campsites with full hookups, campsites with partial hookups, and boondocking. Here’s a quick rundown of each!

Campsites with full hookups

These campsites are the most expensive and will offer electrical and water hookups, plus sewage at the campsite. These are best for those in an RV or even a van (we do not need sewage) and will be a bit overkill for a tent camper.

Campsites with partial hookups

These campsites typically have electrical and/or water hookups at the campsite. This is what we usually shoot for if we are paying for a campground, as it gives us unlimited power to the van and it is also convenient to fill up water. For a tent camper, this may not be fully necessary, although power can be helpful to charge devices. Many campgrounds will have potable water spigots around, so you do not necessarily need water at your site.

Boondocking

This is what we do 90% of the time! Boondocking, also known as dry camping, is camping in a place that has zero services, so there are no hookups of any kind and sometimes not even a restroom, although many may have a pit toilet. It also may not have a trash can, so you must take your garbage with you. Free camping and popular boondocking spots are often closed periodically or for good when people don’t treat them with respect and leave trash. Please do not be a part of the problem! You may also hear the term dispersed camping along with boondocking. This typically refers to boondocking in an area where there are no designated sites and campers are more dispersed among land. Boondocking can either be dispersed (no specific sites) or it can be actual designated campsites at a campground (free or paid). If paying for a boondocking site, it will be the cheapest option out of the three listed.

Other amenities

Beyond hookups, some other amenities that campgrounds may offer are: hot showers, pit toilets or flushing toilets, laundry, WiFi, playground, swimming pool, store with essentials, firewood for sale, and a dump station. The more amenities a campground offers, the more expensive it tends to be, but depending on what you want or need, it may be worth the extra money.

Tools we use to find campgrounds

If you want to camp for free, check out our detailed blog post all about free camping , including the apps we use, what is legal (and what is not), and important rules. Two of our favorite free camping apps are Campendium and freecampsites.net . For paid camping, we tend to Google the area and see what campgrounds pop up, as well as check recreation.gov or find the local state park camping reservation tool to find campgrounds to stay at. Another cool tool is Hipcamp , which is where people can list land to camp on, similar to Airbnb, but for camping. We have done this before and stayed at an EPIC campsite in Washington along a river. For both free AND paid camping, one app we love to use is The Dyrt ! The Dyrt is a great resource to not only find campgrounds around the USA, but also to read reviews, look at photos, and see cell service reports.  And with The Dyrt PRO , you can also download offline maps to find campgrounds without cell service, see map layers for BLM and national forest areas (to find free camping areas), and even get discounts (up to 40%) at select paid campgrounds!

Want to try The Dyrt PRO? Sign up for a FREE 30 day trial using our code AplusK ! 

Other things to consider when choosing a campsite:

A few other things to keep in mind as you check out different campgrounds and campsites:

• Make sure to look at length requirements if you are taking an RV, as some campsites will be too small for an RV or even a van.
• Check the fire regulations, as fires may not be allowed.
• Look at the conditions of the road to the campground. This can especially be an issue for free camping. Tools like Campendium, The Dyrt, and Freecampsites.net provide good info on the conditions!
• Do you need cell service to work? Since we work full time on the road, this is a big consideration for us. Apps like The Dyrt PRO (which has cell phone map layers, plus cell phone service reports) and Campendium are good for figuring out if you’ll have service.
• Look at campsite photos to see if the site seems private. We try to book campsites at the end of a row if we can, that way one side is neighbor-free, as well as choose sites that do not have a site that backs up to it. We also like to pick campgrounds with lots of trees between sites!
• Some campgrounds offer walk in sites, where you park a specific distance from your site and walk in. These usually aren’t long walks, but it’s something to take note of in case you are not up for that.
• If you plan to camp with a dog, make sure they are allowed! Even though dogs are not allowed on most trails at national parks, they tend to be allowed in national park campgrounds.

Now that you have a good idea of where you want to go and how you want to camp, it’s time to plan out your itinerary! A few questions to ask and think about:

• Do you plan to camp for multiple nights?
• How long is the drive to where you’re going?
• Are you going to be road tripping and need different campsites for each night?

Even if you plan to wing it a bit with free campsites that are not guaranteed, we still recommend making a list of your ideal spots per night to have handy! This is also a good time to figure out what else you want to do during your camping trip. Do you want to go for hikes? Kayak?  If you need a way to organize your information, we have a travel planning document that you can download and customize for your trip! We also suggest using The Dyrt PRO ‘s trip planner tool to create your route, save campgrounds along the way, and even save gas stations!

We have found that over the last couple years, more and more people are getting outdoors and camping, so it’s harder to snag a campsite last minute. If you decide to camp at a campground with designated sites, make sure to make reservations in advance (if applicable)! While not every campground accepts reservations, we have found that the ones that do tend to book up well in advance. We suggest planning a camping trip at least a few months ahead of time, with even more planning time if you want to go in the summer (some campgrounds accept reservations six months in advance). Also, try to be flexible on the dates if you can. Weekdays will be the easiest days to secure! One perk of free, dispersed camping, especially in more wide open areas with ample space, is that we can almost always find a spot and can decide to go somewhere last minute, but for the more official campgrounds with amenities, you need to plan ahead.

While you may be camping close to home and can just hop in the car after work and head to the campground, if you’re planning on visiting somewhere further from home, make sure you have your travel plans sorted out, including if you need to book a flight to get to your destination, as well as a rental car . Or if you will be driving a long distance and need to book any accommodations along the way before you get to your major camping destination. Note on rental cars: if you do need to rent a car to get to your camping destination, make sure you rent the right kind! Some boondocking spots may require 4×4 to get to, but most traditional campgrounds are fine in any vehicle.

As you plan your camping trip, it’s a good idea to take inventory of what camping gear you have already and what you may need. We have a blog about all of our backpacking gear + a packing list (which works well for regular camping as well!), but here are a few specific items to make sure you think about beforehand.

Camping gear

Some of the basic essentials you’ll need are a tent , sleeping bag , sleeping pad (or you can go all out with an air mattress!), and a pillow . Chairs are also nice to have! If you do not have camping gear, REI rents out a bunch of different items and there may be a store near where you’re going that rents as well! 

Ten essentials

We always recommend having the 10 essentials on you when exploring outdoors. Not sure what the 10 essentials are? Learn how to make a 10 essentials kit .

Make sure to bring bags or something to put your trash in so you can pack it out (if there are no trash cans) or store your trash to throw away at the campground.

Cooking gear

At the minimum, we recommend a backpacking stove , propane , kettle , bowls , some sort of pot or pan , and silverware , but for fancier camping, you can bring a multi-burner Coleman stove and other fun kitchen gadgets (we love our instant pot in our van!).  We suggest bringing aluminum foil as well. We try to cook on foil over the fire grates, as they can sometimes be a bit gross. Cast iron pans are awesome for cooking over a fire too!

While some campgrounds have lots of potable water spigots, boondocking and free camping may not have any water, so make sure to bring plenty of water for both drinking and cooking, plus any hiking you may do. We also love having a water filter on us in case we need to fill up from a river or lake!

Power banks

Since you won’t have access to power at free campsites, make sure to bring some power banks to keep your phone charged in case of an emergency. We like this Anker power bank , as it’s thin and can charge multiple devices at once.

Level blocks

Campsites can often be unlevel, so if you’re bringing an RV or van, keep this in mind. While we are pretty used to sleeping slanted, being able to level yourself a bit will improve your quality of sleep. We just use some wood to level our van, but level blocks work great too!

Bear safety 

A fed bear is a dead bear! If camping in an area with bears, be very mindful of cooking near your tent or leaving any scented items or food scraps out by your site. For tent camping, please put any scented items and trash in your vehicle at night or in a bear canister . Some campgrounds will also have food storage lockers to keep your scented items in. We also carry bear spray on us for safety!

We highly suggest planning meals in advance to maximize your camping and adventuring time and avoid having to run in and out of town during your trip.

Our favorite camp meals

For super easy meals when camping, we love bringing backpacking meals! These only require some hot water, so they are very easy to make on a trail or at a campsite. Some of our favorites are Wild Zora , Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai , and Peak Refuel Chicken Coconut Curry . For campfire meals, Fresh off the Grid has soooo many recipes for campfire cooking! We also love doing campfire foil packets , campfire pizza , and just cooking up steak or burgers on a cast iron over the fire! And you can never go wrong with s’mores! Our favorite way to eat s’mores is with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of plain chocolate…it’s life changing. And don’t forget coffee! We love Kuju coffee for quick coffee while camping, but on a daily basis in our van, we grind our own beans and do a simple pour over style coffee.

Storing food

To store food items, bring a cooler! We have a YETI Tundra 45 Cooler that we used a ton before van life and it kept items cold for days! We even brought this cooler on an airplane (as checked luggage) for a Utah trip and not only did it act as an extra suitcase to store items, but it helped us be able to camp much more easily and not rely on the low quality styrofoam coolers you get at the grocery store.

One thing that is especially important for us, being full time van lifers, is looking at the areas we are camping to figure out where we can get specific amenities we need. While this may not apply to every camper, depending on how long you’re going, if you need to work at all during your trip, or have chores to do, some amenities we suggest looking for are:

Grocery store + restaurants

If you anticipate needing some supplies or if experiencing the local restaurant scene is a priority when camping, make sure to check into what the different grocery store options are, as well as find any restaurants that you want to try! We tend to use Google reviews and YouTube channels + blogs (like ours!) to find places to eat when we travel.

Since we work full time on Adventures of A+K on the road, we are always in need of internet to not only get basic tasks done, but to also upload YouTube videos. Sometimes we get lucky and get campsites with good cell service and can use our hotspot devices, but other times we have to rely on places in town to get internet. Some of our go-tos are libraries (FREE!), coffee shops, and if we are closer to a bigger city or town, Whole Foods. Fun fact: Whole Foods tends to have some of the fastest WiFi out there and is our favorite place to upload YouTube videos, as they upload super quickly.

Many people ask how we do laundry on the road and the answer is…laundromats! Laundromats can usually be found in any town or city (quality may vary) and for about $10 per trip (two washing loads + one drying load), we are able to keep our clothes clean. While this may not be needed for a short trip, if you’re going for a longer camping adventure, laundromats will be your go-to, unless you are staying at a campground with laundry. Don’t forget some quarters! Most laundromats are still coin operated, although we have found some that do take cards. Some also take laundromat specific cards, which are cards that only work at that laundromat. Be careful of these! You have to preload them (sometimes it requires a minimum of $20) and if you don’t plan to go back to that laundromat, you’re out that money.

Water-Fill Up + Dump Stations

If you’re traveling in a van or RV, you may need to fill up with potable water or empty any black or grey tanks at a dump station. While some campgrounds have these services, others do not, and we rely on Campendium , iOverlander , and Sanidumps to help us find places to do this. If you are camping in a very remote area and will not have access to these amenities, make sure you plan for this!

If you plan to drive around a lot or are going on a camping road trip, make sure to look ahead of time to see what your fuel options are, in order to not get into a tricky situation in a remote area. We love using GasBuddy to find the best fuel prices and we also are able to save money on fuel by using reward programs. We use Shell rewards, which saves us 5 cents a gallon, as well as Safeway (a grocery store) rewards, which over time can build up and can save us even more than that!

Before you head out, PLEASE review the Leave No Trace principles to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors.

A couple days before your camping trip, make sure to check the weather! As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only improper gear,” so if it’s going to be cold or rainy, you’ll want to make sure you bring any extra items to stay comfortable. For rainy camping trips, make sure to bring a rain jacket , backpack covers to keep your packs dry if you plan to hike, and even a tarp to go over your picnic table and fire ring area so you can still enjoy the outdoors, even with precipitation. For the cold, bring hand warmers to have in your tent at night. It makes it a lot more comfortable!

As we mentioned earlier, many campgrounds (as well as hiking areas) do not have the best cell service. We always download offline Google Maps before we travel to an area, so we can navigate to the campground and other areas we plan to explore without service. This also enables you to look up anything you may need, like fuel or groceries, even if you do not have cell service. We also suggest using The Dyrt PRO to download offline maps to find campgrounds without cell service. This will be especially helpful if you plan to free camp and don’t have set campground plans. Lastly, make sure to download any hiking trails on AllTrails ! We use AllTrails for all of our hikes to not only research and find hikes to do (plus read reviews), but to navigate on trails without service to make sure we do not get lost.

Packing for a camping trip can be a bit overwhelming, so we suggest starting to pack a few days before to ensure you didn’t miss anything. When it comes to packing, make sure to pack the items we mentioned in Step #7, plus items we mention in our backpacking packing list and 10 essentials kit list , but here are a few additional items to not forget:

The best practice with firewood is to purchase it close to where you’re camping. If you plan to drive across state lines, try to wait until you’re near your campground to buy firewood. This is to help prevent the spread of invasive species. Some campgrounds do sell firewood, but make sure to check in advance (and have cash on you!) Make sure that where you’re camping is currently allowing fires though. There are often fire bans out west in the summer due to wildfire risks.

If you plan to bring a cooler with food, make sure to get ice! You can usually find this at any grocery store and most gas stations.

Permits + Reservation

If you need a permit to camp (or a pass like the America the Beautiful pass ), make sure to bring it with you! We also recommend printing or screenshotting your reservation confirmation in case you’re unable to access your email when you get to the campground.

Entertainment

Whenever we go camping or backpacking, we try to download podcasts and Netflix to bring with us so we have something to watch or listen to at night in the tent. We also like to bring games, cards, or a book to enjoy by the fire!

Even if you are traveling with a group, it’s a good idea to tell someone outside of your group your travel plans, including where you’ll be camping, the dates, and where you may be hiking, just in case you run into an emergency situation.  We carry a Garmin InReach Mini on us at all times, which allows us to communicate with loved ones if we do not have cell service or use SOS in case of emergencies (thankfully we haven’t had to). It does require a monthly subscription, but it can be as low as around $10/month.

And now it’s time for the final (and best step)….going camping! We hope that this guide helped you plan a camping trip and that you have a BLAST! Make sure to eat an extra s’more for us!

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How to Plan a Camping Trip: 10 Steps to an Unforgettable Excursion

The best experiences in life start with a great plan. When it comes to camping trips, advanced preparation helps you get the most out of your adventures. However, in the past campground websites were mostly archaic, or non-existent. Not only that, it was almost impossible to know what the campground would look like before you got there. We’d ask our friends for recommendations, but information online was tricky to find and even trickier to keep organized once you found it. The Dyrt’s new search features and saved campground lists solve this problem, and make it even easier to research campgrounds. Keep reading to learn how to use The Dyrt’s features to help you plan your next camping trip. 

Planning the perfect camping trip can get really frustrating. The good news is that you’re not alone. Just like you, many want to know what it takes to plan a successful camp outing by themselves, or with their friends or family.  That being said, up until now planning a good trip was difficult due to the lack of information on the internet.

Sarah Smith, co-founder of The Dyrt, was frustrated with how hard it was to find and research campgrounds online.

“We should make an app that helps you find and review campgrounds!” she said to her husband and soon-to-be-co-founder, Kevin, while they were out hiking one day.

The rest is history. Today, it’s much easier for any level of camper — even first-timers — to plan every stage of their camping trip. The Dyrt helps you find campgrounds, read reviews, view photos, and save campgrounds. We make planning a camping trip simple. Our newest version of The Dyrt app makes it even easier, with enhanced search features and usability.

Searching and finding a campground is a big part of planning any great adventure. But there are many other considerations, as well.

Start with these questions to plan your next camping trip:

1. Planning the Time to Camp

Image from The Dyrt Camper Carly E.

Since you’ll be sleeping outside, the season and the weather will have a big impact on your camping trip.

For example,   Olympic National Park.  sees over 150 inches of rain a year. Waking up to the patter of raindrops on your tent can be lovely. Now imagine that same scenario, but having your entire camping trip ruined by soaked and soggy gear from the night before. Not only would it be unpleasant to wear wet clothes, it would be even worse to sleep in a tent filled with them.

A lot of people have more freedom to take time off to camp in the summer, when offices slow down and kids are out of school. Initially this seems like a good idea, but it also means bigger crowds, especially at popular campgrounds and National Parks. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, why not take time off in the shoulder season instead? Or check out these national parks with backcountry camping .

Editorial Note: 

The Southwest desert is a great place to plan a spring time camping trip, when places like Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park present relatively pleasant weather. Taking that into consideration, you should definitely avoid camping in Death Valley during the summer, when temperatures spike well into the triple digits.

Prepare for your summer camping trips diligently. Some desert campgrounds (such as those in Death Valley) often have temperatures soaring well triple digits.

A few years back my Dad and I drove through Death Valley en route to our own Yellowstone camping trip. At times while cruising through the dry and arid California State Route 190, neither of us were able to call out (or receive calls) using our cell phones. This was the same situation with Sprint, Verizon, and later T-Mobile. We were fortunate not to have any issues with our vehicles, as the sun scorched above us escalating temperatures well over triple digits. If you’re planning to make any camping voyage, check your vehicle thoroughly and pack plenty of water, supplies, and dry food to last you in the event of an emergency. 

Not only will you find current weather reviews for campgrounds on The Dyrt, you’ll also find helpful accounts of the type of weather campers experienced while they were there.

When deciding when to camp, check out  National Parks free days to save some money for other things, like extra s’mores  ingredients.

2. How to Plan Where You’ll Camp

Backcountry or state park? Desert or jungle? Near or far?

At the same time that you’re thinking about when, you should also be thinking about where. The United States has such a diverse landscape to explore, from the ocean-carved cliffs of the Pacific coastline and the vast plains of the Midwest , to the thick forests next to quaint towns in New England and the jungly swampland of Florida.

Perhaps you want to camp near hot springs or waterfalls. Or maybe you’d like to sip on a craft beer after camping, in which case, camping near a brewery can be fun.

While the options are endless, you might also consider staying close to home. There’s often more to explore in our backyards than we realize, and staying close will save you time and money.

Want an adventure of your own? Find free camping near you

Did you know that almost all states in the US have free camping? 

Although, some of it is not-so-great and can be hard to find.

There is an easier way:

• Hand-picked free campsites 
• Pre-saved to your phone
• The best in all 50 states

It’s the only hand-picked list of 5,000 free camping locations that you will find anywhere. 

It comes with a bunch of other features like last-minute camping texts, offline maps, etc.

You can check it out for free today by starting a free 7-day trial. After the 7-day trial, the membership is just $35.99 for a full year of access — well worth it if you camp more than 2 times per year.

3. Choose the Best Camping Activities Before Leaving

Image of Farewell Bend Campground in Oregon, from The Dyrt Camper Ed E.

As you’re planning your camping trip, ask yourself this: will you be content to spend your time enjoying the campground? Or in contrast, do you camp as a means to reach other activities, like hiking, rock climbing, or mountain biking?

There are plenty of ways to plan your camping trip. But if activities outside of the campground are your priority, then you’ll want to think about access to your outdoor adventure of choice.

You can find campgrounds near running trails , or bouldering destinations with campgrounds nearby. You can camp near streams for fishing and boating, or camp near trails for hiking.

There’s a campground for every adventure and every camper. Use The Dyrt to read campground reviews and find out what campers are up to, in and around the campground.

4. The Best Camping Trips Always Start with Quality Directions

Image of Stanton Creek – Glen Canyon Campground in Utah, from The Dyrt Camper Shannon C.

Car camping is the most convenient way to reach the campground. (Car camping refers to driving up to a campground — not sleeping in your car.) When you car camp, you don’t have to worry about packing extremely light. You can bring the double burner stove , the cooler full of beer , and the dutch oven desserts .

That being said, if you’re planning on hiking into a campground, you’ll have to be more selective. That being said, backcountry camping can be a great way to avoid the crowds on your camping trip and discover some solitude in nature.

Other campgrounds are only accessible by boat , which can be a unique way to embrace the elements.

Don’t own a car? Consider planning a camping trip utilizing  campgrounds you can reach via public transportation .

5. Plan Your Trip Around the People Camping With You

Image of Furnace Creek Campground in Death Valley National Park, from The Dyrt Camper Kuo G.

It’s time to rally the troops. Or don’t, and camp solo .

When planning your camping trip, make sure to know how many people are going in advance. Your group size will dictate what kind of campsite you require, how much food to pack, and the level of organizing between parties. Too many people can make your trip a logistical nightmare. (Who was supposed to bring the tent stakes??) But lots of campgrounds accommodate large groups. So if you are bringing a party for your next camping trip, be sure to find a campground that can comfortably fit all your friends.

6. Remember to Reserve Your Campsite

Every good camp planner will remember to reserve their campsite in advance. This is especially important in the summer months when many campgrounds are full on the weekends. Don’t forget to make reservations if you need them! You’ll find information on whether a campground can be reserved in the campground details section on The Dyrt.

Some campgrounds restrict the number of guests in order to preserve a delicate environment. They do this through limited camping reservations and permits. If you want to camp in a place like Havasu Falls — a sacred place to the Havasupai people and a delicate desert ecosystem in Arizona — you’ll need to get a permit months in advance.

Some popular hikes require permits as well. You’ll need to enter the lottery for Half Dome permits in March of the year you want to climb this iconic dome face. Other outdoor activities that require permits include driving Denali Road in Alaska, backpacking through the Enchantments in Washington, and rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

7. Planning the Best Campground for Your Needs

Planning the best best campground for your needs is not always that easy. As a camp planner, you need to know the quirks and benefits of wherever you’ll be staying. In the past knowing this came down to word of mouth and some luck, but thanks to our new app (android), gone are the days of camp planning woes.

Both the Android , as well as the iPhone’s (IOS) search feature allows you to view campground photos, videos, and reviews, so you can compare your options and make the best decision on a campground.

Once you start browsing campgrounds, save a list so you have them all in one place. The Dyrt’s Save a List function allows you to create custom lists, and add notes to each campground. Did your friend tell you about a great campground you should check out on your next camping trip? Add it to a list? Did you discover a campground that looks perfect on The Dyrt? Add it to a list!

We’ve created some themed lists that might give you some inspiration on planning where to camp:

• 21 Campers Share Their Favorite Campgrounds Across the U.S.
• Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Utah
• Campgrounds Around the Enchantments

Creating your own list allows you to keep track of the campgrounds you’re interested in, so you don’t lose that perfect discovery once you find it.

If you’re planning a campsite once you arrive at your campground, look for even ground, shade, and natural features that offer privacy.

8. Preparing a Soul Warming Meal Plan

Image from The Dyrt user Chanel C.

Now that you know to plan the when and  where for your camping trip, you can now move on to planning camp meals and the planning camp gear you’ll need on your camping trip.

If you’re just getting started as a camp planner, we recommend keeping it simple. When it comes to gear, you really only need 6 basic camping necessities for your first time at the campground.

When it comes to cooking, you can get adventurous or keep it simple. We created this guide to simple campground cooking to get you started. But if you love to work the kitchen, bring the extra ingredients and have yourself a feast!

If you’re camping with other people, be sure to collaborate on ingredients so you don’t end up with ten bags of marshmallows and nothing to eat for dinner.

9. Get The Dyrt App to Plan Your Next Camping Trip

You’ve found your campground and marked your dates on the calendar. You are ready to go camping.

Now don’t forget to download The Dyrt app for iOS and Android so you can find and review your campgrounds on-the-go. When you add photos and reviews of your campground on The Dyrt, not only will you be making camping better for everyone — you’ll also be in the running for a ton of free camping gear as part of our  Camping Giveaways . We partner with outdoor gear brands who want to make camping better for everyone. Don’t miss out on the fun.

We can’t wait to see all of the places you camp this summer!

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Britany Robinson

Britany is the Managing Editor of The Dyrt. She's been a writer ever since she can remember, and her first literary accomplishment was having a poem about a panda published when she was eight. The anthology was definitely a scam to get her parents to buy a bunch of anthologies, but she's still pretty proud of her panda poem. When she's not at her computer, she's (hopefully) outside, hiking or camping with her dog.

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Camping in the Fall

Spring Camping Getaways

How to Go Backpacking

Complete Checklist

Backpacking Destinations

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Planning a Camping Trip: The Complete Guide

Planning a camping trip begins with the desire to get outdoors. Once you have the itch, you'll only need to pick a date, find a campground, choose a route, prepare your gear, go grocery shopping, and head out.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? It actually is and it gets easier with each trip to the campground. Whether you're a new camper or a veteran, let's review some tips for planning your next outdoor adventure.

Where to Go

There are two types of campgrounds: Private and public. Both have their advantages but finding a good one can be hard. That is why it's a good idea to use campground reviews and ratings to guide you. Resources like AAA and Trailer Life compile all the information you need to see if a campground is right for you.

Take into consideration if you're staying in a tent or a camper or RV. Some campgrounds are more tent-friendly than others. Likewise, some have all the amenities and hookups necessary for campers.

Do you care if there's a shower and flush toilets or are you okay with roughing it for the weekend? This is a big factor for many campers and a campground guide includes this type of information. You can also choose public parks which tend to be rustic and offer a variety of outdoor recreation options or opt for modern campgrounds that may have a game room, store, or pool.

Be aware that some campgrounds require reservations, others offer it as an option or are first-come-first-serve. If you know it's going to be a busy weekend—Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, in particular—be sure to get a reservation or show up early.

Another option is to head out to a festival that's centered around camping . They're great fun and offer music and other activities just outside your tent.

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Top Destinations

Campers love the great outdoors, pristine natural environments, and the adventures that inspire in the wild. While it's likely that there's a great campsite nearby no matter where you live, if you're looking for a destination to travel to, we have some ideas.

Every state has its fair share of national and state parks and these really do offer some of the best camping opportunities. Yet, some states are better known for having really great campgrounds to choose from . Also, if you have not camped at any of the  top national parks , add them to your bucket list. You won't regret it.

Glacier National Park in Montana is a favorite for many campers. Lake Tahoe is another camping destination to consider, and you can find some ​ nice spots along California's coastline .

Gather Your Gear

Do you need a checklist to make sure you've packed all your gear? While you might decide to bring along a few extra things, there are some items that are absolutely essential.

As far as camping gear goes, you will need three basic things . A place to sleep is most important, so grab a tent. Something to sleep on and keep you warm is good as well, which is why sleeping bags are necessary. Also, a few things to cook your meals will help out tremendously. 

Gear in hand, now you need the supplies . Food and water are essentials for obvious reasons. You might also want a backpack cooler , camp stove, some rain gear for everyone, a knife, and a lantern or flashlight (or both).

Don't forget the first aid kit , either. You'll be miles away from town and you never know when someone will get a cut, bee sting, or some other injury that needs a quick fix.

No shower house at your campground? There's no need to go without bathing, all you need is a camp shower that's allowed to warm in the sun while you're busy with the day's activities.

When you get to the campground, you'll need to check in at the office or camp host. Find a good site that looks like a place you could hang for the weekend. The campsites with the most shade are prime real estate, so try to get there early.

From there, you'll set up your camp . Select the site for your tent, set out your cooking supplies, and settle in.

One thing you'll quickly learn is that there are annoying campers. Don't be one of them and learn what not  to do on a camping trip . This includes many common sense things like respect your neighbors, keep the camp clean​ and understand that wildlife will be around.

When you're ready to leave and head home, be sure that your site looks how it did (or better than) when you arrived. The common phrase is "leave no trace" and that means you should take your trash with you, dowse your fire properly, and pack up all your gear. When you get home, unpack everything and let it dry and air out before storing it permanently.

Plan a Backcountry Trip

​Backcountry camping, or backpacking, is essentially the combination of hiking and camping in the wilderness. Don't let the unfamiliar landscape or worries of being in the wild keep you from going backpacking. It's a lot of fun and a real outdoor adventure.

If you've not backpacked before , it's a little different than grabbing a campsite at the state park. You'll be in a remote area without your car to rely on, so it's important to take only the essential gear you'll need. It's also important to choose the right campsite, though some popular backcountry destinations offer designated sites along the way.

Also, you should be fit enough to handle the hike and understand who to call or how to get to help in case there's an emergency. Check with the park ranger in the area about any important details like that and other tips they can give you.

Tips for RV Camping

Your RV is your home away from home. It is also the most convenient way to go camping because your RV has everything you need. Just hook it up to the truck or hop in the cab and you're off to a new adventure .

While RVing is a more luxurious way to camp, it does have its own concerns. First of all, you most likely need to reserve campsites to ensure you get the electrical hookups you need. You'll also want a dump station nearby.

Along the way (and before you go) you'll want to keep up on maintenance and do some routine safety checks . RVs are great, but they are one giant vehicle with a hundred things that can go wrong. Yet, if you know what to look for and how to maintain it, it can offer years of great fun.

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How to Prepare for a Camping Trip

Last Updated: May 13, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Hannah Young . Hannah Young is an Outdoor Education Expert with more than three years of experience. She specializes in educating others on backpacking and hiking, land ethics and best practices, and wilderness Restoration. Hannah earned a BS in Earth Systems from Stanford University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 80% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 239,283 times.

Camping is a fun and exciting experience, but to stay organized and safe, you must prepare for the trip.

• Try sticking with dehydrated foods that can easily be prepared with boiling water. This way, you can make a “home-cooked” meal over the campfire.

Packing List for a Camping Trip

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

• Keep matches in a pill bottle and glue sandpaper to the top of the pill bottle. Dryer lint can be used to begin a fire when you have saved enough of it. [4] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you have a choice, you may want to sleep in a cabin. They are more sheltered, more pleasant if it is raining, and sometimes even have air conditioning. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Put your sleeping bag, floor mat, blanket, and ground sheet in a bedding roll. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• Enough food for three meals and one snack (opt.) for every day you stay.
• Sleeping bag(s)/airbed
• Extra blanket(s) (If you are camping in the cold)
• Sharp Knife
• Poncho (in case it rains)
• Tent (If you are not sleeping in a cabin)
• Stakes for the tents
• Water bottle
• Tennis shoes
• One pair of jeans or sweatpants per day
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Socks (pack extras)
• Gloves/mittens (for really cold weather)
• Hat/cap (for really cold weather)
• Snow boots (for extremely cold/snowy weather)
• Appropriate sleepwear
• Flip-flops (opt.)
• Sunglasses (opt.)
• Visor/Baseball cap
• Short pants and/or jeans
• Swimsuit (If you plan to swim, sail, canoe, etc.)
• A T-Shirt or comfortable top for each day
• Appropriate sleeping clothes
• Personal items
• Books and/or games for rainy days
• Toilet paper (if not provided)
• Soap & Shampoo
• Paper towels
• Zip-lock bags
• Flashlight(s)/Lantern
• Extra batteries
• Comfort pad or air mattress (opt.)
• Stuffed animals (opt.)
• Large cooler (for food)
• Antiseptic wipes
• Adhesive dressings (plasters)
• Bandage Wrap
• Painkillers
• Anti-itch Cream
• Inhaler (if one of the participants has asthma)
• Tweezers (in case someone gets a splinter or sticker)
• Mirror (to signal for help, if needed)
• Bandanna (These are useful in almost any situation)
• Ponytail holders (These can be used for more than hair)
• Small amount of fresh water (for thirst, or if someone has something in their eye)
• "Feminine" items (for female participants)
• Any personal medicine

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.mappingmegan.com/first-aid-tips-for-camping/
• ↑ https://busycreatingmemories.com/camping-list-how-to-prepare-for-camping/
• ↑ https://www.nps.gov/subjects/camping/cooking-in-camp.htm
• ↑ https://momwithaprep.com/pill-bottle-firestarters/

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Table of contents

The Ultimate Camping Checklist

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links

Whether you love planning logistics and packing for a camping trip or tend to leave it to the last minute, it’s important to make sure you have all of the essentials. At CleverHiker, we love for all things planning so we put together this checklist to help make packing easy and stress-free.

To determine what gear you need to bring on your trip, ask yourself these questions:

• What is the weather forecast for the specific area I’ll be in?  Look up the weather forecast for the entirety of your trip and take the lowest low and the highest high as the temperature range you need to plan for. If precipitation is in the forecast, you’ll need waterproof outer layers as well.
• Are you going to a campground or a primitive campsite?  This will help you determine whether or not there will be picnic tables, fire pits, bathroom facilities, water, and electricity. You’ll obviously need to pack a bit differently for primitive camping.
• What activities would you like to do?  You get to decide how you want to spend your time in the outdoors. Complete your gear list with the items you need to make hiking, fishing, biking, playing games, or just relaxing in camp enjoyable.
• How luxurious do you want your camp to be?  Think of your campsite as a blank canvas where you can set up as much or as little as you’d like to make it your own. Some people take great pride in setting up elaborate, cushy camps, while others prefer to take a more minimalistic approach.

Starting from Scratch?

While this gear list may look intimidating at first, you don’t need every single item here, and you’ll probably find that you already have a lot of these items around your house.

Start by gathering the important basics like your shelter and sleep system first, then expand from there.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider renting or borrowing big-ticket items to get you started. Your camping supplies will upgrade and evolve as you go on more trips and grow to love camping.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST (Change margins to ‘narrow’ when printing)

Site Gear/Furniture

• Chairs ( camping / backpacking )
• Hammock + tree straps
• Outdoor rug
• Tablecloth ( clips )
• Clothesline ( clothes pins )
• Clear plastic bins to store items
• Insect repellent (or Thermacell )
• Sit pads for insulation on chairs

Primitive Site Gear

(when water, toilets, & electricity aren’t available)

• Water filter/purification
• Collapsible water bottles or large water container
• Trowel / shovel (when outhouses aren’t available)
• Toilet waste bag
• Portable camp shower

Shelter/Bedding

• Tent ( camping / backpacking )
• Stakes + guylines + mallet
• Sleeping bag ( camping / backpacking )
• Sleeping pad , mattress , or cot
• Air pump or pump sack
• Camping blanket(s)
• Sunshade , tarp, or screen house ( stakes + guylines )
• Duct tape + Tenacious tape (repairs)

Electronics

• Power bank & extra batteries
• Phone & charger
• Tripod & wireless shutter remote
• Lantern or tent lights
• Headphones or speaker to play music

CONSUMABLES

• Ice for cooler
• Food & snacks (or freeze-dried meals )
• Coffee/tea/creamer
• Cooking oil or non-stick spray

CAMP KITCHEN

• Stove + fuel ( camping / backpacking )
• Lighter or matches
• Cookware ( camping / backpacking )
• Cooking utensils (spatula, ladle, etc.)
• Grill rack / dutch oven (to cook over fire)
• Coffee maker
• Travel mug(s)
• Water bottle(s) or hydration pack
• Dishes + utensils
• Cutting board + knife
• Biodegradable soap + sponge
• Dishwashing basin (or plastic bin)
• Pack towel or paper towels
• Food containers , Ziploc bags + foil
• Bags for garbage & recycling
• Bottle opener / corkscrew
• Measuring cups / spoons
• Paracord + food bag (for bear country)

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

• Hiking pants ( Men’s / Women’s )
• Shorts ( Men’s / Women’s )
• Short-sleeve shirt & sun shirt ( Men’s / Women’s )
• Underwear ( Men’s / Women’s )
• Down jacket and/or fleece jacket
• Windbreaker and/or rain jacket (depending on forecast)
• Base layers
• Shoes & socks
• Hats (1 warm , 1 for sun )
• Swimsuit & pack towel
• Sandals ( Men’s / Women’s ) or camp shoes
• Bandana or washcloth

PERSONAL GEAR

• Knife or multitool
• Wallet (cash, credit card, ID)
• First-aid kit
• Sunscreen + lip balm
• Toiletries (shampoo, lotion, etc.)
• Prescription Rx
• Toilet Paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Travel toothbrush, paste + floss
• Comb / brush
• Ear plugs + sleep mask
• Permits/reservations/fees/licenses
• Check weather forecast

CAMPFIRE SUPPLIES

• Fire starter (egg cartons also work well)
• Matches or lighter
• Firewood (if unavailable near campsite)
• Tarp (to cover wood + protect car)
• Roasting forks for s’mores

FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

• Games ( dice , cards, etc.)
• Reading material, notebook / sketchbook & pen
• Instruments
• Fishing gear
• Books / maps / field guides
• Dog gear (dishes, leash, longline, bed)

Camping Tips

Staying organized.

It’s really easy to keep your camping gear organized by using clear plastic bins with lids. You can see what’s inside each one at a glance and slide them easily in and out of the car. The bins also keep your items contained and protected from dust and critters in camp. And, as an added benefit, your stuff will always be stored in one place at home – ready to go for your next adventure. All you’ll have to do next time you want to head out is quickly go through the bins with your checklist, add clothing, restock consumables, and you’re good to go.

Camping Food

The camp kitchen and your food system will vary greatly depending on how much or little you want to cook on your camping trip. Some people prefer to bring mostly cold or prepared foods, while others enjoy whipping up gourmet meals at their campsite.

Deciding whether you’d prefer not to cook, to cook on a stove, use a grill, or over a fire will help you figure out what to pack and what kind of food to shop for. We usually prefer to prep and combine some ingredients at home, then do some simple cooking on a stove in camp. Taking the time to make a meal plan before your trip will make your role as camp chef much easier and more fun.

Check out our Easy Camping Recipes That Taste Gourmet post for meal ideas. We also have a ton of other food-related resources that work for both camping and backpacking.

Stay Cool, Cooler

A quality cooler will have thick insulation to help keep it cold for a long time. But even the best cooler will lose its cool after a day or two on hot summer trips.

Use these tips to help your cooler perform to its max potential, keeping food safe and drinks ice-cold, the way we like ‘em:

• Pre-chill both your food and your cooler before you load it for the best start
• The fuller your cooler is, the less trapped warm air has to cool, so choose one that isn’t too large and top it up whenever possible
• Separate your drinks from your food in two smaller coolers instead of one large one to reduce the number of times people open them
• Cover your cooler with a blanket, sleeping bag, or pad, and keep it in the shade

If you’re in the market for a new cooler, check out our list of the  Best Coolers .

Garbage in Camp

It’s a good practice to keep your campsite clean and free of litter to keep birds, rodents, bears, and other wildlife from getting a taste for human food. It really doesn’t take much to follow Leave No Trace protocol and it improves the way you experience your campsite too.

We try to separate garbage from recyclables whenever we can. Dispose of garbage in campground receptacles when you leave your site unattended or store foods items and garbage in your car. In bear country, it’s a good idea to keep your food in a bear locker, store it in your car, or properly hang a food bag like the Ursack .

First Aid Kits

You can’t be prepared for absolutely everything, but you should have what you need to take care of minor cuts, scrapes, sunburn, bug bites, upset stomachs, and headaches. Check out our Best First-Aid Kits list to find the best one for you and your camping needs.

Why trust us?

We understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously.

• Our recommendations are completely independent and based on hands-on experience.
• We test outdoor gear for a living – we’ve logged over 20,000 trail miles and 1,000 nights in the wilderness.
• Our team has thru-hiked some of the most iconic long trails, including the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Long Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Arizona Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, as well as extensive peak bagging, and international treks.
• We field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
• We travel to industry trade shows to stay up-to-date on product innovations.
• We continuously update our guides throughout the year and when new products launch.
• We treat recommendations to our readers as if they were for our family and friends.
• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to feedback. If you think we’ve missed a worthy product or got something wrong, we’d love to know about it.

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DIY Camping Projects

Whether you're new to camping or a pro camper extraordinaire, we've got all sorts of projects to improve your camping trips! Have a look at the projects below to learn how to sleep in a hammock, hack a sleeping bag, cook delicious campfire food, start a fire, build your own camper and more!

Make sure to have a look at our Great Outdoors Contest (ends 8/25/14) for even more camping projects!

Teardrop Trailer

by e1ioan in Camping

Better Sterno Alternative

by tjesse in Camping

Camping Hot Tub

by player2756 in Camping

Building My Primitive Camping Truck

by sam24th in Camping

Chuck Box - Camp Kitchen

by thetoolman in Camping

Multi-Function Walking Stick - Converts to a Chair

by hpstoutharrow in Camping

Camping Tips and Tricks

by Lorddrake in Camping

The Near-Perfect Tent: Design and Build a Recycled Tent

by bentm in Camping

Waterproof Dryer Lint Fire-Starter

by At29035ft in Camping

DIY Camping Hammock

by larslovespeace in Camping

The Hammock Hut: a Easy to Make Hammock Rain-fly

by fidgety2 in Camping

Roof Top Car Camper

by Idea Studio 22 in Camping

Homebuilt Camper Trailer

by anthonyschr in Camping

Rain Tarp Design

by jaaaaayyyyy in Camping

Multi-Function Walking Stick II - Storage Compartment

How to Backpack Better With a Hammock

by HAL 9000 in Camping

Pocket Chainsaw

by machoturtle in Camping

Build Your Own Pop-Up Trailer

by popotus in Camping

Print Waterproof Plastic Maps

Easy Camper Van Conversion

by kinawera in Camping

Adding Thermal Insulation to Your Tent

by mayhemchaos in Camping

Super-easy Paracord Camp Chair

by RavingMadStudios in Camping

KP Pyramid Wood Stove

by KresimirPregernik in Camping

Make a Rip Stop Nylon Hammock

by Mrballeng in Camping

Rustic Hammock-Style Wilderness Chair

Build your own diy solar powered mobile phone.

by Corrugator Supercilii in Camping

My Awesome Backpacking Camp Setup/ Checklist!

by trevorcgross in Camping

Camping Shower!

by alliedmilk in Camping

Camp Table for Backpacking

How to Repair Tent Pole Elastic Cord (Re-thread) - the Easy Way

by chaoticandrandom in Camping

Backpacking: an Easy Guide for First Timers

by benpayne in Camping

DIY Outdoor Light

by Robbie Carlson in Camping

Ruggedizing and Bug-proofing a Window Air Conditioner for Tent Camping

by replayreb in Camping

Cooler With Blender, Speaker & More

by grepper in Camping

The Sleepwalker: a Mobile Sleeping Bag Experience

by tessalene in Camping

Single Person Mosquito Net

by the binks in Camping

Camp Cooking the Easy Way - in Ground Roast

by LstTxn2 in Camping

Camping Lighting/Sound System

by Gimpy in Camping

Velcro Curtains for Your Camper Van

by cstewart000 in Camping

$20 Fish Smoker Attachment for Alcohol Camping Stove

by jazzguitar1963 in Camping

Outdoor Living Skills: Summer Camp Guide

by poofrabbit in Camping

How to Pack a Tent

by base3 in Camping

Magnetic Window Screens for Car Camping

by gregmacd1 in Camping

Tin Can Mess Kit / Cook Kit

by strods in Camping

Ingenious Clothes Drying Rack for Camping

by Larry Green in Camping

Wee-proof Sleeping Bag Protector for Little Campers

Pitch a Tent Without Poles

by Paige Russell in Camping

MALAGASY FIRE COOKING STANDS

by Renard_Bleu in Camping

Hand Washing Machine

by Mage and the machine in Cleaning

29 Unique Camping DIY Projects That Are GENIUS!

If you prefer to DIY your camping gear as much as possible, you’re in luck – this is an ENORMOUS list of all the best camping DIY projects I could find!

I know that I love to do it myself before buying it (well… unless it’s a remodel, which we did terrible with and I would pay for that!) when it comes to various camping gadgets. Spring is ALMOST here, but I’m just getting stir crazy and want to start making stuff!

After looking at wayyyyy too many tutorials, I wanted to put them all in one place so that I could keep track of everything, and I hope it is helpful to you too!

29 Best Camping DIY Projects To Try!

Try some of these time and money saving DIYs before your next camp trip! Whether you like to add a personal touch to your camp gear or just want to save some money, these DIY Projects are fun and easy to do!

DIY Camping Doormat

Make your own DIY camping doormat with this cut file and tutorial! Or even better, learn how to personalize it with your own name to make your campsite personal!

DIY Insulated Ice Chest Cooler Cover Tutorial

If you don't want to have to keep buying ice during your camp trip (or just want to keep your cool items even cooler!) make your own DIY Ice Chest Cover! It's easy to make but will make a giant difference in how cold your food stays!

DIY PVC Ice Packs for Your Camp Cooler

Save on the mess and melt from ice and make these PVC ice packs! They transport alot easier and are just nicer looking in your cooler!

5 Gallon Bucket Portable Shower

Camping for a long time off grid, or perhaps just camping with kids who seem to ALWAYS need to rinse off? Make your own portable bucket shower! Fill it up, leave it in the sun during the day then rinse off with warm water at the end of the night!

Easy DIY Toddler Camping Bed

The fancy gear is nice, but you could honestly save yourself alot of money if you DIY what you can.... like this camping toddler bed! Easy to wash sheets, and it's super portable!

How To Reupholster Camper Cushions The Easy Way

I don't know about you, but I HATE our camper cushions - the style is super dated and the kids have already made a couple stains on them! This is a quick way to DIY your own covers for a fresh look in your camper!

DIY Camping Bucket Light

This has to be one of the most popular DIYs I see in the various camping FB groups I'm in! This is for good reason though - they are super fun to make and personalize, and look fun when you have a couple around your campsite!

DIY Camping Laundry Washing Machine Tutorial

I LOVE this DIY Camp Laundry Machine because my kids go through clothes really, really fast! There are some specific shirts we like for day use since they are nice and light (gotta keep cool in the sun!) but it seems every night they add another layer of s'more drippings! This is an easy way to keep them clean!

How to Make a Quick and Easy DIY Toilet for Camping

Even though we camp in a camper, there are many times we boondock and don't want to fill up our tanks, and since I'm not a fan of squatting for all bathroom activities... this is a great solution! It's an especially good idea if you have little kiddos who are newly potty trained or just are scared of getting poked when the squat!

DIY Full Toilet Camping Chair

For those who require a little more stability than a bucket, this alternate camping toilet with a chair might be a good idea!

DIY Camping Tablecloth Holders

These are an ADORABLE way to hold your tablecloth down while camping! I know I am going to have my kids decorate each one and make them a keepsake!

Outdoor Drink Holder Tutorial

Who needs a camp chair drink holder when you can now bring your drink anywhere? I know my one drink holder spot in my camp chair is usually filled up with other stuff (kid snacks, sunglasses, phone for music etc) so having a separate drink holder could be really helpful!

DIY Cheap, Long Burning Firestarter Using Pinecones!

Make your own pinecone firestarers with just an egg carton, some wax and a pinecones (and they burn for five minutes!)

Adult vodka lemonade juice pouch camp drink!

Speaking of drunk related things... while this wouldn't fit in the drink holder, it is sure as heck easy enough to sip on when you're relaxing later on! Not only that, but they sound absolutely delicious!

Homemade "Shake and Pour" Pancake Mix!

Ready to go homemade pancake mix is AMAZING while camping, especially on those slow to start mornings! I like this one because it seems especially yummy (but you could just buy the box stuff if you aren't a cook!)

DIY Mosquito Repellent Bracelet

If you love essential oils, then you'll love this all-natural (and pretty!) way to combat mosquitos while camping!

How to Pack a First Aid Kit for Camping

While not technically a "DIY" it is still much cheaper to buy only what you need and not one of the boxed sets they sell! Especially if you are traveling to tourist destinations such as National PArks... those things cost double there!

Plastic Bottle Mosquito Trap

If the bracelt or citronella candles just aren't doing it for you, try this DIY mosquito trap you hang around camp! I will try ANYTHING when it comes to getting rid of those suckers!

Rolled Camp Kitchen Tutorial

I love how portable this set up is! We try not to cook in our camper (smells, mess etc) so this is a great way to keep all of our kitchen things organized and bring it out to the grill!

Insulated Water Bottle Carrier

Give each kid (or heck, yourself!) their own insulated water bottle carrier for when you hike around camp! Personalized gear is always the best, and this could make a fun gift for the camping kid in your life!

Trailer Trash Bags Free Download & Printable

Grocery Bags are a hot commodity around the campsite! Whether you use them for trash, recycle or as dog poop bags, it's handy to have a central place to store them that will prevent them from all flying away! It doesn't hurt that the storage container will make ya chuckle!

Homemade No Rinse Body Wipes for Camping

Forget the store bought wipes and make your own no rinse wipes that leave you feeling fresh!

DIY Travel Spice Kit is Great for Camping! - DIY Candy

This is the perfect way to cut down on the number of spice bottles you travel with! This is also great for campfire meals and RV kitchen cooking (it includes the printable labels so you can keep track of your spices!)

Picnic blanket game board

I don't know about you, but I LOVE playing board games while camping! This DIY picnic blanket game board is perfect for use on the campgrounds picnic table or on the ground!

DIY Pocket Camping Pillow for Kids!

I could totally see one of these on each of my kids beds in the camper! It's a pretty and organized way to keep track of each kids small items like their books, pencils, tablets and such!

Super-easy Paracord Camp Chair

I have ALWAYS loved these (have you ever sat in one? It forms to your body perfectly!) however they are usually pretty expensive. Here's a way to make one for your kids (or yourself!) for way, way cheaper to "hang" around camp. LOL!

Colorful Duct Tape Sit Upon Camp Craft

This is a great DIY to take with you on hikes, or while you are walking around your campsite! It’s easy to carry around, and all it takes to make is some duct tape!

Magnetic Window Screens for Car Camping

While this is written for car camping, you could modify the shape and use it for other windows too! This DIY window screen is a great way to keep your car/rig cool and get a little more privacy!

How to DIY BlackOut Window Covers for Your RV or Camper (NO SEWING Involved!)

Whether you like a mid day nap or have kids who need to nap (and need it dark!) this is a fun way to create some custom black out window covers for your camper!

Easy 5-Minute Wash Cloth Soap Holder

Bars of soap are WAY easier to bring than whole containers, and this soap holder makes the bar go even further (and it's nice to exfoliate a little!)

Did you find a camping DIY you want to do?

I know first on my list is the one where you make a hammock with a towel and some rope (mainly because I want to make one for myself!)

If you know any good camping DIYs (or ones you’ve made yourself!) leave them in the comments!

Other camping articles you’ll love!

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3 thoughts on “29 Unique Camping DIY Projects That Are GENIUS!”

I love the travel spice kit idea…thanks!

I’m happy you found the DIY helpful Tammie! Those full sizes bottles are just too much with such little space in campers! – Stacy

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HI! I'm Stacy, AKA “The Crazy Outdoor Mama”

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Yellowstone geysers hiking sock, 6 tips for your next camping trip.

• Parks Project Staff

As the days grow longer and the nights get warmer, you may find yourself heading outside to your local forest or mountains for a fun camping trip! Whether you prefer car camping, tent camping, or just setting up that sleeping bag in the grass, here are some tips to consider as you plan your next outdoor adventure. As always, be sure to leave it better than you found it, campers!

1. Plan ahead and research where you want to stay After deciding where you’ll be heading on your trip, make sure to do your research on campsites and what resources are available in the area. There can be a variety of campsites, but depending on where you go and what type of camping you decide on, you may need to come prepared with different gear. For example, most folks want to make sure a camping chair is on the list but if there’s no campfire, you may not need to bring the entire camp kitchen. It's also important to keep in mind that some campsites require a reservation, so make sure to reserve in advance especially if it’s a popular destination...#campinghacks.

2. Carry cooking essentials and clean up tools

After a long day of adventure, you’ll likely be ready for a feast back at camp. Before heading out on your trip make a list of the cookware, camp stoves, crockery, and silverware you’ll need to make your meals a success! The better the meal, the better the camping experience as a whole, right? We also recommend carrying some supplies that will make cleaning up smoother. Some biodegradable soap, a sponge, and a plastic container to wash and rinse will go a long way to help keep your campsite tidy. Make sure to dispose of greywater and any leftover food scraps properly!

3. Bring sun protection!

Whether you are camping in the forest or on the beach, sun protection is essential to minimize sunburns and prevent sun poisoning. You should apply sunscreen every two hours and wear a hat for the best protection. You may also consider wearing long sleeve shirts and pants for additional protection. Doing so will help you stay out there longer and enjoy the experience! 

4. Don’t forget about dispersed camping

Are all campsites at your destination booked? Consider dispersed camping that may be available nearby! If you are traveling to a national park you may be able to find dispersed camping in a bordering national forest. By going with this choice of camping, you don’t have to worry about reservations or fees and can still enjoy the wonder of the natural environment. Be sure to check with the local ranger station for the best sites and practice leave no trace principles.

5. If you are camping in the backcountry, setup camp where vegetation is minimal On your next camping trip if possible, pitch your tent where others have previously done to minimize your impact on the area. Creating new campsites contributes to erosion and the destruction of vegetation. If you do not see any existing campsites, opt for a space with little to no vegetation.

6. Pack some games for downtime at camp!

While the majority of your day may be filled with hiking, swimming, rock climbing, or canoeing, you may find some down time at camp in between activities or at the end of the day. This gives you the perfect opportunity to gather everyone around and have some fun by the fire with a relaxing card or board game.

Extra camping tips to make sure you have everything you need on that list:

• sleeping bag
• toilet paper
• propane (if needed)
• fire starters
• sleeping pad
• first aid kit
• rain fly 
• rain jacket

As the days grow longer and the nights get warmer, you may find yourself heading outside to your local forest or mountains for a fun camping trip! Here are some tips to consider as you plan your next outdoor adventure. As always, be sure to leave it better than you found it!

1. Plan ahead and research where you want to stay After deciding where you’ll be heading on your trip, make sure to do your research on campsites and what resources are available in the area. There can be a variety of campsites, but depending on where you go and what type of camping you decide on, you may need to come prepared with different gear. It's also important to keep in mind that some campsites require a reservation, so make sure to reserve in advance especially if it’s a popular destination.

After a long day of adventure, you’ll likely be ready for a feast back at camp. Before heading out on your trip make a list of the cookware, crockery, and silverware you’ll need to make your meals a success! We also recommend carrying some supplies that will make cleaning up smoother. Some biodegradable soap, a sponge, and a plastic container to wash and rinse will go a long way to help keep your campsite tidy. Make sure to dispose of greywater and any leftover food scraps properly!

3. Bring sun protection! Whether you are camping in the forest or on the beach, sun protection is essential to minimize sunburns and prevent sun poisoning. You should apply sunscreen every two hours and wear a hat for the best protection. You may also consider wearing long sleeve shirts and pants for additional protection. Doing so will help you stay out there longer and enjoy the experience! 

5. If you are camping in the backcountry, setup camp where vegetation is minimal Whenever possible pitch your tent where others have previously done so to minimize your impact on the area. Creating new campsites contributes to erosion and the destruction of vegetation. If you do not see any existing campsites, opt for a space with little to no vegetation.

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• Pack With Me

Camp Like a Pro With This Editor-Curated Packing List

In "Pack With Me," influencers and editors give us a rundown of their travel must-haves and a few travel hacks to go along with them. For this installment, PS shopping editor Kyley Warren shares what essentials are neccessary for a tent-camping trip, just in time for the summer travel season.

Tent-camping is one of life's greatest joys — assuming, of course, that you know how to prep and pack for it. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that spent a lot of long weekends venturing through the mountains of northern Arizona with just a packable tent, a couple spare batteries, and a propensity for adventure.

While we eventually upgraded to a travel trailer for convenience purposes — and, if we're being honest, the need for a proper shower — I still treasure those memories of getting to wake up beneath the trees and marvel at the stars just before bed.

In my adulthood, I've discovered that many people weren't exposed to tent-camping in the same ways that I was throughout my youth — and thus find themselves blissfully unaware of how to prepare for such an excursion as adults. Fortunately, packing for a camping trip is much easier than you might expect. All it takes is a little extra planning, caution, and a locational awareness that'll ensure you don't wander too far off the beaten path.

From camping chairs and battery-powered lanterns to a pocket lighter and a reusable water bottle , I've curated a comprehensive camping packing list below, with a mixture of both fun and practical products that are essential for all types of campers — whether you're an amateur or a bonafide outdoorsmen. Ahead, keep reading for the best camping gear and best tips for what to pack for a camping trip.

Best Packing Tips For Tent-Camping

While I usually advise embracing a "less is more" approach when it comes to packing for more formal travel, tent-camping is a different kind of beast. You'll likely be limited on packing space since most tent-campers only travel to their destination or campground in a vehicle as opposed to an actual travel trailer.

However, tent-camping requires that you come very prepared and leave no box unchecked on your travel packing list. First-Aid kits are essential, portable chargers and batteries are necessary for keeping your electronics charged, and since you'll be living off the land — or at least too far away from any restaurant or grocery store — you'll want to prep some easy camping meals ahead of time.

I also recommend curating a packing list specific to your destination. For example, if you're camping in a humid destination where mosquitoes are abundant, bug spray will be your best friend. If you're camping in the desert or somewhere during a particularly warm season, you'll want to pack plenty of water — and then pack some more. And if you're venturing up through bear country or locations with mixed wildlife — like mountain lions — then you might want to consider investing in safety tools like a bear spray or horn.

Finally, you'll want to consider just how authentic of a camping experience you'd like to endure. There are thousands of campgrounds across the country that offer water and electricity hookups, along with a designated camping spot, for a small nightly fee; this is (understandably) a more popular option as opposed to setting up camp in the middle of nowhere, but it does mean you'll be in the same vicinity as a lot of other people. If you're looking to jump headfirst into your camping era — or just need somewhere with real peace and quiet — you'll be better off scoping out your own site without all the bells, whistles, and conveniences of a traditional campground.

Regardless of where you're traveling, this is one of the best seasons to explore the outdoors, detach from your cell phone, and immerse yourself in nature. Stock up on all the necessary things for camping like a pro below.

Waterproof Lighters

Waterproof Lighters ($16)

Even if you've spent endless hours watching "Man vs. Wild" with Bear Grylls, don't be fooled — not all of us are built to be survival experts and even fewer can manage starting a fire with their bare hands. Take the guesswork out of building a fire from scratch and be sure to pack a handy waterproof lighter that'll help you spark a flame instantly — and keep you warm in colder climates.

A Battery-Powered Camping Lantern

LE 1000LM Battery Powered LED Camping Lantern ($20, originally $34)

Before you ask — no, your iPhone's flashlight is not a sufficient light source to use while camping. To make sure you campsite is well-lit for preparing dinners come nighttime (and distracting pesky bugs), this battery-powered camping lantern will illuminate your space with no plug-in required.

Waterproof Shoes

Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs ($21)

Hiking boots and comfortable sneakers are great for camping, but for a more outdoor-friendly option that you can comfortably slip into after a hike, fishing trip, or just while you're rinsing off in an outdoor shower, you can't go wrong with a classic pair of Crocs.

An Emergency First Aid Kit

First Aid All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit ($22)

An emergency first-aid kit should be at the very top of your camping packing list — and for good reason. Even with all the planning in the world, the unexpected can still happen, and the last thing you want is to be battling an injury or ailment in the middle of nowhere, without the proper resources to take care of it.

A Solar Power Bank

Solar Charger Power Bank ($24)

Unless you're camping in a proper campground (complete with water and electricity hookups), you'll need to find an alternative means to power other travel essentials like your electric grill, portable speaker, and smartphone.

A Reusable Water Bottle

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($28)

Staying hydrated is key to enjoying a camping trip to the fullest, especially if you're planning on doing other activities like hiking or fishing. This stainless steel water bottle keeps liquids cold for an extended period of time, and it's easy to carry thanks to its comfortable top handle.

Organic Granola

Nature's Path Organic Gluten Free Coconut and Cashew Butter Granola ($46)

Wondering what food to pack for camping? I recommend easy, nonperishable items that don't need to be stored at a certain temperature in order to stay fresh. Granola is a great snacking option, and for larger meals, you can opt for breads and lunch meats, veggie packs, canned beans, and more.

An Outdoor Jacket

L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Anorak ($59)

A weatherproof jacket is one of the best clothing items for camping — even if there isn't rain in the forecast. We love the earthy coloring on this cool layer, along with its zippered pockets which are ideal for concealing items like bug spray or a portable power bank while you're hiking.

A Camping Chair

GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair ($60)

Heading somewhere with a fire pit that's primed for campfires? You'll want to make sure you have a proper camping chair tucked into your car for those evening s'more sessions and cookouts around the fire. This outdoor chair even comes with a shoulder strap, making it easier to carry.

A Camping Table

Nice C Camping Table ($60)

Unless you'd prefer to prepare your food on the ground, you'll want to take a foldable table along for your next camping trip. This durable table is great because it comes equipped with built-in storage where you can conceal open food items and keep curious animals at bay.

A Camping Tent

Coleman Camping Tent with Instant Setup ($168, originally $200)

Unsurprisingly, the most important product to pack for a tent-camping trip, is: a tent (groundbreaking, we know). This Coleman tent is one of my favorites because it has a pop-up design that's much easier to set up than traditional models. Plus, you can shop it in a handful of size options that can fit anywhere from four to 10 people, depending on your group size.

A Durable Cooler

Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler ($250)

Even if you limit the amount of refrigerated foods you take on your trip, you'll still want some sort of cooler handy, that way you can store ice or other camping food essentials like lunch meats. This model from Yeti is a bestseller that's hailed for its durable build, thoughtful lock system, and convenient carrying handle, which will help you transport the cooler from your car to the camp site with ease.

Garmin GPS Map ($500, originally $600)

If your camping adventures take you off the grid and out of service, this GPS map will help to keep your loved ones back home in-tune with your exact location. Best of all, the product comes highly recommended by professional hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike — read our exclusive interview with Evelynn Escobar to learn more.

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.

34 GORGEOUS Camping Activities For Kids: The Best Nature Art Projects

Hands-down, there is nothing I like more than being with my kids outside. They love it, too: My girls have a blast hiking, swimming, exploring and, of course, digging like dogs in mole holes. (Don’t yours, too?) But sometimes boredom hits, and my kids get tired of simply  being outdoors.

That’s when I suggest my girls and I do one of these nature art projects —and then watch their imagination and creativity blossom. These also make for fun camping activities for kids so you’ll never run out of things to do on your next family camping trip.

We’ve been doing these nature projects for kids for years. Now whenever we take our dog for a walk, the girls want to bring along their buckets so they can collect “nature art supplies” for later crafts. When I say, “Hey, want to do a nature art project?” they literally jump up and down, asking me what we’re going to do.

Because variety is the spice of nature art projects, and you might want a little inspiration, I’ve put together a list of 34 gorgeous camping arts and crafts that you can use while camping, or simply out in your yard. Go ahead, let your creativity shine!

And since you’re excited to have fun with your kids once you reach the Great Outdoors, you might as well have a wonderful time getting there, too! Grab your copy of my book Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids. It shares 33 fun, customizable games and free printables that will keep you and your littles entertained for hours! Click the image below to get your copy in e-book or paperback!

Beat boredom with these fun camping activities for kids

Boredom while we’re family camping or just out in the yard is unfathomable to me now—there’s little I’d rather do than just relax in a quiet forest or chill by a river. But I remember complaining to my mom— “I’m booooooored” —when I was a kid.

Get rid of the b-word when you’re outdoors with one—or many!—of these fun nature crafts which make for some of the best family camping activities.

But, before you get started with these fun camping activities for kids, be sure to come prepared with extra supplies including glue, paper, clay, crayons, washable paint and string. 

1. Nature collage: The most popular kids camping activity

There’s no questioning why this is number 1 on my list of best camping activities for kids.

With just glue, card stock and whatever nature supplies your kids collect, they can create gorgeous nature collages. My kids can happily spend an hour on this camping arts and crafts project, while hubby and I sit back, relax and enjoy the outdoors!

2. Nature mandalas: One of the most exciting camping activities for kids

Send your kids on a scavenger hunt for pieces of nature. (I always bring buckets on our camping trips for this part!) Then create symmetrical designs using flowers, pine cones and whatever else you find at your campsite.

3. Ash painting: Most unique camping arts and crafts activity

In a bucket, stir together a scoop of campfire ash (that has completely cooled off, of course!) and water until it makes a thin paste. Then invite your kids to create art with this DIY black “paint”! Paint the sidewalk or white paper, but not your clothes—it will probably stain.

Your kids will be even more excited about this camping art project when you explain that this technique is one of the ways cavemen made art on their walls.

4. Leaf animals

Collect a variety of leaves—aim for different sizes, shapes and colors. Arrange them on a piece of paper, the ground or a tree stump, using leaves for each animal part. You can add a googly eye (I love a good googly eye) or use something found in nature—like a pebble—for the animal’s eyes, nose and even spots.

5. Clay nature prints

When you bring clay on your next family camping trip, your kids can make nature prints—which are basically fossils. (Yes, you just upped your cool factor!)

Give small pieces of clay to each child. They can roll it in a smooth ball and flatten it to a disc, then press an item from nature into it. Carefully peel it out to reveal an imprint of a snail shell, twig or pine cone. This is one of my kids’ favorite camping arts and crafts!

6. Rock footprints

Find stones of different sizes. Then arrange them in the shape of footprints, using big rocks for the pad of the foot and pebbles for toes.

Depending on the shapes of your rocks, you can leave human footprints or animal footprints. Your kids may even be inspired in this camping art project to create footprints of the animals in your camp! Think of raccoons and squirrels, or bear and cougars!

7. Nature face

Use what you find in nature—sticks, rocks, leaves, pinecones, flowers—to make a funny face. You can set this up on the ground or a tree stump, or leave it on a picnic table for someone else to find—and laugh over! Your family can get quite creative with this fun nature art idea.

8. Nature puppets

With some glue and a popsicle stick (or even a regular ol’ stick), you can make an adorable, creative puppet with items you found in nature. My girls and I made this one with leaves, dandelion stems and even marigold seeds – Although I think I had more fun than they did with this nature art activity!

9. Home sweet tent

Collect sticks or rocks—whatever is most plentiful in your campsite. Then spell out the word “home” in front of your tent.

Doesn’t your tent feel cozier now?

10. Fairy houses: The best camping activity for kids

Using whatever nature materials you have at your campsite, your kids can build a home for fairies to live in! My kids got so into this camping art project that it stretched over three days.

They would add to it (the final fairy house included an obstacle course, playground and chandelier) and play with their ponies in the structures. They ended up using our firewood—so we had to get more, since we couldn’t burn their fairy houses!

This camping arts and craft project really allows them to use their imagination and will keep your kids entertained for hours on end.

11. Leaf rubbings

Remember doing leaf rubbings when you were a kid? Just have your child put leaves, ferns or other items from nature under a sheet of paper, then gently rub a paper-free crayon over the paper. Your child will watch an etching of the leaf appear!

12. Color explorations: the best kids nature art for the fall

This activity works best in the fall, when nature’s colorful side is on full display, but you can do it anytime of the year.

Pick a narrow range of colors—e.g. red-orange-yellow—and collect as many things within those hues as you can (e.g. leaves). Then arrange them on the ground by gradation of color. In this example, you’d start with the deepest red on one end, and the color would transition to yellow on the other end. It’s like nature ombre!

13. Nature paintbrushes

All you need to bring along for this nature art and crafts project is washable paint and paper. Collect different items in nature—a fern frond, a small pine branch, flowers, anything—and use them as a paintbrush.

Invite your kids to experiment by printing with the natural item or brushing. Your kids will be delighted by the diverse effects.

14. Leaf towers

It’s amazing how something as simple as a leaf can be used in so many different kids camping activities! To make these leaf towers, find a thin stick, then collect as many different leaves as you can. Poke the stick through the center of each leaf—don’t worry if you tear it, there are plenty more! Leave a few inches between the leaves.

You can create a pattern on your leaf tower (maple-ash-maple-ash) or simply add leaves in an order that feels natural.

When you’re done, help your kids poke the wider end of the stick into the ground, creating a beautiful—and unexpected—piece of nature art.

15. Fairy wands

Invite your kids to collect pieces of nature that call to them, like dandelion blooms, cattails, ferns or anything else. Arrange the items near the edge of a sturdy stick about 12 inches long. Use string (or even the twine that kept your firewood bundle together) to tie the items to the end of the stick. Now your kids have fairy wands!

16. Flower crown

If you’re anything like me, you have fond memories of sitting in the grass as a kid and weaving together daisy chains for a flower crown. Teach your kids this crucial life skill.

The last time I made a flower crown, I didn’t just stick to daisies; I wove in other wildflowers for a less uniform—and more organic—look. This is one of my favorite art projects and my kids get so excited every time we make these flower crowns.

17. Grass pom poms

Pom poms are having their moment—so you might as well bring them with you camping. Rip thick grass into sections about 3 inches long. Gather a small handful and arrange them so they’re roughly in an even stack. Use a longer, sturdy piece of grass (hay-like grass that’s in between fresh and dry works great) to tie the bundle together in the middle.

Fluff out the pieces of grass so they create a pom pom—and hang it from somewhere fun, like your rain fly! #pompomdecor

18. Leaf confetti

If you want your camping trip to be extra-celebratory, just bring along a hole punch: You can punch different colored leaves to make confetti! Simply punch leaves over a plate (so they don’t get scattered on the ground) until you have enough to take handfuls—and HOORAY! Instant camp party!

19. Nature necklaces

Since you have your hole punch handy, punch holes at the base of leaves and other items in nature. Then string them through a piece of twine you have on-hand—or even long strands of grass. Tie the ends together to make a gorgeous nature necklace for your kids.

20. Bodies in nature

Have your child lie down on the ground and trace her body with a stick. All along the outline, place whatever you have handy at your campsite: pinecones, rocks, or even seashells. Then have your kid fill in her portrait. This nature art project for kids is a beautiful—and engrossing—activity that could last your entire camping trip!

21. Tree stump portraits

Find a tree stump and use it as the starting point for a portrait. On the tree stump “face,” you can add hair (grass, moss), eyes (clovers, sand dollars), lips (leaves, berries) and anything else your child can imagine for this nature craft project.

22. Nature chalk drawings

Time to get really creative with the next few kids camping activities, and they’ll love it! With chalk, draw outlines of things you find in nature—then continue to draw to turn them into animals, landscapes or whatever your child can imagine! The outline of a leaf, for example, could turn into a hedgehog, the flame from a fire-breathing dragon or the top of a tree. 

23. Bark painting

Forget paper; paint on tree bark instead. Simply find some bark on the ground (though please don’t pull it off of living trees, as it stresses and harms the tree) and paint whatever you like. Your kids may be curious about the different results of painting on the rough outside and the smoother inside with this nature art project.

24. Decorate nature fairies

I recently printed out these free drawings from Mer Mag , and the girls and I transformed them into forest fairies by adding found objects from nature.

I’ll definitely plan ahead for our next family camping trip so we can add this camping art project to the mix!

25. Dangling nature art

Bring along string or yarn from home—your kids will love this camping art project. Simply tie things you find in nature to strings of varying length. Then hang the strings from a tree branch for a gorgeous art installation.

They remind me of disco beads, yes? 😉

26. Nature spirals

This camping nature art project is super-simple. Just collect a bunch of the same things—my kids gathered basalt rocks on a recent family camping trip—and arrange them in a spiral.

Spirals are found naturally everywhere in nature. Just think of the arrangement of sunflower seeds, the curve of a seashell or even a hurricane. Humans have been using a spiral as a sacred symbol in art and architecture for centuries; why not add it to your nature art project, too?

27. Nature God’s eye

You might have made these at summer camp with popsicle sticks and fluorescent yarn; you can make this all-natural art from materials found outside, too.

Cross two short sticks in an X. Take a bendable vine (such as a long ivy branch) and begin to wrap it back and forth around the intersection where the sticks meet in the middle. When you get to the end of the vine, tie it to another vine—either the same kind or a different one for an alternating pattern. Continue until the nature God’s eye is full to the edge of the stick (or earlier if your little ones lose patience!). Tie off the vine at the end, and hang it from your tent or a tree.

28. Hammered flower prints

We always keep a mallet in our camping box; you might have a hammer. Use it to create gorgeous flower prints, a camping craft idea you may not be familiar with!

Lay a piece of white paper on something sturdy that you don’t mind getting slightly dented (such as a beat-up picnic table). Lay out a design of brightly colored flowers. Cover your design with a paper towel. Gently tap all over the paper towel with the mallet or hammer, doing your best to not move the flowers too much underneath.

Lift up the paper towel and peel off the flowers to reveal your flower prints! 

29. Leaf stencils

Lay a leaf onto a sheet of paper. Hold it still by pressing one finger into the center of the leaf. Using a sponge or a wide paintbrush, dab the area around the leaf and on the edges of the leaf. Carefully lift up the leaf (it works best to lift it from the stem). You’ll reveal white space where your leaf used to be.

30. Mushroom prints

Pick a mushroom (just familiarize yourself with your region’s fungi to ensure you’re not picking something poisonous; check out this book on North American fungi ), then remove the stalk. Place the mushroom cap gills-down on a blank piece of paper. Place a cup over the mushroom cap to keep the breeze from disturbing it and leave the mushroom overnight.

In the morning, pick up the cap—you should see a print left behind from the spores the mushroom released!

31. Life-sized nature people

Using rocks, branches, driftwood, even seaweed—whatever materials you have around—make a life-sized person out of nature. You can even dress him or her up, give a fancy hairdo, or add some bling!

What’s more, this is a fun nature art project you can continue to add to over the course of your time outside. Start this outdoor art project at the beginning of your camping trip, for example, and see how it evolves throughout your stay.

32. Nature weaving

Find three sticks and collect a bunch of long vines or grasses. Push the base of each stick into the ground, close to each other in a row. Tie one end of a vine or blade of grass to one of the outside sticks near where it meets the ground. Weave the vine in and out of the sticks to create a gorgeous nature weaving project.

33. “Paint” with dandelions

One of our new favorite camping arts and crafts: painting with dandelions! I love the vibrant yellow of dandelions—and did you know you can use them to paint or draw?

Simply pick a few dandelions and smudge them over paper. The pretty yellow hue shows up on the paper! This is the perfect camping craft for toddlers.

34. Braid flowers

If you’re like me, you might be skilled at braiding your kids’ hair—so why not transfer that expertise to flowers? 

Simply tie together three flowers with long stems. (I use a long piece of grass to tie them together under the base of the flower.) Then braid them, adding a new flower to the strand every other time you cross the stems. 

I recently braided flowers into a dandelion crown. The kids later used it to decorate the entrance to our tent. Then Maxine turned the flower braid into a zip line for her fairy house!

The best camping activities for kids (and the whole family)

Now that you’ve looked through all these fun camping crafts for kids, you have so many ideas for family camping trips—or just your back yard. You and your little ones will be inspired to play outdoors with all these outside activities for kids.

Do you have a favorite? One you’re most excited to try? Tell me in the comments! And don’t forget to pin this post or email it to a friend!

And if you want to make buckets for camping arts and crafts for your own kids, see the directions below.

Create a Camping Arts and Crafts Bucket

Make a camping arts and crafts bucket for kids! On your next family camping trip or outdoor adventure, these buckets have all the supplies and inspiration for fun camping activities for kids.

• Bucket or pail
• Pencil and colored pencils
• Magnifying glass
• Paintbrush and paint (watercolors or washable tempera)
• Sidewalk chalk
• *You don't need everything on the supplies list, though these materials will allow your kids to do nearly every camping activity in this post.

Instructions

• Assemble the camping arts and crafts supplies you'll need. Buy supplies from the materials list above or rummage through your craft drawer.
• Using puff paint, write your child's name on a bucket.
• Once the paint is dry, fill the bucket with camping arts and crafts supplies.
• Customize supplies if you like, e.g. writing your child's name on the notepad.
• Keep the bucket secret so you can surprise your kids on your next family camping trip or outdoor adventure!

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Did you try this? What did you think?

Were these instructions helpful? Be a gem and share this info with someone else who could use it!

PS – Want ideas for family camping in Oregon? Check out my post on yurt camping at Ft. Stevens on the Oregon Coast, or tent camping at Milo McIver State Park near Portland.

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Why travel is the best way to bond with kids (+ vacation family activities)

I love the nature people – They are so cute!!! Lots of great ideas for crafting with nature Catherine!

I thought they were adorable too—thanks for reading Erin!

I love these ideas! Such a great way to keep kids entertained when camping!

Thanks Amanda! My kids love them too. 🙂

Ooh, these are great art ideas for camping! I’ve always loved arts and crafts, and you’re never too old for a good art project. Leaf confetti for the campsite is such a neat idea!

Agreed! It makes zero waste, and it’s so festive.

I love all these ideas! I never would have thought of half this many. I’ve pinned this to a couple of my boards to reference when it gets a little warmer and we are doing more walks and camping. Thank you!

Yay! I’m so glad you liked the camping activities. Thanks for pinning! Let me know what you think of the nature art projects once you do them later in the spring.

I absolutely love this. We spend as much time outside as possible once the weather warms up and outdoor art is such a great idea!

I’m with you: We’re all so much happier when we’re outside! Outdoor art projects are an absolute blast.

I love these ideas, especially love the nature fairy one. Cannot wait to try these.

Cristy https://happyfamilyblog.com

The nature fairy one certainly captured my kids’ imaginations! There’s something about the tiny, unseen magical world that kids love.

So many lovely ideas. Sure your girls had a great time x

Thanks Marina!

These are great ideas for nature projects for kids. My kids would love these!

Ooh, I’d love to hear what you and your kids think when you try some of them!

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TO & FRO FAM

This family travel blog is written for you—a mom who wants quality time and memorable vacations with her kids. I’m one of those moms, so I get that you want to leave your stress at home. I crafted (and tested!) these travel hacks and destination ideas to help the whole crew make the most of your time together. xo, Catherine

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The Ultimate Camping Packing List for Families: Travel Made Easy

Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by About Me

Planning a family camping trip? Look no further! We have compiled the ultimate family camping packing list for families to ensure your trip is stress-free and enjoyable. From essentials to optional items, we’ve got you covered for your next outdoor adventure. So pack up your car, hit the road, and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors and your camping adventure with this ultimate camping packing list for families!

Our family loves camping trips. During the spring and summer months, we can be found camping among the mountains and deserts of the US Southwest. Sometimes, we tent camp as we road trip . We once camped with our tent all the way from Arizona to South Dakota with stops in New Mexico, Wyoming, and Colorado along the way. It was a lot of fun!

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Packing for a family camping trip can be hectic. This is especially true if you are headed out somewhere far from your local store. If you forget something, you may be doing without for the duration of the trip, which could be a bummer. No worries! We’ve got you covered with our ultimate camping packing checklist for families.

A quick note, we are sharing our exact packing list that we used to road trip and tent camp from Arizona to South Dakota. This is our literal family camping packing list and we were good for a 10 day family camping trip, although we did make a pit stop for laundry and groceries along the way.

Table of Contents

Packing and storing camping supplies

The camping checklist is quite comprehensive. One thing that comes up is how to pack and store all of the camping gear when not in use. We use two large heavy duty storage bins to store our camping gear – one for the camp kitchen and one for general use. And we chose the storage bins with wheels as they are easier to move in and around a campsite.

Before we head out camping, we dust off the storage bins and put them in the car before heading out. Easy peasy. If we run out of an item after a family camping trip, I leave a note to myself at the top of the boxes to replace whatever we need before heading out on the next trip. 

This system works for us but I do want to share that we have an SUV with a lot of space in the back to place our two camping boxes plus a cooler and some chairs . For this to work for smaller vehicles, smaller storage boxes might be needed.

The Ultimate Camping Packing List for Families

Okay without further ado, here is our family camping checklist for your family. Please note that these are a few recommended items. Feel free to personalize this family camping packing list as needed, adding to it as you see fit and taking with you what makes the most sense for you and your family when camping.

The Essentials

Let’s start with the family camping essentials.

• Heavy-duty steel tent stakes
• A tarp (or tarps)
• A camping mallet
• Mat for entrance to the tent (a small square of turf also works – that’s what we use!)
• Sleeping bag
• Self-inflating sleeping pads
• Utility knife and/or a pocketknife
• A first aid kit
• A lighter either a traditional lighter or a wind and water proof lighter
• A fire starter
• Flash Lights
• Black Diamond SpotLite 200 headlamps (these are our absolute favorite!)
• Batteries for flashlights and headlamps (check your flash lights as sizes vary)
• A portable power station like a Jackery or a Bluetti
• A power strip
• Portable power bank for your phone
• Water bottle
• Toilet paper and/or Tissues
• Camping soap – a all in one environmentally friendly soap that can be used for hair, skin, clothes, dishes, and gear
• Hand sanitizer
• Bug spray for the mosquitos and ticks
• A hat for sun protection
• A roll of quarters for camp showers and laundry
• A mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes
• Clorox wipes and Wet Ones
• Rain ponchos or an umbre lla
• Hiking backpack
• Clothing items
• A sharpie and a pen, because you never know when you might need them!

Camp Kitchen: Camping Packing List for Families

Next up is the all important camp kitchen to cook food on your next camping adventure.

• A cutting board set with knives, a colander, and cutting board
• Kitchen knife
• Cast iron pans
• Cooking Utensils
• Fire starter
• Lighter Fluid
• Grill cleaner or grill cleaning oil
• Heavy duty foil
• Grill toppers
• Grill baskets
• Oven mitts for grilling
• Long metal thongs and turners for grilling
• A can opener and bottle opener, unless you already have these on your utility knife

• Plates and utensils
• Mugs or collapsible mugs
• Bowls or bowls with lids
• Table cloth There are also fitted picnic table cloths available, but as sizes vary from campsite to campsite, we just opted for a regular table cloth.
• Tablecloth clips
• Collapsible buckets for your family camp kitchen sink
• Camp soap for your hand washing AND dish washing station
• Something to scrub those cast iron pans
• Paper towels or compressed towels to save on space
• A coffee percolator and coffee liners
• Avocado oil
• Extra Virgin olive oil
• Ice or Ice packs
• Salt, pepper, and spices
• Coconut Milk
• a S’mores kit complete with roasting sticks!

Camping Hack! Save some lint from the dryer at home and bring it camping with you to use as an easy (and free!) fire starter.

Optional items for your family camping kitchen

• Mini coolers
• Ziploc bags
• A bear bag if you are camping in an area with bears
• reusable sandwich bags
• collapsible meal kits
• Baby food, if traveling with a baby

Some essentials to pack to keep as clean as you and the kiddos as clean as you can while camping.

• Soap sheets or liquid soap with insect deterrent. The liquid soap will wash your hair too!
• Toilet paper because you never know if the port-a-potty will be out!
• Tooth paste
• Tooth brush
• Quick dry towels
• Shower shoes
• Glasses and/or contacts
• Nail clippers because you never know when you will chip a nail
• Hair ties for anyone with long hair

For Hiking: Camping Packing List for Families

If your family loves hiking , then that means that you will be hitting the trails at some point during your camping adventures. If you plan on exploring the great outdoors during your camping trip, here are some hiking essentials to pack.

• Electrolytes
• Bear spray if you are hiking in bear country
• A loud bell to alert the bears if you are hiking in bear country
• Whistle with a compass just in case
• A first aid kit for hiking
• Comfortable hiking shoes. I wear either these Merrell hiking shoes or these waterproof Columbia Hiking Shoes , depending on the terrain. And Buddy wears these Merrell Hiking Boots
• Layers of clothing (most of my stuff is from Stitch Fix ) 
• Moisture wicking clothing
• Comfortable socks
• And jackets depending on the weather. In chilly weather, I wear this North Face woman’s jacket that I layer with a Columbia rain jacket in case of rain. During hot weather, I wear a light jacket with UPF to project my skin from sun exposure.

Optional items for hiking

• Offline maps
• Waterproof shoe spray for your hiking boots

Pro Tip: Review the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace withe the kiddos so that they are well prepared before heading out on your family camping adventures!

For Your Car

As you will be road tripping to your camp site, it is important to remember to bring some essentials for your car too. Just in case you find yourself with car troubles far from a service station. Some items to consider include:

• Jumper cables
• Offline road maps

Optional Items

And because no two camping trips are alike, we are including some optional items below for your camping packing list. Depending on where you are traveling, some items, like swimsuits, might be essential. Make sure that you customize this list for your specific adventures!

• Water shoes
• Quick dry towel
• Air mattress
• Extra blankets if you are camping in the winter
• Passport to Your National Parks book If you are visiting national parks and are eager to collect stamps.
• Playing Cards
• Uno , really fun if camping with kids
• Glow sticks for the kiddos
• Laundry detergent, if you plan on doing laundry while you camp
• Your pet and their pet supplies if you plan on bringing you pet. We road trip with our cat and have lots of tips about that! We have not camped with her yet. But if we do, we will let you know!
• Postcard stamps to mail postcards to loved ones
• A survival kit
• Power strip
• Extension cord
• Binoculars for watching wildlife
• Fishing gear, if you are heading out fishing
• And, if you like to do yoga while camping like I do, a yoga mat , yoga strap , and a yoga block .

Camping Packing List for Families: A teen’s perspective

Well my mom pretty much said it all. Almost everything I recommended to pack for camping was already on the list. But this is what I have to add:

• Hand held battery operated weather radio . Yes, I camp with one of these.
• Music for the road trip, not the camp site because you don’t want to disturb other campers
• A charger for your phone or electronic device

So that’s it, our personal comprehensive camping packing list for families from our family to yours! With this comprehensive camping packing list for families in hand, you’ll be well-prepared for your next outdoor adventure. Remember to double-check your gear before hitting the road and enjoy making memories with your loved ones in nature.

Do you have questions about family travel or traveling with teens? Feel free to reach out ! We are happy to chat and share our experiences and look forward to connecting with you.

Does your family enjoy camping? Is there a camp site we should visit? Let us know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed reading this, check out these blog posts!

• 10 Important Tips for Camping at Twin Peaks Campground in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
• 10 Small But Important Tips for Camping at Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands National Park
• 6 Things You Should Know about Cherry Creek Campground

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Hello! We are Yvonne & Buddy and we create family travel blogs based on firsthand knowledge and experiences of a destination. Our goal is to inspire teens, parents, and families to share time together engaging in new experiences whether the destination is near or far from home. Come join us on our travels!

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11 thoughts on “The Ultimate Camping Packing List for Families: Travel Made Easy”

Honestly I’ve never gone camping but I am excited to give it a try! This camping packing list for families seems super detailed so saving it for the future!

I always find it really interesting to see the camping set up of different families (or groups!) We are pretty similar to you guys for car camping. The only things I would add to this are thermocell (the magical device that keep mosquitos away!) and a camping stove. We prefer to cook on the campfire, but in recent years we needed a stove as a back up as we get so many wildfires that we often camp when there is a campfire ban.

Oh that is a great tip! We live and camp in the desert Southwest and Mountain West region of the States where there aren’t too many mosquitos, and if they do show up, it is during the monsoon season. So we don’t need that much protection from the bugs. But for areas where mosquitos are a thing, that is a great tip! And yes, so many campgrounds are moving to camp stoves only to reduce fires.

Oooh that sounds heavenly! We get eaten alive by them.

Love that you list out a bunch of fun/things that make life easier things you can pack. Camping should be fun and anything I can pack to make life easier while in the wild, I want to!

This list is super helpful when it comes to packing for a camping trip. I never would have thought to bring a mat to keep outside of the tent, but I bet it helps out with not tracking dirt, sticks, or leaves into the tent. Great thinking!

Yes, it is very helpful keeping the dirt out. Especially when camping with the kiddos!

I love camping! And I always feel like I’m forgetting something when I’m packing. Looking at your list, seems like I’m usually forgetting bug spray and a mesh bag for my dirty clothes! Definitely saving this for future me 🙂

I am not an outdoorsy type person for camping. I might in an RV, but thankfully the hotels can depend on my business. This is a great list – and I’m a list maker.

I haven’t done camping in ages, such an awesome and detailed list, it makes me want to go camping…

I am NOT a camper, yet I sacrificed for my girls when they were younger and went. I will second the idea that packing lists are a life saver. And learn some dutch oven cooking skills!

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41 Free Camping Printables and Activities

Planning a camping trip with kids is fun and easy with the right printables. We gathered our favorite free camping printables for you and your kids.

If you're planning a camping trip or simply looking for ways to entertain your little adventurers, you've come to the right place.

We've curated a collection of fun and engaging printables and activities to keep your kids entertained and excited about camping.

From scavenger hunts and coloring pages to games and journals, there is something for every age and interest.

So, grab your camping gear, gather around the campfire, and let the camping fun begin with these fantastic free printables and activities for kids!

Camping Activities for Kids:

All of these awesome designs are for personal use only. Designs can be printed from your home printer, no physical items will be sent.

The first 2 files are from The Crafty Blog Stalker. Simply add the file to your cart and checkout.

To access the rest of the free printables, click the button to visit their website.

1. Camping Coloring Pages Free Printable Bundle from The Crafty Blog Stalker

Keep your kids entertained with free printable Camping Coloring Pages Bundle! Fun and creative designs that are perfect for little campers.

2. Camping Bucket List Free Printable from The Crafty Blog Stalker

Plan your perfect family camping trip with the "Free Printable Camping Bucket List." It's packed with activities and experiences for a memorable adventure.

3. Camping Activity Pack from Artsy Fartsy Mama

Make camping trips even more fun with this free printable Camping Activity Pack! Packed with activities to keep the kids entertained.

4. Camping Scavenger Hunt Printable from Creatively Beth

Download this Free Camping Scavenger Hunt Printable! Plus, get three bonus scavenger hunt ideas for a fun family adventure. Perfect for outdoor play!

5. Camping Coloring Pages from Hand Lettered Printables

Enjoy these free Camping Coloring Pages! Fun and creative designs are perfect for kids to color. Download and print these exciting pages for hours of entertainment.

6. Camping Scavenger Hunt from Homemade Heather

Discover endless fun with this camping scavenger hunt printables! Perfect for all ages, these ready-to-use sheets make outdoor adventures exciting and engaging.

7. Camping I Spy from Laura's Crafty Life

Download this free Camping I Spy printable! Perfect for kids, this fun and engaging activity will make your camping trips even more exciting.

8. Camping Meal Planner Template for Allergies from Sage and Solar

Enjoy hassle-free camping with this Free Printable Meal Planner Template for Allergies! Easily plan delicious meals for all dietary needs.

9. S'mores Tag from Me and My Inklings

Enjoy summer and camping with this S'mores tag! A delightful little gift for any outdoor adventure. Download and share the fun!

10. Printable Camping Quotes from Smiling Colors

Get inspired with these Free Printable Camping Quotes! Perfect for your next outdoor adventure, these fun and uplifting quotes are ready to download and print.

11. Camping Taboo Game from The Benson Street

Make your camping trips more fun with this Free Printable Camping Taboo Game! Great for all ages, this entertaining game is ready to download and enjoy.

12. Camping Journal Pages from Tried and True Creative

Capture your outdoor adventures with these Free Printable Camping Journal Pages! Perfect for all ages, these fun pages make documenting your trip easy and enjoyable.

13. Summer Camp Clip Art from Try It Like It Create It

Brighten your projects with this free Summer Camp Clip Art! Perfect for crafts, invites, and more. Download now and add some fun to your summer-themed creations!

14. Camping Bingo Printables from Homemade Heather

Celebrate camping and keep kids entertained with free Camping Bingo Printables. Download and print these sheets for summer fun!

15. Camping Word Search from Smiling Colors

Enjoy Free Printable Camping Word Searches - perfect campfire activities for all ages. Find hidden words and have fun with these camping-themed puzzles!

16. Camping Activity Page from Artsy Fartsy Mama

Kids will adore this Free Printable Camping Activity Page, featuring puzzles and coloring activities for hours of camping-themed fun!

17. Camping Invitations from Hand Lettered Printables

Hosting a camping-themed party? Download this free hand-lettered invitation for an outdoor adventure at your event.

18. Camping Photo Challenge from A Hundred Affections

Introducing a super-fun camping activity for all ages! Engage kids in the great outdoors and overcome boredom with this exciting adventure.

19. Camping Journal from Leap of Faith Crafting

Introducing a FREE Camping Journal Printable PDF! Stay organized and capture precious camping memories with this 6-page printable set.

20. Smores Word Search from Me and My Inklings

Enjoy the "S'mores Word Search Printable" - a fun and tasty activity for all ages. Search for s'mores-related words and indulge in a delightful word search adventure!

21. Camping Jokes from Campfire Foodie

Download and print the "Camping Joke Printables" for a fun-filled summer! Enjoy camping-themed jokes and riddles on your next adventure.

22. Camping Coloring Pages Printables from Crafting a Lovely Life

Engage your kids on your next camping trip with free printable Camping Coloring Pages. Download and print as many copies as you want for endless coloring fun!

23. Build a Paper Campfire from Sago Mini

Build a paper campfire for endless indoor/outdoor camping adventures. S'mores and imaginative fun whenever you want it!

24. Camping Journal Pages for Kids from Real Life at Home

Enhance your camping trip with free printable camping journal pages for kids. Activities, journaling, and planning for kindergarten to 5th graders.

25. Entertaining Printable Campfire Games from RV Camping Adventure

Elevate your camping experience with 12 printable campfire games. Easy to pack and set up, perfect for family fun in any weather!

26. Printable Camping Activities For Kids from Powerful Mothering

Elevate camping for kids with the Printable Camping Activities set. Engage, learn, and have fun in the great outdoors!

27. I Spy Camping Kids Activity from Paper Trail Designs

Enjoy the free printable I Spy Camping activity page, perfect for entertaining kids at home, on a road trip, or during camping adventures.

28. Camping Scavenger Hunt from Organized 31

Add excitement to camping with kids using the free printable camping scavenger hunt. Perfect for family or group camping that fosters fun and connections with other families.

29. Kids Camping Activity Printables from Let's Camp S'more

Entertain the kids with a free printable camping games pack. This fun activity bundle includes ten pages for hours of enjoyment.

30. Printable Hiking Journal for Kids from the Crazy Outdoor Mama

Create lasting memories with your kids on hikes and this DIY printable hiking journal. Develop handwriting and observation skills in a fun way!

31. Free Printable Camping Coloring Pages from Glamper Life

Capture precious hiking moments with kids using the DIY printable hiking journal. Fun and educational for handwriting and observation skills!

32. 10 Camping Coloring Pages from Crafting Jeannie

Get ready for camping-themed coloring fun with 10 adorable free printable pages. Woodland animals, outdoor scenes, and nature designs are included. Happy coloring!

33. Printable Camping Stickers from Pineapple Paper Co

Download FREE Printable Camping Stickers for crafts, planners, and journals. Cut them out with a Cricut or Silhouette Machine!

34. Camping Pretend to Play Printables from Homemade Heather

Enjoy hours of creative camping fun with free Camping Pretend Play Printables. Download and print these designs to keep the kids busy and entertained!

35. Gone Camping Count And Color from Tiny Blue House

Engage in numbers, patterns, and colors with the Camping Count and Color Activity. Perfect for a camping-themed learning experience!

36. Kids Camp Journal Printable from Crazy Outdoor Mama

Make family camping trips memorable with a child's camping journal. Let them document the adventure and cherish the memories!

37. Camping Tic Tac Toe Printable Game from Artsy Fartsy Mama

Get ready for travel fun with activity printables to entertain your family. Enjoy the Free Camping Tic Tac Toe game for campfire excitement!

38. Printable S’more Camping Game from Crazy Outdoor Mama

Enjoy the Fun Printable S'more Camping Game, perfect for toddlers and family bonding. Educational and entertaining for camping adventures!

39. Camping Color By Letter from Planes and Balloons

Engage kids in summer camping fun with a free printable color-by-letter worksheet. Enhance letter recognition through enjoyable coloring!

40. Camping Drawing Printables from Homemade Heather

Keep kids entertained this summer with free camping drawing printables. Download and print activity sheets for hours of how-to-draw fun!

41. Camping Scavenger Hunt and Word Bank Printable from Crafted with Bliss

Make camping days more exciting with a FREE Camping Scavenger Hunt and Word Bank Printable. Find 16 items and enhance the camping experience!

Pin for Later:

Our printables essentials:.

• The HP Envy Inspire All-In-One Printer is great for a home or a small office!
• HP Instant Ink has a subscription that sends printer ink right when I need it!
• This Fiskars Paper Trimmer is easy to use and cuts nicely without frayed edges.
• Learn how to Make and Sell your own Printables .

The post 41 Free Camping Printables and Activities appeared first on The Crafty Blog Stalker .

Things to Sew for Your Next Camping Trip

June is National Camping Month. We have a few ideas to sew before you hit the open road.

DIY Camping Trip Supplies to Sew

• Hit the Open Road Pillow (pictured)
• Outdoor Mini Mats (pictured)
• Cast Iron Skillet Handle Cover (pictured)
• DIY Hammock
• First Aid Kit (pictured)
• Laminated Picnic Table Cover (pictured)
• Rolled Camp Kitchen
• Bowl Covers (pictured)
• Cooling Neck Wrap (pictured)
• Camp Chair Cover
• Cornhole Bean Bags
• Fabric Koozie
• Waterproof Picnic Blanket (pictured)
• Water Bottle Holder (pictured)

Related Posts

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

When the Drummond kids were little, they used to go out camping along the creek every year. "They fish and play and build a fire, and they talk and lie back and look at the stars," says Ree Drummond. They would also eat all the staple "camp-out grub" like skillet cornbread, cowboy beans, and grilled sausages. Here, you'll find their favorites plus campfire dinners, trail mixes , and foil-packet ideas cooked over an open fire. Some even include handy camping tips so you can get back to enjoying the great outdoors. Oh, and to give your camping trip the sweet ending it deserves, there are campfire desserts like skillet cobblers and s'mores desserts . It wouldn't be camping with roasted marshmallows, now would it?

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Elevate your camping food by taking your regular hot dogs and wrapping them in bacon. This fun meat-lover's recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Get the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs recipe .

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Just because your camping doesn't mean you can't eat your veggies. This method for skewering the zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms makes it so easy to add a pop of color to your plate.

Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe .

Beef-and-Bean Chili

This chili recipe is extra hearty thanks to the addition of both ground beef and beans. You can top it off with anything you like, but cheese, bacon and jalapeños are always a good idea.

Get Ree's Beef-and-Bean Chili recipe .

S'mores Bars

You can't have a camping trip without s'mores! This recipe allows you to make the treats at home the night before so you can pack them up for wherever your adventure might take you.

Get the S'mores Bars recipe .

Breakfast Burritos to Go

Filled with sausage, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and cheese—these breakfast burritos are a great way to give you energy for a day spent in the great outdoors. Make them ahead and breakfast couldn't be easier.

Get Ree's Breakfast Burritos to Go recipe .

SHOP FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS

Grilled Mushrooms

Hearty, savory mushrooms are a delicious addition to any camp food grub. Plus, you'll want to pour the garlicky soy butter over just about everything.

Get the Grilled Mushrooms recipe .

Grilled Salmon

After a day of fishing, you might want to know how to grill salmon. Enter: this easy recipe that's ready in 5 minutes or less! It's perfectly seared and incredibly flaky.

Get the Grilled Salmon recipe .

Tortellini Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is anything but boring. In fact, it's downright inventive with the cheese-filled tortellini in stead of your typical noodles. There are also lots of fresh veggies, deli meats, and a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette.

Get the Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe .

Grilled Potatoes

This fun method for grilling potatoes will ensure that your spuds don't roll right off the grill. You can even boil them ahead for easy meal prep.

Get the Grilled Potatoes recipe .

Nutella Krispie Treats

Your family will thank you when they see that you packed these chocolate treats on your next camping trip. They're chock full of marshmallows and pecans for added crunch.

Get Ree's Nutella Krispie Treats recipe .

SHOP MIXING BOWLS

When sausages, onions, and beer simmer together, it's pure heaven. They become juicy and plump and prime for grilling.

Get the Beer Brats recipe .

Grilled Peaches

Simple and sweet grilled peaches are delicious on their own, but you can also top them with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even greek yogurt for a campfire breakfast.

Get the Grilled Peaches recipe .

Cowboy Caviar

This quick dip is a great way to pack in the veggies and beans on your camping trip. Just serve them up with tortilla chips for scooping.

Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe .

Steakhouse Kebabs

Bring the steakhouse outdoors with this fun recipe for steak kebabs. They have potatoes, mushrooms, and a blue cheese dressing.

Get Ree's Steakhouse Kebabs recipe .

Grilled Watermelon

Fresh slices of watermelon get smoky and caramelized when tossed on the grill. Add some fresh cilantro and lime zest for even more unique flavor.

Get the Grilled Watermelon recipe .

Beef Kebabs

A good marinade is the key to making the best beef kebabs. Stack them up with vegetables and your whole crew will come running.

Get the Beef Kebabs recipe .

Sweet Potato Hash

Using sweet potatoes in this breakfast hash is a nice change of pace from your typical potato hash. Plus, it pairs so well with the smoky flavors from the bacon.

Get the Sweet Potato Hash recipe .

Cowboy Beans

Looking to eat like a cowboy? Just make a batch of these comforting beans. They'll warm you up even when the sun goes down on the open range.

Get the Cowboy Beans recipe .

Southwestern Pasta Salad

We love this kind of make-ahead pasta salad. It's loaded with mix-ins, perfectly creamy, and even gets tastier over time.

Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe .

Breakfast Cookies

This grab-and-go breakfast is perfect for fueling you and your family up for a long day of adventures. It's loaded with oats, seeds, cereal, and dried fruit.

Get the Breakfast Cookies recipe .

SHOP COOKIE SHEETS

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development .

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy , with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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635th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment

635-й зенитно-ракетный полк

Military Unit: 86646

Activated 1953 in Stepanshchino, Moscow Oblast - initially as the 1945th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment for Special Use and from 1955 as the 635th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment for Special Use.

1953 to 1984 equipped with 60 S-25 (SA-1) launchers:

• Launch area: 55 15 43N, 38 32 13E (US designation: Moscow SAM site E14-1)
• Support area: 55 16 50N, 38 32 28E
• Guidance area: 55 16 31N, 38 30 38E

1984 converted to the S-300PT (SA-10) with three independent battalions:

• 1st independent Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion (Bessonovo, Moscow Oblast) - 55 09 34N, 38 22 26E
• 2nd independent Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion and HQ (Stepanshchino, Moscow Oblast) - 55 15 31N, 38 32 23E
• 3rd independent Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion (Shcherbovo, Moscow Oblast) - 55 22 32N, 38 43 33E

Disbanded 1.5.98.

Subordination:

• 1st Special Air Defence Corps , 1953 - 1.6.88
• 86th Air Defence Division , 1.6.88 - 1.10.94
• 86th Air Defence Brigade , 1.10.94 - 1.10.95
• 86th Air Defence Division , 1.10.95 - 1.5.98

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Transport in Zvenigorod

Zvenigorod is located in 50km from Moscow and has very good transport connection with Moscow. 

   Zvenigorod Railway Station

Zvenigorod Railway Station is located far from the city centre. To get to the centre from the railway station, take bus No. 23 or No. 51. Or take a taxi - it cannot cost more that RUB250. 

  Zvenigorod Bus Station

There is no bus station in Zvenigorod and buses from Moscow terminate in the city centre at what is known as the Mayakovsky Quarter bus stop, stopping at Ulitsa Proletarskaya on the way there.

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