Camping Essentials | Friday Faves

Interested in tent camping? Check out this list of camping essentials that will make your next trip a piece of cake. Best part? You can find all of these things on Amazon- win! 

Today I’m leaving to go on a camping trip with some friends, and I am more than excited. I’ve been wanting to go camping for a long time, but we didn’t have the chance until now. I look forward to fall for many reasons (if my Fall Bucket List wasn’t proof enough), and being able to spend time outdoors is one of my favorites. Growing up, I loved going camping with my family. My dad was adamant about only using tents, despite me constantly begging for a camper, and now that I’m older, I’m glad he never got one. I learned how to be content with the basics, and appreciative of little things… like running water at our campsite. Now I look forward to staying in a tent, because it’s an adventure. It’s fun and you make so many memories. There’s nothing quite like bonding over the rock you slept on, the noises you heard outside and the condensation along the tent wall. 

On a completely unrelated note, I was going through old pictures from camping trips we’ve been on, and found this adorable one of my sister. She was tired of the smoke blowing on her, so she put on her sunglasses and pulled down her hat. Who else can totally relate?!

Anyways, a big part about tent camping is making sure you have everything you need. It requires quite a bit of equipment, and lucky for you, I’ve done all the hard work! Today I’m sharing my camping essentials that will make your camping trip a breeze. 
Is there anything you would add to the list?

Camping Essentials

Tent– Because you kinda need one of these in order to go camping. Tarp– My dad always made sure to bring a tarp with us, because it helps keep the bottom of the tent cleaner, and adds a layer of protection from the rocks underneath. 

Blanket– Isaac and I are going to try out using blankets instead of sleeping bags. We think it will be just as good as a sleeping bag, but a fraction of the cost, and we still get to snuggle. 

Sleeping Pad– These bad boys are amazing! They are some of the most comfortable pads I’ve ever used, and best of all they are lightweight and easy to pack. 

Pillow– Sometimes I don’t like bringing my normal pillow camping (because who knows what could happen to it!), so these are the perfect pillows to take on a trip. Isaac and I used these on our trip to Romania, and they were perfect! 

 

Camping Dinnerware– I know a lot of people just bring disposable plates, cups, bowls, etc, but I like to bring reusable ones. This little meal kit is perfect, and I love how it all packs up together. 

Cooking Utensils– Uumm how adorable is this?! I love that you can keep your camping utensils separate, and how easy it is to grab and go. 

Cooler– I know this goes without saying, but a cooler is a must have when you’re tent camping. Especially if you bring perishable items with you, like eggs, milk and meat. 

Cooking Stove– My dad has this stove, and it has come in very handy over the years. It’s perfect for heating up coffee and water, cooking eggs in the morning, and, well… any time you need something warmed. 
Roasting Skewers– Because it’s not camping without s’mores and roasted hot dogs!

Dutch Oven– there are so many recipes on Pinterest you can make with dutch ovens! I can’t wait to try out some dutch oven pizza and campfire chili. 
Cast Iron Skillet– I’ve shared my love for cast iron skillets before, and they are the perfect thing to bring camping. They are durable, add delicious flavor to your meal, and hey, once again there are some yummy recipes you can make with them! 

Dish drying rack– When you bring a dinnerware set, you have to wash your dishes. This does mean a little extra work, but it’s worth the money in the long run (and hey, it doesn’t hurt that you’re saving the environment while you at it!). A dish drying rack like this makes it easier to dry your things, and takes some of the hassle out of it.  

Multipurpose table– This nifty table is perfect for camping! It’s a bit on the pricey side, but if you go camping a lot, it’s a must have. It folds up for easy transport, and has a spot for a “sink” to wash dishes, plenty of storage space, a place to put your stove, and all kinds of hooks that make cooking a breeze. 

Multipurpose Tool– it’s got everything you need! Can opener, saw, knife, pliers, screwdrivers and so much more. They are the perfect tool to have when you’re camping. 

Flashlight– for when it gets dark, and when you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Don’t ever go on a camping trip without a flashlight. You will instantly regret it! 

Lighter– This is super handy when you want to light your stove, lantern or even campfire. And keep a box of matches on you just in case your lighter fails! 

Broom and dustpan– If you’ve ever gone tent camping before, you can agree that things get messy! You track dirt and leaves into your tent, and with a dog, hair gets everywhere. We always make sure to sweep out our tent before packing it up, to make sure it’s good to go the next time we go camping.

Lantern– I can’t imagine a camping trip without a lantern! The smell and sound bring me back to when I was little and we would go camping with my dad. And it’s also nice that it produces a LOT of light for such a little thing! 

Camp chairs– There’s nothing quite like relaxing by the fire at night, snuggled up in your camping chair. And guys… doesn’t this chair look amazing?! I’m trying to convince Isaac that we need an upgrade! 

If I have reception at the state park, make sure to keep up with me on Instagram! If not, then I’ll see you on Monday. 

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