by Megan Marquart

Created on: July 06, 2009

A successful camping trip must be well planned. If you forget something essential, for example tent posts, you're going to spend your trip struggling with nature, not becoming one with her. Plan ahead and a camping vacation can be the best you've ever had. Note: this list does not pertain to backpacking trips.

The Essentials:

Tent (if you haven't used it for a while, check and make sure its all there - stakes, stays, rain cover)

Sleeping Bag

Tarp(s) (essential in a rain storm)

Flashlight

Lighter

Water (chances are you wont want to drink what the park provides -use empty containers to douse your fire)

Food (hot dogs are the easiest - roast them on a stick)

Knife

Clothes (those you don't mind getting grubby)

Towels

First Aid Kit

Hand Sanitizer

Bug Spray

Sunscreen

Rope (for a variety of uses)

Newspaper (for fire starting)

Money (you'll need to buy firewood at the campgrounds - don't bring your own as it brings foreign bugs and blights into the habitat and DO NOT cut down your own in a park. You'll also need funds for bags of ice to keep your food cold if you're camping for more than one night. These too can be purchased in most parks.)

The Extras (for the plusher experience):

Air Mattress

Earplugs (that neighboring camp site can get loud!)

Handiwipes

Camping Soap (Biodegradable - can be used on people and dishes)

Paper Towels

Plastic Bags

Old skillet (Ever made bacon and eggs over a campfire? Yummy!)

Lantern

Hatchet

Bungee Cords (easier than rope when hanging a tarp)

River shoes (e.g. Tevas. Crocks also works but don't wear them kayaking or rafting as they'll fall off.)

Hiking Boots

Day pack (important if you're taking long hikes to carry your water, trail mix, trail maps, and first-aid supplies)

Bug repellent devices (like citronella tiki torches - awesome ambiance!)

Marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers (you can live without them but whats a campfire with no s'mores?)

Bucket

Extra D Batteries

If you're afraid to get dirty, skip the authentic camping experience and rent a cabin. That way you can get back to nature with the luxury of a bathroom, a kitchen, and sometimes a hot tub. But if you are looking for a great, inexpensive, and rugged vacation nothing can beat a tent camping trip. Throw your gear in the car and go!

Many people think alcohol is essential to the camping experience. Nothing like sitting around the fire with a beer, right? But most camping grounds forbid the use of alcohol. Always check the park policies before you leave.

One last thought - the ultimate rule when camping is to leave as little trace of your presence as possible. Clean up all trash you create (and any left by previous campers). Stick to camping in designated sites and don't forge new trails into the woods. You've enjoyed nature - make sure its still in tact for the next adventurer.

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