The heart of any camping trip lies in where and how you are going to sleep. A tent is a good start, but it is just the beginning of a good outdoor camping checklist. In addition to a tent, supplies such as a hammer, nylon rope, plastic tarps (for under and over the tent) and a broom are necessary. Bedding needs to be included with the shelter on a camping checklist. Sleeping bags, pillows and blankets (it always gets cooler at night when you are outdoors) will help make camping more enjoyable. Two floor mats--one for outside the tent and one for inside--also help keep dirt and bugs off shoes and out of tents.
Smores are good for a snack around the campfire, but they are not ideal for breakfast, lunch and dinner when camping. Preparing a meal checklist before going on a camping trip helps to ensure that adequate food is packed. For a weekend camping trip, cereal for two meals is easy to pack. Lunch is covered by a loaf of bread, sandwich meat, peanut butter and jelly and potato chips. Hamburgers and hot dogs on a grill or over the fire make good dinner fare. Make sure to pack condiments, paper products such as plates, napkins and utensils. Pots and pans can add to a camping trip for spaghetti or other more advanced dishes. Be sure to pack cleaning supplies along with the food. Supplies like a washing pan, dish soap, a sponge and hand towels are adequate for cleaning. Be sure to pack a large cooler (plastic, not Styrofoam) for food and drink items, along with plenty of ice.
A summer camping trip usually means that a swimsuit is going to be the clothing of choice, but there needs to be other clothing as well. Make sure to bring an extra pair of clothes in case of rain or some unexpected activity that causes them to get wet. It is also a good idea to bring a rain poncho and water shoes or sandals on a camping trip. Shower facilities are often less than stellar, so wearing water shoes in the shower helps protect feet from bacteria and fungus. Make sure to pack hygiene products such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, hair brush, makeup and medication, along with a first-aid kit for emergencies.
A camping trip can be enjoyable no matter what you encounter, but preparation can make it even more fun. Prepare a checklist with "Miscellaneous" items such as flashlights, lanterns, lighters, matches, mosquito repellent, lighter fluid, an axe for chopping firewood, metal coat hangers for roasting marshmallows, heavy-duty trash bags and any other items that will help make your campsite complete. It is better to have more items on a camping trip than you need than to get out in the middle of the woods and realize that you forgot something important such as a lighter or matches.
