Ultimate Camping List
Published August 20, 2017
Updated July 13 2026
Every Sunday morning at 8am I recap the week, share what I learned and showcase some of my work. This week I’m looking at all the things I like to bring when I go camping. Full disclosure... I don't camp. So this list is largely things I knew I couldn't live without for 2 nights. I’m sure most campers will roll their eyes at this list but it’s great for those who get roped into camping every odd year and have no idea where to start or what secret thing may make their experience better.
Here is my list for an Ultimate Glamping experience! With this one I'd really love to get any feedback and other things to add to this list! How do you make your camping experience more manageable? Let me know in the comments.
Necessities
Toilet paper
Tent with the poles and stakes
Drinking Water Jugs
Lawn Chairs
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Cooler(s)
Flashlights (not just your phone)
Cups
Baby wipes
Blankets along with a sleeping bag
Pillows
Paper Towel
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Garbage bags
Pads/ Tampons (if applicable)
Towels and cloths
Shade umbrella
Camping Classics
Adult beverages or something green
Citronella Candle
Sticks for roasting
Snacks for over the fire
Firewood
Fire starter/ paper
Tools
Hammer (for the pegs)
Batteries (if applicable, for things like flashlights)
Pliers
Duct Tape (for unexpected rips)
Glamping Time!
Phone Chargers
Extension Cord (if there’s electricity near by)
Power Bar
Power bank (I have an electric lawn mower and purchased a power converter that lets me use the lawn mower batteries to charge small devices like my laptop, an air mattress and phone)
Bluetooth speaker
Your current read or hobby
Clothes hanger/ line
Clothes pins
Sheet Set (which can replace the sleeping bag on the Necessities list
BYO- Bed (it gets you off the ground it's amazing)
Something to use as an end table by your bed
Foods
July 2026 edit: For the longest time I tried to create elaborate meals while camping but after awhile you get tired of spending your weekend away doing dishes. Nowadays I keep my food list very simple to all maximum time for adventures. Focus is mainly on snacks throughout the day.
Propane stove & gas
Lighter
Cooler
Ice packs or frozen water jugs
Pan and spatula
Tinfoil
Salt and Pepper
Condiments
Paper Plates & Cutlery
Kettle
Tea/ Instant coffee
Eggs/ Oatmeal/ Your main breakfast food
Bread for toast (if applicable)
Hot dogs & Buns
Granola Bars/ Snacks
Blueberries/ Fresh berries/ favorite fresh fruit
Snow peas and other vegetables you can eat raw
Corn on the cob
S'mores Stuff
Butter
Clothes and Toiletries
Beach Towels
Bathing Suit
Water Socks/ shoes
Onesie/ Oodie/ Something cozy for around the fire
Underwear for each night plus a few extra in case of emergency
Socks (you’ll also want extra)
Hoodie/ Sweater
Tank Tops/ tees
Jeans/Shorts/ Leggings
Sandals
Rubber Boots
Sneakers
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Face cloths
Plant based/ Biodegradable soap
Face creams
Along with this list I come with some advice:
Make sure if you're tenting to get a tent that you can stand up in, there is something incredibly comfortable about being able to walk into your space without crouching.
The baby wipes give you a little bit of relief if there's no shower. If it's possible, bring lake safe shampoo to allow yourself to wash up (it brings so much sanity).
If there's rain in the forecast, store as much as you can in your vehicle and DEFINITELY get yourself an elevated bed. My friends made fun of me for buying the BYO-bed but when a downpour hit I was the only dry camper in the group.
I also want to feature a cake this week that fits this theme very well. A S'Mores cake!
