What to Take Camping?

A man on the camping site facing the sun with a tent behind him

Camping is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. But whether you plan on going with friends, family, or on your own, it’s easy to forget essential items at home.

We hope this list helps with that. It’s a comprehensive look at what you should take with you when camping. Bring these things, and you’ll be able to let go and enjoy your trip without having to worry about making frequent trips to the store.

So, without further delay, here’s the list.

  • What to Take Camping?
  • Enhance Your Next Camping Trip With BougeRV
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • What to Take Camping?

    A Scenic View From the Tent

    1. A Tent

    This one goes without saying. Unless you plan on sleeping in a camper or car, you’re going to need a tent – and one that’s big enough to fit everyone in your party. Make sure your tent is rainproof as well, just in case you need it.

    2. Sleeping Bags, Pillows, and Pads

    Next, make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable sleep. That typically means bringing sleeping bags, pillows, and sleeping pads to make it easier to fall and stay asleep.

    The type of sleeping bags you should bring can vary based on where you’re going. Colder environments will require more rugged sleeping bags that are rated for lower temperatures.

    3. Groceries

    Make sure you bring enough groceries to feed everyone as well. Non-perishable items like nuts, fruit, rice, and noodles are great for camping trips. But you can also bring perishable foods with you as long as you have a cooler.

    You may need a bear-proof food locker if you’re camping in an area with bears. If necessary, you can keep the food in your car as well. You just need to lock it away somewhere so that any nearby bears won’t be able to smell it and come looking.

    4. Sunscreen and Bug Spray

    These two products are super important as well. Sunscreen will allow your family to get out and enjoy nature during the day without damaging their skin by doing so. Bug spray is great for dusk and nighttime to keep away critters like mosquitos that can make camping uncomfortable.

    5. Lanterns and Flashlights

    Camping at Night is Easier with Light Sources

    You’re also going to want to have more than enough light sources with you, just in case you need them. That often means bringing both lanterns for the campsite and flashlights for occasions when you need to venture beyond the site.

    Everyone has cell phones with flashlights on them nowadays, but there’s no guarantee your phone will be charged while camping – especially if you’re not bringing a portable power station. It’s best to bring along standalone light sources like these to ensure you can move comfortably at night.

    6. Camping Chairs

    Bringing along camping chairs is another must. You need some place to sit around the campsite when you’re not off exploring nature. Without camping chairs, the only place you’ll be able to sit is inside your tent or in your car. 

    Make sure that you bring enough camping chairs for everyone. You don’t want the kids to start fighting over chairs and making the trip unenjoyable.

    7. A First Aid Kit

    Any time you plan on being out in nature, it’s good to have a first aid kit on hand. Wildlife is unpredictable, and you want to make sure that you’re prepared to deal with whatever it might throw at you. 

    You can try putting together a first aid kit on your own, but it’s typically easier to just buy a pre-assembled one. You can find these pretty easily online and in major retail stores.

    8. Extra Clothes (Including Rain Gear)

    When it comes to clothes while camping, it’s better to overpack just to account for the unpredictability of being outdoors. You might face unexpected rain and need a coat, or your clothes might get wet unexpectedly. 

    Packing extra clothes will ensure you’re able to enjoy your trip no matter what nature throws at you.

    9. A Portable Power Station

    Portable power stations open up a ton of new possibilities while camping. They can be used to recharge electronics like cell phones and laptops, as well as outdoor gear like drones, cooking stoves, and fans. 

    At BougeRV, our power stations can be charged with portable solar panels, standard wall outlets, and even car chargers. They make it easier to bring some extra comfort and fun to your next camping trip.

    10. Towels

    Bring Plenty of Towels to Enjoy the Water Fully

    You’ll also want to bring lots of towels with you. Try to bring at least 2 per person so that everyone has one towel for bathing and another for drying off after a dip in the lake or river.

    11. Entertainment

    Be sure to bring lots of entertainment options as well, as you never know what the group will want to do. Board games and card games are fantastic for camping. 

    But with a portable power station, you could even run a projector at night or connect a laptop to a TV to watch movies at night.

    12. Trash Bags

    Trash bags are a super important camping item that many people forget to bring with them. You need to be able to dispose of your waste easily, even if you don’t have a trash container at your campsite. Bringing trash bags with you will ensure you don’t run into any issues with this part of your trip.

    13. Toilet Paper

    This one is pretty self-explanatory. But if you’re new to camping, you may not know that campsite bathrooms often don’t provide toilet paper for you, so make sure that you bring enough to last the whole trip.

    14. Cooking Gear and Utensils

    Cooking While Camping

    Finally, make sure that you bring all of the cooking gear and utensils that you need. That often means bringing either an electric or gas-powered stove, along with bowls, plates, and cups. Using paper plates and plastic utensils may be easier than bringing lots of actual plates and utensils with you.

    Enhance Your Next Camping Trip With BougeRV

    Portable power stations and solar panels have made it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite electronics while camping. BougeRV has everything you need to get started. From powerful panels that collect maximum solar power to outdoor refrigerators and power stations, we carry it all. 

    Take a look at our website to learn more about how our products can enhance your next camping trip.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Are portable solar panels worth it for camping?

    Yes! Many families and solo travelers find portable solar panels to be worth bringing along. Portable solar panels open up new possibilities for campers, allowing them to run a variety of outdoor appliances and recharge their devices for a more enjoyable overall trip.

    2. What kinds of appliances can a portable power station run?

    With a portable power station, campers can recharge their phones and laptops, run small refrigerators, power electric cooking stoves, and more. Most of the lightweight electronic gear that you might want to bring on a camping trip will be able to receive power from a portable power station.

    3. Can a portable power station provide power at night?

    Yes, as long as you allow your power station to charge during the day, then you’ll be able to use the power it contains at night. These are essentially rechargeable batteries. So if you still have enough energy left in your portable power station when night falls, you’ll be able to enjoy power at night.


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