You can find camping essentials lists all over the Internet (this one here is particularly great). We love those and highly recommend them. BUT, there are a few things we’ve learned over the past couple of years of camping with the kids that make our time at the campsite easier – and sometimes more fun!
Here is our carefully curated list of surprising items that can make your camping experience better.Â
As you all know, we have a pop up camper, so some of these are more for tent/pop up camping, but regardless of what type of camper you are, something on here is sure to surprise you!
14 Things You Never Knew You Needed for the Campsite:
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These are so great before bed and getting up in the morning, when either we’re trying to be quick or the walk to the bath house seems long. Plus, sometimes it feels good to just have a nice refresh when out in the woods. The boys use these when camping, too.
Lighting at the campsite, especially as the sun goes down, can really set the mood. When we have electricity, we use regular Christmas lights strung around the site. But battery powered is key when electricity isn’t an option.
Surprisingly, I still haven’t found anything better than crocs! I like shoes I can easily slide on and off, I can wear with socks (or not), I can get wet (and use in the bath house for showering), that keep my toes clean and covered and, of course, that are comfy.Â
I don’t wear a ton of makeup. But when I do put some on in the morning inside the pop up or tent, a compact mirror saves me a trip to the bath house to apply.
This is a must if you are walking to and from a bath house, but it is also great for corralling and organizing things inside your camper/tent (such as bug spray and sunscreen).
Always have one.
We like games that are compact, with few parts to lose, quick moving and fun for all ages. Be sure to click the link above to get our full list of recommendations.
Sure, flashlights work (and are key if there is some flashlight tag to be had). But a headlamp makes life at a campsite so much easier as you can use your hands freely.
Nature is loud. So are other campers. So are your kids. Have these just in case!
While we enjoy the sounds of nature, it is so great to put on some good music while doing camp chores. (Just be sure not to bother the neighbors!)
Nothing beats an ENO hammock. These things are durable and pack very well. They are quick to put up and create a perfect spot to lay and read a book in the middle of the afternoon while enjoying the campsite.
Sure, you can scrounge around for sticks in the woods…but someone gave us these as a gift years ago and they are so fantastic! We ended up buying more. The key is be sure they have two tongs at the end to secure the marshmallow best as it heats.
Reusable tablecloth with clips.
Picnic tables are just not clean. Yet the plastic, disposable tablecloths are not only wasteful, they are not durable. Having a reusable tablecloth is great.
Additionally, get the clips to hold it down to the table! This has been a game changer.
We use this thing ALL THE TIME when camping. It is not only key to washing dishes, but it also stores dirty items until we’re ready to tackle them, organizes stuff inside the camper, and makes travel easier. Who knew that a simple dish pan could make our camp lives so much better?
Got any items that you find make camping better that others might not have thought of? Drop them below! And happy trails, friends.
Want more camping tips? Read these:
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