Camping needs

[AllisonG]

Is there a master list of things you need while tent camping? I was hoping there was a stick subject on the matter and couldn't find one.
Help?
Thanks

 

[batt01]

ditto!

 

[Nevergrowinup]

Hi there,
Well, I am not sure if there is an "Official" list, but we can certainly start one

I will assume you have a tent, so lets start from there:
Sleeping bags or appropriate blankets and sheets, your own pillows, and some sort of mattress or cot.

A dining fly, 'gazebo", or screen room is also nice to have to put over the picnic table. It can give you an extra place to sit or eat (see below) if it does happen to be raining

Camp chairs are always a very appreciated item after a long day in the parks

Your own bath towels and toiletries and clothesline if you want to hang dry your towels

Laundry supplies if you will be there long enough to do laundry and when camping that could be one day or 10 (there are supplies available but cost a bit more than those bought off property)

Cooking utensils, if you do not plan to eat out all your meals (don't forget dish washing supplies if you are going to cook)

An ice chest (and any drinks you want handy - adult or otherwise)

Snacks and drinks (see above) even if not cooking it will be nice to have some of your favorite munchies and drinks onhand when you just dont want to walk tot he trading post again tonight

Any and all personal items you want or need - your own your own there

Some folks I believe take their own TP blush: not a bad idea for those of us with more sensitive and pampered posteriors), paper towels, and handy-wipes can also be a nice thing to have at camp.

In hot weather we have been known to take a fan and in cool weather a "safe" electric heater (you shouldn't need anything except maybe to knock the chill out of the ever-moist air of fall/winter Florida)

next...

 

[pmgreene]

Reserve America has a great camping checklist that we have used many times. Some items we don't find necessary for every trip but just those little reminders help to be sure everything is covered. Hope this helps!

http://www.campfirechronicle.com/zzcheckl/checklists.htmlers

1 month 4 days to Ft. Wilderness!!!!!

 

[csblackwell]

Here is one we've used for years. It's in Microsoft Excel so you can save it and add/delete as needed. I have'nt posted enough evidently to post URL's, so I can't post it.


Too bad.

 

[clkelley]

I'll add to the list.

A groundcloth for under your tent and inside your tent.

A sheet of painters plastic for underneath everything. Just throw that out at the end of the trip. That keeps your tent bottom and groundcloth clean. That sand stuff gets gross if it gets wet and you don't want to take it back home with you.

Instead of a heater, I prefer an electric blanket in the winter. I also use a fan in the tent in the winter during the day to get rid of moisture created at night.

A battery operated lantern to hang from the inside of the dining fly/gazebo.

Garbage bags. Ft. Wilderness does have trash containers in the loops, but they might not be "right there". It's easier to have a place to drop that trash without having to walk to the garbage can every time.

I have seen folks bring some type of string of lights and a timer so that when they return to their campsite after dark it has lights.

At least a 40 foot outdoor extension cord and a power strip.

Duct Tape!! Never go camping without it!!!!

Also Cable Ties and small Bungie Cords are great for stuff.

I hope this helps!

Carol

 

[Nevergrowinup]

Lovin' the timer for the lights idea...hadn't thought of that one! Heading out to buy one!

 

[mruhaak]

Don't know if you're still looking for this info... but:

We have a camper now... but when we used to tent camp we always brought a small rug to place just outside the door. It helps keep dirt out of the tent.

Also an umbrella is a good idea.

 

[SandrA9810]

Here are some of our nessacities of camping.

Foam mattress topper, not a thick one unless you have the room. Tons of blankets/comforters/sleeping bags/sheets
A good tarp or two
If you want lights, go out and buy one of those outdoor extension stakes, ones with the timer on top that turn on at dusk. I bought one for my christmas lights last year, and use it every trip. plus a good heavy duty extension cord.
For the summer months, bring a window shaker aka AC. We have a 5,000 btu unit that props up nicely on our tailgate and blows right into the tent for a wonderful night sleep.
For the somewhat winter months (Dec-Feb) use an electric blanket. It might not be cold enough to use it all night, but the blankets do feel a bit damp when you get back at night. And not all of us have 2$ to waste on the dryers. Or want to spend the time there at night.
Flashlights are good also for the trek through the loops at night.
Don't forget the OFF!. You never want to wake up in the morning with bites all over. You could also bring the candles and such, but I don't think the tiki torches are allowed. Or just plug in a bug zapper.
Keep the tent closed as much as possible, you don't need buggies crawling on you at night.
Unless you plan on spending your first day there at the site, set up your tent before you leave. It was more than a laugh watching Kari put up a brand new 5-6 person tent the day we got there. I know it never fits back into that pretty little carry thing like they think it does, but it's better to know what you are doing before you leave so you don't spend all day there.

Place the tarp on the edge of the driveway, and then just underneath the tent to help keep the dirt out, and always take your shoes off before you get in. We usually place the second tarp on top of the tent to help block the sun in the morning, we are not morning people. And when we use the AC we place it over the front, using a bungie cord. Kinda like this

http://artpad.art.com/gallery/?iqqkenn1jw0

And helps keep out any rain. Our first time it poured in the middle of the day and spent all night trying to dry the first few layers of blankets. All on two dollars. Because our tent wasn't very good. Now I hope this new tent will keep the rain out like it should.

Scooters. It's always nice when trying to get to the comfort station in the morning when you really gotta go. Unless you're going to be there at least a week, you probably won't need bikes. But they are nice if you plan on having time for exploring or doing FW stuff. We're always too busy with the parks to do that sort of thing.

That's our major list, and of course clothes and shower stuff.