June is nearly here and it’s time to start planning your summer outdoor adventures. Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and create memories with family and friends. Camping trips are tons of fun but can be a real downer if you don’t prepare properly beforehand. Here at Big R we carry a wide selection of high-quality camping gear and we’ve put together a checklist of items to bring on your next camping trip as well as a few tips on how to have the best adventure ever.

Prep for the trip:

Where will you camp? There are tons of options on where to camp out there. If you prefer camping in a campground or backcountry camping in a state or national park, you’ll want to call ahead and make reservations ahead of time as they can book up early in the season. It’s not fun arriving at your destination and realizing there’s no room at the inn, leaving you scrambling to find something else nearby.

Campground Camping

Campgrounds are great for families especially on your first camping adventure. Most campsites provide conveniences like a picnic table, parking space and a spot to pitch your tent. They also often have bathrooms and a water source.

Backcountry Camping

Personally I prefer backcountry camping but I’ve been camping all of my life. I enjoy the peace and quiet in nature away from other campers so I typically find a good spot in the backcountry. This doesn’t always necessarily mean I hike for miles and miles to find a spot in the mountains though. In most national and state forests you can do what’s called “dispersed camping”. Dispersed camping is more primitive as you are able to pull off most forest access roads, find a good spot and set up camp. Search your local national or state forests website for detailed information and rules for those particular areas. Camping in the forest is great but you have to remember it doesn’t provide the luxuries of bathrooms or running water like a campground so you’ll have to plan for that. Remember to leave no trace, pack in-pack out and never leave any trash behind. Also, ensure there aren’t any fire bans in place in that area before you start any camp fires.

Gear to bring:

A good tent with enough room to comfortably sleep all campers.

Sleeping bags with a temperature rating warm enough for that night’s forecasted temps.

Inflatable mattress & air pump (not necessary but good in some situations)

Camping pillows

Headlamps or flashlights

Lantern (not a necessity but handy)

Camp chairs

Sleeping pads (not necessary but worth it to bring if you suffer from back problems)

Pocket knife

Camp grill

Camp stove

Cooking utensils

Flatware & dishes (if you plan to cook your meals)

Jug(s) of water (enough for drinking, cooking & cleaning)

Biodegradable soap

Quick-dry towel(s)

Waterproof matches or lighter

Firewood (if it is safe to have a fire)

Fire-starting sticks or discs

Can opener (if needed)

Cook pots or mess kits (if needed)

Cooler to keep food cold (if needed)

Bag for trash

Insect repellent

Sunscreen

Pre-packaged meals (if you plan not to cook). Shop Backpacker's Pantry & Peak Refuel products.

Toiletry kit

First-aid kit

Toilet paper

Weather-appropriate clothing for all campers for night & day

Mallet (for hammering tent stakes)

Polycord

Duct tape

Saw or hatchet (for cutting firewood if necessary)

Plastic/rubber repair kit (for repairing air mattresses)

Nylon tent repair kit

Trowel (mainly for backcountry camping)

Whether you’re backcountry camping or have decided to pitch your tent in a campground, there are tons of products you can choose from that can add to your experience or make life a little easier during your stay. Just remember that everything you bring along with you will have to be packed, unpacked and repacked into your vehicle so it’s important to think about what items are truly necessary for your trip.

Have fun and happy camping!

Right click and save our handy camping gear checklist below!