One of the most difficult things about getting ready for camping is getting organized a remember all that gear to bring. I have been using this list for over 15 years- modifying it slightly here and there. Its amazing how little camping has changed. Even when you add children to the mix the stuff to bring doesn't change all that much. Over the years we have found that it is actually easier to keep most of this packed up and set aside for camping. So we have a bin filled with things like table cloth for picnic table, tablecloth clamps, can opener, corkscrew, cutlery, etc. Everything we need is there and we don't have to worry about packing. Most these I picked up at garage sales or dollar store.

Personal Items to Take Camping

Toothbrushes/Toothpaste

Shampoo

Deodorant

Soap

Razor

Sunscreen

Bug Repellent

After Bite or similar ( Tip: After Bite is just ammonia. Use a Q-tip and dip in dollar store bottle of ammonia)

Grilling and Cooking Supplies for Camping

Coleman Stove or similar

Hibatchi or portable grill

Cutlery

Serving Spoon

Paring Knife or sharp knife

Frying Pan or Griddle

Can Opener

Cooking Tongs

Drinking Glasses

Corkscrew

Lighter

Aluminum Foil

Colander/Strainer ( try and drain spaghetti without one!)

Salt/Pepper/Garlic Salt

Dish Soap ( I use this for hand soap as well)

Flipper ( for pancakes, eggs, etc)

Vinyl Tablecloth and clamps

Dish Towels

2 Pots- 1 medium, 1 Large

travel coffee mugs- will keep coffee and tea hot

Other Camping Equipment to Bring

Sleeping Bags

pillows

air mattresses

Camping chairs

Flashlights- 2 for every one

Lantern

Propane for stove/lantern

Plenty of batteries!

Tarps and ropes

whisk for inside of tent

dishcloths

Clothespins ( to hold towels and wet clothes on rope clothesline)

firestarter or quick start sticks

scissors

First Aid Kit ( including Tylenol, band-aids, sunburn relief, polysporin,)

Drinking Water and/or Water Container

ziplock bags ( great for keeping stuff dry in cooler)

Food & Cooler (This is pretty personal)

Nice To Haves:

Beach/Sand Toys

Lots of Towels

CD Player radio

lots of books

camera

beach blanket or picnic blanket

deck of cards/dice

ball/toys for kids