The Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist

By Snug Life Camping · June 1, 2024 · 3 min read

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Planning your first camping trip to Snug Life Camping? Or maybe you’re a seasoned camper who wants to make sure you don’t forget anything? Either way, this comprehensive checklist will help ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

Shelter & Sleeping

  • Tent (with stakes and guylines)
  • Ground tarp or footprint
  • Sleeping bags (rated for expected temperatures)
  • Sleeping pads or air mattresses
  • Pillows

Cooking & Food Storage

  • Camping stove or grill
  • Fuel for stove
  • Lighter or matches (waterproof)
  • Cooking pots and pans
  • Eating utensils, plates, and cups
  • Cooler with ice
  • Food storage containers
  • Dish soap and sponge
  • Trash bags
  • Water bottles

Clothing & Personal Items

Clothing Essentials

  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers work best)
  • Rain jacket
  • Warm layers for cool evenings
  • Comfortable hiking shoes/boots
  • Sandals or camp shoes
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Extra socks and underwear

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • First aid kit
  • Any necessary medications

Camping Gear

  • Headlamps or flashlights (with extra batteries)
  • Camping chairs
  • Table (if your site doesn’t have one)
  • Firewood (or plan to purchase on-site)
  • Axe or hatchet
  • Rope or paracord
  • Multi-tool or knife
  • Duct tape

Recreation & Entertainment

  • Fishing gear (if planning to fish in the Souhegan River)
  • Kayaks or tubes
  • Books or magazines
  • Cards or games
  • Camera
  • Binoculars for wildlife watching

Nice to Have

  • Portable speaker for music
  • Solar charger or power bank
  • Hammock
  • Camping coffee maker
  • Field guides for local plants and wildlife
  • S’mores supplies!

Important Documents

  • Camping reservation confirmation
  • ID and insurance cards
  • Emergency contact information
  • Maps of the area

Tips for Packing

  1. Check the weather forecast before you leave and adjust your packing accordingly
  2. Test your gear before you go - you don’t want to discover a broken tent pole when you arrive!
  3. Pack clothes in compression bags to save space
  4. Bring extras of critical items like batteries, lighters, and warm layers
  5. Don’t overpack - you probably don’t need as much as you think

At Snug Life Camping

When you arrive at Snug Life Camping, you’ll find:

  • Fire rings at each site
  • Access to the Souhegan River for water activities
  • Nearby hiking trails
  • Local shopping for any forgotten items

We look forward to seeing you at the campground! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about what to bring or what’s available on-site.

Happy camping!