Depending on how you want to camp, you can either pack everything you can possibly need for a camping trip, or you can pack "minimalist" style and pack light. I prefer to go minimalist and pack only must haves while leaving out the nice to haves. Just in case, though, I thought I create a list of everything you can possibly want on a camping trip and let you decide what you consider must have or nice to have.

One tip before you plan on what to bring is to book the camping site early. Many camping sites may book up early and by choosing the location, date and time you plan to camp, you can begin the coordination process with your family and friends. Booking early will also allow you to scope out the campsite online and read about it to see what you need to bring what to leave out. Some campsites have nice bathrooms with minor amenities while many have absolutely nothing.

Here's the list of items you may want to think about when planning your camping trip. We list everything under the sun but you really need to pick and choose what works for your trip. I personally like to pack as little as I can get away with. But if you are going to take a serious camping trip with friends, you want to make sure you have everything you need so you don't stew over and regret not bringing something. After all, you have to at least attempt to live life with no regrets right?

Campsite Gear

We all know the value of roughing it sometimes but whether you are glamping or camping, not getting enough sleep or forgetting that essential gear you needed for your kayaking or hiking adventure sucks! Here's a list of items you want to think about bringing to your next camping trip.

• Air mattresses
• Bike trailers
• Bikes
• Canoeing/kayaking gear
• Chairs
• Child carrier
• Cots
• Daypacks (see our Day Hiking Checklist)
• Extra blankets
• Extra tarp or canopy
• Fishing gear (and license)
• Flashlights (with extra batteries, bulbs)
• Folding chairs
• Folding table
• Headlamps or flashlights (extra batteries)
• Inflatable boat with paddles and PFDs
• Lantern fuel or batteries
• Lanterns (with mantles, if needed)
• Mallet or hammer (for tent stakes)
• Multi-tool or knife
• Pad/mattress repair kit
• Pillows
• Pump for air mattresses
• Repair kit for pads, mattress, tent, tarp
• Rolling jogger
• Sleeping bags (with optional liners)
• Sleeping pads
• Sun shade, tarp or screen house
• Tent (with stakes and guylines)
• Tent footprint (ground cover for under your tent)
• Tent-pole repair sleeve
• Trekking poles
• Water filter or treatment tablets

Kitchen and Cooking Supplies

Like our prehistoric ancestors, fire is essentially all we need to cook. Now that we're in modern times, a little cooking oil, silicone pot holders and cooking windscreens might be nice. Here's a list of cooking supplies that will serve you well on your camping trip.

• Cooking oil/spray
• Paring knife, spatula, cooking spoon
• Plates, bowls, forks, spoons, knives
• Portable coffee/espresso maker
• Pot
• Pot grabber / holder
• Sponge, dishcloth, dishtowel
• Stove
• Tablecloth
• Trash bags
• Water bottles
• Windscreen

Food

I usually enjoy a healthy diet of low carbohydrate meals coupled with high protein and fat to prevent my insulin from spiking too much but when I go camping, top ramen noodles is fine with me. Even bottom ramen to be honest with you. Here's a list of camping foods and snacks you may want to consider. And don't forget the cooking supplies listed above to assist you in cooking these delicacies.

• Batter mix
• Bottled/canned beverages
• Bread/bagels
• Breakfast bars
• Butter/margarine
• Cereal/granola/oatmeal
• Cheese
• Chocolate/sweets
• Cocoa
• Coffee
• Cooking oil/spray
• Crackers/chips
• Drink mixes
• Eggs (freeze-dried or fresh)
• Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)
• Fruit (dried and fresh)
• Herbs
• Jelly/jam
• Marshmallows
• Meat (fresh and jerky)
• Milk (powdered or fresh)
• Prepared or freeze-dried meals
• Salt/pepper
• Soup mixes/bouillon cubes
• Spice kit
• Syrup
• Tea
• Vegetables

Clothing and Footwear

One thing you want to plan well when you go on short or long camping trips is clothing. Bringing the proper light weight and moisture wicking clothing will help you feel more comfortable and make life easier when it comes to cleaning and washing your clothes. I usually like to pack 2 pairs of socks, underwear, and shirts no matter where I go and just wash and dry one while I wear the other. Despite being the less fashionable person on the campsite,  I love packing light and efficient.

• Moisture-wicking T-shirts
• Moisture-wicking underwear
• Quick-drying pants/shorts
• Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
• Sun-shielding hats
• Swimsuits
• Bandanas or buffs
• Boots or shoes suited to terrain
• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• Long underwear
• Sleepwear
• Insulating jacket or vest
• Insulated pants
• Gloves or mittens
• Rainwear (jacket and pants)
• Clothesline with clips
• Water sandals
• In-camp sandals or booties

Personal Items

One set of items I usually have a problem remembering to pack are personal items. I may remember my earplugs, but I forget the antiseptic wipes. I remember my sunglasses but forget the sunscreen. Luckily I usually am able to bum some of these items from friends or family I travel with. =)

• Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
• Biodegradable soap
• Brush/comb
• Cosmetics
• Eyeshades; earplugs
• First-aid kit (see First-Aid Checklist)
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent
• Lip balm
• Mirror
• Prescription medications
• Shower water bag
• Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush, toiletry kit

Other Items And Fun Stuff

• Bikes, toys
• Board games
• Boomerang
• Camera
• Campsite reservation confirmation, phone number
• Electronic toys
• Flying discs
• Geocaching materials (with GPS receivers)
• Glow sticks
• Kick-around foot bag
• Kites
• Maps, area information
• Paddle ball set
• Pet supplies and food
• Playing cards
• Puzzles (crosswords, etc.)
• Rolling ice cream maker
• Water toys