Newly updated, ever-growing list of must-have items and creature comforts to enhance the great outdoors camping experience!
Over the course of many camping trips taken throughout the Mid-Atlantic region—from western Appalachia to the sandy shores of barrier islands—we’ve compiled a list of must-have items, upgrade ideas, wish-list wants, and tools that, altogether, make the camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable. The following list has been compiled with family camping in mind for a duration of 3–5 days…and the list is ever-growing! We include Amazon affiliate links to Reel Chesapeake chosen brands/items that have been field tested (brands like Coleman, Estwing, Yeti, Benzomatic, Hefty, Amazon Basics, and many more). Want to see what we recommend? Here is our shopping list of Camping Equipment & Upgrades:
Shelter & Comfort
- Quality Tent with rainfly, carry bag, and spacious interior. We recommend upsizing; if you have a family of four, buy a tent sized for 6–8 persons
- Tent Stakes that can take the hit of a hammer. Ditch the cheap plastic or “paper clip” thin stakes that come with your tent; purchase quality, heavy stainless steel stakes capable of being driven into hard ground
- Large Tarp (especially versatile piece of equipment)
- Pop-Up Canopy is a must-have for camping at the Atlantic beachfronts, or any location where shade is needed
- Camping Chairs are must-haves for enjoying evenings, relaxing around the campfire
- Hammock for a simple, lightweight, and fun resting spot that packs into the size of a small purse and can be hung between two trees
- Air Mattress makes sleep much more comfortable…and/or
- Mummy-Style Sleeping Bag perfect for colder nights, especially at coastal or mountain sites…and
- Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad for the solo campers w/ sleeping bags
Tools & Fire
- Hammer/Mallet for driving tent and other stakes into the ground
- Hatchet/Small Axe is an essential for splitting and chopping wood for campfires, etc. I especially love the USA-made Estwing brand axes
- Swiss Army Pocket Tool/Knife is always handy. Just bring one; if nothing else, you can use it to whittle away some downtime at camp
- MAP-Pro Gas Torch is the best fire-starting device you could own in my opinion
- Fire Starters provide insurance for getting a good fire lit, especially if the wood is damp or moldy
- Fire Poker is a nice tool to have, but not essential
- Butane Lighter offers a handy little flame when needed. Double check your supply and bring a new one
Equipment & Food Storage
- Rotomolded Cooler/Ice Chest is a must for holding ice, food, and bait for several days
- 5-Gallon Water Cooler for drinking, rinsing, and all your fresh-water needs!
- Large Plastic Storage Bins for storing equipment/another for dry food; I especially like durable bins with clear lids and latches to secure what’s inside when traveling
Meal Prep & Cooking
- Propane Stove and 16oz Propane tanks (simple, efficient means of cooking canned meals, breakfast, heating water, etc.)
- Reusable Dinnerware/Cups that are washable, reusable. Sets are the way to go; no trash!
- Cookware/Mess Kit ideally includes a couple frying pans and boiling pots that nest together in one, handy set; bonus points for a removable/swapable handle to use/juggle multiple pots on stove
- Dutch Oven if you have room to bring one. They’re fun for making one-pot family meals
- Telescoping Roasting Sticks for roasting marshmallows, hotdogs, etc. over the fire
- French Coffee Press is, in my opinion, the best and easiest way to make great coffee every morning!
- Whistling Tea Kettle to boil your water for coffee, oats, grits, etc. Easy, quick, and efficient!
- BPA-Free Water Bottles are a hydration essential for walks, hikes, and keeping within reach when sleeping
- Can/Bottle Opener is an essential for opening all those canned food items like baked beans, hash, soups, etc.
Toiletries & Sundries
- Paper Towels, bring at least one roll with you on every trip
- Toilet Paper, bring at least two rolls with you on every trip
- Hand/Baby Wipes are good for wiping yourself clean, especially the grime and grit from your face
- Hand Sanitizer is very good to have available when cooking and cleaning camp
- Bug Spray is a must-have item. We love this all-natural, herbal spray
- Sunscreen is another must-have. We absolutely love this brand!
- Towels, bring a couple each, of large beach towels and bathroom towels
- First Aid Kit is worth it’s weight in gold. Buy one, buy five…and keep them handy in all your vehicles, home, etc.
- Trash Bags, got to have them; “pack out what you pack in” includes trash!
Electric & Connectivity
- Power Inverter that connects to your car’s battery or lighter port and inverts the power source so you can use electronics, like an air mattress inflator/deflator
- LED Lanterns for night light. No need for propane lanterns these days; LED versions that run on a couple batteries or USB recharchable are cheap and easy to pack in
- Portable Phone/Device Chargers and preferably one that stores enough juice for at least two full charges
Recreation & Leisure Items
- Bluetooth Speaker is fave item for good tunes, espcially this IP67 waterproof version with handly clip
- Acoustic Guitar for singing songs around the campfire
- Lawn Games like cornhole, bocce, frisbee, darts, etc.
- Fishing equipment (research your location, fish species, and plan accordingly; keep it simple)
Pet Care
- Pet Anchor/Cable is very helpful to keep your pets within your campsite
- Pet Food Bowls for feeding the pets
- Collapsible Pet Crate is helpful to have in lieu of the anchor/cable system
More items will be added and if you have a recommendation, please email us!
