50 Things to Take Camping

General

Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newbie setting off on your first UK camping adventure, this guide will help you pack everything you need for a stress-free and enjoyable trip.

But first things first: What kind of camping trip are you going on?

Car Camping: This is the most common type of camping, where you drive to a campsite and set up camp with your car nearby.

Backpacking: This involves carrying your gear on your back to a more remote location.

RV Camping: This involves using a campervan or towing caravan for your accommodation and transportation.

In this guide, we cover the essential items you'll need to take if you're going car camping.

What items do you need for camping?

Some things will instantly spring to mind when you think about what to bring camping, but others won't be so obvious. That's why we've created a camping checklist that you can download, print off and share with the rest of your group, so you don't forget any vital pieces of equipment.

Essential Camping Equipment

If you're just starting out with your camping equipment collection, it can seem like there's a lot to buy at first. However, this is all a great investment and will bring you happy holidays for years to come.

Must-have camping supplies:

Tent (suitable for climate/weather)
Groundsheets
Air bed, camp bed or sleeping mats
Tent pegs and mallet or hammer
Tent and air bed repair kits
Windbreaker
Table
Chairs
Torch or headlamp
Matches
Picnic blanket
Anti-bacterial spray & kitchen rollCamping Kitchen

The most obvious part of your campsite kitchen is a camp stove or a camp grill; both have their pros and cons. While camp stoves are generally faster and more versatile, grills can add a smoky flavour to your food that's hard to beat - the choice is yours. If you like your creature comforts, consider packing a fold up sink, a dishcloth and even a folding chopping board.

Camping stove or camping BBQ grill
Pots and pans (opt for stainless steel as it's durable and easier to clean)
Plates, bowls & utensils (A basic set including a spatula, spoon, fork and knife)

Take easy camping food

Choosing the right food and drinks to take camping is actually much easier than you think. You can meal prep things before you go, like a huge pan of stew or curry, or just keep it simple with dried or tinned food that lasts a long time and doesn't need to go in the fridge.

If you enjoy cereal for breakfast, you're probably wondering how to pack milk for camping. Buy a few cartons of UHT milk and your problems are solved! This doesn't need to go in the fridge and should stay cool if you store it in a shaded spot on your camp. Most camping shops also sell fresh milk if you'd prefer to buy some each morning or you could take a cool box with you to store milk, spreads and sandwich fillers.

Some other hassle-free foods to take camping include:

Pasta or noodles
Tinned food like soup, beans and fish
Wraps or flatbreads
Cordial
Cereal
Dried fruit and nuts
UHT milk
Cereal bars
Tea & coffee
Crisps, biscuits, chocolate and sweets
Sauces and spreads

Check out 'The Ultimate Camping Cook Book' for some of our easy camping recipes.What clothes to take camping

Whatever time of year you are going camping, if you are staying in the UK, you should pack waterproof and warm clothing. That's not to say you shouldn't take shorts and t-shirts too, but just be prepared for cold or rainy days, even in August.

Underwear and socks
Quick-drying trousers
Shorts
T-shirts
Fleece, hoodie or jumper
Waterproof jacket
Walking shoes, wellies or trainers
Tent shoes (like flip flops or slippers)
A hat (woolly and sun hat)
Sunglasses
Warm pyjamas

Pack your camping gadgets

There is more to camping than learning how to pitch your tent. There are plenty of useful gadgets available which can make your trip stress-free and a number of things you may not have thought of which will definitely come in handy.

Must have camping gadgets:

First aid kit
Navigation tools (map, pencil and compass)
Reusable water bottle
Water carrier
Multitool
Toiletries
Soft cooler bag for picnics
Backpack
Firepit
Wet or dry bag
Portable toilet
Insect repellent
Portable power pack

Packing Your Car to go Camping

With so much equipment to take camping, it can be a struggle trying to fit it all in the car. You could try and squeeze everything in, but that doesn't make a comfortable car journey for anyone. So, there are lots of accessories you can add to your car to make packing much easier and your journey more comfortable.

Towbar

A towbar is super versatile and can allow you to hook a caravan, trailer or even a bike rack onto the back of your car. This gives you extra storage space so you can get comfortable for the journey.

Use your vehicle registration to search for a compatible towbar and don't forget to check your towing capacity before you tow.

Roof Bars

Roof storage can be a great way to create more space for packing when you're going camping. You can add a bike rack, boat carrier or a roof box to your roof bars which creates extra space and can allow you to take items which won't fit in your car.

Check out our roof bars to find a set for your car.

Roof Box

Want to pack your favourite pillow, a camping stove or a few pairs of shoes? Maybe you just need more space for the tent or sleeping bags. Store bulky items you won't need for the journey in a roof box so you can still open the boot without the fear of luggage falling out and a roof box for your camping trip here.

Bike Rack

If you take your bikes camping, you've got yourself a free activity and a fun way to travel around. If you already have a roof box or a trailer, finding a suitable bike rack to add to the mix could be tricky. That's why we've got a range of bike racks to suit every budget for your next camping trip.

Take a look at our bike racks and find the right rack for your car.

There are lots of ways to create more space in the car for your next camping trip. Check out our wide range of car storage accessories and download our checklists so you don't forget the essentials.

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