What Camping Accessories Should I Bring to a State Park?

There is nothing quite like a camping trip. The smell of the great outdoors, the sight of a roaring fire at night, the cozy comfort of a snug tent- these experiences combine to create a fun and relaxing time like no other.

However, in order to have a successful camping trip, it is vital to pack the right gear. Camping gear and camping accessories tend to fall into one of three categories: cooking, relaxation and shelter.

Cooking Gear

The cooking gear to bring depends greatly on personal preference. For some, a cooler, hotdogs and sticks on which to cook them on will be sufficient. However, other people may prefer more intricate meals that require the use of a camping stove or even portable BBQ grill.

When deciding on which cooking gear to bring, please keep in mind the duration of the trip, types of food desired and the availability of food nearby the park. Be sure to bring along pots, frying pans, cooking utensils and plates. In addition, many sporting goods stores sell items called “portable kitchen sinks,” or camp sinks. Basically, these are waterproof containers that typically fold flat yet expand big enough to serve as a sink for a campsite.

What Camping Accessories Should I Bring to a State Park?

What Camping Accessories Should I Bring to a State Park?

Also, most camping trips will not include access to a refrigerator, so try to pack mostly nonperishable foods that do not need to be refrigerated. For meat or dairy products, ensure that these items are kept both deep within a cooler and properly cooled at all times.

Relaxation Gear

Relaxation gear encompasses everything from camp chairs to deluxe portable hammocks. When deciding what relaxation gear to bring, keep in mind the size of the campsite and how much packing space is available. Collapsible hammocks, for example, are excellent for a relaxing afternoon at the campsite. These comfortable swings can fold up quite small, and nothing matches the relaxing sway of a hammock under a canopy of green, leafy trees.

Shelter

When camping, shelter primarily comes as a tent. Tent sizes and features vary greatly and there is a tent available to meet any family’s needs. From small, lightweight backpacking tents to multi-room deluxe models, there is a tent to suit any tastes or desires. In addition to a good tent, be sure to pack sleeping bags, extra blankets and pillows to enhance the shelter provided.

Although days in the forest may get hot and balmy, temperatures drop drastically at night and it is always better to be over-prepared than it is to shiver and freeze after dark. For more adventurous campers, however, shelter can come entirely in the form of a sleeping bag under the stars or even as a camping hammock and blanket.

When visiting a state park, it’s important to bring along the right camping accessories and gear. By keeping the three basic categories in mind, it becomes easy to ensure your needs and comforts are met so you can have an enjoyable trip out in the woods.

 

NDParks Recommends
What Camping Accessories Should I Bring to a State Park?

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Greg May 19, 2011 at 8:23 pm

Your article does not mention the management of human waste when you are out and about outside. You may want to consider The Biffy Bag Disposable toilet for proper Leave No Trace waste management needs. The Biffy Bag fits in your pocket, is odor proof, leak proof and can be disposed of in any trash can when done. No bucket or commode is needed when you use The Biffy Bag making it extremely portable and easy to take with where ever you go.

Reply

Leave a Comment

Overall Rating

Previous post:

Next post: