Posted by mushrooms on Aug 18, 2013 in Main
For camping in a state park campground that includes running water and dishwashing stations.
Shelter and sleeping
- Tent - You need enough tents for everyone. If one tent will shelter the group comfortably, you only need one tent. Comfortably should not be chosen based on the tent manufacturers labelling, since 'sleeps 6' on the tent box means there is enough floor space at the largest part of the tent for six average bodies. At the state park a large site costs the same as a small site, an extra tent can make the stay much more pleasant for everyone, including the unreasonable. If you prefer trailer camping, you should probably stop reading now.
- Tarps - Each tent should have a tarp under it, and the tarp should protect as much of the tent floor as possible without extending beyond its perimeter. If the tarp can be seen around the tent, rain will puddle between the tarp and the tent floor, creating a water bed or worse, puddles. Tucking the tarp under the tent reduces the problem, but heavy rain and uneven ground will often allow moisture to pool on the tarp. Tent manufacturers may refer to these tarps as ground cloths.
- Screen house - If you have never been to the campground, or really despise bugs, you should have a screen house over the eating area. If you don't mind a few bugs and hate extra equipment, you can probably get by with a tarp, some rope, poles and stakes. A big tarp is better, it can be folded. Angle it to allow water to flow off, unless you enjoy a suspended puddle.
- Cots - Cots are good because you don't have to sleep on the ground. Each cot takes about two person spaces in a tent, so a six person tent can usually handle three cots - with zero open floor space remaining. You can put your stuff under the cot.
- Pad or air mattress - A pad or air mattress under the sleeping bag will help you stay warmer and feels better than just a cot (or just the ground).
- Sleeping bags or bed rolls - Choose the least expensive system that works. Read and heed any laundering instructions.
- Pillows - Inflatable pillows or clean laundry/towels save space.
- Broom and dust pan - Tidiness matters.
Living
- Lantern - I like battery powered ones.
- Flashlight
- Water bottle - One for every camper.
- Camp chairs. There should be a chair for every camper.
Fun stuff to do
- Books
- Playing cards
- Board games
- Sketch pad and pencil
Cooking
- Cooler - I like one with a drain built in. Use block ice, it lasts longer than cubes. Choose the size carefully, there's no point in having a huge cooler that is usually empty, and it is no fun having a cooler that's too small either. Some people use multiple coolers.
- Grill - Bring a grill. This one folds up and won't take much space if you don't need it. But you'll want to use it. It has a nice large cooking area, sets up easily, and works great. I used mine for about twelve years and it still looks great. Unfortunately, I left it at the campground yesterday, so someone else is probably enjoying it.
- Pot - General purpose pot, useful for heating water for hot beverages and cooking. It won't be shiny long if you use it over a fire. Cleaning the outside is optional, plan to transport it in a bag or box to reduce soot stains.
- Skillet and multi-purpose tool - One of the greatest cooking tools for camping is a 15" cast iron skillet. You can make a lot of food in it. A multipurpose spatula is an excellent companion tool.
- Matches - Lots of wooden kitchen matches.
- Kitchen stuff - You need enough dishes and utensils to feed your group and a few visitors. Don't use paper plates or foam. That's cheating and goes against the spirit of camping which includes an appreciation of the environment and conservation. I like enamelware.
Utensils
- Can opener
- At least one sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Cheese grater / shredder
- Large serving spoon, large slotted serving spoon, pasta spoon (I laughed until I used it), spatula (or aforementioned multi-purpose tool). These can often be purchased in a set. Get metal ones, plastic and nylon tend to melt.
- Cutting board
- Anything else you really like to use in the kitchen.
- Dishwashing stuff - I like two dishpans, a drying rack, rubber gloves (to protect against very hot dishwater), a metal scrub brush and a dish cloth or two or three. I never dry the dishes camping, I just put them in the dishrack with the eating/drinking surfaces down. Come to think of it, we never put them away either - we just take them out of the dishrack. Don't pour dirty dishwater on the ground, use an appropriate drain.
- Table cloth - Should be red checked.
- Camp stove - If you don't want to rely on a fire, you might want to get a camp stove or some other fuel based cooking machine. I like fire.
Clothing
- Clothes you are willing to see ruined. Don't bring your best attire. Don't bring the t-shirt you treasure. Don't bring anything that is dry clean only. I have a collection of clothing that is kept in the basement with the camping equipment. Garments so ugly they are only worn while camping in another state.
- Socks and undergarments. Keeping your feet warm and dry is important when you are camping. Socks also protect against blisters and other minor foot problems.
- Boots or sneakers. Shoes that will protect your feet. Waterproof boots are really nice to have camping.
- Sandals or flip flops that can get wet. It isn't a bad idea to wear footwear in the shower, and sandals are fun anyway.
- Pajamas. You might want to choose pajamas that can be worn in public.
- Jackets, sweatshirts, pullovers. Be warm. Being cold when you are camping is no fun.
- A hat. Mostly to look cool, but it may also protect you from the sun.
- A rain coat. Rain pants if you really hate getting wet.
Hygiene
- Soap in a soap dish. Whether it is to wash your hands or take a shower, use soap. Be sure to use it in a sink so the waste water doesn't go into the ground. Body wash will work, too.
- Shampoo (unless you want to use soap or body wash)
- Towels, one for bathing and a different one for swimming. Wash and hand cloths are optional.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as a case or baggy to keep them clean.
- Small jug of laundry detergent in case you have to wash clothing. Wash in a sink or at a laundromat.
- Rope for a clothesline. This is really for drying towels used at the beach or clothing soaked while having fun.