ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST FOR THE ULTIMATE CAMPING ADVENTURE

Are you ready for the ultimate Western U.S. road trip? Whether you’re venturing through the stunning landscapes of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, or Utah, preparing for the unexpected is key to making your camping experience unforgettable. In this comprehensive camping packing list, I’ve curated everything you’ll need to stay warm, safe, and comfortable while exploring the awe-inspiring mountains and national parks of the West. From compact gear for easy transport to essential survival items, you’ll find the perfect tools to ensure your journey is not only adventurous but stress-free. Get ready to embrace the wild with confidence and check off every item you need to make your road trip extraordinary through this camping packing list!

This list is specifically for those heading out west in the States (“out west” for me, as a girl from Georgia, meaning New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, etc,). It can get super chilly but also be pretty hot. However, I’m writing this with the purpose of making sure you are WARM, safe, and prepared for your trek into the mountains and incredible parks of the Western United States! Here is your camping packing list!

Things you’re looking for:

• Compact items that you can bring with you in your car and, if needed, on hikes
• WARM items (clothes, hand warmers, etc.)
• Everything needed for cooking/food
• Toiletries
• Items to keep you safe
• Camping gear
• Car gear

Hoping that you live it up on your roadtrip adventure! Be sure to pack well, check off all of these items, and invest in good camping items to save you money in the long run! I’m so excited for you to explore the world with your friends or solo! Here is your camping packing list for your ideal roadtrip. Below is a “trailer” for your trip!

You May Be Interested In…

ITINERARY FOR OUT WEST ROADTRIP!!!

Camping Gear

• Tent
  • Having a good tent is a game changer! I listed some below based on price and size. You can definitely find a decent tent for a cheap price, just be mindful of the type of weather you’ll be in! If you’re planning on camping a lot, its worth it to invest in a good tent.
  • Here are some things to consider when buying a tent:
    • Waterproof!
    • Size
    • Price
    • How heavy is it (if you’re hiking with it, you’ll want a light tent!)
    • How easy it is to assemble and break down
    • How big is it when broken down (will it be easy to transport?)
    • Durability in weather

• Tent rain cover
  • Some tents already come with one; be sure to have one on hand and that it fits your tent (if bought separately from tent!)
• Optional: tarp to put under tent if they are rocks/rough ground and to protect your tent

• Sleeping bag
  • If you’re looking to invest in a sleeping bag, I linked a blog post on different kinds of bags depending on what type of trip you’re going on and also where to buy the best ones depending on price, comfort, etc.

• Sleeping mat
  • Having a sleeping mat will save you when camping; I have unfortunately learned from the many experiences of NOT having one. It keeps you warm from below (rather than the cold soaking into you from the ground). It also saves you from back and neck aches. I’ve learned its better to be a little high maintenance during camping so that you get good sleep and can enjoy your trip more!
  • I linked a great budget option that is comfy, lightweight, and compact when broken down.

• Blankets
• Optional: pillow
  • I normally just stuff clothes and jackets into my sleeping bag cover because I’m ghetto like that. However, if you want better sleep than me (which I recommend), I would invest in a camping pillow.

• Lantern (at least one per tent)

• Flashlight

For Food

• Camping stove (with propane, depending on the kind of stove)
  • I linked two kinds below. The first one connects straight to the propane and boils water; it’s helpful to make meals and instant coffee. It will be most helpful if you’re low on room (since its small and easy to transport) and if you don’t have many people. I really recommend the second one (which is what I have) if you’ll be driving to campsites and have more people. You can make several things at once and make actual meals. My friends and I used this to make taco bowls, chicken quesadillas, and more. It has made my camping experiences so much better.

• Plates/bowls/cutlery
  • I recommend looking at the below link; it will be super helpful for each person on your camping trip to have this. It’s compact, easily washable, and lightweight.

• Cooking pots, pans, spoon/spatula, etc.
  • I linked the camping pots that I have. They have a detachable handle, so they take up very little space. They’re also super light and easy to clean! This is a must if you’re planning on cooking on a stove or over a fire.

• Paper towels/wipes
• Dish soap/sponge for washing pots and pans you use to cook
• Ziplock bags (to bring lunches/snacks on hikes/on the go)
• Travel mug
• Reusable water bottle (at least one)… they really do get lost and broken so fast
• Cooler
  • If you’re looking to invest in a cooler, click the link below. I linked a website with a list of best coolers for different purposes, prices, etc.

Here’s one of myth favorite things to make while camping! Click HERE!

KEEP A LOOKOUT FOR UPCOMING POSTS ON MY FAVORITE MEALS TO MAKE WHILE CAMPING!

Clothes and Shoes

This will obviously depend on where you’re going. However, lots of places will be cold at night. Bring warm things (jackets, gloves, hats, ear warmers). It can get very warm during the day, so also be prepare with shorts, tank tops, and light jackets. Also, if you’re hiking up mountains, you’re more likely to get sunrburned at higher altitudes. I recommend bringing some kind of cover (light long sleeve, jackets, etc.) to protect your skin against sunburns). Below, I put some essentials

• Rain jacket
• Hiking boots
  • No, Blundstones do not count. Make sure you have something with lots of good traction.

• Spikes for hiking shoes
  • If you’ll be in the snow and ice and are planning on hiking, you must have these. Otherwise, you’ll slip and fall everywhere, putting yourself at risk of injury. Even more importantly, if you’re going more dangerous hikes like Angel’s Landing, you HAVE to have these in the snow or you could literally fall right off the edge of the cliff (not to scare you or anything).
  • The ones I linked are the ones I have and LOVE! They stretch over pretty much every type of hiking shoes and work really well in the ice.

• Sandals / water shoes
  • The ones I linked are my favorite shoe I’ve ever bought. They’re not only super cute (so you can dress them up if you want to), but they’re great in the water or for shower shoes if you travel a lot.

• Swimsuit

For Safety

• Pepper spray
• Carabiner to “lock” your tent zippers together
• Obviously optional: some kind of knife or gun
  • Disclaimer: camping can obviously be dangerous if you’re going to be an idiot. As a woman, I am going to value safety above all else. If I feel unsafe… I’ll get a hotel. If my gut is telling me to leave, I’ll get the hell out of there and sleep in my car if I have to. ALWAYS prioritize safety and listen to your gut. All that to say, if you read campsite reviews, set up camp while it’s light outside, be aware of other campers, then you’ll be totally fine. However, I am going to over prepared every time versus underprepared. When I camp, I always bring some kind of knife/machete. This may sound dramatic, but again, it’s better to be prepared! If it’s legal in your area or you’re licensed to carry, etc. bring a gun. WARNING! In some national parks/state parks/other ares, it’s illegal to have a gun. Therefore, check the website and rules for the places you’re heading before bringing one.
• FIRST AID KIT!
  • Don’t forget this. Always better to be prepared! Throw in some Ibuprofen and lots of bandaids while you’re at it.

For Warmth (If You’ll Be Somewhere Cold)

The most miserable experiences of my life have probably been camping. It was my own fault every time. I didn’t have an epic camping packing list like this one, and I typically am like “oh I’ll be fine with my 10 year old sleeping bag where the zipper is broken when I’m going camping in Colorado in March.” Wrong. I was not fine. I was so cold and did not sleep at all. If you are planning on going somewhere where it’ll be cold at night, you HAVE to have the right gear. Otherwise, you will be sad and cold and have no fun. It’s not worth it! I promise.

• Hand warmers
  • I love some good hand warmers. I use them probably way too much. The ones I linked are rechargeable, which is awesome, because then you’re not buying a ton of packs of disposable hand warmers over and over again.

• If you’re going somewhere where you’re expecting ice and snow, don’t be an idiot (that may be the quote of the day). Make sure you know how to drive in the snow, have four wheel drive, and you may need to buy chains for your tires. Check the weather and be smart. If you’re worried about the snow, wait it out a few days until the weather clears up.
• A big jacket or blanket for being outside
  • Remember that you’ll be potentially setting up camp when it’s chilly out; you also may be sitting by the fire, roasting marshmallows, or making coffee early in the morning. There are lots of funny little things you can get to stay warm… like a blanket jacket or a sleeping bag jacket/dress. Just be aware! Being cold is not fun.

• Good warm socks
  • I recommend something like the ones below. They are warm and thick and will keep away blisters! They’re also comfortable. Be sure to have these or something similar.

Toiletries

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Body wash
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Dry shampoo
• For my girlies…
  • With the typical lack of showering that happens while camping, be prepared with things like:
    • Face wipes
    • Body wipes
    • Wipes for ~down there~
    • Panty liners
• Vaseline/chapstick
  • It is suppppper dry out west, and my skin literally starts to flake off because my skin get so cold and dried out! Be sure to have lots of lotion, chapstick (preferably with SPF in it), good moisturizer, and vaseline!
• Toilet paper

Other

• Eyemask
• Firewood
  • You can often buy these at gas stations or parks near campsites.
• Lighter
• Laundry bag
• Extra trash bags
  • For your trash
  • For your wet clothes
  • For your dirty shoes
• Fire starter
  • This is going to be super helpful if you’re not an experienced camper or if you want to get a fire started quickly. I bring these on all my camping trips!

• Bug spray
• Headphones
• Portable charger
  • Please don’t be an idiot and be alone in the woods with a dead phone.

• Sunscreen
• Baseball cap (the sun is for real out there… watch out for sunburns!)
• Sunglasses
• Duct tape
  • You really just never know when you’ll need it.
• Liquid IV
  • It’s super important to stay hydrated while spending time out west with the amount of hiking and playing you’ll be doing! I recommend drinking one packet of liquid IV a day.

• Melatonin
  • Optional, obviously. It can be hard to sleep in a tent (duh), especially if you’re uncomfortable or cold.
• DAYPACK
  • This is a must! Everyone should have one to bring layers, snacks, etc. with them throughout the day; it’s also really helpful for everyone to have one near to them in the car rather than having to go through all your luggage in the trunk!

• Paper map (do people even use these anymore?)
• PERMITS AND PARK PASS!!!
  • This may be the most important part of your trip. If you’re planning on going to national parks, hiking at all, camping anywhere, you have to check and see if you need some kind of permit. I missed out on so many hikes and campsites because I have no idea I needed a permit! Be sure to look on their website and google reviews to see what you need.
    • If you’re going to national parks, you have to pay to enter each one. I really recommend the National Park Pass that you can buy and then enter every park for free.

For Your Car

Here’s the truth. I don’t know a single thing about cars. This is pretty alarming, especially with the amount of roadtrips I am on. My best tip is to always expect the worst so you’re prepped for anything. Expect a flat tire. Expect your engine to die. Again, I really don’t know much about this. However, ask your dad or boyfriend or guy best friend or girlfriend who knows a lot about cars what you should have on hand. Make sure you have a spare tire, know the AAA number, have a car jack and jumper cables, and are constantly checking your tire pressures and gas.

My scary story… please learn from this!!!!!! So picture this… I have a whole road-trip planned for my friends. I check the gas. 1/4 of a tank. I figure we’re fine. We’re out in the middle of New Mexico. I don’t think twice about it. We enter a national forest. Uh oh. I haven’t seen a peep of a gas station in a long time. Too long. This national forest is never going to end. The car is about to hit empty. My friends realized I’ve gone silent as I internally panicked about what to do. Thank the Lord that we stumbled upon a random gas station with overpriced gas right as this poor car was about to completely be out of gas. Don’t be an idiot like me. Make sure you are starting to look for gas the second your car hits half of a tank.

Other things to have:

• Drivers license
• Car insurance info
• Car registration info
• Extra car key (if possible)

Looking for More?

I found this awesome blog post that has the most detailed description of things to bring (especially clothes). Click HERE if you’re interested! One more from REI (love them) is HERE!

Thanks For Reading!

Once again, you being here means the world to me! I’m so excited for your adventures. Roadtripping is one of my favorite things in the world, and I hope that are fully prepared and ready for your adventure! I hope you enjoyed this camping packing list. Keep reading, sharing, on going on all my adventures! xoxoxox, AnitaBelle