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This story is part of our The Great Guide to Outside in the July issue of Milwaukee Magazine. To read the full guide, order your copy today!

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Yes, you will be “roughing it” on your camping trip, but that’s no reason to make a trip rough with poor packing.  Be sure to remember the necessities; use a checklist and pack carefully. And before you load up, think containers. You definitely want a good cooler large enough for your trip’s food and insulated enough to keep things cool for the entire stay. Sturdy storage bins with a lid and handles can keep all your dry goods and camping supplies handy and organized. In addition to the larger camp items, we like having three main bins: the two laid out in the list below plus another for food that’s best kept in the car. 

Quick Tips:

1. Remember the cribbage board and a deck of cards!

2. Freezing jugs or bottles of drinking water lets  them do double duty as ice – and will keep your cool food drier. 

3. Lanterns are useful for illuminating the space and great for group activities, like a game of cards. For activities that require both hands free, try a headlamp. If you go rustic with no electric outlet at camp, don’t forget charging packs. 

4. Don’t bring your own firewood; buy it on-site or as close to the park as possible to avoid spreading tree-killing parasites. A hatchet can quickly make kindling, but foraging sticks and pine needles works, too. 

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Camp List

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