It’s a glorious morning to be outdoor camping. The sky is blue, the temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and other than the geese fighting and making their honking noises just two spots away, the birds singing, and a few kids laughing, there is nothing but peace and quiet.

popup camperThis particular outdoor camping trip was pretty much last minute. We had booked a sight earlier in the week, but the weather caused my husband to have to back-up his work schedule by at least one day. Then the forecast for the weekend was calling for showers and we didn’t make the final decision to go camping until late Thursday evening.

Fortunately, I was able to pack in just a few hours time and we hit the road by 9 a.m. on Friday. It’s a little ironic because a friend had just said to me a few days ago that she couldn’t go camping this weekend because she didn’t have any time off from work and it takes so long to get ready for an outdoor camping trip that she would need a day off to pack.

The key to picking up and going at the last minute is to have the majority of your supplies always ready to go. We have a popup trailer that we keep packed with all the necessary items in it. But, even if you tent camp you can be ready to go at a moments notice by keeping everything together in a few large Rubbermaid-type totes.  I’ve read that some people even keep extra clothing in their RVs so that all they have to do is stop at the grocery and they’re set for the weekend. I don’t do that; as long as my laundry is clean I can pack clothes in just a few minutes. And, even if it’s not (as in the case of my son’s clothes this past weekend) I just throw it in a bag and bring along a little laundry detergent and do a load at the campground.

So, just what should you keep packed in order leave in haste on any given weekend? Here’s a list of what I keep in our popup camper.

· Cups/Plates/Cutlery (I like disposable but you can bring flatware – if you don’t mind washing it)

· Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife

· Spatula(s)

· Floor Mats. I keep three. One for inside the camper door, one for the step and a larger one for outside the door on the ground.

· Mixing/Serving Spoon

· Antibacterial Wipes

· Bug Spray

· Sunscreen

· Paper Towels and/or Napkins

· Tablecloth(s)

· Coffee Pot or French Press. (I keep a French press because electric is not needed to make coffee, and I can’t function without my coffee!)

· Dish Towel(s)

· Dish Cloth(s)

· Dish Soap

· Container for Water. (I have a solar shower, but there are also collapsible water buckets or solid containers with spigots for easy dispensing. These are great for hand and dish washing.)

· Pot Holder(s)

· Foil and/or Plastic Wrap

· Ziploc-type Baggies

· Lantern (extra mantels and fuel)

· Flashlight(s) (additionally, bring spare batteries and bulbs)

· Large Skillet (non-stick or cast iron skillets are both great for camping)

· Medium Saucepan (great for side dishes and pasta)

· Toilet Paper

· Garbage Bags

· Rain Poncho or Jacket

· Can Opener

· Lighting Stick or Matches

· Folding Chair(s)

· Camp Stove (unless you are using a Pop-up or RV with a stove in it, or if you want to cook everything over a campfire)

· Propane Bottles (For the lantern and stove)

· First Aid Kit

· Salt, Pepper, and other Miscellaneous Spices

· Rope

Here are some optional items I like to have with me but they probably won’t make or break your trip:

· Colander

· Electric Skillet

· Ax

· Steak Knives

· Tarp

· Bowl(s) – (I like cereal for breakfast so I need small bowls, but you may also want a large bowl for serving)

· Shovel

· Games, Cards, Books, etc. (things to keep you entertained – especially if it rains!)

· Small Propane and/or Electric Heater

· Fan

· Bungee Cords (good for making clothes lines and tying off tarps, etc.)

Now all you need to do is hook up your pop-up or RV (or grab your tent – don’t forget the poles and stakes) and bring along your blankets, pillows, towels and wash clothes, clothing, and food and you’re ready to hit the road and have an incredible time on your outdoor camping trip!.

If you are backpacking, you probably don’t need everything listed here, use your discretion you don’t want to be carrying 1,000 pounds around on your back.

If there is something I’ve forgotten that is necessary when outdoor camping, please leave me a comment and I’ll add it to the list.

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