Camping at Straits State Park

Embarking on a tent camping adventure is a thrilling way to commune with nature and unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After being avid tent campers for years, we have curated a comprehensive guide to ensure your outdoor excursion is filled with comfort and convenience. From shelter essentials to cooking gear and safety items, this packing list covers all the necessities for a successful and enjoyable camping trip. Let us help you prepare for your next camping journey with the must-have items that will enhance your outdoor experience.
I keep my gear organized in big Rubbermaid bins: one for the tent supplies and another for kitchen. We tend to be minimalists when we camp so you won’t see portable AC units, outdoor lighting, or Crockpots on this list. This list is in no way exhaustive and may not be right for every camper, but it should help to get you started.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.
Tent:
  • Tent, poles, stakes, rain fly
  • Mallet or hammer
  • Ground cover (should not be larger than your tent, or it may hold water)
  • Sleeping pad, cot, or air mattress and pump
  • Sleeping bag, pillow
  • Extra blankets/sheets
  • Mat or rug for tent entrance
  • Dust pan/broom
  • Extension Cord
  • Fan
Kitchen
  • Food
  • Water in an Aquatainer
  • Camp stove and fuel
  • Lighter or matches
  • Cooler and ice
  • Pot and/or pan
  • Utensils (tongs, serving spoon, spatula, can opener, knife)
  • Pot holder/oven mitt
  • Plates and/or bowls
  • Silverware
  • Cups, mugs
  • Cutting Board
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Cooking oil
  • Seasonings, condiments
  • Coffee maker (French press, Aeropress, Pour Over)
  • Dishpan, biodegradable soap, and washcloth
  • Paper Towel
  • Food storage container
  • Trash bags
  • Water bottles
  • Table Cloth
  • Dutch oven
  • Campfire grill
  • Pie iron/marshmallow roasting stick
  • Bottle opener/corkscrew
Other
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight/headlamp/lantern
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Firewood
  • Fire starter
  • Folding chairs/hammock
  • Multi-tool or knife
  • Hatchet
  • Clothesline and clothespins
  • Bungee cord
  • Duct Tape
  • Backpack
  • Canopy or screen tent
  • Rubbermaid tubs
  • Outdoor shower or toilet and privacy tent
  • Towels
  • Shower Shoes
  • Toothbrushes and toiletries
  • Clothes
  • Rain jacket or ponch0

For a printable version of this list, click here. Looking to camp in Michigan? Be sure to check out our Best Campgrounds in Michigan for Tent Camping!

Thanks for stopping by! Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about this trip, check out the click here. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram! You can purchase prints on Etsy and Fine Art America. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

Pin This: