Section 6 of 12
Camping essentials
A simple camping gear list, with Amazon links, from a tent to cozy lights.
Camping here is amazing. If you are starting from scratch, this is the basic kit I would order to be ready for a weekend in the mountains or on the coast.
- Headlamp: find it on Amazon
- Tent: find it on Amazon
- Sleeping bag (duck feathers, good for cold and hot nights): find it on Amazon
- Sleeping pad (built-in foot pump): find it on Amazon
- Portable cooler: find it on Amazon
- Water filter (very small): find it on Amazon
- Camping chairs (2 pack): find it on Amazon
- First aid kit: find it on Amazon
- String lights (cozy lights): find it on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but the price remains the same for you.
National park pass
If you plan to visit a lot of national parks anywhere in the US, buy a yearly pass. The best one is the America the Beautiful annual national park pass. You can get a digital pass from Recreation.gov and keep it in the wallet on your phone. The price went up in 2026. It is tied to your name, so you always need to show your ID at the gate. Traveling as a group, you only need 1 pass per car, but the pass holder has to be in that car when you enter. More info: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm