Things to Do
21 camping essentials you forgot to pack
Campers pitch their tents in the woods by the lake at Stone Mountain Park in this 2010 photo. Stone Mountain Park recently added three new yurts nestled lakeside in the park’s popular campground. The new homes away from home are made of wood and canvas, featuring outside decks, picnic tables, charcoal grills, a fire pit and large water spigots for camping convenience. Inside each yurt, comfort awaits in the form of log furniture, heat and AC, electric outlets, large windows, skylights, ceiling fans, lockable doors and sleeping space for up to five guests. All a camper needs to bring is a sleeping bag or linens and personal items. AJC FILE PHOTO
Tent? Check.
Poles? Check.
Sleeping bag, hiking boots and a lantern? Yup, all there.
These must-have items rarely get left behind as you're getting ready to head out on a camping trip. But there are a few smaller essentials that you may not think to bring.
Don't forget these camping must-haves as you're loading up your pack.
- Bug spray and citronella candles for your site
- Travel first-aid kit with plenty of adhesive bandages, calamine lotion and pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Any prescription medication you may be taking
- Sun protection – think hats, sunglasses and broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Lip balm with added UV protection
- Baby wipes/wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Books, magazines, a notebook/journal, pens, playing cards and games
- Small mirror or compact
- Tweezers – these are especially handy if you end up stuck with a splinter, brier or stinger
- Toiletries for camping – dry shampoo or shampoo and conditioner, hairbrush, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, bar of soap, razor, loofah or washcloths, cotton balls and swabs, feminine hygiene products
- Hair ties and bobby pins
- Travel sewing kit with safety pins
- Clothespins and string or rope to use as a clothesline
- Toilet paper
- Extra socks
- Extra towels
- Pocket raincoat
- Extra batteries
- Matches and a lighter
- Resealable sandwich bags
And if you're looking for a place to pitch your tent, give some of these spots a try.
