We love to camp. But we are too poor (or maybe it’s rich lol) for a camper. So we are tent campers. However, you shouldn’t for one minute think that we “rough it”. Not at all. Today I’m sharing our Posh Camping Must Haves.
First of all, let’s talk location. It’s not a true camping experience unless you are away from home, so no backyard camping here. But no backwoods camping either. Preferably a back corner of a local campground where you have some trees for shade and a small amount of privacy.
What kind of campsite? An electric one with water. Don’t argue with me. Posh campers must have electric.
When gathering supplies, clearly one must have a tent. Don’t be deceived by tent sizes. In fact, if you are a family of 4, make sure you buy a 10 person tent. Once you set that 10 person tent up, you’re going to realize that the only way 10 people could sleep in that tent is if they pack in like sardines in a can, and have feet in faces!
Next you should make sure your tent is tall enough to actually stand in. Otherwise you are going to be trying to get dressed in the most uncomfortable positions ever. Large screened windows are also important for keeping your tent cool, however you should make sure those windows close!
Now that we’ve established the all important details of your tent, let’s talk bedding.
Sleeping bags are nice, I like my sleeping bag just fine. No need to share covers or worry about them being “stolen” by your bed partner.
However, if you think a sleeping bag is all you need, you are either young, or simply inexperienced. Sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag is a sure way to ensure you wake up early. In great discomfort that is!
An air mattress is a must! You can get a short one or a tall one. We prefer the tall one as it offers the most comfort. Bring a flat sheet to lay over the top. Fitted sheets are pointless, and you don’t want “outdoorsy stuff” getting caught in the velour on the top of your mattress.
Now let’s consider comfort.
Spring and fall camping often brings cool nights. Nix that, COLD nights. Nothing like waking us in a cold damp tent, and accidentally bumping the tent will bring a cold shower of water down on you from the dew. For spring and fall camping, bring a small heater. It will knock the chill off and keep the tent dry.
Summer camping means trying to go to sleep in the heat of a tent that baked under the cruel sun all day. Nothing like entering an oven at bedtime. For summer camping, bring a fan. Leave all the windows on your tent open with a fan to circulate, and at night you will be able to sleep in considerable comfort.
Food.
Hot dogs for one meal is fine, but the posh camper also has a posh stomach and we like variety. I’m not going to tell you what foods to fix, but there are a few necessities for fixing said foods.
The men’s essentials list includes, matches, fire starters, wood, a grilling tripod, cast iron skillet, pot for coffee/boiling water and grilling utensils. Oh, and plates are nice to have as well.
The woman’s list includes, electric skillet, rice maker (okay, maybe that’s just my brother’s girlfriend lol), a coffee maker, hand mixer, collapsible mixing bowls, can opener, water bottles, plates, cups, silverware, storage bags, knives, cutting boards, camping sink, soap, towels… Okay, I think you get it. The posh camper brings everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink!
We often have full menus planned out and eat quite well!
Other Necessities.
Yes, these things are necessary.
- Portable bathroom sink
- Pop-up Outhouse with Portable Toilet
- or at the very least, this handy little tool for women (yes I have one!)
- Games
- Posh camping recliner
- Snuggie
- Bug Zapper
- Lanterns and Shepherd’s hooks for hanging them
- Portable Washer
- Line for drying clothes
In full disclaimer, most of the links above are affiliate links. However they are either linking to items we own, or items we wish we owned. We are definitely posh campers and having kids has only made us more so.
All that aside, we love to camp and love being outdoors. We just find the outdoors a little nicer with these extras. And no… I wouldn’t have made a good pioneer woman!
What are your Posh Camping Must
Jessica G says
June 2, 2016 at 9:32 pmI love this post! Do you happen to have a link to sleeping bags? Maybe ones you prefer. I am so torn on which ones to get, especially now that the kids are outgrowing the desire for the cartoon theme ones and I want something good.
Kendra says
June 3, 2016 at 2:41 pmIt’s been a long time since I bought my sleeping bag, probably 10 years ago 🙂
My main requirement was that the interior was a cotton flannel and the other thing I wanted was a double zipper so I could stick my feet out! (I almost always poke my feet out at night lol).
Many sleeping bags are made with synthetics and they made me way too sweaty, and I just didn’t like it.
Otherwise I don’t really have much to offer you in the way of help. Although it could be helpful to go to an outdoors store and see what they have in person. That is how I chose mine years ago.
Dee says
June 12, 2016 at 1:42 amI haven’t been camping in so long, but these are great tips! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday. 🙂
Jamie says
June 13, 2016 at 8:55 pmGreat tips!! We have our list for when we go camping, so we don’t forget our must-haves! Thank you for sharing this with us at the #HomeMattersParty